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Wilmington, NC 55+ active adult communities & homes for sale

Living in Wilmington

Located in Coastal North Carolina, Wilmington is a midsize city on the Atlantic Ocean. Pleasant weather all year, combined with its proximity to the ocean, make this a popular…

Located in Coastal North Carolina, Wilmington is a midsize city on the Atlantic Ocean. Pleasant weather all year, combined with its proximity to the ocean, make this a popular destination for active adults looking to retire on the water. Besides this, retirees enjoy the strong sense of community with local amenities like boutique shops, craft breweries, and community festivals.

Wilmington Climate & Geography

Wilmington is located on a peninsula on the eastern coast of North Carolina. Its eastern edge is Hewletts Creek, and its western edge is Cape Fear River. Both bodies of water lead to the Atlantic Ocean.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in Wilmington

A largely historic city, Wilmington places a strong emphasis on community and history. The Cape Fear Museum, Wilmington Railroad Museum, and Cameron Art Museum are popular for history buffs, as well as the hundreds of historic homes throughout the city.

Residents seeking outdoor recreation have several choices. The Airlie Gardens, Halyburton Park, Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve, Greenfield Park, and Hugh MacRae Park all offer trails, self guided tours, and natural areas for picnicking. The Whiteface, Lookout, and Esther Mountains, as well as the Catamount Mountain Trail all have a variety of hiking trails. Golfers can enjoy the holes at Beau Rivage Golf and Resort, Porters Neck Country Club, and Wilmington Municipal Golf Course.

In addition to outdoor recreation, residents can shop the local boutiques of the Riverwalk and Downtown Wilmington, both located on Cape Fear River on the western side of town. The downtown area also hosts community events like art walks, holiday festivals, and a Saturday farmers market. There are also several breweries and wineries, including the Wrightsville Beach Brewery and Noni Bacca Winery.

Wilmington Cost of Living & Taxes

Wilmington’s cost of living is nearly the same as the national average. This is mainly because housing is more costly than the rest of the state, while groceries, utilities, and transportation are all lower than average. Health care tends to hover above the national average.

North Carolina taxes all forms of income at a flat rate of 5.5 percent except for Social Security. The state’s property taxes are low, and Wilmington’s 7 percent sales tax is average. Unlike many states, North Carolina taxes groceries, but at a lower rate.

Health Care in Wilmington

According to Gallup’s Well-Being Index, North Carolina’s highest ranking is in the community index, indicating that residents feel safe and have a sense of pride in their community.

The only general hospital in Wilmington, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, is rated by U.S. News as high performing and is the No. 10 hospital in North Carolina. J. Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital and Pender Memorial Hospital are also within 25 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions


