Get to Know Historic Downtown

Wilmington’s Historic Downtown is the heart of the city and the epitome of Southern charm. The National Register Historic District comprises more than 230 blocks of downtown, and here, you’ll find oak trees dripping with moss, brick-lined streets, and historic buildings that date from the pre-Civil War and Colonial eras. Downtown is bordered by the Cape Fear River and Wilmington’s Riverwalk, a lovely pedestrian-only 1.75-miles of boardwalk that winds itself between the water and downtown, with a clear view of the Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington’s WWII icon. There’s a little bit of new construction in Historic Downtown, but this area is most well-known for its Victorian-era single family houses with deep porches and gingerbread trim. Downtown Wilmington is the most walkable part of the city, with pretty sidewalks and yards planted with centuries-old trees and easy access to downtown’s great dining and brewery scenes.

Nearby Neighborhoods:

Get to know our homes for sale in Historic Downtown

Living in Wilmington

Wilmington is a lovely port city located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, bursting with history and charm. The Wilmington metropolitan area, which comprises New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties, also includes three nearby island beach towns: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. Wilmington has an unusual mix of lifestyles — it’s home to UNC Wilmington, so it’s a college town, but it’s also a beach destination and a major city at the same time. And thanks to its cinematic good looks, Wilmington has long had a thriving film industry, serving as the backdrop to tons of movies and television shows for everything from Dawson’s Creek to Weekend at Bernie’s. Moving to Wilmington can mean living in a country club-style community, a beach retreat on a private island, or in a historic house downtown — all three picks are quintessential Wilmington options, as varied and delightful as the city itself.