Beach Living · Film Industry · Lowest NC Unemployment
Wilmington combines beach lifestyle with a diversified economy that produces the lowest unemployment rate among NC's 15 metro areas at 3.0%. New Hanover County has reached 243,000 residents (up 5.5% since 2020). The economy spans tech (nCino cloud banking HQ, Live Oak Bank $25M expansion), film ($302M direct spending in 2024 — NC's third-highest year), healthcare, university (UNCW), and tourism.
ILM Airport completed a $69 million terminal expansion and saw 40% passenger growth since 2022, making it the 4th fastest-growing U.S. airport. Tech talent grew 27.6% from 2019-2022. GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy maintains a significant presence here as well.
Downtown/Historic District — Riverfront, restaurants, walkable, condos $250K-$500K. Wrightsville Beach — Premium oceanfront, $1M+. Carolina Beach — Beach town vibe, $620K-$642K median. Mayfaire/Landfall — Upscale suburban, country club, $500K-$900K. Leland — Brunswick County side, affordable alternative at $350K-$420K, fastest-growing.
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