WILMINGTON, NC
City Amenities with Towny Vibes
Residents can enjoy a slower pace of life, a sense of community, and some of the most beautiful surroundings when living in Wilmington, NC. We’d even go as far as saying Wilmington is the perfect place for anyone seeking …
- A mild climate and the immensely popular surf and sandy beaches.
- The outdoor recreation options are endless with water activities taking the top spot for most.
- You can spend the long summer days staying active if that is your pleasure.
- Surfing, sailing, boating, and fishing.
- Wilmington also has a growing arts and cultural scene. The attractions in our area grow by the day with new galleries, music festivals, and television and movie productions popping up constantly.
- But beyond the beach and sun, much of the charm in the city can also be found in its historic roots. This port city oozes with charm in the Downtown area and with a little scenic drive or walking tour through the 230-plus-block Historic District you’ll quickly see the incredible history of our city come to life.
“Here in Wilmington, NC, we relish in the fact that we get to know our neighbors and chalk it up to the perpetual “vacation mode” that you feel living so close to area beaches.“
Beachtown
With a more affordable cost of living and a simpler way of life, Wilmington is Beachtown to us. And, a Beachtown so many of us love.
Since moving from Ohio, Danielle has quickly amassed a deep love and knowledge of the local areas, the ins and outs, and the hidden gems of a neighborhood, and with more home tours than you can count she has gathered the background and historical data points that her clients must know. You can explore these insights in our first issue of Beachtown magazine.
Mayor Danielle, Looking Out For You
Just like a mayor is responsible for the welfare of the city, Danielle and her team feel an immense responsibility to the general welfare of clients while helping them find a home to feel at home.
Feeling at home starts with feeling a greater sense of belonging. The home search process the Gillespie Group goes through really focuses on understanding what it will take to make you feel at home.
We fell in love ❤️ with Wilmington. And, we think you might too!
Danielle Gillespie
Why I fell in love ❤️ with Wilmington
I fell in love with Wilmington the moment I experienced the downtown, southern coastal charm. From the moss-draped trees lining the streets, the historic mansion with so many stories to tell, the cobblestone streets, and the abundance of restaurants and hideaways that make getting lost so much fun! Wilmington has something for everyone! I felt a sense of energy in the atmosphere that was so welcoming and so full of life. I felt opportunity, I felt a sense of peace, and a feeling of belonging. Wilmington swept me off my feet like I thought I would have felt in some of the other cities I pictured myself in. Wilmington was not on my list of places to travel let alone move to. But after talking with friends and doing a little research I decided to add it to my road trip of places to travel before making a move…and I never looked back! I ended up purchasing my home site unseen after my 3-day visit to Wilmington and it was the best decision I ever made.
Why you might love it too!
Because Wilmington has so many nooks and crannies and something for everyone, I truly believe it can be home to so many people. But if you are looking for a city with a small town feel that is welcoming, full of life, activities and good times then Wilmington may be for you! Especially if you enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, surfing, fishing, walking, disc golf, golfing or biking, this part of southeast North Carolina may be your calling. If you enjoy cotton candy skies lining marshy waterbeds with beautiful seagrass swaying in the breeze, the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets you will ever see that warms the earth, if you enjoy wildlife from dolphins playing in the waves to sea turtles saying hello in the yacht basins, then you will probably love Wilmington. If you enjoy a good beer from a local brewery or a delectable gourmet cocktail, extraordinary seafood, southern cuisine and a diverse food scene- then you might like Wilmington.
Brittney Roseberry
Why I fell in love ❤️ with Wilmington
Living in Wilmington, North Carolina is a dream come true. The stunning beaches, mild weather, and endless outdoor activities make it the perfect place to call home. The picturesque scenery and historic neighborhoods give the town a charming feel, and there’s always something new to discover. It’s my little slice of heaven, and I’m grateful to be able to call it home.
Why you might love it too!
Wilmington, North Carolina is a place for anyone who loves the good life. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies alike. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to retire, a safe community to raise a family, or adventure and excitement as a young professional, Wilmington has something to offer everyone.
