2023 Best Places to Live in the Wilmington Area

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.46 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: We enjoy to live in Ogden, NC. Beautiful area in 15 min drive to the ocean, great public schools. Friendly people, few attractions, everything in 10-15 min by car.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 8,613

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.2 out of 5  10 reviews

Niche User: My neighborhood, area, and town are all important to me. The community is generally friendly. Downtown Wilmington can be a bit shady at times but I feel safe other wise. There is not much to do for teens that are not of age, but the beach is always there!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 5,690

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Visitor: Over the last 3 decades, visited Wrightsville and surrounding areas. Love this town with the historic views and beautiful beaches.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 2,593

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Love the quiet. I can see the stars at night. Friendly neighbors. Wish people would stop moving here.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 3,076

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  16 reviews

Niche User: I have been in Wilmington, NC for just over a year now. I live near the water which has proved to be a wonderful perk. It has enabled me to discover new things such as kayaking (admittedly my dismount needs work!), the fact that the beach can be fun, wonderful birdsong early in the morning out on the porch with my coffee (a great way to start each day), wildlife I did not see much of at my last residence such as lizards and tree frogs, and sunsets that are truly awe inspiring Downtown has a lot going on. Cape Fear Community College, which I attend, has a campus there and the streets are always busy with students and patrons visiting the myriad of coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and shops of every kind. It sits on the Cape Fear River and many afternoons local artists and musicians can be found on the water walk sharing their talents in the hopes of earning a little extra cash. It's a nice stroll in the evening or on the weekend. People watching is quite entertaining. Really. There's a farmer's market on the weekends that provides a wide selection of fresh produce and baked goods, flowers, jellies, and honey, and proprietors who are always happy to share tips on growing and harvesting. Wilmington has several museums full of art and local history. There are lovely gardens and an arboretum, all open to the public. Each season offers a new and fascinating look at Mother Nature. These places are always buzzing with volunteers and it's a nice way to meet new people. The opportunities to get involved here are abundant. There's something for every interest anyone can have. Gardening, art, history, Veteran's Affairs, Habitat for Humanity are just a few of the things the local population embraces. Many people are eager to find a way to give back and help those who need a hand up. It has reinvigorated my faith in humanity. I made the right choice coming here. I would do it again in a heartbeat.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 11,672

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 4 out of 5  25 reviews

Current Resident: Hampstead really is one of the best places in NC to live! Award-winning school system, 15 minutes from Surf City beach, 30 minutes from the ever expanding Wilmington, NC airport, and now they have one of the first-ever golf/brewery/food/music venues in the country at Iron Clad Golf Course. Highly recommend:)... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 7,037

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Niche User: The beach is the biggest attraction and things are relatively low cost for the quality you receive.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 15,976

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  507 reviews

Current Resident: Wilmington has a very diverse atmosphere which is what draws most to the City. Many people enjoy its charming historic district and beautiful beaches ESPECIALLY ME! Here are some aspects I really liked: Historic Charm:Wilmington's historic downtown is known for cobblestone streets, historic homes, and vibrant riverfront. Many enjoy exploring this area, its shops, restaurants, & cultural attractions. Beaches:Wilmington boasts nearby beaches like Wrightsville & Carolina Beach, which are popular during the summer! Cultural Scene:The city has a lively arts and cultural scene with theaters, galleries, & museums. The Wilmington Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River is a popular spot for events and festivals. Things I'd like to see change or improve: Traffic:Wilmington has experienced growth, leading to traffic congestion. Improved transportation infrastructure would be beneficial. Affordability:the cost of living can be high. Efforts to reduce this cost especially for housing would be beneficial.... Read 507 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 115,976

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 4 out of 5  6 reviews

Niche User: The Wilmington Police Department is active and responsive.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 4,654

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: Carolina Beach is a small, beautiful, tranquil town in North Carolina. Not only is it on the coast of North Carolina, it is also home to the countries sweetest individuals. When disaster strikes, such as Hurricane Florence, the sense of community that Carolina Beach has is truly phenomenal and everyone can feel welcome within our small town.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 6,456

