Is Wilmington, NC a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What is Wilmington, NC known for?

Wilmington is situated in southeast North Carolina and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. Living in Wilmington is like having a daily date with the Atlantic Ocean; the port city thrives on nautical commerce. Film production frequently rolls cameras, and history is sewn into the cityscape.

The city leans moderately conservative, making faith-based communities and churches quite prominent. Wilmington is predominantly white but houses a variety of minority groups that enrich the local culture.

The gentle sea breezes and myriad golf courses serve as natural lures for retirees. Students find the town manageable, thanks to the university community. Families appreciate schools deeply rooted in their neighborhoods. Singles and couples will find a variety of date-night spots, while a mosaic of beliefs and backgrounds find the city mainly accommodating.

Highlights

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Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Wilmington, NC, include coastal living, localized cinema scene, educational opportunities, and more. While some Cons are around weather risks, political divide, and limited public transit.
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Safety and Crime

Wilmington, NC is ranked 199th out of the top 333 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 180th on safety from violent crime, and 204th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Wilmington, NC is 20% lower than the national average.
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Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Wilmington, NC leaves $1,939 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Wilmington, NC in January is 45°F and 83°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average +2°F warmer in January and is on average +4°F warmer in July.
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Politics and Voting

Wilmington, NC voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 50.2% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.