SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Welcome to Wilmington, North Carolina – a charming coastal city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for retirees and real estate investors alike. As a seasoned REALTOR®, I’m excited to guide you through the wonders of Wilmington and showcase why it’s the perfect place to retire or invest in real estate.
Location and Climate: Nestled on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, Wilmington boasts a prime location with easy access to pristine beaches, lush forests, and a bustling downtown area. The city enjoys a mild subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine year-round. With an average temperature of 70°F, outdoor activities are enjoyable throughout the seasons.
One of the highlights of downtown Wilmington is its picturesque riverfront. There is a myriad of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers not to mention unique shopping opportunities at places like the Cotton Exchange.
Take a stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, where you can admire stunning views of the Cape Fear River and see the amazing Battleship North Carolina resting at her memorial visitor center. From river cruises to waterfront dining and lively festivals, there’s always something happening along the bustling riverfront.
Did you know Wilmington has a movie studio? Actually, there are two, with EUE Screen Gems (now CINESPACE) and Dark Horse Studios. Huge sound stages and location shooting are year-round, keeping the stars, production and extras busy! You may have seen a lot of the area on Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, Matlock, Sleepy Hollow, or Florida Man! Outer Banks and The Summer I Turned Pretty have been the most recent films made here as well!
Cultural opportunities abound in downtown Wilmington, with numerous theaters, art galleries, and museums dotting the landscape. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the area at the Cape Fear Museum or catch a live performance at the historic Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Art lovers will appreciate the eclectic mix of galleries showcasing local talent and contemporary works. Cape Fear Community College offers a wide range of classes and features music and Broadway shows at its Wilson Center.
When it comes to dining, downtown Wilmington boasts a diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate. From upscale eateries serving gourmet cuisine to cozy cafes and local craft breweries offering casual fare, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your cravings. Explore the cargo district for hidden gems and trendy dining spots or indulge in fresh seafood and southern comfort food along the riverfront.
Whether you’re drawn to the riverfront activities, cultural opportunities, or the eclectic dining scene, downtown Wilmington has something for everyone. With its unique, historic charm and vibrant atmosphere, it’s no wonder why downtown Wilmington is considered one of the “must-see” stops along the Atlantic coast for off-the interstate travelers and new home seekers everywhere!
The Real Estate Market: Wilmington’s real estate market is thriving, offering a diverse range of properties to suit every lifestyle and budget. From historic homes in the downtown district to modern waterfront condos, spacious suburban estates, or peaceful communities for families, there is something here for everyone! Investors also have ample opportunities for rental or development projects.
Cost of Living: One of the biggest draws of Wilmington is its affordable cost of living compared to other coastal cities in the United States. Housing prices are reasonable, and essentials like groceries, healthcare, and transportation are all budget-friendly. Retirees can stretch their savings further without sacrificing quality of life, making Wilmington an attractive destination for those looking to enjoy their golden years without breaking the bank.
Recreational Activities: Wilmington is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an array of recreational activities to enjoy year-round. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches of Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach, where you can swim, surf, paddleboard, or simply relax with a good book. Nature lovers can explore the nearby hiking trails of the Cape Fear River Trail or take a scenic boat tour along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Culture and Entertainment: With its rich history and vibrant arts scene, Wilmington has no shortage of cultural attractions and entertainment options to explore. Take a stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk, lined with charming shops, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Immerse yourself in the city’s storied past with a visit to the Battleship North Carolina, explore the Cameron Art Museum or the historic district of Old Wilmington. Plus, the city hosts numerous festivals, like the Azalea Festival each April. It draws crowds from all over an it combines many southern traditions with contemporary concerts, street events and a parade featuring the Azalea Queen and her Court.
Healthcare: Wilmington is home to top-notch healthcare facilities, including the renowned NOVANT/ New Hanover Regional Medical Center, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care when they need it.
In conclusion, Wilmington, North Carolina, offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty, Southern charm, urban convenience and a growing airport serving multiple airlines and cities, making it an ideal destination for retirees seeking a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle, as well as savvy real estate investors looking for lucrative opportunities. Find your dream home or investment property in Wilmington – your gateway to coastal living at its finest!
Southport to Calabash
From the quaint and historic Southport to the seafood capital of North Carolina, Calabash…these coastal towns are known as the “Family Beaches” for a great reason! This is where families go to enjoy their time at the beach, on the sand and in the surf. There may be some time for fishing and boating, but it’s all about the water and not the nightlife of many other coastal cities. There’s relaxation, plenty of seafood and always friends with families to have a cook-out!
Southport is a town with quaint little shops, antiques and little eateries surrounded by the flow of the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Watch the big ships headed to the port, or boaters taking advantage of the miles of waterway and lots of places to pull up and have a cold one!
