If you're thinking about buying a home in an up- and-coming neighborhood, you might want you check out the Brooklyn Arts District on the north end of downtown Wilmington. From hip urban lofts to quaint bungalows to newly renovated historic properties, the community has a bit of everything. There is a lot to love about Brooklyn Arts including its proximity to the commercial and recreational center of downtown Wilmington (3-4 blocks), its neighborhood bars and businesses, and great events at St. Andrews Center. The latter was a church, built in 1888, which has been converted into one of the city's premier venues for concerts, weddings, art shows, and more. Over the next few month's acts such a Leon Russell (9/28), Jackie Greene (10/12), GZA (10/14), Matisyahu (10/30), and Against Me (11/7) will be performing.
The area seems to have a pretty diverse group of residents ranging from young professionals and hipsters to people who have called Wilmington's north end home for generations. The pharmaceutical development giant, PPD, is located within a half mile of Brooklyn Arts and the area is also a short walk to Cape Fear Community College, the Wilmington Convention Center, and the new marina which is currently being constructed. Like we said, there's a lot to like about this corner of downtown.
There are also some great real estate opportunities for people who don't mind getting their hands dirty. This community is one of the oldest in the city and there are plenty of properties that could use a little TLC. For people who want to skip all the elbow grease (like myself), there is newer construction such as the the Weldon and Brooklyn buildings which hold condo units and some commercial tenants (including a personal trainer the last time I checked).
I'm a runner and clomp through the Brooklyn Arts District on a weekly basis (I live on the south end of downtown by Castle Street) and I get excited about cruising along North 4th to see what's happening. Just a couple of months ago, a part of the street was blocked off to film the television show, Revolution (which first aired last night, and I missed it). I also spent my first evening at the Goat and Compass (local bar) with a friend last month and had a great time. If you're looking at downtown, you should definitely check out Brooklyn Arts.