Moving to Wilmington in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

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

Are you thinking of moving to Wilmington?

Wilmington is a charming coastal city in North Carolina. If you plan to move here, learn about its best and worst features in detail in our moving guide. The city has stunning beaches that offer abundant outdoor opportunities. The climate is mild in winter and warm in summer. The city has a growing economy with job opportunities in healthcare, tourism, and film production. The city has a thriving art and culture scene as you can enjoy live music, festivals, and art galleries. The quality of life in Wilmington is high with excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and top healthcare facilities. Let us explore the city in detail-

Quick Facts of Wilmington

Some interesting facts about Wilmington will amaze you-

Wilmington was founded in 1739, and it was named after Spencer Compton.

The city boasts one of the oldest ports and port facilities on the East Coast.

Wilmington is a major film production hub and earned the name “Hollywood East”.

Thalian Hall is one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in the Southeast.

The city is home to the Azalea Festival which is an annual festival celebrating the beauty of azaleas.

The city is conveniently located within driving distance of other popular coastal destinations.

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.

Top reasons to move to Wilmington

Moving is a big step and will affect your financial, physical, and mental state. So, before you pick the city to move, find some of the top reasons to move there-

Cost of living- The offers an affordable cost of living with affordable housing The city is an attractive choice for first-time homebuyers and families.

Job Market- Wilmington boasts a strong job market with a diverse economy. The are various sectors in the city thriving and generating ample employment opportunities.

Education- The city has a variety of public and private schools with colleges for higher education. This ensures a strong educational foundation for the families.

Outdoor recreation- The city is in proximity to the beaches and offers a relaxed waterfront lifestyle. There are plenty of options for boating, fishing, kayaking, and water sports.

Climate- The city experiences mild winters with occasional snowfall and hot humid summers. It enjoys sunshine year-round.

Art and Culture- The city boasts a thriving art and culture with numerous art galleries, theatres, and museums. Wilmington has a thriving film industry and thus it is often referred to as the “Hollywood East”.

Sense of Community- Wilmington is known for its friendly and welcoming community and you can feel it home once you move there.

Pros & Cons of Living in Wilmington

If you have prior knowledge about the pros and cons of living in Wilmington, you can be prepared for the challenges that you might encounter after moving in.

Pros of living in Wilmington	Cons of Living in Wilmington
Easy access to stunning beaches for swimming, surfing and relaxing	There is high tourist traffic in the city during peak tourist seasons that is summer
The city experiences four distinct seasons with ideal weather for outdoor activities	Public transportation is limited in the city
The city boasts vibrant downtown area with museums, art galleries and theaters	The city is at potential hurricane threats
The city has thriving economy with diverse job opportunities	The job market is less diverse than larger cities
The cost of living is relatively affordable with good schools	The residents dela frequently with mosquitoes during warmer months

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

Best Neighborhoods in the Wilmington

Find a safe, happy, and well-maintained neighborhood in the city before you move there. So, we have listed some of the top places in Wilmington for your reference-

Historic District- This is a charming neighborhood that has beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century homes. The neighborhood boasts a vibrant atmosphere.

Wrightsville Beach- This is a popular beach town that offers a laid-back lifestyle. This location has stunning beaches and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Landfall- This is a prestigious gated community with luxurious homes, private beaches, and championship golf courses.

Parkside- This is a vibrant community with a mix of townhomes, single-family homes, and apartments, and it is close to the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Mayfaire Town Center.

Masonboro Forest- This is a peaceful neighborhood with mature trees, a close-knit community, and a walking trail.

Porters Neck Plantation- This is a large master-planned community with a golf course. There are a variety of amenities and pools.

Cost of living in Wilmington

The cost of living is an important parameter that can help you consider before you decide to move to a new city. The cost of living in Wilmington is generally considered affordable compared to many other coastal cities in the US. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Wilmington-

Before moving to a new city or state you must know the cost of living of the location as it will help you set your moving budget. We have compiled the data related to the cost of living in Wilmington-

Category	Wilmington (in USD)
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	$1,316.67
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	$1,150.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	$2,391.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	$1,910.00
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	$15.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	$75.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	$80.00
Utilities (Monthly)	$181.01
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	$53.67
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	$56.38
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	$140.00
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	$1,450.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	$22,500

Housing Market in Wilmington

The housing market in Wilmington is currently experiencing a moderate level of competition. The median home sale price in the city is around $480,000 and it has increased by 9.1% from last year.

