Moving to Wilmington, NC in 2023? Complete Relocation Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Wilmington.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Wilmington

Are you mulling over moving to Wilmington, North Carolina?

Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Wilmington’s great weather, numerous outdoor activities, and great sense of community make it one of the most sought-after places in North Carolina.

If you’re considering moving to Wilmington and wondering if the city is right for you, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right moving decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Wilmington North Carolina is right for you.

facts of Wilmington

Quick facts to know before moving to Wilmington, NC

  • Wilmington averages 216 sunny days per year
  • Wilmington’s median home cost is $288,100
  • Wilmington’s future job growth is predicted to hit 46.42%
  • Wilmington averages 1 inch of snow per year
  • The cost of living in Wilmington is lower than the U.S. average
  • Currently, Wilmington’s home values have appreciated by 12.2%

What’s the population of Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington’s population is 117,247 people. The city stretches across 53 square miles making it the 8th largest city in North Carolina. Wilmington is nestled in Brunswick County and New Hanover County, North Carolina.

  • Wilmington has a population density of 2,281 people per square mile
  • The median age in Wilmington is 36 years
  • 35.3 years is the median age for males and 36.9 years for females
  • Wilmington is currently growing at a rate of 0.77% annually

What’s the weather like in Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington averages 216 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Wilmington, the following is a quick snapshot of the city’s weather:

  • Wilmington’s summer high in July is around 90 degrees
  • Wilmington averages 58 inches of rain per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • Wilmington averages 1 inch of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Wilmington’s winter low in January is 34 degrees
  • Wilmington gets 119 days of precipitation every year

How fast can you commute to work if you move to Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington’s average one-way commute time takes 18.8 minutes. That’s lower than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Wilmington. Less time on the road means less stress and more time for other things.

Here’s how people in Wilmington get to work:

  • About 79.0% of Wilmington residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 7.2% of Wilmington residents carpool with others
  • Up to 7.0% of Wilmington residents work from home
  • About 1.7% of Wilmington residents take mass transit
move to Wilmington

Top 10 reasons to move to Wilmington, NC

People are moving to Wilmington for many reasons. As the capital city of North Carolina, Wilmington is constantly attracting people from all over the state and beyond.

Since you’re considering moving to Wilmington, the following are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Great sense of community
  • Low cost of living and economic opportunity
  • Temperate weather and mild winters
  • Abundant outdoor activities
  • Access to quality health care
  • Dog friendly, beaches, weather
  • Light most days of the year
  • Mild weather flat land
  • Climate, proximity to the ocean
  • Top-quality schools

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pros and cons of wilmington

Pros & cons of moving to Wilmington, NC

If you’d like to find out if moving to Wilmington is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Wilmington is right for you or not.

Pros of living in Wilmington Cons of living in Wilmington
The food in Wilmington is incredibleThere may be fewer career options for you in Wilmington
Wilmington is a dog-friendly cityCrime in the city is a factor that you must consider
There are plenty of ways to meet people when living hereRental costs are 7% higher in Wilmington
The housing market is surprisingly affordable in WilmingtonTraffic problems occur frequently in Wilmington
Wilmington has several great schools from which to chooseYou will lose the benefit of four distinctive seasons
There are plenty of events to enjoy when living in WilmingtonThere is a hurricane risk for you to consider
You can embrace the history of the city when you start living hereHigh tax burden
You will discover lots of outdoor activities to enjoyThreat of hurricanes
You can avoid suburbia while living in WilmingtonHigh crime rates
There is some incredible beer in WilmingtonLack of weather variety
palce to live in Wilmington

Best places to live in if you move to Wilmington, NC

Wilmington is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Wilmington gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods.

If you’re moving to Wilmington and wondering what neighborhood the best for you is, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in Wilmington:

  • Edgewater / Bradley Hills
  • Landfall / Wrightsville West
  • Downtown Wilmington
  • Pointe Summerset
  • Forest Hills
  • Cypress Island
  • Windemere / Mayfaire
  • Dolphin Bay / Inlet Point Harbor
  • Kirkland
  • Sentry Oaks / Deer Crossing
cost of living in Wilmington

Cost of living in Wilmington, North Carolina

Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Wilmington, NC. The cost of living in Wilmington is 96.5. The United States average is 100.

