Wilmington, NC
Why You’ll Love Living in Wilmington, North Carolina
Dreaming of an affordable coastal community? Look no further than Wilmington, North Carolina, which offers a mix of natural beauty, beaches, historical sites and recreation. The city dates to pre-Colonial times, and its historic downtown is teeming with shops, restaurants and pubs. Seafood is a specialty, and the city has a flourishing beer scene, too. Outdoor activities revolve around the water thanks to the mild climate. Located along the Cape Fear River, the city has been called “Hollywood East” because of all of the films and TV shows that have been made here.
Thinking of moving to Wilmington, NC? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Wilmington, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Wilmington, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Wilmington, NC, a Best Place to Live in 2024
If your TikTok feed is full of the coastal grandmother aesthetic (read: beachy, romantic, intentionally slow-paced), you’ll love everything that Wilmington, NC, has to offer. As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Wilmington is postcard-perfect. Situated between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, it has a cute riverwalk and a 230-block historic district with moss-draped oak trees and gorgeous architecture.
But the charm doesn’t stop there: This midsize city is close to three island beaches, which means weekends feel like vacation. Wrightsville Beach is just eight miles away and is a popular spot for surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Enjoy nostalgic fun on the boardwalk at Carolina Beach. And at Kure Beach, unplug and unfurl a towel in the sand or go fishing.
North Carolina has become one of the fastest-growing states in the country in recent years, thanks in part to its lower cost of living, thriving arts and culture scenes, and stand-out higher education system, which includes a 58-campus community college system. Wilmington, in particular, ranks high for its education offerings. The southeastern city is home to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, a top doctoral and research institution.
One more thing: If Wilmington looks familiar, you may recognize it from “Dawson’s Creek” or “Iron Man 3.” There’s a reason it’s called Wilmywood or the Hollywood of the East!
Wilmington, NC Quality of Life LivScore
Wilmington, NC Top Categories
Transportation
Education
Amenities
Wilmington ranks highest for transportation, education and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Wilmington, NC
Locals can enjoy pleasant weather year round. The average highs and lows in Wilmington are 83°F and 75°F (summer) and 56°F and 44°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Wilmington is just 2 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during winter, snowfall is extremely rare.
The average annual rainfall in Wilmington is 58 inches.
Wilmington averages 217 sunny days a year.
Visit the Airlie Gardens, which is home to a 500-year-old oak tree festooned in Spanish moss, public art, a butterfly house and more. The gardens also host bucket list-worthy events, like an oyster roast, summer concerts and a beer festival.
Things To Do in Wilmington, NC
How does a long walk along the river sound? Take a stroll through the city’s historic River District, which is home to two miles of scenic walkways, breathtaking views of the Cape Fear River from the Riverwalk, and a variety of local restaurants, stores and attractions, including the USS North Carolina Battleship.
At the Wilmington Railroad Museum, kids can climb into a caboose, see model trains and learn about railroad history.
Wilmington is known as the Hollywood of the East. The city is home to EUE/Screen Gems Studios and has served as the backdrop for several popular television shows and movies. Perhaps the most notable of these is ‘One Tree Hill,’ and the city still hosts a convention for the show each year.
Shop goods from more than 50 local artisans at City Gypsy Boutique, which also hosts art classes and unicorn-themed birthday parties.
The outdoor space at Indochine – A Far East Café practically doubles as a botanical garden. The Thai and Vietnamese restaurant has a cute gift shop in a bungalow where you can shop while you wait for a table. Be sure to order a dumpling sampler for the group.
The Museum School at Cameron Art Museum offers ongoing education to visitors of all ages and skill levels and celebrates over 50 years of art education through exhibits and community programs. Art meets alcohol at Bottega Art + Wine, an unassuming wine bar that doubles as an art mecca, offering unique jewelry and art finds and live music.
Hidden Grounds Coffee will start your morning with great coffee and equally fantastic vibes. The shop has a cute backyard oasis. Plus, you deserve a little treat, like a double espresso garnished with a toasted marshmallow.
The Local and State Economy in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington has a diverse economy, with several major industries contributing to the area’s growth and development. These industries include tourism and hospitality, health care and social assistance, and film and television production. The city is lovingly referred to as “Wilmywood,” as it has been the filming location for numerous movies, TV shows and commercials.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Wilmington is 7%.
Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax.
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is not only one of the best hospitals in Wilmington but also one of the highest-ranked hospitals in the state of North Carolina. Additionally, Novant Health’s Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital is beloved by residents.
Wilmington’s most well-known university is the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, which is part of the prestigious University of North Carolina system. Other notable institutions include Miller-Motte College and Cape Fear Community College.
Weather in Wilmington, NC
Average Temperatures
74 high / 53 low
Average Annual Rainfall
58 in
Average Annual Snowfall
2 in
Quick Facts about Wilmington, North Carolina
- Median Home Value
- $315,893
- Median Property Tax
- $2,672
- Total Population
- 119,394
- Average Commute
- 17 min
- Median Household Income
- $65,254
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,001
Map of Wilmington, NC
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