Wilmington, North Carolina is a coastal city that is the perfect place to work, live, or retire. With nearly 2,000 people moving to the city last year, it's no wonder why. Wilmington has historic buildings, a vibrant downtown, and proximity to the beach. Whether you're just hearing about this port city or you're already interested in moving to Wilmington, here's a look at the best things to do in Wilmington and what life is like there.
Living in Wilmington means living in an incredibly picturesque place, full of beaches and friendly people, and also relatively affordable. From the historic downtown area to the family-friendly RiverLights resort or the beach community of El Cabo, the 53-square-mile city has many unique areas to call home. In particular, Waterstone, the Porters Neck Plantation and Bald Eagle Lane are all elevated cliff properties with some type of access to water. Figure Eight and Wrightsville Beach are two of the most popular beaches in the Southeast. However, they also have some of the highest prices in this area.
If you don't want to plan an all-day trip to the beach, there are plenty of other things to do in Wilmington. The art scene has grown dramatically over the years and now offers plenty of opportunities to see live concerts and comedy shows at venues like Greenfield Lake and the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College. When it comes to dining out in Wilmington, there are plenty of options. From oyster pie and swordfish schnitzel in Seabird to BLT arepas and other Latin-inspired dishes in Savorez, you can find something for everyone. USA Today even named Wilmington as one of the 10 best places to eat outside due to its magnificent weather and bustling riverwalk. The cost of living in Wilmington is actually 4 percent below the national average.
Lower average prices in categories such as housing and food help residents save some money. However, utility and transportation costs tend to cost more than the national average. Compared to all of North Carolina, Wilmington is slightly more expensive overall, although relative to the state capital of Raleigh, the cost of living in Wilmington is actually about 6 percent lower. If you're looking for some entertainment while living in Wilmington, you can check out the Wilmington Sea Dawgs basketball team or the Wilmington Sharks baseball team. Both teams play in their respective leagues and offer plenty of opportunities for sports fans. Whether you're looking for a place to work or retire or just want a change of scenery, Wilmington is a great option.
With its picturesque beaches, vibrant downtown area, and affordable cost of living, it's no wonder why so many people are moving here.
