What’s it like to live in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington is a gorgeous port city located in New Hanover County on the coast of southeastern North Carolina, nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Wilmington has a population of 117,643, making it the perfect-sized city with plenty of things to see and do without the smog and rush of bigger cities. With its large and extremely rich historical district and colorful festivals, there’s always something exciting going on here. The city of Wilmington has been experiencing a significant increase in interest lately. And for a good reason: the city offers an optimal mix of urban and coastal living, there’s something fun going on all year round, and the beaches are just amazing. If you heard of the city and you’re considering relocating, here are a few things you need to know about what it’s like to live in Wilmington, North Carolina!
The amazing historic downtown of Wilmington, NC
The historic district is one of the most exciting areas to explore in Wilmington. The whole downtown area is walkable, and the tourist routes are packed with fantastic specialty and souvenir shops, restaurants, and coffee shops.
The historic district hosts a number of museums and cultural institutions too. There’s something for everyone here; adults and kids of all ages and interests can find something of their liking. Cameron Art Museum and the Wilson Center host many exhibits and performances year-round.
The historic district is full of iconic buildings of the 19th century of astounding beauty.
The Bellamy Mansion is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. It was built in the 1860s, and the building is a museum today, recreating the epoch of the Civil War.
As someone who is visiting for the first time, note that the traffic in Wilmington is somewhat unique too. Drivers might prefer to go too slow or fast, so be prepared for that.
Unending festivals and nightlife
The nightlife in downtown Wilmington is vibrant and fun, with lots of entertainment options for every taste. Concerts and live performances are around every corner. Beer fans should note that the city has a very hip beer culture, with many quality breweries to explore. Local craft beer taprooms and breweries offer a variety of locally produced beer and a unique, fun atmosphere.
A variety of places to explore
The Riverfront in Wilmington is a popular spot to hang out in the evenings. There are several bars and restaurants to explore near the beautiful views of the Cape Fear River.
When it comes to entertainment, there’s really something for everyone in this city. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a few drinks with friends, live concerts or venues, or something more high-end, you’ll find it in Wilmington. If you’d like an upscale experience, there are 5-star places to discover, or if you want something casual, you have a load of different options to choose from.
Wilmington festivals
Life in Wilmington, NC, never gets boring since there are so many events to enjoy. Wilmington people love celebrating everything from beer to music and food to films. Wilmington festivals make an organic part of life here, and everyone is looking forward to them.
- The North Carolina Azalea Festival, annually held in April, celebrates this flower and the gardens are filled with it. Parades, concerts, and art shows entertain locals and visitors.
- The Cucalorus Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the southeast. The festival is held in November and features international film projections, workshops, and discussions.
- Cape Fear Blues Festival, featuring some of the best musicians from the country as well as from the local scene.
- Wilmington Beer Week celebrates beer culture with tasting events and tours around the city.
Beautiful beaches and natural areas
Beaches are major attractions, and they are an important part of living in the city of Wilmington, North Carolina, counting among the main reasons people choose to move here. All of them are located within only a half-hour drive distance from downtown. Wrightsville Beach is a popular place in the east. Famous for its white sand and beautiful blue waters, it is truly a magical place, frequented for surfing, windsurfing, and swimming.
Carolina Beach is more of a family destination with lots of amusement, restaurants, and shops to enjoy nearby. Kure Beach is the more silent, chill option located south, near the Fort Fisher Recreation area. Hiking and fishing in a friendly small-town vibe are available for those who want to spice up hanging out on a beach.
In addition to the beaches, the Wilmington Riverwalk is another attraction of the city. A scenic boardwalk along the river, the Wilmington Riverwalk offers access to a beautiful waterfront walk of almost 2 miles and over 200 shops, restaurants, and other attractions along the way.
Wilmington, an affordable choice
Wilmington is a growing city with an outstanding economy that keeps young professionals and families gravitating toward the city. Education is excellent in Wilmington, most schools are above average, education being a significant factor in the local economy.
Because of the demand and popularity, the housing market can be a little competitive. The overall cost of living here is slightly higher than the national average, but low property taxes of only 0.86% are there to balance things out. The property tax rate is one of the lowest in the States. The job market and strong economy give plenty of reasons for people to find Wilmington attractive. If you’re interested in relocating, reach out to local realtors in Wilmington NC, they can help you find the best property.
To sum it up,
Wilmington, NC, is a growing city with a promising economy, with many things to offer its residents. The city’s popularity has been increasing since the end of the pandemic and continues to do so. The reasons are obvious: Wilmington is a perfect-sized city that lacks the hustle of larger cities but is sufficiently big to host all sorts of fun events all year round. Despite the growth, the city still has friendly vibes, and many cultures thrive in this community. The economy and education are strong, contributing to a generally good quality of life in the city. The historic district’s impressive looks provide a unique atmosphere, while the beaches and the riverside boast amazing spots to enjoy the natural beauties. Living in Wilmington definitely offers a unique and rich experience with a little bit of everything to make it extraordinarily liveable and fun for its residents all year round.