Wilmington,NC Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Wilmington: A Local’s Guide
Wilmington, NC, is a vibrant coastal city brimming with charm and diversity, making it a fantastic place to call home. From historic districts to modern suburbs, the Wilmington neighborhoods offer something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling arts scene downtown or the peaceful, tree-lined streets near the river, this city’s neighborhoods combine Southern hospitality with a lively cultural vibe. Exploring a Wilmington neighborhoods map reveals a tapestry of communities, each with its own unique personality and appeal.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Wilmington’s neighborhoods boast a diverse population, blending long-time residents with newcomers attracted by the city’s growth and charm. Areas like Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach tend to attract retirees and vacation homeowners, while neighborhoods such as Midtown and Monkey Junction are popular with young families and professionals. The historic downtown area features a mix of artists, entrepreneurs, and students, thanks to its proximity to the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). This mix creates vibrant communities where tradition meets innovation.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in Wilmington, it’s important to consider what lifestyle suits you. For beach lovers, Wrightsville Beach offers stunning ocean views and a laid-back vibe, perfect for those who enjoy water sports and beachside dining. In contrast, the historic district is ideal for those who appreciate cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and easy access to museums and theaters. Suburban neighborhoods like Landfall provide gated communities with golf courses and upscale amenities, catering to families seeking comfort and security.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Each Wilmington neighborhood has a distinct character shaped by its history and residents. Downtown Wilmington pulses with energy, featuring art galleries, music venues, and the scenic Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River. Meanwhile, the up-and-coming Third Street district has seen a surge of trendy boutiques and craft breweries, attracting a younger crowd. In contrast, the suburban areas emphasize community events, parks, and family-friendly activities, reflecting a more relaxed pace of life. This blend of urban and suburban cultures makes Wilmington uniquely appealing.
Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots
The food scene in Wilmington neighborhoods is as diverse as its population. For a night out, the Historic District is a hotspot, boasting acclaimed restaurants like Front Street Brewery and The Copper Penny, perfect for tasting local brews and Southern cuisine. Midtown offers a growing number of casual eateries and coffee shops, ideal for weekend brunches and social gatherings. Meanwhile, the beach neighborhoods are famous for fresh seafood joints and tiki bars with ocean views, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening. Each area has its own flavor, making dining out an adventure no matter where you are.
Wilmington Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murraysville | 36.6 | 19.8% | $242,036 | $77,527 | 3.2 |
| Kings Grant | 35.9 | 17.4% | $236,214 | $74,407 | 3.3 |
| Kirkland | 45.5 | 23.9% | $327,800 | $98,264 | 3.4 |
| Bayshore | 45.7 | 27.2% | $429,117 | $119,487 | 3.7 |
| Ogden | 48.8 | 22.9% | $509,511 | $119,162 | 4.1 |
| Hightsville | 29.6 | 28% | $162,200 | $42,274 | 4.4 |
| Silver Lake | 43.3 | 19.9% | $328,573 | $70,840 | 5.1 |
Wilmington neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Wilmington—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Wilmington, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Wilmington
| Crime |
Reported |
Wilmington /100k |
NC /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 7 | 5.6 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 57 | 45.6 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 91 | 72.7 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 449 | 358.9 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 604 | 483 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 452 | 361.3 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,555 | 2,841.7 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 390 | 311.7 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 4,397 | 3,515 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 5,001 | 3,998 | 2,344 | 2,119 |