Burgaw is a quaint Southern town with easy access to Wilmington
Burgaw is a charming Southern town of about 3,200 anchored by a historic downtown district that features the oldest train depot in the state, the Pender County Court House and two still-operational 19th century churches: Burgaw Presbyterian and Macedonia AME. “It reminds me of Mayberry,” says Adonna Pipkin of RE/MAX Executive, who sells homes throughout the region.
Downtown Burgaw maintains a strong connection to the past while remaining the center of modern-day activity. It has been used as the backdrop for several TV shows and movies, and it hosts the annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival, which draws 40,000 visitors to this community north of Wilmington. “It’s a big event, one of the biggest around,” Pipkin says. “There are 100-150 vendors, food trucks and bands. Of course, they sell blueberries and blueberry-type items.”
Affordable home prices and lower property taxes than Wilmington
The median price of a single-family home here is $329,000, considerably less the national numbers. Prices range from the mid-$100,000s to the low $400,000s. “You get better value for your money, although everything is going up, I will admit,” Pipkin says. “You’re in a separate county from Wilmington, so property taxes are lower.” Housing options vary in size, style and age, depending on location. Smaller Cape Cods and bungalow-style homes are among the older offerings concentrated in and around downtown. Ranch-style homes are common away from the town center. These homes sit on spacious lots surrounded by mature trees.
While new construction can be found throughout the community, most of it is concentrated on the outskirts. Many offerings are cozy cottage-style homes, but the new home community of Creekside offers multi-level contemporary designs. The walkable neighborhood features sidewalks, a rarity in Burgaw. The community is far enough inland that flooding is not an issue, but it's close enough to the coast that wind damage is a risk during hurricane season, which runs from May through November. Proximity to the coast also means hot, humid summers.
New restaurants anchor a revitalized downtown district
Olde Carolina Eatery, a popular homestyle restaurant, and Fat Daddy’s Pizza are highly rated stops downtown. Nearby Burgaw Brewery is a contemporary drinking and dining establishment. “They’re reviving downtown with a lot of newer restaurants,” Pipkin says. “Downtown has got a quaintness to it. It’s a great place to go on a date and walk around.” More dining options are concentrated along Jacksonville Highway just outside downtown. Residents can shop for groceries at the local Piggly-Wiggly, or head to the Walmart Supercenter for essentials and more.
Pender Early College High among several public schools in the community
The community is zoned for Pender County Schools, a district that earns a B-plus from Niche. Younger students can attend C.F. Pope Elementary School and Burgaw Middle School, rated B-minus and C, respectively, by Niche. Most older students can attend Pender High, a C-rated school, but a select number can attend Pender Early College High, which focuses on accumulating college credits in high school. The institution, which earns an A from Niche, was created in 2006 as part of the North Carolina New Schools Project, an initiative of the Bell & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Central Pender Park is expected to open in the fall of 2025
The community just broke ground on Central Pender Park. The new recreational facility will be designed as a countywide recreational destination. It will feature multipurpose fields, a playground and a paved walking path among its amenities. It is expected to open in the fall. Pender Memorial Park is currently the center of baseball and softball activity, and several other parks offer a variety of amenities. The community recently started a fundraiser for a splash pad at Bishop Rayford Hankins Memorial Park. Burgaw is only about 30 miles from Wilmington, so those seeking outdoor adventures can take a quick trip to the coast.
Easy access to Wilmington for work and play
Residents do not have to travel far for health services, as Novant Health Pender Medical Center is located in the community. New Hanover Regional Medical Center is a larger facility in Wilmington. Interstate 40 on the community’s east side provides convenient travel to the coastal city, which is also home to Wilmington International Airport. “Easy access to Wilmington is what makes Burgaw so attractive,” Pipkin says. “It’s very easy to commute for work, beaches, shopping, everything.”
Written By
Matt Pallister
