Wilmington, North Carolina is a city of contrasts. First explored in the 1500's, it became the largest city in the state by 1900. Many homes and buildings have been carefully preserved and restored in the downtown area, while new and modern buildings stand out as well. Many government agencies, banks and other businesses are located overlooking the Cape Fear River, while unique stores, restaurants and outdoor cafes are abundant. Downtown Wilmington is a safe and fun place to be after sundown, with entertainment offerings in nearly every block. In the suburbs, virtually every service expected in a vibrant and growing city can be found.Then there is the port, which is owned and operated by the NC State Ports Authority. The Port of Wilmington provides terminal facilities serving both container and bulk operations, and services large ships from throughout the world.Only minutes away are the beaches of Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure, plus historic Fort Fisher. And should you seek solitude in a wilderness setting, you can lose yourself in the coastal marshes of the river. New Hanover County is a wonderful place to live, work and play. For complete information on life in the Wilmington and New Hanover County area, visit our Area Information section or Contact Wilmington Life.

Communities

 

New Hanover county is made up of four incorporated towns and over a dozen other small towns and communities. Wilmington, the county seat, is the largest, with a population of about 100,000. Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Kure Beach are next in size, with a total permanent resident population of about 10,000.While Wilmington is a most popular destination for new residents, many communities have been developed throughout the county, many providing golf, water and other recreational activities for their residents. The beaches are very popular summer vacation spots, while providing a laid-back coastal atmosphere for families and retirees the rest of the year.

For complete information on New Hanover Counties communities and what they offer, visit our visit our Area Information section or Contact Wilmington Life.

Education

Wilmington is the home of the University of North Carolina - Wilmington - - - a perfect environment for learning and living.U.S.News & World Report places UNC-W among the top 10 public master's universities in the South. And U.S. News also placed UNC-W fifth on its first-ever list of "up-and-coming" master's universities in the South. NCW offers bachelor's degrees in 52 majors, 35 master's degrees, a Ph.D. in marine biology, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership. Cape Fear Community College is also located in the city. Cape Fear Community College is the fifth largest community college in the state, with an annual enrollment of over 25,000. CFCC's curriculum includes a variety of technical programs and adult education programs. Students can also earn a two-year college transfer degree to continue their education at a four-year institution.

The New Hanover public school system, with a student population exceedint 25,000, includes thirty-five schools. In 2008, students in the New Hanover School Districe exceeded state averages in both reading and math proficiency. The approximate student-to-teacher ration is approximately 15:1. In addition, there are many fine private elementary, middle, high and K-12 schools in the area from which to choose. For more information on all New Hanover County area schools & colleges visit our Area Information section or Contact Wilmington Life.

Health

Wilmington and New Hanover County are served by New Hanover Regional Medical Center, a not-for-profit health care system serving southeastern North Carolina and northeasternSouth Carolina. NHRM is a teaching hospital, regional referral center, and Level 2 Trauma Center, and provides a wide range of health care services ranging including cancer, heart and neurosurgical care. In addition, Wilmington Health Associates represent over twenty medical specialties with over one hundred doctors and other healthcare providers.

For more information on healthcare in the Chapel Hill area, visit our visit our Area Information section or Contact Wilmington Life.

Arts & Culture

Wilmington is the home of some of the finest performing arts, visual arts and museums offerings in the state. The Greater Wilmington Arts and Cultural Alliance supports arts and cultural activities throughout New Hanover County by coordinating activities of local organizations, facilitating artistic development and educational programs, and encouraging appreciation and participation by area residents. In addition, many fine cultural opportunities exist through the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.

Over forty museums and National Register historical sites can also be found in Wilmington, New Hanover County and surrounding areas including the Cape Fear Museum, the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, Thalian House, the Federal Building and Courthouse, and Fort Fisher.

Wilmington has also been described as "Hollywood East", as it has generated more revenue from motion picture and commercial production than any U.S. city outside of Los Angeles and New York. Over two hundred TV and movies have been filmed in New Hanover County and surrounding areas including Dawson's Creek and Sleeping With the Enemy. For more information, visit our Area Information section or Contact Wilmington Life.

Wilmington NC & New Hanover County Real Estate

No matter what your home choice, you will surely find plenty to choose from in New Hanover County. Offerings include historic homes, golf front and beachfront homes and condos, homes and condos overlooking rivers or marshes, downtown lofts and more. Prices range from condos in the low $100,000's to single family homes over $1,000,000. No matter where you live in New Hanover County, people are friendly and caring and everything is convenient. And most people relocating from other areas of the country find area property tax rates a pleasant surprise.

Contact Wilmington Life to learn more about real estate and properties available in Wilmington, the beaches and surrounding communities. You may also visit our Property Search section to view all of the properties currently available through our multiple list service.