Best Suburbs Surrounding Wilmington, North Carolina

Let the exciting area of Wilmington, North Carolina, be your happy place. No matter what stage of life you’re in, this inviting city and its surrounding suburbs will impress you.

Whether you’re a newcomer looking to move to Wilmington, a North Carolinian retiree, or a young professional looking for the best places to live in the Tar Heel State, you’re sure to fall in love with the recreation, entertainment, job opportunities, and culture.

This port city is home to the Battleship North Carolina. Touring this WWII-era ship gives you great insights into life on a wartime vessel. Find an array of activities from visiting the Cape Fear Museum to strolling the shops and cafes along the Wilmington Riverwalk. Arlie Gardens and the North Carolina Azalea Festival showcase some of the natural beauty of this region. Create memories at the stunning beaches or spend the day with the family at the water park. Enjoy life in a coastal city with a low cost of living.

Buying a new home can be daunting, but you can easily find a new home that checks off all your wants and needs if you have the right tools, such as NewHomeSource’s guide to closing costs in North Carolina, our step-by-step guide to building a home, and our list of first-time North Carolina homebuyer programs.

Discover what qualifies the list below as the top 10 Wilmington suburbs. Inviting new home communities in great locales will allow you to find the perfect North Carolina home for your needs.

10. Kure Beach

• Population: 2,313

• Median Home Value: $559,000

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 36 minutes

Rated the #10 Best Suburb for Young Professionals in North Carolina, Kure Beach is a coastal treasure. Kure Beach located just south of Carolina Beach, offers a quieter, more serene alternative. Known as a “hidden gem,” Kure Beach has fewer crowds but all the beauty of North Carolina’s coast.

Learn some of the rich history at Fort Fisher State Historic Site with its artifacts from the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War. The North Carolina Aquarium is filled with sea life including stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and otters. You’ll see residents fishing, surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding along the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.

The famous Kure Beach Pier, one of the oldest fishing piers on the Atlantic, is a beloved local landmark and popular for sunset walks and fishing. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and the nearby North Carolina Aquarium bring history and natural beauty into easy reach.

For anyone looking to settle down in a place where the sound of waves and a slower pace of life are a daily reality, Kure Beach’s relaxed charm and stunning ocean views offer an appealing escape.

9. Carolina Beach

• Population: 6,583

• Median Home Value: $442,300

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes

Find yourself unplugging in Carolina Beach. Live the small-town life in a peaceful setting. The coastal life in North Carolina is enhanced by the welcoming demeanor, a beautiful state park full of trails and outstanding schools.

Carolina Beach captures the essence of a classic American beach town with a lively boardwalk, colorful beach houses, and a distinct sense of fun. Known for its annual Beach Music Festival, Carolina Beach is a go-to for live music, beach festivals, and community events including Christmas by the Sea and the Island of Lights Festival.

Residents and visitors alike flock to the boardwalk with its arcades, food stands, and rides, offering a nostalgic slice of summer any time of year. Beyond the boardwalk, there’s Freeman Park for camping right on the beach, Carolina Beach State Park for hiking and bird-watching, and some of the best fishing spots along the Atlantic coast.

Carolina Beach is a tight-knit community with a laid-back vibe that appeals to those looking for a vibrant beach lifestyle. Find a home that will elevate your life when you peruse the available new homes.

8. Wrightsboro

• Population: 4,876

• Median Home Value: $188,700

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

Wrightsboro is a northwestern Wilmington suburb. A friendly and great commuter locale, Wrightsboro promises to deliver for potential homebuyers. When you are looking for a respite away from the hustle and bustle, Wrightsboro measures up.

The area isn’t far from the Cape Fear River, offering plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Wrightsboro is known for its historic charm and mature neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, creating an established vibe that feels like home.

While there may not be a bustling town center, Wrightsboro’s proximity to Wilmington means residents can enjoy a quiet lifestyle with quick access to dining, shopping, and entertainment nearby. Located less than 10 miles to the north of Wilmington, you are poised for everything that makes like convenient.

7. Murraysville

• Population: 16,672

• Median Home Value: $254,700

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes

Murraysville is a northern Wilmington suburb sure to provide a serene setting for a new home. Known for its relaxing vibe and ease to major employers, attractions, and recreation, Murraysville will have you living the life you crave.

Murraysville, NC, is a suburban enclave located just north of Wilmington, known for its easy pace and small-town feel. While it doesn’t have a beachside vibe, its close proximity to Wilmington and the coast gives residents the best of both worlds: the charm of a quiet, family-oriented community with easy access to the area's highlights.

Murraysville’s residents love its local parks and green spaces, like Smith Creek Park, with its expansive lake, trails, and fishing spots. It’s a popular spot for families and retirees alike who appreciate a close-knit community that’s still within a quick drive to city conveniences and beach outings.

Enjoy a safe locale with outstanding schools near the Carolina beaches and Wilmington. Excellent parks allow you to enjoy the natural beauty.

6. Hampstead

• Population: 8,340

• Median Home Value: $368,900

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes

Discover a North Carolina treasure. Hampstead impresses with its award-winning schools, proximity to the beach and proximity to Wilmington. This Pender County locale has much to offer potential homebuyers. Hampstead is a growing coastal community known as "The Gateway to Topsail Island."

With the beach just minutes away, Hampstead combines a suburban lifestyle with easy access to coastal beauty. From marinas to parks, there is something for everyone in this welcoming community. Imagine enjoying a round of golf, a delicious brew and live music at the Iron Clad Golf Course.

What sets it apart is its blend of natural charm and family-friendly amenities, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels just right for newcomers. The community offers excellent fishing and boating options, particularly around the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby Lea-Hutaff Island, a stunning stretch of undeveloped barrier island.

