Young, growing city close to Wilmington’s coastline
Incorporated in 1989, Leland is a Brunswick County city on the rise. “It’s not too often that you get to help grow a town. There are places across the U.S. that are shrinking in size, but that’s not happening here,” says Neil Brooks, the assistant town manager and a Leland resident for 17 years. Leland’s population has doubled to nearly 24,000 in the last decade, primarily attracting retirees and families with school-aged children. The medical field and trade industry are the top employers in Leland, and many commute to neighboring Wilmington for work. With a year-round pleasant climate, plans for more housing, and proximity to Wilmington’s historic downtown and beaches, Brooks says Leland will only get bigger.
Leland is a growing area with unique styles of homes in new home communities.
Leland is near downtown Wilmington with many employers and popular restaurants and shops.
Novant Health is a large healthcare employer for Leland residents who work in the medical field.
Wrightsville Beach is a popular beach Leland locals enjoy going to nearby for some fun in the sun.
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New Traditional homes at affordable price points
Housing in Leland tends to be more affordable than in Wilmington, even with the median cost of single-family homes at around $400,000, slightly below the national average. Dana Fisher, director of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, says that’s one of the city’s biggest draws. “I ride up and down the roads, and next thing I know, they’ve cleared 200 acres for new housing,” she says. Gated golf communities like Brunswick Forest contain larger, contemporary properties priced from $700,000 to nearly $1 million.
Leland has traditional home styles with shaded porches and spacious yards.
Find spacious craftsman home styles with two-car garages in Leland.
Leland has modern home styles in charming neighborhoods with amenities for families.
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Exploring the Brunswick Nature Park
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources maintains six Leland green spaces and community centers. The eight-acre Founders Park, located toward the city center, features open expanses and over half a mile of paved multiuse paths. By 2025, the city hopes to grow traffic in the area with a new amphitheater and splash pad. Residents can go hiking or kayaking at the nearby 900-acre Brunswick Nature Park, also home to the annual Bands, Brews and BBQ event. Or they can watch the sunset from the Belville Riverwalk boardwalk, just a few miles east above the Brunswick River. “A lot of people who are moving here want to be close to the coast – you’re about a 30-minute drive from seven different beaches,” says Rob Warwick, a broker with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage who’s been living in the area for over a decade.
Leland locals love to take their mountain bikes for a ride on the trailhead at Burnswick Nature Park in Wilmington.
Leland families go to The Belville Riverwalk Park to explore the beautiful trails in Leland.
Wrightsville Beach is the perfect spot for Leland locals to rest and relax outdoors.
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Visiting breweries in the Gateway District
While Leland doesn’t include a designated “downtown,” the Gateway District near Town Hall has a tiny selection of locally owned breweries and restaurants. Westgate Marketplace, located in the city’s south end, features a mixture of oyster bars, restaurant chains and dozens of small businesses at Sandalwood Shoppes. “Ten years ago, you had to go to Wilmington for everything. The explosion of growth we’ve had means you don’t have to leave Leland for just the essentials anymore,” Warwick says.
Leland Brewing Company is a unique craft brewery and local hotspot with the best beer in Leland.
Westgate Marketplace in Leland has popular restaurants and shops for families.
Lowe's in Leland is a popular store locals go to shop for all of their home improvement needs.
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Post-grad education at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Leland is served by Brunswick County School District, which earns an overall B from Niche. All high school students also have the chance to enroll in tuition-free programs through the district’s partnership with Brunswick Community College in nearby Bolivia. For other post-grad plans, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is about 13 miles east. “UNCW has gotten extremely competitive over the years – you have kids flying in from all over the country to attend nowadays,” Warwick says.
South Brunswick High School in Southport is a public high school serving students in grades 9-12.
Brunswick Community College has many full-time undergraduates who live in nearby Leland.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public university with close proximity to Leland.
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Crime statistics and Leland's weather patterns
According to FBI statistics, both violent and property crime rates in Leland are nearly 50% lower than the national average.
Since it’s close to the coast, tropical storms are a reality for Leland residents. The city is part of the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management’s Resilient Coastal Communities Program, which better prepares coastal cities for natural disasters. Leland has nearly year-round warm weather, with extremely mild winters.
Catching rides on Wave Transit
Downtown Wilmington is roughly 9 miles east via U.S. 74, just over the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, and Interstate 140 is accessible about 6 miles north of the city. Wilmington’s Wave Transit buses stop in Leland, and residents can schedule bus rides to neighboring cities like Belville and Southport with CXL Transportation Services. Novant Health Brunswick Forest Medical Plaza is a 3-mile drive south, and Wilmington International Airport is 11 miles northeast.