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: Living at the beach is truly a privilege. My parents have worked very hard to establish a home for us in this small community. Since I haven't lived anywhere else, it is hard to compare it other places. New homes are continually being built here and new people are always on the horizon. The tourists are a little annoying, but that comes with the territory of living here. It is beautiful and peaceful from fall to spring. That's my favorite time.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 2,474

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  13 reviews

Works Here: I moved from Ohio to Surf City, North Carolina about 7 years ago, and I have to say that it is one of the best decisions we ever made! The people are always happy and helpful, and the weather hardly gets below 40 degrees in the winter! We are five minutes from the beach, and in the springtime the air always smells of flowers. If you're unhappy where you are living, I recommend living here. It may seem like it would be crazy expensive to live by the coast, but there are pretty cheap places. I have a family of 11 and we don't have much money, but we have made it work. There are also income based apartments only about fifteen minutes from the beach! There is always something fun to do, and something fun is always happening. Its safe, happy, and healthy.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 3,637

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: Generally a very safe area in the suburbs, a little less so downtown... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,632

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: I have been other places and there is nowhere else I would rather live. I love North Carolina... Read 4 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 2,978

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Niche User: This is a great area to live. We are a fit community with lot of great outdoor activities. The beach and river provide hours of fun, educational opportunities and events. We love living here.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 9,071

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: Right outside the craziness of Wilmington, NC, is Leland. Though we may have few options for shopping, you can still get around with Walmart and Harris Teeter. My only wish is that there were more kids my age in my neighborhood of Brunswick Forest. My retired neighbors are lovely, but meeting some kids my age would be nice. Besides that, I love how safe my community is and how we are outside the city!... Read 33 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 22,794

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: The people and atmosphere is great overall but sometimes traffic is bad.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 3,514

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 1,735

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 15,119

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 42,422

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: The Wilmington atmosphere is warm, humid, and beautiful. I have lived here almost all of my life and plan on staying here when I get older. It has beautiful beaches, great shopping places and restaurants, and is only a few hours away from the Appalachian Mountains.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 29,662

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  21 reviews

Niche User: It's a small town. The county sheriffs, state trooper and marine patrol (river cops) drive their vehicles home and park (advertise) in their respective driveways. Everybody knows their neighborhood police officer.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 29,240

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Nearby Resident: Well, to begin with, I am originally from the mountains of NC. Where the terrain is not flat. The weather is much warmer and more humid. The wildlife more pertains to aquatic and the restaurants serve more fish and it tastes better. The stores in the coastal area seem to sell more things based on aquatic animals. In the mountains, I would see more pictures of bears, and wildcats and goats, cattle. here in Wilmington, NC you see cats and dogs and fish. The attractions are more based towards things to do with water and big boats. Overall the people are nice and willing to help out more. the economy seems to be better and there are more sidewalks. That makes it easier to get around . You see more bicycles here than in the mountains. I like it because the climate is warmer and I can travel easier and the people are friendlier and seem to be more open minded. It cost a little more to live but well worth the price.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 21,996

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 2.73 out of 5  11 reviews

Nearby Resident: Nestled near the Black Creek River is Town Creek Township located in the fastest growing section of North Brunswick County, North Carolina. This coastal Carolina town boasts of a new elementary school built in 2009 with more than 560 pupils is Town Creek’s crown jewel. The Gators, the Town Creek Elementary mascot, colors are purple and green. The school campus consist of tall pine trees, rolling hills and room for any expansion plans. There is a variety and diversity of neighborhoods serving the school from modest homespun areas to gated communities. Town Creek district park provides fitness opportunities enhancing health for its inhabitants. The Town Creek district park has newly renovated tennis courts, track and paved walking course and is well lit for evening exercise rituals. The area is diverse in population and incomes. Town Creek is a coastal niche by nature, by culture, by choice.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 38,550

• Suburb of Wilmington, NC

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Nearby Resident: I live near Rocky Point and only see and hear good things. Great sense of community and great for families that are trying to escape the city life (aka, away from the gangs and crime in Wilmington). Affordable living near the river is fantastic and we love taking our boat down the river to downtown Wilmington for dinner.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 7,493