Wilmington real estate has spread its wings with development taking shape on either side in Brunswick and Pender counties over the last 10 years. But now development is projected to move northwest up the I-40 corridor. Presumably the two hour drive to Raleigh could begin to look a whole lot different. Here are some of the communities where real estate has already began a rapid shift. 

Castle Hayne

This northern New Hanover County community was long thought of as a budget-friendly escape from Wilmington. With more affordable homes, some new builds and lots of older ranch homes, Castle Hayne attracted nice new developments and young families. But since 2020, we’ve noticed a major uptick in home prices in this area. While homes in the 200’s were plentiful several years ago in this zip code, today they make up only a small percentage of homes currently on the market. 

Our prediction is this community will continue to see a high absorption rate, new developments and possibly attract more high-end commercial retail and dining.

Rocky Point

10 years ago, Rocky Point was a drive-through community for those traveling on I-40 to Wilmington. Theres the famous Paul’s Place hot-dogs and some beautiful farm land. Theres also Heide Trask High School. But today, Rocky Point has a number of new developments and even more planned for the future. Rocky Point may not have an abundance of commercial prospects, but it will soon have housing in spades. These homes are slightly more affordable too. Most come in the 200’s and 300’s. 

Burgaw

Not only is Burgaw just north of Rocky Point on I-40, but there are several major factors at play here for its recent growth and renaissance. For one, Burgaw is attracting young families and transplants seeking a walkable community with charm and more affordable prices. With its historic downtown, annual festivals and events and strong sense of community, plenty of new builds are populating its outskirts. The absorption rate here has grown increasingly higher in the past years as well.

Read our blog on why Burgaw is basically Star’s Hollow. 

Wallace

Duplin County’s Wallace is a small, rural city with a downtown and older, historic homes. Not only does Wallace have charm and character, but a few amenities that are unique. Wallace has some lovely golf courses that attract families or couples in their leisure era and higher-end luxury homes in large planned communities. Wallace has always prided itself in being a close-knit community and it will likely stay that way even as it may experience more growth in the years to come. 

Learn more about communities in the Wilmington, North Carolina area by visiting my neighborhood guide!