From fireworks at Southport to local artisan showcase in spring
The Leland Cultural Arts Center features musicals and comedy shows, along with art workshops for all ages. Every year, the center hosts the popular Spring Artisan Market. Leland is also the location of the widely known North Carolina Rice Festival, a four-day celebration of the region’s rice farming history and the cultivation of Gullah Geechee culture. Warwick says that some of the state's biggest events, such as the North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport, are within a 30-minute drive for Leland residents.
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Donna Waller,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Leland, NC sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Leland, NC over the last 12 months is $449,999, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover effortless coastal vibes at Coastal Haven Townhomes. This new construction home features the thoughtfully designed ''Max'' floor plan, where open-concept living meets a functional layout. Step inside to an airy main level where luxury vinyl plank flooring flows seamlessly throughout the primary living areas. The spacious living room opens directly into the kitchen and breakfast nook,
NEW construction single-family home in a master-planned neighborhood with desirable amenities! Welcome to The Easton at Pinewood, a beautifully designed 4 bed, 3 bath home that perfectly blends comfort, style, and affordability. As you enter through the foyer, you'll find an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the kitchen, family room, and dining room. Whether you're cooking in the gourmet
Live just minutes from downtown Leland, with easy access to Wilmington and nearby beaches, while enjoying a relaxed, low-maintenance lifestyle at East Lake--where lawn care is included so you can spend more time doing what you love.The Dominica Spring floorplan fits perfectly into this lifestyle, offering convenient first-floor living with an open, airy design that makes both relaxing and
Welcome to this Trusst-built Chase II former model home, offering 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and over 2,353 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in one of Leland's most desirable communities. Built in 2021, this home features extensive upgrades, quality craftsmanship, and modern functionality throughout.The open-concept layout showcases crown molding, tray ceilings, rounded
Discover your ideal retreat in the heart of Brunswick Forest, where luxury meets functional design and resort-style amenities abound. This exquisite home features a dedicated office space perfect for remote work, along with built-in shelves and cabinets that offer both style and organization throughout.Entertain effortlessly on your patio, where an outdoor grill connected to gas sets the
Welcome to 109 Lake Drive, Leland, NC, where comfort, convenience, and affordability come together! This well-maintained 1994 3-bedroom, 2-bath double-wide manufactured home offers 1,188 heated square feet of inviting living space and sits on a generous 0.44-acre lot, providing plenty of room to enjoy outdoor living.Step inside to a bright, floor plan featuring a spacious living room that flows
SeaBrooke Community! 3 bedroom/2 bath home, open concept kitchen, dining, living area. Split bedroom plan. Patio large back yard.Solar panels will be paid off at closing.
Pool. Solar. Kent Home. Cape Fear National.Welcome to one of the most complete homes currently available in Brunswick Forest. Situated in the highly desirable Peninsula neighborhood of Cape Fear National, this beautifully maintained Kent built home (2023) combines quality craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and resort-style outdoor living in one exceptional package.Offering nearly 3,100
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained, one-owner residence built in 2020, located in one of Leland's most sought-after communities with convenient access to Wilmington.This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The second floor features brand-new flooring throughout, creating a fresh, modern feel.
Privacy is the star at 1308 Hidden Creek Drive.Tucked at the very back of the neighborhood on a sprawling .54-acre lot surrounded by mature trees, a long private driveway sets the tone before you even reach the front door.Inside, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths flow across a bright, like-new layout, elevated by thoughtful upgraded decor touches that give the home a warm, unique feel you
Skip the wait for new construction and start enjoying your own backyard oasis from day one! Built in 2024 and located in desirable Mallory Creek Plantation, this beautifully maintained ranch-style home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, approximately 1,475 square feet, an attached 2-car garage and easy one-level living--but it's the incredible outdoor living space that truly sets this home
Imagine starting your next chapter at this lovely home! Nestled on .62 of an acre in the inviting Highland Shores community of Belville, this property showcases a smartly designed floor plan ideal for multigenerational living. The private owner's suite features luxurious touches, including a steam shower and jetted tub. Enjoy the charm of Southern living on both the front and back
Welcome to this magnificent 3,100+ sq ft Windsor Homes masterpiece, set on one of the largest lots in the neighborhood. Perfectly balancing classic elegance with everyday functionality, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath layout offers rare outdoor space, premium finishes, and incredible versatility throughout.Main-Floor Guest Suite: A private, main-level bedroom with a full bath and walk-in closet,
This is the kind of property buyers wait for--a well-updated home on a large cul-de-sac lot with a backyard that's already been turned into something special.Inside, the home is bright, polished and truly move-in ready, with a warm, welcoming feel and updates that make it easy to settle in without taking on a long list of projects. The 2021 kitchen remodel adds both style and function
Price Drop!!! An incredible opportunity to own a move-in ready home in the highly sought-after Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation! Perfect for homebuyers seeking turn-key luxury, low-maintenance living, and world-class resort amenities, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence sits on a serene .20-acre lot with mature landscaping and boasts over $40,000 in high-value upgrades (see list in document).
