Ogden: A nautical upper-middle-class neighborhood, Ogden has plenty of rental homes, apartments, and townhomes (one bedrooms run for around $700 - $900). A diverse area as far as residents go (older folks, families, young professionals - oh my!), Ogden is adored because of its proximity to the beach, as well as shopping and entertainment. There is also always something happening in Ogden, from community-wide festivals to classes at the local beekeeping school. Yup, beekeeping school. $$-$$$$
Silver Lake: This quiet area is comprised of single family homes (often large three and four bedroom) and apartment buildings. A middle income neighborhood, Silver Lake is home to many young professionals, college students, and families. The appeal of this area is that it is close enough to the water for quick access, but also inland enough to be considered suburbia. Many of the apartments around here offer short term lease options and great amenities (pool, deck, 24-hour gym, indoor pools, Wi-Fi, etc.). The area is also close enough to major highways (421, 117) to make your commute a bit easier. A two bedroom apartment in this area is typically priced around $700 - $800 a month. $$-$$$
Masonboro: This coastal neighborhood is made up of a mix of ages and dwelling styles. Part nautical lifestyle, part urban lifestyle, Masonboro is an area coveted by many. Rental homes here tend to be larger, with multiple bedrooms and big, beautiful yards. One bedroom apartments are available for about $650, 2 bedroom apartments for $900. For those relocating with young children, the area is zoned for two great schools. $$-$$$$
Greenville Loop/UNC area: In case you haven't noticed, Wilmington is much more than just a coastal city. It is also home to a UNC campus, which draws in plenty of college kids to keep things interesting. The area near the university is home to tons of students, as well as families, seniors, and single 30-somethings. For this reason, there are many different apartment communities to choose from (in addition to single family homes). Its proximity to the university, Empie Park, Highway I-40, and Wrightsville Beach is enough to make this neighborhood coveted, but it doesn’t hurt that the apartment living around here is chock full of amenities. Private patios, upgraded/gourmet kitchens, volleyball courts, washer and dryer units — you name it, the apartments for rent here provide it. Because of the coveted location, the rents here tend to be a bit higher (2 bedrooms $850 - $1,000), but one look around makes the price tag worth it. $$-$$$$
Downtown: This historic area is one of the largest in the country. Devoting a mile to the Riverwalk, Downtown Wimington has gone through a true resurgence. Old warehouses and dilapidated buildings have been knocked down to make room for art museums, dining, and shopping. Living down here puts residents in the heart of the city’s cultural area. It also gives you prime access to the riverfront, holiday and art/music festivals, and proximity to downtown businesses — a major bonus for those who work downtown and dread a commute. Residences here consist mainly of older homes, condos, and newer apartments. Living in the heart of downtown, you can expect to pay a bit more (about $1,000 a month for a one bedroom or studio apartment) but farther from the water prices tend to go down ($700 - $800 a month for a one bedroom). This is a great area for young, working professionals (30-somethings) and young couples. $$-$$$$
Dogs are loved in the Wilmington, North Carolina area. In fact, many dog friendly apartment complexes feature bark parks as an amenity. These leash-free areas are made for letting your puppies run free and burn off energy that can be built up, especially in an apartment setting.
Cats are usually also welcome, though not at the bark park, which we think is just fine.
Wilmington residents with their own set of wheels depend on a few local, state, and major highways to get around. US-17 runs from Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville, FL and is great for long road trips. Locally, folks tend to rely on US 74 & 76, which will connect you to the area beaches (Wrightsville, Carolina, Kure), as well as state highways 132/133. The major highway used to get in and around the city of Wilmington is I-40. Traffic here is mostly standard with the peak work rush hour traffic slowing things up on the weekdays mornings and evenings.
Wilmington is the type of town that beckons you to settle down and create your own Home Sweet Home. It may be a movie star, but there is no ego. It may be coastal, but it’s no seasonal beach town. It is home to five local theaters and nurtures an abundance of artists. It is riverfront property that makes for a fantastic morning view. It is a college town with a family feel. You see, Wilmington is not one thing. It is everything. Wilmington welcomes you! Best of luck finding your new apartment to call home.