For families, Hampstead's highly-rated schools and close proximity to Wilmington make it a convenient choice, while retirees and outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to its scenic golf courses, local parks, and easy beach access. Take a look at the beautiful new construction homes ready to enhance your lifestyle in Hampstead.

5. Myrtle Grove

• Population: 12,093

• Median Home Value: $366,100

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes

Live nestled between Wilmington and Carolina Beach in the coastal community of Myrtle Grove, North Carolina. In Myrtle Grove, NC, you’ll find a community that’s equal parts residential and recreational, perfectly blending convenience with coastal charm. Located south of Wilmington, Myrtle Grove is one of those places where people stay for generations.

It’s close enough to the beach to get there in a snap but tucked far enough inland to avoid the weekend beach crowds. Families here love the spacious parks and access to Masonboro Island, a protected island reserve that offers pristine beaches and a quiet escape for boating and picnics.

Local schools are strong, and the healthcare infrastructure is well-supported by nearby New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Myrtle Grove’s perks are subtle but substantial, providing a well-rounded community vibe with easy access to Wilmington and all the recreational benefits of the coast.

4. Bayshore

• Population: 3,076

• Median Home Value: $443,100

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

Bayshore is located across from Figure Eight Island. This delightful community puts you within easy reach of Wilmington under 10 miles to the southwest. Recharge in a coastal community where life is at a slower pace. Excellent schools will serve your family.

Bayshore is tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers a serene coastal living experience. Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Bayshore is a hidden gem for those who want waterfront living without the fuss.

Boating, fishing, and water sports are the main attractions here, and many homes are nestled right on the water, with private docks and views of the waterway. The area has a close, residential feel, where people know their neighbors and value the peace and quiet.

The area is close enough to Wilmington for dining and shopping trips, yet feels a world apart with its easy-going charm. For those who prioritize peace, beautiful sunsets, and water access, Bayshore feels like a private coastal retreat.

3. Wrightsville Beach

• Population: 2,848

• Median Home Value: $966,200

• School Ranking: A

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 17 minutes

Ranked in the top ten for public schools and best suburbs for young professionals, Wrightsville Beach is a win. As one of the top surfing towns, Wrightsville Beach is everything you are dreaming of for watersports. This popular vacation locale will have you scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and more.

Wrightsville Beach is the quintessential beach town that feels like it's been crafted by someone with an eye for all things sun, sand, and surf. Known as "the Malibu of the East," Wrightsville Beach has a unique energy that draws beach lovers, surfers, and anyone looking for that salt-air refresh.

The town is small—just a couple of miles long—but it’s packed with charm. What makes it so distinctive is its perfect blend of laid-back coastal living and vibrant community life. The iconic Johnnie Mercer's Pier is a gathering place, with fishing, people-watching, and breathtaking ocean views.

Wrightsville Beach is also home to the annual Carolina Cup, a huge paddleboarding event that brings in enthusiasts from around the world. And if you're an early riser, the sunrises here are pure magic, casting a soft glow across the Atlantic.

For families, retirees, and professionals with a passion for the beach, Wrightsville Beach offers a lifestyle that’s as close to perpetual vacation mode as you can get. It’s easy to see why this beach community is on the move. Check out the desirable new home communities in the Wrightsville Beach area.

2. Silver Lake

• Population: 5,858

• Median Home Value: $247,400

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

Coming in at #2, Silver Lake, North Carolina is a great place to put down roots. An alluring coastal lifestyle with recreation, first-rate schools and a welcoming demeanor put this among the sought-after areas in North Carolina.

It’s a small, close-knit community where people appreciate a quieter pace while still staying close to the action of Wilmington and the beaches. Silver Lake has easy access to major employers making it ideal for professionals who want a relaxed home life with an easy commute.

Nearby Greenfield Lake Park provides a lush green escape with kayaking, trails, and gardens, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Live close to major employers, attractions, entertainment, and services just 5 miles to the south of Wilmington.

Search the many suburban new home communities in the Wilmington area to find the ideal home for your family.

1. Ogden

• Population: 8,699

• Median Home Value: $404,900

• School Ranking: A-

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

Ogden, North Carolina, a small, unincorporated community just north of Wilmington, has the kind of relaxed, breezy charm that tends to draw people in and make them stay. Ogden thrives in that sweet spot—a place close to Wilmington's bustle yet far enough to have its own identity. The beaches are only a short drive away, with Wrightsville Beach drawing waves and sun-seekers alike.

Ogden’s economy is closely tied to the broader Wilmington metro area, where sectors like healthcare, education, and hospitality lead the way. New Hanover Regional Medical Center and the University of North Carolina Wilmington are among the major employers nearby, creating a steady influx of professionals and families who want to stay close to their work while avoiding city congestion.

Ogden benefits from this by offering slightly more affordable housing than Wilmington while still having a piece of that coastal lifestyle. The natural beauty around Ogden makes it a gem for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Ogden Park is a local favorite, featuring miles of walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields—it’s always bustling with families, joggers, and dog walkers. The park’s fishing ponds are the perfect escape when you need a quiet afternoon. Then, of course, there’s the Atlantic Ocean practically at your doorstep, offering everything from boating and surfing to beachcombing and serene sunrise views.

Living in Ogden is about taking life at a gentler pace without giving up the perks of city proximity. The neighborhoods are dotted with local restaurants and shops, where you’re just as likely to run into your neighbors as tourists taking a detour from Wilmington. There’s a strong sense of community here—think summer BBQs, local farmers markets, and families who have lived here for generations. In Ogden, you get the best of North Carolina’s coastal allure with a warm community vibe that’s hard to beat.