Best Suburbs Surrounding Wilmington, North Carolina

Let the exciting area of Wilmington, North Carolina, be your happy place. No matter what stage of life you’re in, this inviting city and its surrounding suburbs will impress you.

Whether you’re a newcomer looking to move to Wilmington, a North Carolinian retiree, or a young professional looking for the best places to live in the Tar Heel State, you’re sure to fall in love with the recreation, entertainment, job opportunities, and culture.

This port city is home to the Battleship North Carolina. Touring this WWII-era ship gives you great insights into life on a wartime vessel. Find an array of activities from visiting the Cape Fear Museum to strolling the shops and cafes along the Wilmington Riverwalk. Arlie Gardens and the North Carolina Azalea Festival showcase some of the natural beauty of this region. Create memories at the stunning beaches or spend the day with the family at the water park. Enjoy life in a coastal city with a low cost of living.

Buying a new home can be daunting, but you can easily find a new home that checks off all your wants and needs if you have the right tools, such as NewHomeSource’s guide to closing costs in North Carolina, our step-by-step guide to building a home in the Tar Heel State, and our list of first-time North Carolina homebuyer programs.

Discover what qualifies the list below as the top 10 Wilmington suburbs. Inviting new home communities in great locales will allow you to find the perfect North Carolina home for your needs.

10.  Kure Beach

• Population: 2,474
• Median Home Value: $471,900
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 36 minutes

Rated the #10 Best Suburb for Young Professionals in North Carolina, Kure Beach is a coastal gem. Learn some of the rich history at Fort Fisher State Historic Site with its artifacts from the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War. The North Carolina Aquarium is filled with sea life including stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and otters. You’ll see residents fishing, surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding along the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.

9.  Carolina Beach

• Population: 6,456
• Median Home Value: $394,000
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 187
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 29

Find yourself unplugging in Carolina Beach. Live the small-town life in a peaceful setting. The coastal life in North Carolina is enhanced by the welcoming demeanor, a beautiful state park full of trails and outstanding schools. Carolina Beach entertains people year-round with shops, restaurants, amusement rides, concert series, Christmas by the Sea and the Island of Lights Festival. Find a home that will elevate your life when you peruse the available new homes in Carolina Beach.

8.  Wrightsboro

• Population: 4,654
• Median Home Value: $158,900
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

Wrightsboro is a northwestern Wilmington suburb. A friendly and great commuter locale, Wrightsboro promises to deliver for potential homebuyers. When you are looking  for a respite away from the hustle and bustle, Wrightsboro has what you are looking for with an array of shops, restaurants, and outdoor adventures. Located less than 10 miles to the north of Wilmington, you are poised for everything that makes like convenient.

7.  Murraysville

• Population: 15,976
• Median Home Value: $230,900
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes

Murraysville is a northern Wilmington suburb sure to provide a serene setting for a new home. Known for its relaxing vibe and ease to major employers, attractions, and recreation, Murraysville will have you living the life you crave. Enjoy a safe locale with outstanding schools near the Carolina beaches and Wilmington.  Excellent parks allow you to enjoy the natural beauty. Spend some time at Ogden Park and Smith Creek Park.

6.  Hampstead

• Population: 7,037
• Median Home Value: $318,600
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes

Discover a North Carolina treasure. Hampstead impresses with its award-winning schools, proximity to the beach and proximity to Wilmington. This Pender County locale has much to offer potential homebuyers. Imagine enjoying a round of golf, a delicious brew and live music at the Iron Clad Golf Course. From marinas to plantations to parks, there is something for everyone in this welcoming community. Take a look at the beautiful new construction homes in Hampstead ready to enhance your lifestyle in Hampstead.

5.  Myrtle Grove

• Population: 11,672
• Median Home Value: $320,700
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes

Live nestled between Wilmington and Carolina Beach in the coastal community of Myrtle Grove, North Carolina. Your new norm will definitely include water recreation including boating, fishing, and swimming. This growing community is family-friendly near restaurants, shopping, and services. Live along the coastal shores of North Carolina in a home that suits your lifestyle. This charming suburb reaps the rewards of exceptional schools, a low crime rate and a peaceful waterfront existence.

4.  Bayshore

• Population: 3,076
• Median Home Value: $371,700
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

This family-friendly suburb is found in New Hanover County. Bayshore is located across from Figure Eight Island. This delightful community puts you within easy reach of Wilmington under 10 miles to the southwest. Recharge in a coastal community where life is at a slower pace. Excellent schools will serve your family.

3.  Wrightsville Beach

• Population: 2,593
• Median Home Value: $855,700
• School Ranking: A
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 17 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 96
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 30

Ranked in the top ten for public schools and best suburbs for young professionals, Wrightsville Beach is a win. As one of the top surfing towns, Wrightsville Beach is everything you are dreaming of for watersports.  This popular vacation locale will have you scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and more. Harbor cruises, shopping and delicious dining are all found to the east of Wilmington. Fish off Johnnie Mercers Pier or take a charter out to deep sea fish. To learn more, head to the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. It’s easy to    see why this beach community is on the move. Check out the desirable new home communities in the Wrightsville Beach area.

2.  Silver Lake

• Population: 5,690
• Median Home Value: $190,500
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

Coming in at #2, Silver Lake, North Carolina is a great place to put down roots. An alluring coastal lifestyle with recreation, first-rate schools and a welcoming demeanor put this among the sought-after areas in North Carolina. Live close to major employers, attractions, entertainment, and services just 5 miles to the south of Wilmington. Search the many suburban new home communities in the Wilmington area to find the ideal home for your family.

1. Ogden

• Population: 8,613
• Median Home Value: $349,200
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

The ocean is your playground when you choose this growing Wilmington suburb. Ogden is known for its friendly residents, excellent schools and ease to major employers.  Your free time is your own with water recreation, hiking and biking. Seasonal festivals bring many visitors to the area. This tranquil setting comes in as a great option for potential homebuyers.

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