Alyssa Bleau
Why I fell in love ❤️ with Wilmington
Wilmington is an area that just has something for everyone. For me, I grew up in small towns, and love that historic vibe, but I also always wanted to live at the beach. Wilmington just checks all the boxes! I used to come to Wrightsville Beach and Southport to visit, and I fell in love with it here many years ago. So when the right job opportunity opened up for our family, we had no doubt we’d be making it home.
Why you might love it too!
I think anyone could love it here! As someone who has started raising children in Wilmington, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m originally from the snow belt where we’d spend 6+ months out of the year with cold and snow. Offering a lifestyle to my family where we can spend so much time outside and at the beach is important to me. I’m sure other parents would feel the same! Not to mention, there’s so many multi-generational families that love the area because it fits so many people’s needs and wants!
Celina Rini
Why I fell in love ❤️ with Wilmington
I am originally from Long Island, NY, and grew up less than 10 minutes from the beach before my family decided to move to Cary, NC. When we lived in Cary, we would always take summer trips to Wrightsville Beach. I then later moved to Wilmington and attended UNCW, and living here reminded me somewhat of home in Long Island. The small local town feeling while still having so many things to do in the area and being so close to the beach made me fall in love with Wilmington quickly. After graduating from UNCW I realized I couldn’t live far from the ocean and it just felt like home here, so I then decided to get my real estate license so I could be more involved with the local community and help others fall in love with making Wilmington home too. I have now been living here for 8 years and couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.
Why you might love it too!
There are so many different parts of Wilmington, I really feel like Wilmington is for everybody! If you like a mixture of small beach town but still a fast pace lifestyle environment, this is the place for you! As a UNCW alumni, it’s a great college to attend and make a future home after college as well. It’s also a great area to settle down if you are starting a family, as there are so many family friendly neighborhoods with lots of amenities. Wilmington is also a great location for retirees, having hot long summers and mild winters with so many retiree communities with various amenities as well. As a former New Yorker, Wilmington is an amazing location for those looking to relocate from areas that are getting overcrowded and expensive, and want live to in a town near beautiful beaches and that have a fair cost of living and evolving. But like I said earlier I think Wilmington is such an amazing town and so diverse in many aspects that it can make a great home for anyone!
Sara Maiella
Why I fell in love ❤️ with Wilmington
Why you might love it too!
Honestly, I think there is a part of Wilmington that could be suitable for just about everyone! As a well-established and historic beach town, Wilmington is truly a perfect hybrid of small-town charm and big-city living. Between award-winning beaches and world-class shopping and music venues, and top-rated restaurants, our port city truly is a well-diversified location that is well-suited for residents of all backgrounds!
Anna Bruton
Why I fell in love ❤️ with Wilmington
The warmer weather and the beach! House prices were more affordable than where I am from in Northern VA and less traffic 😊!
Why you might love it too!
This is hard to answer because I think there is something for everyone here! I have enjoyed all aspects of this town pre and post-kids just the same. I do think it’s a great place for families and there is a nice sense of community as well as activities everywhere to enjoy!
Hear from others on why they fell in love ❤️ with Wilmington.
More personal stories from local residents on what it is like to fall in love with Wilmington. Click to read!
Gillespie Neighborhood Insiders
Gillespie Neighborhood Insiders are our area ambassadors (and clients!) that can give you the real real on what it is like to live in that area, that neighborhood, or that street.
Find out from our local ambassadors what it’s like to live in their area of Wilmington and learn about “under-the-radar gems“ that make living in Wilmington a shore thing. (Yes, we said it!)
Victoria Reading
Neighborhood: Wrightsville Beach area
Years in home:
5 months
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
I love how close it is to the beach, the loop, and all the amenities like grocery shopping and gyms.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
I don’t like the traffic at certain times of day and it’s dangerous to ride your bike on the road.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone who is relaxed and loves to be outdoors.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
It’s actually a small town feel. We go to Ceviches alot on Friday after work and see the same people there too!
