What is the best area of Wilmington to buy a home? That’s a question I get almost daily, and there is no perfect answer. There is a perfect neighborhood for every family. Each community has its own vibe.

I share a few spots below, but for something more comprehensive — explore my NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE. Relocating you to Wilmington is my specialty!

Pine Valley

The Pine Valley community in Wilmington, North Carolina has seen explosive growth in the last five years. With the arrival of a nearby multi-use development, The Pointe At Barclay, this bedroom community full of neighborhoods among mature pine trees has a movie theater, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Because of this, Pine Valley combines the best New Hanover County has to offer with beaches, shopping, and downtown all in a 15-minute radius.

Read my restaurant and activity guide for Pine Valley.

Ogden/Porters Neck

The Porters Neck community in Wilmington, North Carolina is a haven for retirees and young families alike. This tiny but luxury bedroom community that mostly exists along one road (Porters Neck Road) has quick access to restaurants, grocery stores, and the private Figure Eight Island. Find two golf courses here including Porters Neck Country Club and the invite-only Eagle Point where celebrities and athletes like Michael Jordan hold exclusive memberships.

Ogden is more densely populated with many neighborhoods strung together to form one giant community. Homes range from smaller townhomes to larger and pricier homes in the $400,000 range. Because of so many families living, working, and playing in one area, you will find a strong sense of community.

Read my restaurant and activity guide for Ogden/Porters Neck.

Carolina Beach

Once a fishing village, Carolina Beach is much more chic than shabby these days with million-dollar listings and colorful beach homes. A boardwalk full of restaurants, shops, bars, and an old-timey doughnut shop is this beach town’s crown jewel. Find also two state parks within the community and miles and miles of walking trails.

Read our Carolina Beach guide here.

Riverlights

Having a tough time picking between a traditional neighborhood community and life on the beach? Are you looking for great schools and quick access to downtown? Well, Riverlights may just have all those things in one package. This master-planned development touts new construction, a waterfront location, and a 15-minute drive to Carolina Beach. Riverlights includes a range of 55+ community homes, condos, apartments, large homes for families, and more.

Read our guide to Riverlights here.

Wrightsville Beach

The town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina is home to a picturesque 4-mile island, the smaller Harbor Island, and an inland commercial area. In addition to the main attraction (crystal blue ocean water and sandy beaches), Wrightsville Beach has a growing culinary scene, surfer-friendly coffee shops, and great fine-dining. Find upscale and boutique businesses like yoga studios and designer shops.

Your guide to the best of Wrightsville Beach

Downtown

You’ll need an entire lifetime to check out everything there is to do and see in downtown Wilmington. Downtown dwelling is for those who like historic southern homes with relaxing front porches and walking to dinner along the river. This is a close-knit community that rallies around one another. You’ll have to be OK with the roads closing in your neighborhood one weekend each year for the Azalea Festival in April.

My guide to the best of downtown

A few more to check out: Learn more about communities adjacent to Wilmington like Leland & Hampstead here.

Where would you most like to live?