Wilmington’s average cost of living is below the national average. The following are the key components that make up Wilmington’s cost of living:

Living Expense Wilmington North Carolina National Average
Overall96.591100
Grocery99.996.5100
Health118.7107.2100
Housing98.883.1100
Median Home Cost$288,100$242,300$291,700
Utilities97.299.2100
Transportation77.983.9100
Services110.489.2100

Wilmington’s housing market

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Wilmington, NC we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. This will make it easier for you to make up your mind about buying a home or not if you’re moving to Wilmington, NC:

  • Wilmington’s median home cost is $288,100
  • Over the last ten years, home values in Wilmington have risen by 54.4%
  • Currently, Wilmington’s home values have appreciated by 12.2%
  • Around 48.1% of Wilmington’s residents are renters
  • Up to 2.8% of homes and apartments in Wilmington are open to renting

What’s the average home rental price if you move to Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Wilmington, NC look at the average rental prices below:

  • Wilmington’s average rent for a studio apartment is $769
  • Wilmington’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $934
  • Wilmington’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,100
  • Wilmington NC average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,460
  • The average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is 1,883
jobs in Wilmington

How is the job market in Wilmington, NC?

How fast can you get a job if you need one in Wilmington, NC? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Wilmington, NC wasn’t left out. Since you’re considering moving to Wilmington, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

  • Wilmington’s unemployment rate is 4.3%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
  • Wilmington’s job growth has been positive so far
  • Over the past year, Wilmington’s jobs have grown by 2.6%
  • Wilmington’s future job growth is predicted to hit 46.42%
  • Getting a job in Wilmington is easier compared to other similar sized cities in the state.
Employment Information Wilmington, North Carolina United States
The income per Cap$30,601$31,177
Household Income$43,867$57,652
Unemployment Rate4.36.0%
Recent Job Growth-6.12%-6.18%
Future Job Growth37.29%33.51%

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Wilmington, NC, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

What are the top career options in Wilmington, NC?

You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Wilmington, NC. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs if you move to Wilmington, NC:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1Chief Executives$224,840$127,88070
2Physicians and Surgeons, All Other$189,840$48,140320
3Family and General Practitioners$179,060$54,140120
4Marketing Managers$153,390$69,43070
5Computer and Information Systems Managers$130,200$86,300170
6Architectural and Engineering Managers$128,070$87,12060
7Financial Managers$127,090$65,720310
8Pharmacists$126,160$103,900320
9Industrial Production Managers$125,190$76,55070
10General and Operations Managers$118,550$57,5801,530

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What is a good salary in Wilmington, NC?

Moving to Wilmington, NC could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

  • Wilmington’s average annual pay for average jobs is $48,656
  • Wilmington’s average hourly pay is $23.39 per hour
  • Wilmington’s average weekly pay is $935 per week
  • Wilmington’s average monthly payment is $4,054 per month
  • North Carolina’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour

Major industries in Wilmington, NC

Like several other large cities, Wilmington’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Wilmington. The following is a list of the city’s largest industries since you’re considering moving to Wilmington, NC:

  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Hospitality
  • Education
  • Professional
  • Services
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Administrative
  • Finance & Insurance
  • Entertainment
  • Information
  • Real Estate
  • Government

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What is the crime rate in Wilmington NC?

Is Wilmington a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Wilmington has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about the city’s crime rates since you’re considering moving to Wilmington, NC:

  • The violent crime rate in Wilmington is 35.4. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Wilmington is 60.8. The national average is 35.4
  • Residents have a 1 in 85.6 chance of being the victim o f a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 47.8 chance of being the victim of a property crime
wilmington taxes

How are taxes like in North Carolina?

If you’re moving to Wilmington from out of state, you may have to get familiar with North Carolina’s taxes.

The following are the key components that make up the city’s taxes. This will give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Wilmington, North Carolina:

  • North Carolina income tax rate is 5.25% (flat rate)
  • North Carolina sales tax rate is 6.75% 7.50%
  • Average effective property tax rate in North Carolina is 0.77%
  • Gas tax in North Carolina is 36.10 cents per gallon (regular diesel and gasoline)
Virginia

Best things to do if you move to Wilmington, NC

There are lots of exciting things you can do in Wilmington, NC. The city is home to several attractions, and you’ll find lots of amazing things to do in Wilmington, NC.