Over the waterway, you can see Oak Island and the little town of Caswell Beach where the concrete Oak Island Lighthouse still stands tall after almost sixty-five years! Getting back to Wilmington for events, travel or Big Store shopping is only about a 45 minute drive, but coming home to Southport is like climbing into your favorite pair of shorts and tee shirt and leaving the hustle of the world behind. Head west … though it seems like you’d be going south to have a little fun in Myrtle Beach and enjoy all the golf courses along the way!
Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte and Sunset Beach are where you go to unwind and let a day in flip flops be as formal as you care to be. Here is where sandcastles are more important than cell phones. When the kids clamor “Let’s do this….” You can’t think of a single thing you’d rather do than join them! Crossing over the Intracoastal Waterway bridge is the healthiest way to bring back your smile and have good times!
Don’t cross the state line until you’ve made your stop in Calabash! A big plate full of seafood all done “Calabash style” is one of those things that makes this world a good place to live!
Throw out the calorie counter, take an extra cholesterol tablet and declare “Full Steam Ahead!” You will never regret these days! You’ll find all kinds of neighborhoods around the town, many with golf courses and all are loaded with the kind of people you want for neighbors and friends for a long, long time! People “back home” will tell you the next time they see you “I can’t believe how great you look! What have you done? Wink at them and say, “I made the move to my little piece of heaven!”
Believe it or not, there’s more! Keep going, Southeast North Carolina has a LOT more to offer!
Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and all the way to the uninhabited Lea-Hutaff Island!
Across the Cape Fear River (..via the Ferry!) from Southport and the southern “Family Beaches” of Southeastern North Carolina is Fort Fisher – Home to the North Carolina Aquarium!
A short way up the road is Kure Beach which blends into Carolina Beach, ideal living on or near the water. Either way, the salt air and casual “beach lifestyle” make every day living more relaxing. This is why so many people came here during the Covid epidemic when “work from home” meant positioning your laptop near the window with a view of the beach!
From the Carolina Beach harbor area to the Boardwalk to the North End beach at the inlet to
the family neighborhoods that embody the “Life is Better at the Beach” attitude, you won’t find a place where summer living spills over from Easter to Thanksgiving and many find excuses to take a “winter week” here to get away and enjoy the quiet time away from the city. Sure it’s busy in the summertime, but you’ll find yourself right in the middle of it all – having the time of your life!
Did you know the Wilmington area has not one, but TWO uninhabited barrier islands with miles of unspoiled beach and ideal sanctuaries for sea birds and nesting areas for turtles!
These beaches are only accessible by boat, so crowds don’t just happen here! You can walk for miles and the next nearest person could easily be a mile away! In addition, kayaks and small flat bottom boats can take you through estuaries that seem to go on forever, teaming with coastal life. Many local organizations preserve the natural beauty and eco-systems that make these islands a true treasure of coastal North Carolina.
One group, Masonboro.org even sponsors elementary school trips to the island to teach about the delicate eco-systems, the many diverse life forms and how the barrier islands and marshes are nature’s gauge of the health of our water, fish and fowl. What began as a “beach clean-up” project has evolved into a full-blown island preservation project that will benefit North Carolina for years to come!
Wrightsville Beach has generations of families that have come back year-after-year to enjoy the clean beaches and clear waters. From bygone college days when the weekends meant visiting the dance halls where local “shag dances” (a beach version of the jitterbug!) were regular “go-to” activities to the fishing tournaments Wrightsville has evolved, the area still attracts families regularly.
Today, surfing or Stand-Up Paddleboarding have taken the spotlight and Wrightsville Beach hosts some of the East Coast’s most prestigious competitions! Fishing Tournaments bring people and boats from all over to join in the fun!
Farther to the North, lies the exclusive Figure 8 Island. It is a private island, limited to the homeowners that have included such names as Michael Jordan, Andy Griffith and several national political figures that protect their privacy with a getaway home here. Next is the second uninhabited island, Lea-Hutaff Island, again a sanctuary for sea birds and marsh life that sustains so much of our coastal area.
Keep going because there’s so much more as you head into Pender County, the second fastest growing county in the state. Why? Because of affordability, awesome beaches and family neighborhoods with all sorts of amenities!
Take the new bridge over to Surf City and Topsail Island where you can choose to step right onto the beach, or take in the view of the marshlands and beautiful sunsets.
Ready to change your life? Start by changing your LIFESTYLE!
Tell me how I can help
make YOUR dream come true…
Rich Whitley
Realtor®/Broker
- 910-839-8466
- richwhitley@seacoastrealty.com