14 communities near Wilmington

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5 rating (1 reviews) St. James Plantation
$600ks - $2Ms
St. James Plantation, Southport, NC
New and Resale | Age-targeted | Built 1991 - present | 5,000 homes
3.8 rating (17 reviews) Brunswick Forest
$300ks - $1Ms
Brunswick Forest, Leland, NC
New and Resale | Age-targeted | Built 2007 - present | 8,000 homes
Riverlights
$1Ms - $300ks
Riverlights, Wilmington, NC
New Construction | Age-targeted | Built 2013 - present | 3,000 homes
5 rating (1 reviews) Compass Pointe
$400ks - $900ks
Compass Pointe, Leland, NC
New and Resale | Age-targeted | Built 2007 - present | 2,000 homes
River Bluffs
$400ks - $2Ms
River Bluffs, Castle Hayne, NC
New Construction | Age-targeted | Built 2018 - present | 650 homes
Want to learn more about 55+ communities in Wilmington? 55places can help!
Questions? Call us: (910) 408-5731
Porters Neck Plantation
$500ks - $700ks
Porters Neck Plantation, Wilmington, NC
New and Resale | Age-targeted | Built 1993 - present | 834 homes
5 rating (1 reviews) Del Webb Wilmington
$400ks - $800ks
Del Webb Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
New Construction | 55+ age-restricted | Built 2016 - present | 547 homes
5 rating (1 reviews) The Bluffs on the Cape Fe...
$400ks - $700ks
The Bluffs on the Cape Fe..., Leland, NC
New and Resale | Age-targeted | Built 2006 - present | 750 homes
5 rating (1 reviews) Del Webb Wilmington at Ma...
$300ks - $600ks
Del Webb Wilmington at Ma..., Leland, NC
New Construction | 55+ age-restricted | Built 2024 - present | 761 homes
4.5 rating (6 reviews) The Village at Motts Land...
$300ks - $600ks
The Village at Motts Land..., Wilmington, NC
New and Resale | Age-targeted | Built 2010 - present | 415 homes
Download the Ultimate 55+ Homebuying Guide Whether you’re searching for a 55+ community, downsizing, or exploring other housing options, our free-to-download guide will assist you in finding the ideal home for your needs.
5 rating (1 reviews) The Home Place
$500ks
The Home Place, Southport, NC
New Construction | Age-targeted | Built 2021 - present | 52 homes
The Courtyards at Mallory...
$300ks - $400ks
The Courtyards at Mallory..., Winnabow, NC
New Construction | Age-targeted | Built 2019 - present | 87 homes
Bellaport
$300ks - $400ks
Bellaport, Wilmington, NC
New Construction | 55+ age-restricted | Built 2017 - present | 38 homes
East Lake
$300ks - $500ks
East Lake, Leland, NC
New Construction | Age-targeted | Built 2025 - present | 3,000 homes
New Porters Neck Plantation 928 WILD DUNES CIR, WILMINGTON, NC, 2841..., Wilmington, NC 28411
$950,000

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

3,389 sq ft

|

House

928 WILD DUNES CIR, WILMINGTON, NC, 2841...
New River Bluffs 615 JENOA LOOP, CASTLE HAYNE, NC, 28429, Castle Hayne, NC 28429
$573,500

4 beds

|

3 baths

|

2,465 sq ft

|

Townhouse

615 JENOA LOOP, CASTLE HAYNE, NC, 28429
Community: River Bluffs
New
Cindy Certified
5403 ELLEN DALE PL 39, WILMINGTON, NC, 2..., Wilmington, NC 28412
$979,900

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

2,672 sq ft

|

House

5403 ELLEN DALE PL 39, WILMINGTON, NC, 2...
New Del Webb Wilmington 1068 SNOWDEN RD, WILMINGTON, NC, 28412, Wilmington, NC 28412
$699,900

3 beds

|

3 baths

|

2,715 sq ft

|

House

1068 SNOWDEN RD, WILMINGTON, NC, 28412
Community: Del Webb Wilmington
New Brunswick Forest 3206 CALUSA CV, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$1,040,000

5 beds

|

4 baths

|

3,783 sq ft

|

House

3206 CALUSA CV, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Brunswick Forest
Want to learn more about 55+ communities in Wilmington? 55places can help!
Questions? Call us: (910) 408-5731
New Compass Pointe 8277 OAK ABBEY TRL, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$735,000

4 beds

|

3 baths

|

2,686 sq ft

|

House

8277 OAK ABBEY TRL, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Compass Pointe
New Brunswick Forest 2153 FOREST VIEW CIR, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$759,900

3 beds

|

4 baths

|

3,413 sq ft

|

House

2153 FOREST VIEW CIR, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Brunswick Forest
New Riverlights 162 DUGGER LN, WILMINGTON, NC, 28412, Wilmington, NC 28412
$645,000

3 beds

|

3 baths

|

1,739 sq ft

|

Townhouse

162 DUGGER LN, WILMINGTON, NC, 28412
Community: Riverlights
New Del Webb Wilmington at Mallory Creek 3046 FALSE FOX LOOP, LELAND, NC, 28479, Leland, NC 28479
$454,185

2 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,581 sq ft

|

House

3046 FALSE FOX LOOP, LELAND, NC, 28479
New Del Webb Wilmington at Mallory Creek 3050 FALSE FOX LOOP, LELAND, NC, 28479, Leland, NC 28479
$454,585

