Living in Wilmington, NC
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Wilmington, NC? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Wilmington, NC

Dreaming of an affordable coastal community? That’s just one of the reasons you’ll love living in Wilmington, NC.

If your social media feeds are full of the coastal grandmother aesthetic (read: beachy, romantic, intentionally slow-paced), you’ll love what Wilmington has to offer. As one of the best places to live, this city 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 of 122,944 residents is close to three island beaches, which means weekends feel like a vacation. Wrightsville Beach is just 8 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.

Top Reasons to Move to Wilmington

• Wilmington is a coastal paradise, just minutes from Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure Beaches.
• Home to one of the nation’s largest film and television production facilities, Wilmington is the Hollywood of the East.
• Wilmington has no shortage of things to do, from fine dining and independent stores to a historic downtown Riverwalk.
• With mild winters and plenty of green spaces, Wilmington offers a year-round outdoor lifestyle.

Wilmington is a charming coastal city in southeastern North Carolina, about 130 miles south of Raleigh, accessible via U.S. Route 17. Known for its historic downtown and ties to the film industry, it blends riverfront charm and beachy vibes. Wilmington International Airport is just north of the city and offers flights to Atlanta and Charlotte. Ready to roam? Here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Raleigh is roughly 130 miles northwest, where you can enjoy exploring the North Carolina Museum of Art and State Farmers Market or catch a show at Duke Energy Center.
• Myrtle Beach, SC, sits 75 miles south, home to golf courses, the SkyWheel and Broadway at the Beach.
• Charleston, SC, is just 175 miles south, where you can stroll the Battery, visit Fort Sumter or explore the French Quarter.

The local weather is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, featuring long, hot summers and mild, short winters. Residents enjoy refreshing Atlantic sea breezes and many sunny days, though the area experiences plentiful rainfall and high humidity year-round.

The city 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 affectionately called “Wilmywood” because it has been the filming location for numerous movies, TV shows and commercials. 

The cost of living in Wilmington is below the national average. The median home value in Wilmington is $385,979, and the average household income is $67,477.

North Carolina has a state income tax, and Wilmington residents can expect a combined 7.0% sales tax rate in 2026.

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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. 

Because of its mix of natural beauty, beach access, historical sites, cultural events and recreational opportunities, tourism plays an important role here. “Wilmywood,” as the city is affectionately called, has a long-standing history as a prominent film and television hub. The city offers filmmakers a variety of locations, from historic downtown streets filled with Southern charm to stunning coastline and beachfront scenery. In addition to Cinespace Wilmington’s massive studio complex (we’re talking 10 stages!), the city is home to other significant production companies like Dark Horse Studios, which added 40,000 square feet to its campus and two new purpose-built stages. Despite fluctuations in tax incentives, the local film industry remains resilient, attracting projects with its unique charm and supportive infrastructure.

Blending history, art and family fun with the coastal coolness that comes with being a beach town, the city’s wonders are endless. History buffs will love visiting spots like Bellamy Mansion and Latimer House. Dive into the local lore by visiting the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the Wilmington Railroad Museum. Art thrives in Wilmington and is showcased at the Cameron Art Museum and Thalian Hall, as well as through local galleries and events such as the Azalea Festival.

For family-friendly fun, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington and attractions like the Battleship North Carolina provide engaging adventures. Downtown’s Riverwalk and boutiques offer fun places for shopping and dining, and year-round festivals keep the city buzzing.

The port city is a gateway to area beaches, boasting a huge historic district, a mile-long riverwalk and plentiful opportunities to get outside, including the area’s more than 50 golf courses and nearby beaches. The Riverwalk is a perfect spot for scenic strolls, and Airlie Gardens, home to a 500-year-old oak tree and a butterfly house, showcases the area’s natural beauty.

Beaches and golf courses, including the revitalized Wilmington Municipal Golf Course, designed by Donald Ross, and the scenic Beau Rivage Golf & Resort, define Wilmington’s landscape. Feeling active? Greenfield Lake is your playground for kayaks and trails, while the Cross-City Trail stretches 15 miles of pure adventure. Parks like Long Leaf and Halyburton are packed with playgrounds and trails, perfect for kids. Catch a Wilmington Sharks baseball game or visit Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, where outdoor adventures and coastal vibes collide.

Take a bite out of this community’s food scene. It’s a flavor fiesta where the ocean’s bounty meets Southern charm. Savor expertly prepared seafood at Cape Fear Seafood Company, then indulge in a waterfront meal at The Pilot House. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Indochine’s lush garden setting offers an escape, and RX Restaurant & Bar elevates Southern comfort to new heights. Savorez ignites palates with Latin American flair. The local craft beer scene bubbles with local flavor, thanks to breweries like Wilmington Brewing Company and Front Street Brewery. More than 40 local eateries and pubs add to the city’s food and drink scene.

The city’s New Hanover County Schools district serves more than 25,000 PreK-12 students and operates 42 schools. The district has a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1 and is ranked within the top 20 school districts in North Carolina. There are several private schools here, too, from religious to STEM-focused. Cape Fear Academy is an independent school serving Pre-K-12 students and offering a curriculum focused on college preparedness.