Average rental cost in Wilmington

The average rental price in Wilmington ranges from $1,136 to $1,647 per month depending on the size and location of the property.

Wilmington job market

The job market in Wilmington is generally considered strong and diverse. Before moving to a new city explore the job market to find career opportunities according to your preference.

Top Career Options in Wilmington

Find the top career options available in Wilmington. Learn about their average salary, entry-level salary for people working on the job role-

Career	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary
Tourism & Hospitality	$40,000 - $65,000 per year	$30,000 - $45,000 per year
Healthcare	$60,000 - $85,000 per year	$50,000 - $65,000 per year
Education	$35,000 - $55,000 per year	$30,000 - $45,000 per year
Film Industry	$25,000 - $40,000 per year	$20,000 - $30,000 per year
Physician Assistant	$100,000 - $130,000 per year	$80,000 - $100,000 per year
Electrician	$40,000 - $70,000 per year	$30,000 - $45,000 per year

Median Salary in Wilmington

The average median salary in Wilmington is around $50,335 per year and it can vary depending on specific job roles and experience.

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Major industries in Wilmington

The following are the major industries in Wilmington-

Tourism

Healthcare

Hospitality

Education

Film Industry

Manufacturing

Education System in Wilmington

Finding a good school for your children is essential to ensure their secure future in the city. Before you move to Wilmington, explore some top schools and colleges in the city. For your convenient research we have listed some of the top schools, colleges, and universities in Wilmington-

Elementary Schools in Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach Elementary School
Codington Elementary School
Sunset Park Elementary School
Bradley Creek Elementary School
Forest Hill Global Elementary School

Middle Schools in Wilmington
Murray Middle School
Roland- Grise Middle School
Wilmington Preparatory Academy
Cape Fear Academy
Island Montessori Charter School

High Schools in Wilmington
John T. Hoggard High School
Laney High School
Wilmington Preparatory Academy
Cape Fear Academy
Issac Bear Early College High School

Colleges & Universities in Wilmington
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)
Wilmington University
University of Phoenix
Southern New Hampshire University

Transportation & Navigation in Wilmington

There are mixed options for transportation in Wilmington with some limitations-

Personal vehicle- This is the recommended mode of transportation in Wilmington. It will allow easy commuting and transition within the city. There can be traffic congestion in the city during peak hours and tourist seasons.

Public Transportation- There are limited options in the city for commuting via public transport. There is only one bus service- WAVE Transit that helps you ride bus within the city and in the surrounding areas.

Navigation- The city is easy to navigate as the roadways are well-maintained and you can use navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze.

Best things to do in Wilmington

When you move to a new city, the best way to feel comfortable and homely explore the city. Here are some options to connect with Wilmington-

Visit the iconic beach, Wrightsville Beach which boasts excellent surfing, beautiful sand, and a lively atmosphere.

Enjoy amusement rides, arcades, and delicious food at Carolina Beach.

You can relax on Kure Beach with a charming fishing pier.

Explore the beautifully preserved historic district with its antebellum mansions and charming shops.

Discover the sites of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War at Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

Tour Battleship North Carolina and learn about its significance in American history.

Enjoy live theatre performances at Thalina Hall, Art Galleries, and more.

Indulge in nature’s beauty at Airlie Gardens, Greenfield Lake Park, and Carolina Beach State Park.

Taxes in Wilmington

Each state has different laws for taxes in the city. Here we have provided all the details about the taxes in Wilmington-

State income tax North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 4.5%.

Property Tax- The property rates in North Carolina are applied according to the county and municipality.

Sales Tax- North Carolina has sales tax rate is 4.75% and after adding local sales taxes it will be 7.0%.

Vehicle Registration Fees- There is a vehicle registration fee when you register a vehicle in North Carolina.

Type of insurance required in Wilmington

When you move it is a wise way to buy insurance to ensure the safety of the belongings. Here are the details of different insurances required in Wilmington-

Auto Insurance- This is mandatory insurance in North Carolina as it covers bodily injury and property damage in case you cause an accident.

Homeowners Insurance- If you own a house, this insurance will protect your home and belongings from damage due to fire, theft, and other covered perils.

Renters Insurance- This insurance is required if you rent a house, it will protect rental property from damage or theft.

Health Insurance- This insurance covers your medical expenses.

Life insurance- This insurance will provide financial assistance to your family in case of your death.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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