2 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,345 sq ft

|

House

3050 FALSE FOX LOOP, LELAND, NC, 28479
Download the Ultimate 55+ Homebuying Guide Whether you’re searching for a 55+ community, downsizing, or exploring other housing options, our free-to-download guide will assist you in finding the ideal home for your needs.
New Del Webb Wilmington at Mallory Creek 3054 FALSE FOX LOOP, LELAND, NC, 28479, Leland, NC 28479
$463,705

3 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,403 sq ft

|

House

3054 FALSE FOX LOOP, LELAND, NC, 28479
New St. James Plantation 3626 PLAYERS CLUB DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 284..., Southport, NC 28461
$1,059,000

3 beds

|

5 baths

|

4,454 sq ft

|

House

3626 PLAYERS CLUB DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 284...
New St. James Plantation 3860 RESERVE CLUB DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 284..., Southport, NC 28461
$945,500

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

2,767 sq ft

|

House

3860 RESERVE CLUB DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 284...
New Del Webb Wilmington at Mallory Creek 2704 SILVER WEED CT, WINNABOW, NC, 28479, Winnabow, NC 28479
$509,460

2 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,809 sq ft

|

House

2704 SILVER WEED CT, WINNABOW, NC, 28479
New Brunswick Forest 2035 COLONY PINES DR, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$910,000

3 beds

|

4 baths

|

3,486 sq ft

|

House

2035 COLONY PINES DR, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Brunswick Forest
New St. James Plantation 3350 CLUB VILLAS DR 903, SOUTHPORT, NC, ..., Southport, NC 28461
$279,000

2 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,180 sq ft

|

Condo

3350 CLUB VILLAS DR 903, SOUTHPORT, NC, ...
Want to learn more about 55+ communities in Wilmington? 55places can help!
Questions? Call us: (910) 408-5731
New St. James Plantation 3623 WINGFOOT DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, Southport, NC 28461
$699,999

3 beds

|

3 baths

|

3,025 sq ft

|

House

3623 WINGFOOT DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461
New St. James Plantation 3890 MEMBERS CLUB BLVD, SOUTHPORT, NC, 2..., Southport, NC 28461
$699,500

4 beds

|

2 baths

|

3,381 sq ft

|

House

3890 MEMBERS CLUB BLVD, SOUTHPORT, NC, 2...
New Compass Pointe 8309 OAK ABBEY TRL, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$625,000

3 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,912 sq ft

|

House

8309 OAK ABBEY TRL, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Compass Pointe
New St. James Plantation 2555 ST JAMES DR 504, SOUTHPORT, NC, 284..., Southport, NC 28461
$550,000

3 beds

|

3 baths

|

1,350 sq ft

|

Condo

2555 ST JAMES DR 504, SOUTHPORT, NC, 284...
Download the Ultimate 55+ Homebuying Guide Whether you’re searching for a 55+ community, downsizing, or exploring other housing options, our free-to-download guide will assist you in finding the ideal home for your needs.
New St. James Plantation 2537 ST JAMES DR 1006, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28..., Southport, NC 28461
$479,000

3 beds

|

3 baths

|

1,867 sq ft

|

Condo

2537 ST JAMES DR 1006, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28...
New Brunswick Forest 7362 FOXBRIAR DR, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$733,500

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

2,950 sq ft

|

House

7362 FOXBRIAR DR, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Brunswick Forest
New Del Webb Wilmington 3205 LAUGHING GULL TER, WILMINGTON, NC, ..., Wilmington, NC 28412
$549,000

2 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,801 sq ft

|

House

3205 LAUGHING GULL TER, WILMINGTON, NC, ...
Community: Del Webb Wilmington
New Porters Neck Plantation 8120 BALD EAGLE LN, WILMINGTON, NC, 2841..., Wilmington, NC 28411
$4,495,000

3 beds

|

3 baths

|

3,443 sq ft

|

House

8120 BALD EAGLE LN, WILMINGTON, NC, 2841...
New Brunswick Forest 3217 BUTTERFLY GINGER ST 75, LELAND, NC,..., Leland, NC 28451
$419,999

3 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,881 sq ft

|

House

3217 BUTTERFLY GINGER ST 75, LELAND, NC,...
Community: Brunswick Forest
New Brunswick Forest 3200 BUTTERFLY GINGER ST 149, LELAND, NC..., Leland, NC 28451
$432,499

