Wilmington
Riverfront city near Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches.
North Carolina region
Living on the Coast
Beaches, sounds and river towns along the Atlantic.
- Pace
- Laid-back, seasonal in beach towns
- Climate
- Mild winters, humid summers, hurricane season
- Nearest airports
- Wilmington (ILM), New Bern (EWN); Norfolk, VA for the Outer Banks
- Typical homes
- Beach cottages, raised homes, waterfront, in-town historic
The coastal plain runs flat and sandy to the Outer Banks, the Crystal Coast and the Cape Fear region. Life revolves around water — beaches, sounds and rivers — with historic port towns and a few growing cities like Wilmington.
Who it often suits
- Beach and boating lovers
- Retirees who want mild winters
- Buyers open to a second-home lifestyle
What to weigh
- Flood zones, insurance and wind coverage — get quotes early
- Summer crowds and seasonal businesses
- Longer drives to the rest of the state
Towns in the Coast
Southport
Small historic harbor town at the mouth of the Cape Fear.
Jacksonville
Home of Camp Lejeune, close to Topsail beaches.
Morehead City / Crystal Coast
Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle and Beaufort's waterfront.
New Bern
Historic river town where two rivers meet.
Outer Banks
Barrier-island towns from Corolla to Hatteras.
Watch life in North Carolina
Why Families Are Leaving the Northeast for North Carolina
See the area before you visit, then let us build your plan.
Video questions: newhomes@nctruenorthrealty.com
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