If you’re moving to Wilmington, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit and explore. Here are the best things to do if you move to Wilmington, NC:

  • Head to Wrightsville Beach
  • Take the Trolley Tour Downtown
  • Stroll through Airlie Gardens
  • Enjoy the Downtown Sundown Concerts
  • See Wilmington with EZ Electric Bike Rentals
  • Play Disc Golf in Wilmington
  • Visit the Best Wilmington Breweries
  • See the City with Cape Fear Riverboats
  • Check Out the Wilmington Bar Scene
  • Check Out the Cotton Exchange
  • Take Part in Some of Wilmington’s Festivals
  • See the USS North Carolina
  • Stop by the Cameron Art Museum

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Wilmington, NC.

schools and university in wilmington

Best Schools & Universities in Wilmington North Carolina

Wilmington is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Wilmington, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Wilmington, NC:

Highly rated Elementary Schools in Wilmington NC

  • Heyward C Bellamy Elementary
    Public, 1-5 | 604 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Walter L Parsley Elementary
    Public, K-5 | 678 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Island Montessori Charter
    Charter, K-8 | 217 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Ogden Elementary
    Public, K-5 | 689 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Dr Hubert Eaton Sr Elementary
    Public, K-5 | 530 students, Rating: 7/10

Best Middle schools in Wilmington NC

  • Charles P Murray Middle
    Public, 6-8 | 1,105 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Island Montessori Charter
    Charter, K-8 | 217 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
    Charter, K-8 | 404 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Emma B Trask Middle
    Public, 6-8 | 748 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Wilmington Preparatory Academy
    Charter, K-8 | 129 students, Rating: 7/10

Best High schools in Wilmington NC

  • Isaac M Bear High
    Public, 9-12 | 233 students, Rating: 7/10

  • John T Hoggard High
    Public, 9-12 | 1,871 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Emsley A Laney High
    Public, 9-12 | 2,174 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Eugene Ashley High
    Public, 9-12 | 1,917 students, Rating: 7/10

  • New Hanover High
    Public, 9-12 | 1,480 students, Rating: 7/10

Best universities and colleges in Wilmington, NC

  • University of North Carolina At Wilmington

  • University of Mount Olive at Wilmington

  • Cape Fear Community College

  • Miller-Motte College

  • Duke University Medical Center

  • Shaw University Wilmington Cape Program

  • University of North Carolina Wilmington

  • Brunswick Community College Leland

  • True Standard Christian Bible College

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Wilmington NC A good place to move?

Wilmington is a good place to live in. The city’s great weather, low cost of living, affordable housing, and beautiful neighborhoods makes it one of the best places to live in North Carolina.

Why do people move to Wilmington NC?

This port city is rapidly growing in popularity and is flanked by other little beach towns. This historic coastal town is a wonderful blend of small-town charm and large-city living and is well known for its stunning clean beaches, locally caught seafood, the hip beer culture, and reasonable cost of living.

Is Wilmington NC an affordable place to live?

Wilmington's housing expenses are 23% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 4% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 11% higher than the national average. Wilmington has grocery prices that are 1% lower than the national average.

Is Wilmington NC up and coming?

There is a lot to think about checking off your bucket list in Wilmington, with exciting new developments in emerging neighborhoods, an expansion of the local beer industry, feature film debuts, and more. Explore our dynamic riverfront city from a different angle, whether you're a frequent visitor or not.

What is Wilmington NC most known for?

In the modern era, Wilmington is renowned for its antebellum and Civil War past, its appearance in renowned motion pictures and television shows like Dawson's Creek, Black Velvet, or the aptly named film Cape Fear, and its distinctive culture that combines college students, tourists, and working professionals.

Are taxes high in Wilmington NC?

In comparison to the rest of the nation, property taxes are comparatively modest. For every $100 of value, annual charges are presently 0.3808. For instance, a $500,000 house would have annual taxes of $1,904 while a $1,000,000 house would have annual taxes of $3,808 due.

Can you swim in Wilmington NC?

Only swim when and where lifeguards are on duty. Up to Labor Day weekend, lifeguards are on duty at the beaches in Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure. Do pay careful attention to and heed the flags and whistles of the lifeguards. A whistle from a lifeguard may be a signal to exit the water.

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