Wilmington, NC Real Estate - Where to Retire

Published on May 27, 2020

If you’ve been researching the best places to retire or just looking for real estate in North Carolina coastal towns, you’ve no doubt come across plenty of rave reviews about Wilmington. In fact, the Wilmington NC real estate market is one of the hottest in the country for retirement and vacation homes.

Here are a just a few reasons why Wilmington is so popular…from a local’s perspective.

Multiple Ways to Enjoy the Water – Thanks to its location, Wilmington is a haven for those seeking coastal views. However, it offers more than just one type of water-front view. If you want to do more than just run your toes through the sand, consider exploring the Intracoastal Waterway via boat or a kayak. There are plenty of rental options available. Particularly popular with locals are trips to the beautiful Masonboro Island. Or, if you’re looking for a little more low-key, take a stroll down the riverwalk and enjoy the reflection of the sunset on the Cape Fear River.

A Variety of Lifestyles – Although Wilmington and its surrounding areas only cover approximately 40 square miles, they offer a tremendous variety when it comes to coastal real estate and lifestyles. City-dwellers might prefer to spend their days downtown on Front Street, perusing the local shops and art galleries, or enjoying one of the many annual events. Or, those who are looking for a calmer lifestyle, will love the “distant” feel of the island beach towns, where days are measured only by the height of the sun.

The Food. The Glorious Food – Some of the best chefs in southeastern coastal towns can be found in Wilmington. Restaurants of all types can be found downtown, from Japanese and new American, to Southern comfort food. Like many cities, Wilmington has also experienced a boom over the past few years in farm-to-table restaurants that offer outstanding meals for any occasion (dessert, too!). And, of course, there’s the Wilmington-spin on the famous food trend, ocean-to-table, thanks to the abundance of fresh seafood markets.

Entertainment & Arts – Dubbed Wilmywood, Wilmington’s nickname comes from the many movies and TV series filmed on its grounds. Cult classics such as Blue Velvet and popular shows such as Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill have made their way through town. Where there’s talent, there’s good entertainment, and vice versa. Many actors, comedians, and musicians have thrived in this environment over the years, and you can find many local theaters featuring some of the most talented folks in the state.

Sense of History – Settled by Europeans in the early 1700s, Wilmington features plenty of historical sites downtown and beyond. History buffs enjoy visiting sites like the Bellamy Mansion, one of the most popular, the Burgwin-Wright House and, of course, a tour of the USS Battleship North Carolina across the river. The Historic Wilmington Foundation works hard to preserve the delightful history of these streets.

If you’re searching for the best place to retire, or just considering a vacation home on the North Carolina coast, Wilmington NC real estate is a good place to start. Ask us for our complimentary Wilmington Relocation Information or fill out the form below to learn more about the southern North Carolina coast.