4 beds

|

3 baths

|

2,325 sq ft

|

House

3200 BUTTERFLY GINGER ST 149, LELAND, NC...
Community: Brunswick Forest
New Riverlights 911 EVERLONG LN, WILMINGTON, NC, 28412, Wilmington, NC 28412
$429,500

3 beds

|

3 baths

|

1,834 sq ft

|

Townhouse

911 EVERLONG LN, WILMINGTON, NC, 28412
Community: Riverlights
Want to learn more about 55+ communities in Wilmington? 55places can help!
Questions? Call us: (910) 408-5731
New Brunswick Forest 8615 BLUE HAW WAY 125, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$432,499

3 beds

|

2 baths

|

2,368 sq ft

|

House

8615 BLUE HAW WAY 125, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Brunswick Forest
New Brunswick Forest 8635 BLUE HAW WAY 130, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$556,690

5 beds

|

5 baths

|

3,503 sq ft

|

House

8635 BLUE HAW WAY 130, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Brunswick Forest
New Brunswick Forest 8611 BLUE HAW WAY 124, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$546,540

5 beds

|

5 baths

|

3,503 sq ft

|

House

8611 BLUE HAW WAY 124, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Brunswick Forest
Download the Ultimate 55+ Homebuying Guide Whether you’re searching for a 55+ community, downsizing, or exploring other housing options, our free-to-download guide will assist you in finding the ideal home for your needs.
New Riverlights 5613 CORAL TIDE AVE, WILMINGTON, NC, 284..., Wilmington, NC 28412
$469,635

2 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,345 sq ft

|

House

5613 CORAL TIDE AVE, WILMINGTON, NC, 284...
Community: Riverlights
New Brunswick Forest 2216 UMSTEAD LN, LELAND, NC, 28451, Leland, NC 28451
$685,000

3 beds

|

4 baths

|

3,044 sq ft

|

House

2216 UMSTEAD LN, LELAND, NC, 28451
Community: Brunswick Forest
St. James Plantation 3107 ST JAMES DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, Southport, NC 28461
$995,000

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

2,855 sq ft

|

Townhouse

3107 ST JAMES DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461
St. James Plantation 3105 ST JAMES DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, Southport, NC 28461
$942,000

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

2,855 sq ft

|

Townhouse

3105 ST JAMES DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461
St. James Plantation 3103 ST JAMES DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, Southport, NC 28461
$949,000

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

2,855 sq ft

|

Townhouse

3103 ST JAMES DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461
Porters Neck Plantation 8816 SAWMILL CREEK LN, WILMINGTON, NC, 2..., Wilmington, NC 28411
$939,900

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

3,606 sq ft

|

House

8816 SAWMILL CREEK LN, WILMINGTON, NC, 2...
St. James Plantation 3101 ST JAMES DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, Southport, NC 28461
$1,014,000

4 beds

|

4 baths

|

2,855 sq ft

|

Townhouse

3101 ST JAMES DR, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461
Riverlights 5607 CORAL TIDE AVE, WILMINGTON, NC, 284..., Wilmington, NC 28412
$460,060

2 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,345 sq ft

|

House

5607 CORAL TIDE AVE, WILMINGTON, NC, 284...
Community: Riverlights
Want to learn more about 55+ communities in Wilmington? 55places can help!
Questions? Call us: (910) 408-5731
Riverlights 5959 MOONSHELL LOOP, WILMINGTON, NC, 284..., Wilmington, NC 28412
$513,340

3 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,581 sq ft

|

House

5959 MOONSHELL LOOP, WILMINGTON, NC, 284...
Community: Riverlights
Riverlights 5609 CORAL TIDE AVE, WILMINGTON, NC, 284..., Wilmington, NC 28412
$480,580

2 beds

|

2 baths

|

1,403 sq ft

|

House

5609 CORAL TIDE AVE, WILMINGTON, NC, 284...
Community: Riverlights
Download the Ultimate 55+ Homebuying Guide Whether you’re searching for a 55+ community, downsizing, or exploring other housing options, our free-to-download guide will assist you in finding the ideal home for your needs.

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