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
Cynthia LaCorte,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Leland, NC sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Leland, NC over the last 12 months is $447,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
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
Estimated Completion: July 2026! New Construction Home in East Lake! The Somis 1 is a single-story home with 3BD, 2.5 BA plus a study, an open floorplan, covered back porch and shadow box fenced in yard, fully landscaped, irrigation and side garage door access. The home features 9' ceilings, gas tankless hot water heater, 14 SEER HVAC, fibercement siding. Interior features include a Frigidaire
Set on over an acre of land, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a quiet, spacious setting just outside the heart of Leland. Situated along Green Hill Road, the property provides a private, country feel while still offering an easy drive to downtown Wilmington. The expansive lot allows flexibility and room to grow — ideal for outdoor living, gardening, additional storage, or future customization.
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 to 4275 Cobleskill Drive, a refined, move-in-ready residence offering exceptional privacy and showcase-quality design in the heart of Brunswick Forest. Backing to a lush, tree-lined setting, this home provides a rare sense of seclusion seldom found in newer construction. Inside, light-filled spaces, elevated finishes, and a thoughtfully designed open layout create an effortless flow for
Seller is offering a $5,000 paint credit or towards the buyer's closing costs. Opportunity knocks in desirable Mallory Creek with all the amenities including a community pool! This popular floor plan offers the ease of single-level living with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, 9-foot ceilings, and an open-concept layout designed for comfortable everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen
From the moment you arrive, the welcoming covered front porch invites you to feel at home. Offering over 3,000 sq ft of beautifully designed living space, this Windsor Homes masterpiece sits proudly on one of the community's largest lots, offering rare and unparalleled outdoor space. This residence seamlessly blends timeless style with everyday functionality, featuring 4 oversized bedrooms, 3.5
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 drywall
Welcome to 2110 Colony Pines Drive, a custom-built coastal farmhouse located in Brunswick Forest within the prestigious Cape Fear National. Built by PBC Design & Build, this exceptional home offers unobstructed water views, refined craftsmanship, and thoughtfully designed indoor/outdoor living spaces throughout. The open concept main level features wide-plank rustic wood flooring, soaring
A beautifully appointed home in one of Leland's most sought-after riverside communities. Upgraded finishes throughout, LVP flooring, granite kitchen, stainless appliances, and a spacious owner's suite with dual vanities, walk-in shower, and soaking tub. Hawkeswater offers a private day dock with kayak access to the Cape Fear River, community pool, and fitness center, minutes from Wilmington
Discover the perfect blend of coastal style and functional space in the McKimmon floor plan, situated on a highly desirable corner lot within Leland's Coastal Haven community. This home makes an immediate impression the moment you step through the front door, welcoming you with a dramatic foyer featuring soaring cathedral ceilings that flood the entryway with natural light. Designed for modern
Welcome home to 3563 Wigeon Way Here's what you get: a sharp 3BD/2BA, 1,475 SF home with a 2-car garage, open-concept living, a stainless steel kitchen, and an owner's suite with a walk-in closet and oversized shower. Add top-tier community amenities (pools, clubhouse, playground, trails) and you've got a home that's honestly too good to rent out. But that's exactly where it's headed. Very soon
Welcome to 9564 Holly Hills Dr NE in Leland, NC, a freshly updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering space, privacy, and flexibility--all with NO HOA restrictions. Sitting on a spacious 0.71-acre lot, this property is perfect for buyers looking for room to park boats, trailers, RVs, or multiple vehicles while still being close to Wilmington. Built in 2010 with 1,342 sq ft of living space, this home
Build your dream home in the Cottages section of Compass Pointe! Discover resort-style living in a gated community where golf carts are welcome and every day feels like a getaway. Beautiful, established trees at the back of the lot means that no one else will be building around you. This ideal location is easy walking distance to the Grand Lanai, Lazy River and Dog Park! Not too many
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
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!
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
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
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
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-
Your next home is waiting for you here at Hawthorne Cottages at Leland, a charming community of one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages located near the heart of Leland, NC. Inside these spacious floor plans, you'll discover cozy interiors complete with all the modern conveniences you desire. Outside your home, the community's inviting amenities provide the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy
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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