But first, A Little Background
(If you prefer to skip the long history lesson (sorry, I love this stuff!) and description of selected neighborhoods, just scroll down to the photos and click on the links to go to the property details.)
Wilmington River Walk
It wasn't just the beaches and mild weather that drew me to Wilmington, NC many years ago. I also fell in love with the character and beauty of Wilmington's brick-paved Historic District and vibrant Riverfront. Our downtown is the cultural hub of Southeast North Carolina, with theaters, comedy clubs, museums, great restaurants and bars, boutique stores and gift shops, as well as a lovely River Walk on the Cape Fear River, an expanding marina, weekend farmer's market, new convention center and the highly regarded Cape Fear Community College. And more!
Downtown Neighborhoods
The downtown neighborhoods are a fascinating patchwork reflecting the history of our Port City. Settled in 1732 on the banks of the Cape Fear River, this thriving city center fell into decline after World War II. An aggressive revitalization effort beginning in the 1970s brought businesses back downtown and encouraged the preservation and restoration of historic buildings, both commercial and residential. Wilmington is a preservation success story ... one that is continuing.
In the central Historic District you'll find stately Georgian manors, fanciful Victorians and charming bungalows from a by-gone era, most of them beautifully renovated. Streets are tree-lined and full of laid-back southern charm. Expect to pay a premium for these beautiful homes in the Historic District! This area also includes some homes above shops and riverfront condos.
North of Market Street and just a few blocks from the river is the Brooklyn Arts District, where exciting revitalization has resulted in new luxury apartments; condos created from industrial/commercial buildings; some thriving businesses and restaurants; and the establishment of the Brooklyn Arts Center as well as the new Cape Fear Community College Performing Arts Center. It is a popular neighborhood for residents looking for urban energy.
In the 1930s, Castle Street -- several blocks south of the central business district -- was an important hub for retail and high fashion, but it also slid into decline after World War II. Beginning in the 1990's, and picking up steam in the 2000s, this area became the Castle Street Antique District with (as you might guess) a concentration of antique shops as well as other businesses. (FYI, in 2014, Meg Caswell, the 6th Season winner of HGTVs Design Star, joined the tight-knit group of business owners in the area to open her own design store in a renovated 100-year-old fire station at 5th and Castle.) More and more investors and homeowners are buying up run-down, older homes in this area to repair and update.
The historic neighborhoods of Carolina Place, Carolina Heights and Sunset Park were "Streetcar Suburbs" -- early 20th century planned communities just beyond the city center. This new concept in urban planning was made possible by the transportation innovation of the streetcar, and inspired by the "Beautiful City" movement of the 1890s. The elite, middle class and even some poorer citizens were able to escape the densely populated central district for new, planned developments that included modern conveniences (such as city water lines) and park-like settings. Today's residents of these three communities have worked actively to preserve the unique historic character of their neighborhoods.
Carolina Place, south of Market and east of 17th St., was the first residential suburb in Wilmington, with building lots first offered for sale in 1906. Today it is a highly sought-after neighborhood with a strong sense of community. The homes are small to medium-sized, mostly renovated bungalows with great architectural and craftsman details.
Carolina Heights, north of Market to Princess St, was the second development and designed for wealthier residents. Homes here tended to be larger, more opulent and with bigger yards than Carolina Place. Today, many gracious homes in this community have been beautifully restored, but partly due to the expense of renovating a larger property, some homes are still waiting for their modern facelift.
Sunset Park, the third planned Streetcar Suburb, was initially intended to be a riverfront suburb to rival Carolina Heights; however, World War I and the large influx of workers for the newly erected shipyards, followed by a second influx of workers during World War II, meant a change in direction for Sunset Park. Although some larger homes were built in the early phase of development, there are also smaller properties originally built to accommodate those workers. The result is an eclectic neighborhood that includes still affordable homes.
Finally! Here's a sampling of homes available in the $200,000 price range Downtown:
(Let me know if you are ready to buy and would like to look at any of these homes. You can also search for additional homes through my website: www.marylynnblake.realtor . )
Historic District 1920 bungalow, rebuilt to 2007 codes; 3bd/2bath
515 N. 7th - MLS Data
Sunset Park, 1943 newly remodeled cottage; 3bd/2bath, 1900 sq ft
2175 Harrison St - MLS data
Carolina Place classic 1930 bungalow, all updated!; 2bd/2bath
2023 Wrightsville Ave -- MLS data
Historic Moore-Davis Home, ca 1898, in the Historic District; 2bd/1bath; comes furnished.
313 N. 6th St -- MLS data
Pretty 1941 home in Sunset Park with original hardwoods; 3bd/2bath
221 Northern Blvd -- MLS data
Top floor riverfront condo; amazing views! 1bd/1bath
106 N. Water St #911 -- MLS data
NEW construction downtown! Will be ready
March 1, 2016.
103 S. 9th -- MLS data
Written by Mary Lynn Blake, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
Wilmington and Carolina Beach, North Carolina
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