If there is one perfect place to call home, it just might be Wilmington, NC. It is the ideal blend of coastal cool and gracious living, with its world-class historic district, hip downtown and some of the best beaches along the East Coast. Its location, climate and lifestyle have landed it on Money magazine’s and CNN’s “best places to live” lists, and it’s been cited in the New York Times as serving some of the best shrimp and grits you’ve ever eaten!
In Wilmington, it is all about the easy living, the beach, the casual, eclectic dining – and the water. It is everywhere: the warm, blue Atlantic to the east, the Cape Fear River to the south, creeks, marshes and tidal estuaries in-between. Anchored by Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and the undeveloped barrier islands, it is, by nature, a paradise for anglers, paddlers, surfers and beach lovers. The nearby Gulf Stream warms the water and also makes it some of the most fertile fishing grounds on the coast. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the moderate climate that allows most outdoor activities to be played year-round. Not surprisingly, golf is Wilmington’s most popular sport, and with over 60 courses within a 30 mile radius, there is no shortage of challenges for every level of play.
Downtown Wilmington serves as the area’s cultural hub, with its lively arts scene, galleries, theater and music to suit every taste. Take in a play at Thailian Hall or professional opera at Kenan Hall on the UNC- Wilmington campus. Stroll the River Walk along the banks of the Cape Fear, or take a leisurely carriage ride through the Historic District, past the antebellum mansions and gracious southern homes. Downtown is also known for its excellent restaurants and variety of dining options – from the freshest seafood to sushi and tapas.
While you’re taking it all in, don’t be surprised if you run into a few TV and movie stars: Wilmington has a thriving film industry, with movies such as Blue Velvet, Nights in Rodanthe, Sleeping with the Enemy all filmed on location here. The popular One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek and Matlock television series were also filmed here.
For a relatively small town, Wilmington is packed with attractions, starting with the USS North Carolina, a World War II battleship moored in the Cape Fear across from downtown. Three popular museums, the Cameron, Cape Fear and Children’s, recount the area’s art, maritime and natural history through multi-media exhibits. A water theme park offers slides, go-karts, mini golf and other adventures. Nature lovers will appreciate the 640-acre Airlie Gardens, with its spectacular lake and gardens. It is also home to the Airlie Oak Tree, a tremendous Live Oak first planted in 1545.
Want to learn more about the waters that define the area and the creatures who inhabit them? Head down past Carolina Beach to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Perhaps the biggest draw to Wilmington is the annual Azalea Festival, which attracts over 200,000 visitors and natives to the 3-day long celebration of spring.
Getting in and out of Wilmington is easy, too, with its international airport offering non-stop daily flights to Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Health care is top-notch, with a regional trauma center covering all medical disciplines and a hospital dedicated to orthopedics. The city is also home to the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and Cape Fear Community College.
Living in Wilmington NC is often called “going coastal.” The pace is slower, but you will find it easy to adjust, and come to understand why it is one of the best places to live along the East Coast.