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
During prime beach season it’s crowded but I feel like the off season makes it worth it. You just have to have patience.
Emily Spaulding
Neighborhood: Deer Crossing
Years in home:
10 months
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
The privacy, easy quick location to all the things.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Only one way in and out.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone who wants low HOA fees, an HOA who is very lenient and isn’t crazy into your business. Families with school aged children.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
We have a fun tree covered/shaded little park with hidden sidewalks that lead to it from different sections of the development. Along with pathways into Terran Woods and Congleton farms so the older kids can easily meet up with friends without accessing the main roads.
Casandra Roff
Neighborhood: Waterside
Years in home:
1 year
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
The proximity to the beach, walkable or by bike!
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Construction – new development. Such a mess most days.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone who loves the beach and being outside. Can walk the bridge, walk for coffee or live music during season etc.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
That you can easily walk to Topsail Island.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
Pool, playground!
Kristen Casselberry
Neighborhood: Mallory Creek Plantation
Years in home:
3 years
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
The greenery, tree lined sidewalks, ponds, parks, great for bike riding, roller skates, people drive golf carts around, nicest Neighbors and community pool. Brunswick Forrest connects to Mallory creek, so you can ride your bike forever on sidewalks and getting to Lowe’s grocery store, restaurant, coffee shop and speciality pet store!
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
We have a good amount of land, .5 acres, but some newer lots are much smaller. The water isn’t that great here but getting crystal springs delivery is an easy fix.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Great for kids, young family’s and there is a new area coming for above 50 for grandparents and retirees. There are lots of kids to play with, parks and pools for active families. It’s very quiet at night and peaceful, our neighborhood is very safe and uneventful.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
The quiet and peacefulness is really nice, with my husband traveling I feel very safe by myself and never worry. I love the amount of space we have to bike or walk and we have a good amount of greenery to feel a bit secluded.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
The safety aspect is such a great part of this development, and the amount of young families is great for other young families.
Josette Bonilla
Neighborhood: Winnabow
Years in home:
1.5 years
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
Peaceful, serene
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
River Rd.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Retirees
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
Clubhouse Events
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
Close to shopping center
Kristi Kelly
Neighborhood: New Hanover, Off Station Road
Years in home:
1 year
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
Access to nearby grocery stores and restaurants
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Doesn’t have a sidewalk, would prefer a family-friendly neighborhood that promotes exercise and outdoor activities
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Families
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
Quiet, not a lot of traffic.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
Small homes, seems like starter homes for young couples trying to buy their first home.
Emily Wood
Neighborhood: Kure Beach / Beachwalk
Years in home:
1 month
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
The small community feel. Neighbors are super helpful and friendly.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Far from Target.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone who wants the sleepy beach town feel. A young family who wants a safe neighborhood.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
No short-term rentals!
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
Central mailbox area. No street parking for cars.
Kaitlyn Overstreet
Neighborhood: Kure Beach Village
Years in home:
3 months
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
So many things but probably the fact that all of the houses are well taken care of.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Sometimes people drive fast but that’s pushing it.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Families, people who enjoy being outside.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
A lot of great amenities. Pools, beach parking, tennis courts. Easy access to the trails for running and biking and walking.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
Just understanding the benefits of the HOA and what it includes. The fact that for the most part the streets are quiet and great for walking and riding bikes on. Everyone is very friendly and always speaking to everyone.
Theresa Shea
Neighborhood: Pender County / Salters Haven
Years in home:
1 year
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
Honestly love is too strong of a word for a neighborhood I like living here. The location. The homes are new and well built but here mostly the people who live here are all from other states, that’s the way this area was sold, so it makes for a good mixture of people but then again it can be negative at times vs living in an area where everyone was born or brought up in the area and thinks the same, etc so it can be positive and negative but the location makes it a good place to live. As well as, the street location it’s a quiet one and there are young families and middle age and older so it’s a good mix. But again I can’t say I love it here, I like it, to make a place to love I would need more and this is not a love-it place. But, I like it a lot.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
The newness? still, lots going on roads still not accepted by DOT still construction which gets noisy, and the trucks on the road.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
I think people who want easy access to Jacksonville or Wilmington and the Airport.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
The Intercoastal is at the end of the subdivision it’s a great place to live if you have a boat.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
Location, close to stores and businesses and Topsail schools are good, location is good Surf City is only 15 min away. For us, we like living here for those reasons.
