Wilmington, NC Relocation Guide
So you're considering a change in latitude? Be prepared for a change in attitude. Wilmington, NC is arguably one of the best cities in the country that still feels like a small town where folks sit on the porch and wave at neighbors passing on the walk, take in a sunset concert by the river, or enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the ocean.
The Cape Fear Region is like no other, steeped in history with a nod to river walks and ocean breezes. The Greater Wilmington area boasts a historical Riverwalk along the banks of the Cape Fear River, is fifteen minutes from the shores of Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach, and has the Intracoastal Waterway in between.
Wilmington also hosts one of North Carolina's largest ports and is home to the Coast Guard Cutter, "Diligence." Wilmington has many names of endearment, among them the "Coast Guard City" and the "Port City." She is also home to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the Seahawks, and Cape Fear Community College, the Seadevils.
Climate
Although Wilmington is considered to have a subtropical, humid climate, she also has a spring that feels eternal, often lasting from February to May with very pleasant temperature ranges from the upper 60s to the lower 80s. Wilmington also is graced with lots of sunshine and mild winters. The average annual high temperature is a balmy 74.1° F with a corresponding annual low temperature at a very agreeable 53.9° F. The average annual rainfall is roughly about 57" and the average snowfall, well it is negligible. Tropical storms do flirt with her and occasionally breach the shores; but, coastal living expects such occurrences.
Neighborhoods
No matter what your needs or taste, Wilmington has a neighborhood to meet your expectations. From the gated community of Landfall boasting both a Nicklaus and Pete Dye golf courses with Intracoastal Waterway views to the multi-million-dollar oceanfront enclave of Figure Eight Island, upscale has many addresses in Greater Wilmington. Wilmington also delivers chic, eclectic condominiums nestled on the river and surrounding the Brooklyn Arts District. If historical neighborhoods are your glass of sweet iced tea, Wilmington has choices from antebellum estates to colonial revivals to low country cottages. Perhaps, marina living interests you, with a plethora of waterways, Greater Wilmington also is home to berths to accommodate your thirty footer cruiser or 100' yacht, such as Inlet Watch or Dolphin Bay. There are also new and planned developments in various stages to fit every lifestyle. The rental market is affordable and equally as varied in options for size, type, and location. To browse neighborhoods and real estate listings spanning the Greater Wilmington area, visit www.Homes.WilmingtonNC.com.
Schools
Wilmington and New Hanover County offer public education with two Pre-Centers, 27 Elementary Schools, 10 Middle Schools, three High Schools, two Early College Schools, and a Career Readiness Academy. Additionally, there are a number of private schools, academies, and Charter Schools in the area. There are options for traditional and year-round classes in some areas.
Find helpful New Hanover County Schools resources here.
Transportation
Wilmington has WAVE bus service running daily from 5 am until 11 pm reaching most points of the city with special accommodation services for special needs. Wilmington also has a strong taxi service, both land and sea, and an active Uber contingent. ILM, Wilmington's airport offers services of American Airlines/US Airways and Delta Airlines with non-stop service to Charlotte, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City and Washington DC. Overland bus service is available via the WAVE terminal, and sea charters can be arranged.
Health & Fitness
Wilmington is home to two Hospital facilities: New Hanover Regional Medical Center with the Betty H. Cameron Women & Children's Hospital, the Zimmer Cancer Center, NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital, and Emergency Services and her sister hospital, Cape Fear Hospital with other clinics and satellite units throughout the region.
Wilmington boasts dozens of fitness businesses to keep you in shape from traditional gyms to yoga classes on the deck of the U.S.S. North Carolina, to boxing clubs and running clubs. There are also hundreds of miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails in and around the area. Find plenty of options to stay active while in the area, here.
Employment
The employment outlook for Wilmington is healthy. Unemployment rates are consistently below the national average, job growth is almost double the national average, and predicted future job growth over the next decade in expected to be over 40%. The major industries in the area include telecommunications and education.
Arts & Culture
Wilmington is home to the Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College Humanities & Fine Arts Center stage of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and newest venue to welcome national artists and productions. Wilmington is also home to the historic Thalian Hall, built in 1858, host to Live Theater, Musical Productions, Soloists, Dance Troupes, Cinema and the main venue for Cucalorus, Wilmington's Independent Film Festival in its 22nd year. Wilmington has a vibrant artist community with brilliant musicians, thespians, filmmakers, visual artists and performers. Wilmington is also home to EUE/Screen Gems Studios, one of four, who has been the home to over 400 productions.
Moving Companies
International Moving Companies
How to Make Wilmington Home
Registering your vehicle and driver's license
North Carolina law requires you transfer your driving license within 60 days of relocation. To obtain your North Carolina Driver's License, register your vehicle, boat, or trailer you must visit the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, for more information visit online at www.ncdot.gov/dmv/.
Registering to vote
To register to vote, you may visit the New Hanover County Board of Elections online at www.elections.nhcgov.com/.
Establish Utilities
Electric: www.progress-energy.com/carolinas/home/index.page#Carolinas
Water, Sewer & Trash: www.cfpua.org/290/Customer-Service
Gas: www.piedmontng.com/
Internet, Telephone & Television Services:
www.att.com/local/north-carolina/wilmington/
www.timewarnercable.com/en/residential.html
Register for School
For current options and appropriate forms, please visit New Hanover County Schools at www.nhcs.net/districts/options.htm.
For the University of North Carolina Wilmington, visit www.uncw.edu/reg/registration-newStus.html.
For Cape Fear Community College, visit www.cfcc.edu/registration/information/.
Wilmington City Government
Visit: www.wilmingtonnc.gov/
Tax Offices
Visit the New Hanover County Tax Department at their website: www.tax.nhcgov.com/
If you have questions about living in Wilmington or property in the area, please contact us at (910) 408-7224.
