There are likely several reasons you’re considering a move to Wilmington, NC. Perhaps you are seeking a laid back retirement. Maybe you’re moving for work. Maybe you’re coming home. Maybe you’re just looking for your next adventure. Whatever the reason, the reasons below are just three of the many things folks enjoy most about living in Wilmington.
1. Weather
The Cape Fear Region enjoys four distinct seasons, with winter being the shortest and weakest. Though bouts of prolonged chill and wintry precipitation can occur, they’re very rare. Bright, crisp afternoons with temperatures in the 50s and 60s are more the norm; you might reach for a sweatshirt for your tee time or bicycle excursion.
Winter yields to a lengthy spring early in the calendar year. While the inland Carolinas readily heat-up and experience severe storms, mellow cooling sea breezes temper those tendencies near the coast. April, for example, is statistically the driest month of the year with average highs in the 70s and 80s. Every longer, brighter day will invite you to explore a park or waterfront!
Though southeastern North Carolina summers can bring both dry spells and periods of torrential storms, an equitable mix of sun and rain is more common. Your garden will thrive. And with average highs in the 80s and 90s, beach days are ubiquitous: you can see blue skies, hear waves, smell sunscreen, feel sand amid your toes, and taste fresh seafood almost any day in summer.
The ocean will harbor vestiges of summer’s warmth deep into autumn. Consequently, October, for example, offers average daily highs in the 70s… and plenty of opportunities for a “post-season” beach trip or surf fishing session. And with evenings regularly in the 50s and 60s, you’ll come to love autumn as a season for crisp sunsets and socializing around fire pits.
Though strong hurricanes are highly irregular visitors to the Carolina Coast, history shows they can happen. Should you relocate to southeastern North Carolina, you ought to develop a basic hurricane kit and plan. If a storm threatens: early warning systems, proactive local emergency managers, and infrastructure improvements will help keep you safe.
2. Beaches
There is a beach within a few minutes’ drive from nearly any location in Wilmington. Within New Hanover County, there are three distinct beach towns, with several other beaches within an hour’s drive.
Carolina Beach is a family-friendly, true beach town with a fun personality. An authentic boardwalk plays host to a plethora of summer fun, including a carnival, weekly fireworks displays, and concerts. Carolina Beach State Park is the perfect place to pop your camping tent, have a picnic, or launch your boat for a ride on the Intracoastal Waterway. Like many northern beach towns, Carolina Beach does not shut down at the end of the summer. The town has holiday parades and events, too!
Kure Beach is the smallest and most unspoiled of the New Hanover County beaches. That’s not to say it has no personality – just take a drive or bike ride down Fort Fisher Boulevard and admire the bright and colorful beach homes! Kure Beach is the perfect place to spend a quiet and lazy beach day, browse small summertime markets in Ocean Front Park, or continue south a bit and explore Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
New Hanover County’s northernmost beach is a very popular vacation destination. Named one of the world’s best surf towns, Wrightsville Beach is home to endless watersports. Tourists and locals alike head to Wrightsville Beach for surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking. A visit to this New Hanover County beach would not be complete without experimenting with some of the unique cafes, bars, delis and oceanfront restaurants.
3. Food
Wilmington’s diverse population produces endless dining options! Authentic New York style pizza, delectable sushi, fresh seafood, and good ol’ soul food are just the tip of the culinary iceberg in the Cape Fear Region. Restaurant Weeks during the spring and falls offer great menus at great prices. Attend one of the many food-inspired festivals and events, such as the Wilmington Wine and Food Festival, Taste of Wrightsville Beach, or the Wilmington Seafood Festival. From culinary tours and farm-to-table concepts, to award-winning restaurants and food festivals, foodies will find lots to savor in the Port City.
Whether a professional on the move or a retiree looking to enjoy their golden years, homebuyers will find the Port City, and all of the Cape Fear Region, provide plenty of good reasons to make a move.
If you or someone you know is considering buying a home in the Wilmington, NC area, find out how you can save money, time and headaches by talking with an exclusive buyers agent at Just For Buyers Realty. 910-202-4813. Info@JustForBuyersRealty.com.