Brittany Frazier
Neighborhood: The Landing at Folkstone
Years in home:
> 1 year
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
It’s quiet and people are friendly.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Not a lot of parking.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone who is looking for a small yard to maintain.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
Everyone looks out for everyone.
Victoria Schaeffer
Neighborhood: Rocky Point / Avendale
Years in home:
3 months
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
All the space to go on walks with my daughter & dog, and how family-friendly it feels.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
No clubhouse/ pool.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone looking for a neighborhood with kids, that is also still quiet.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
All the wildlife and nature you see around in the ponds.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
We have larger houses in the neighborhood, and then there are the “Cottages of Avendale” with smaller homes which is where I live which is a lovely option for first-time buyers or smaller families.
Hillary Stevens
Neighborhood: Castle Hayne / Rachel’s Place
Years in home:
3 years
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
The people, it is very family-focused and community oriented. Lots of holiday celebrations as a community and others willing to help each other out.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Having to walk to the mailboxes, no mature landscaping.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone interested in making friends with their neighbors, families with younger children, and people who love to walk/run.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
I feel like it’s very under the radar but still very close to everything! Can be downtown in less than 10 min and at the beach in less than 20. The houses were also built by a local contractor and have many of the same features as more upscale neighborhoods like Landfall where he has built homes.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
There will be a playground placed in the common area (middle of the neighborhood) that the HOA is currently working in.
Sandra Walhay
Neighborhood: Carolina Beach
Years in home:
9 months
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
People starting to upgrade homes in the neighborhood.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Neighbor across the street was upset seeing me in the neighborhood.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
A warmer climate and beautiful natural beauty.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
Nice flat surface for kids on bikes and away from traffic.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
Neighbors with upgraded homes seem appreciative to have others moving in that are concerned about the aesthetics in the neighborhood.
Ashley Downing
Neighborhood: Whitney Pines
Years in home:
8 months
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
Proximity to Wrightsville Beach, Mayfaire, and shopping (Target, Costco, etc). You are in Wilmington, but on the edge so I feel as if you don’t deal with as much traffic!
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Limited sidewalks.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
In particular younger couples with smaller children or no kids, or those whose kids have grown and are looking to downsize! I say this as the houses are smaller – typically 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with smaller square footage.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
Quiet neighborhood, but still active! Lots of people walking dogs.
Jessica Barnes
Neighborhood: Country Haven
Years in home:
1 week
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
How quiet it is.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Amount of speed bumps that are inconsistent sizes.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone who likes to be active in their neighborhood and an active neighbor.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
It’s a golf cart community that gives you the ability to access stores and restaurants in an economical and environmentally conscious way.
Are there any other qualities you feel your neighborhood has that might be beneficial for a new neighbor to know before buying in your neighborhood?
There is an HOA that can have selfish board members that tend to vote for things that benefit them.
Enid Bertolini-Wills
Neighborhood: Compass Pointe
Years in home:
1 year
What do you love most about your neighborhood?
Living on a golf course to include a new clubhouse, pool, and tiki bar; all the amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, lazy river, fitness room and exercise classes, various social clubs, and events; golf cart friendly; close-knit community; numerous volunteer opportunities.
What Do You Like Least About Your Neighborhood?
Nothing really. Some might not like the small neighborhood feel.
Who Do You Feel Would Love Living In Your Neighborhood?
Anyone looking for the things mentioned above.
What unique characteristics do you feel your neighborhood has that most people don’t know unless they live there?
How friendly and welcoming people are.
In love with our friendly city, yet?
Sign up for our next issue of Beachtown, if you don’t love Wilmington now, we know you will soon!