Just outside Wilmington, NC in the beautiful, wooded city of Leland, our 55+ Apartment Community features 1- and 2-bedroom floor plans with upscale amenities so you can live the lifestyle you love. Relax in luxury with chef-inspired kitchens enhanced by granite countertops, vinyl wood flooring, in-unit washer and dryer, oversized closets, and private balconies. Inspiration is just outside your
Choose from our one, two, and three bedroom homes, each designed with sophisticated interiors and essential amenities. Our gourmet kitchens boast sleek stainless steel appliances, undermount sinks, elegant granite countertops, and stylish ceramic backsplashes, all complemented by an open and airy layout perfect for relaxation and entertainment. Each residence is adorned with lofty nine-foot
Welcome to Westgate Townes! Discover a vibrant new townhome community offering modern 2- and 3-bedroom homes designed with your lifestyle in mind. Each townhome boasts spacious layouts, luxury finishes, and attached garages for convenience and comfort. Located in the heart of Leland, NC, our community provides the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility. Enjoy the proximity to
Our brand-new smart-homes in Leland, NC, deliver plenty of charm with modern features and finishes designed for everyday living. Make yourself at home inside one of our one, two, or three bedroom apartments or casitas, where contemporary details like wood-style flooring, tall ceilings, crisp white cabinetry and stainless steal appliances stand out. Outside, a vibrant community and impressive
We don't just rent townhomes – we create a lifestyle. From the moment you step into one of our brand-new homes, you'll feel the coastal charm and modern comfort that make this community the perfect place to call home. Enjoy thoughtfully designed amenities, beautifully landscaped surroundings, and a team dedicated to providing a higher standard of living. Located in Leland, North Carolina, just
Step into refined living at The Parker Leland, where coastal charm blends with stylish interiors and resort-inspired amenities. These apartments in Leland, NC feature modern finishes in spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts—all just minutes from the coast and Downtown Wilmington. Ready to feel the difference? Schedule a tour today!
Savor a one-of-a-kind residential experience at Cape Cottages — the first cottage style apartments in Leland, NC. Wrapped in coastal architectural style, Cape Cottage's beautifully designed pet-friendly apartment floor plans pay homage to its charming location with a lifestyle that far exceeds the expectation of typical apartment living. Think of your brand new one-, two-, or three-bedroom one-
Exchange at Westgate offers a fresh approach to apartment living in Leland, North Carolina. Designed with comfort, style, and convenience in mind, our pet-friendly community features spacious studio, one, two, and three-bedroom homes with modern finishes and bright, open layouts. Enjoy resort-style amenities, thoughtfully designed interiors, and a location that keeps you close to everything—from
Brunswick Point offers newly renovated 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments in Leland, NC, within the Brunswick County Schools district. This pet-friendly community welcomes up to two pets per home, dogs welcome, and features a private off-leash dog park. Community amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, playground, laundry care center, and 24-hour emergency maintenance. Select homes
Now Leasing Townhomes! The Village at Compass Pointe is your new destination for comfortable luxury, seaside serenity, and unmatched convenience near Wilmington, NC. With high-end community amenities and our location close to local beaches, shops, and eateries, you’ll find all you need to live the coastal Carolina lifestyle of your dreams here in Leland, NC. Here, you can choose from a variety of
Welcome to Harrington Square, where elevated apartment living meets unbeatable convenience in the heart of Leland. Choose from modern studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans designed for comfort and style, with upscale finishes and smart features throughout. Call our leasing team today!Located in the heart of Leland, Harrington Square offers upscale living with thoughtfully designed spaces and
Welcome to Isabella Court, a premier pet-friendly community in Leland, North Carolina, offering brand-new three and four bedroom rental homes designed for modern living. Each home features high-end finishes, including luxury flooring, granite countertops, Energy-Star certified stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, and smart-home technology for ultimate convenience.Residents enjoy
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