Firstly why Wilmington, North-Carolina?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Wilmington
• State: North-Carolina
• Population: 123,744 people
• Wilmington’s quick summary would be Known for its historic Riverwalk, beautiful beaches, and the vibrant downtown harbor.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 15,000 annually
• Net Migration: -5000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its beaches and historical significance attracting tourists and retirees

Perk #1: Wilmington Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $61,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Wilmington is $61,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Wilmington’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 95 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,858
• Property Tax %: 1.53%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Wilmington
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Wilmington, Wrightsville-Beach, Carolina-Beach, Southport, and probably could include Leland
• Avg. Age of Homes in Wilmington: 42 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Wilmington’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Wilmington are  Tourism, Retail, and Education
• Wilmington Job Scene: growing job market centered on tourism and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene with a focus on sustainability and local entrepreneurship , ,
• Wilmington Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Wilmington: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Wilmington

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-40 links Wilmington to inland areas and beyond
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion near the beach
• Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Wilmington: 68,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Wilmington: ncdot.gov/dmv
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Wilmington International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Wilmington’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Wilmington is best described as experiences hot summers and mild winters with high humidity and frequent rain
• Winter Weather in Wilmington i’d describe as mild with rain
• Spring Weather in Wilmington can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Wilmington are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Wilmington is usually mild with sunny spells
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 0 days in summer
• Days in a row in Wilmington below Freezing: 2
• Average Annual Rainfall: 44 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely preserved by coastal position
• Wilmington Winter Air generally good air quality with occasional variations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Wilmington Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Wilmington 8
• While the number of trade schools inside Wilmingtons’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Wilmington Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Wilmington Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Wilmington only Doctors is about 80
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Wilmington only Police Officers is about 180
• Crime Rate Index: 45/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Wilmington’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Wilmington’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Wilmington’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Wilmington

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: costal city known for its beaches and historic downtown
• You might enjoy shows at the Wilson Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Wilmington  features a vibrant nightlife with beach bars restaurants and lively cultural events along the coast

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Wilmington

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes seafood spots and a variety of local eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Wilmington
• The Popular Sports Team is Wilmington Sharks
• Top Level Political Climate in Wilmington can be described as politically mixed coastal city with a focus on tourism
• Wilmington’s Longer standing religious establishment is Wilmington United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Wilmington Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Wilmington has 30 Parks?
• Airlie Gardens is Wilmington’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Wilmington Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, beach activities, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Wilmington Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Wilmington can be described as laid-back coastal lifestyle with a focus on tourism and history
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Wilmington beach outings exploring local parks attending festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Wilmington are Leland 10 miles away Southport 20 miles away Wrightsville-Beach 12 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Wilmington or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion near the beach. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Wilmington’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Wilmington is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Wilmington are Leland 10 miles away Southport 20 miles away Wrightsville-Beach 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Wilmington has 2 days in a row below freezing and 0 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Wilmington people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Wilmington. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed coastal city with a focus on tourism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Wilmington.

Retiree & Senior Life in Wilmington

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may access property tax reductions designed for older homeowners
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Independence
• Wilmington Senior Center offers assorted activities wellness programs and support resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Wilmington, North-Carolina?

If Wilmington, North-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Wilmington, North-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!