Wilmington, North Carolina
Port City on the Cape Fear
U.S. News (2025)
#57 Best Places to Live
Livability (2025)
#41 Top 100 Best Places to Live
WhereAtHome Score
67.8
D+out of 100
Overview
Wilmington offers beach access, historic downtown charm, and a growing film industry presence. The port city combines coastal living with cultural amenities, while UNCW provides academic energy. More affordable than Charleston, it attracts retirees and those seeking coastal lifestyle.
Key Highlights
- Beach access at Wrightsville and Carolina Beach
- Historic downtown riverfront
- Growing film industry hub
- UNCW campus presence
- More affordable than Charleston
- Mild coastal climate
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
New Hanover County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
89°F
Winter Low
36°F
Annual Rainfall
56"
Sunny Days
215
Amenities & Infrastructure
52+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
2 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
2 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
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