If you’ve ever imagined a life by the sea or dreamt of a home set amid nature yet still near cosmopolitan offerings, the Wilmington area is the perfect place to call home. Our favorite features of the area include:

1. Small Town Meets Big City

That’s Wilmington. Shopping, restaurants, arts, and culture. The stroll-friendly streets of historic downtown Wilmington offer metropolitan experiences in a laid-back setting with a genuine community feel. The culinary scene continues to grow, with restaurants and breweries seemingly around every corner.

Moving here from afar? An international airport connects you to family and friends all across the globe. Travel + Leisure recently named Wilmington one of the best places to live in North Carolina¹, saying its surrounding communities are “popular with those seeking resort-style amenities.”

2. The Weather

Talk to anyone who has moved to the Carolina coast, and soon enough, you’ll be chatting about the weather. Wilmington’s average winter highs are in the mid-50s, with summer highs in the upper 80s. But these numbers don’t capture the essence of what it means to live by the sea. The soul-stirring nature of salt air on a light breeze. The restorative properties of surf and sand. It’s no surprise that people who live by the coast report better mental and physical health compared to people who don’t². And usually live longer thanks to healthy doses of “vitamin sea³.”

3. Affordability

Beyond more affordable everyday basics, the Wilmington area excels in a key economic area: real estate. Buying a home here is a whopping 23% less expensive than the national average⁴, with an overall cost of living that’s 4% lower than the average in America⁵.

4. The People

Southeastern Carolina is a melting pot of people from all over who have landed here. One day, you may encounter a local who has lived here their whole life; the next, you may meet a Minnesotan who moved south to escape chilly winters. In close-knit communities like Sunset Reach, River Sea Plantation, Compass Pointe, and others, you’ll find some of America’s most welcoming neighbors. Don’t take our word for it. EnjoyTravel.com says, “Locals of North Carolina are good-mannered, eager to help, and friendly to both other locals and visitors alike. People will say ‘hi’ just about anywhere.”

5. Rivers and the Sea

You’re always close to both in Southeastern Carolina. How close? The Cape Fear River flows right through the community of the Bluffs on the Cape Fear, which has its very own marina! Another popular community, RiverSea Plantation, sits on the Lockwood Folly River, which winds its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Compass Pointe, St. James Plantation, and many other local communities are short drives to seaside spots like historic Southport or Wrightsville Beach, home to an iconic fishing pier and popular water activities.

Considering moving or retiring here? You’re in good company! North Carolina is in the Top 5 most popular U.S. states for new movers, while Wilmington ranks in the Top 10 among America’s most popular cities for relocation⁶. No matter what stage in life you’re in, all Hagood homes incorporate universal designs that allow you to live comfortably for years to come. To talk about how you can start living the coastal lifestyle, contact a member of the Hagood team here.

References:
1. https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-live-in-north-carolina-7377400
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829213000816
3. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/living-water-reduced-risk-dying-unb-study-1.4763647
4. https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/nc/wilmington/
5. https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/North-Carolina-Wilmington
6. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article281655188.html