Sprawling suburb north of Wilmington and close to Wrightsville Beach
Derek Criscitiello may admit that Murraysville “is mainly just subdivisions.” But the Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage agent adds that this simplicity appeals to many people. “There’s the typical family life there. People go to work and take the kids to soccer practice,” says Criscitiello, who has been selling homes in the area for two years. This expansive suburb north of Wilmington is roughly 10 miles from downtown and is often considered part of neighboring Ogden. Three large parks offer plenty of recreation, and when the ocean calls, Wrightsville Beach is a quick drive down U.S. Highway 17. Elisa Roels, the owner of Cape Fear Realty Group, adds that residents don’t have to travel far for the essentials either, as the Market Street commercial corridor and Mayfaire Town Center are less than 4 miles away.
The Murraysville sits 10 miles north of downtown Wilmington.
The closest beach to Murraysville is Wrightsville Beach.
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Coastal cottages, ranch-style homes and New Traditional builds
From above, Murraysville is a sprawling and tightly packed network of subdivisions dotted with lakes and ponds. At ground level, properties are equally spaced on grassy lots decorated with palm trees, ornamental saplings and shrubs. With few large trees, most of the area receives full sun throughout the day. However, the northernmost subdivisions are hugged by swaths of forest, providing shade and creating privacy between homes. “Murraysville is great for people looking for starter homes,” Criscitiello explains. “There are a lot of cute homes out there for the low $300,000s,” he continues. Buyers will find various styles. Coastal cottages typically have covered front porches just big enough for two rocking chairs. Ranch-style homes range from classic midcentury forms to early 2000s brick builds with attached garages. There are also two-story Colonial Revivals and New Traditional homes. As for prices, townhouses list between $315,000 and $430,000, while detached homes range from $325,000 to nearly $600,000. Potential buyers should note that some subdivisions are private, with homeowners associations and monthly fees starting under $20 and topping $100.
Coastal Cottage style homes are among the most common in Murraysville.
Large new traditional homes are popular in Murraysville.
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A high school attended by an NBA legend
Three elementary schools serve the community, including Porters Neck Elementary and Eaton Elementary, but most homes are zoned for Murrayville Elementary. Tucked in the forests along Murrayville Road, the school earns a B-plus grade from Niche. A very active PTA supports the school, raising over $50,000 in recent years for a new playground. Emma B. Trask Middle receives a B-plus and sits next to Emsley A. Laney High. The high school is known for its famous graduate, NBA icon and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. Also earning a B-plus, the high school offers a STEM Academy for first-year students interested in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine. Wilmington Christian Academy, Northside School of Christian Leadership and Providence Preparatory Academy are nearby private options.
The AP participation rate at Emsley A Laney High School is 30%.
The entrance to The student population of Emma B Trask Middle School.
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Easy access to Interstate 40
Sidewalks are rare here, but traffic is minimal for walks or bike rides along the streets. Driving is the primary way to get around the area, with U.S. Route 17 (Military Cutoff Road) connecting residents to State Route 140 and Market Street. Interstate 40 is nearby for commutes to downtown, about 10 miles west. Wrightsville Beach, a popular destination for Wilmington residents, is less than a 7-mile drive. While Wave Transit does not operate within the community, residents can find the closest bus stop along Route 17 at East Westwood Road. Wilmington International Airport is about 8 miles away.
Murraysville residents have easy access to the WAVE bus system on Market Street.
Many of the subdivisions in Murraysville are walker friendly with wide roads and sidewalks.
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A baseball field for all abilities at Olsen Park
Surrounded by a thick line of trees is Smith Creek Park. This green space is popular for its 1.3-mile accessible trail that circles a large, low-lying fishing lake. No swimming is allowed, but a floating dock allows for kayaks and canoes. Or, visitors can simply sit on a bench and take in the scenery. Next to the parking lot, a nature-themed playground features tree-, mushroom- and rock-shaped climbing obstacles. Ogden Park is the center for outdoor sports. This massive park is located behind Eaton Elementary and features multiple athletic fields and courts, an outdoor gym and a skatepark. A paved trail wraps around a pond, passing by a playground and a fenced dog park. Olsen Park features five traditional baseball fields, but its unique amenity is Miracle Field, a rubberized baseball diamond for adults and children with disabilities.
Ogden Park offers activities for the whole family.
The dock at Smith Creek Park allows you to launch a Kayak or Canoe.
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Shop big and small on Market Street
Publix, Food Lion and Walmart Supercenter are all within a few miles of the community along Market Street. The same road is home to small businesses such as Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters, a trendy, women-owned coffee shop serving lattes and avocado toast. Guests can sit inside on a comfy leather couch or enjoy the peaceful brick patio out back. Over in the Northwood Shopping Center, Baker Street Curiosity Shop is stocked with vintage finds and pop culture oddities. A few doors down, The Used Bookery is a small store, but a bibliophile's dream. Ruth’s Kitchen shares the parking lot. This humble, decades-old eatery serves country comfort food. Criscitiello recommends Seven Mile Post, a pub featuring an outdoor stage, for live music, drinks and bar bites. “It’s laid-back and lowkey. It's not like a fancy place, but it makes you feel comfortable,” he explains. Family-friendly entertainment is a quick drive down Route 17 to the Mayfaire Shopping Mall, anchored by national brands and a Regal movie theater.
You can find national brands like Talbots at the Mayfaire Town Center.
Four miles from the neighborhood is the outdoor Mayfaire Shopping Mall.
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Summer berry picking at Lewis Strawberry Nursery & Farm
In the warmer months, a popular activity for families in the area is visiting Lewis Strawberry Nursery & Farm for strawberry, blueberry and blackberry picking. The fourth-generation family farm also serves scoops of homemade ice cream and has a greenhouse where residents can buy flowers, vegetable plants, local honey and jams.
Born and raised in Southern California, Cisco Cardoso began working in restaurants while in High School. After 2 years at Glendale Community College, he decided to do something different and joined the Army. Once out of the military, he decided to pursue a culinary career, where he worked at some suitable places, Ruth's Chris/Beverly Hills, Club Med & Horn blower Dining Yachts just to name a few. He then opened his own restaurant in North Hollywood...Cisco's Sauté House. In 95', he moved from the beaches of Los Angeles to the beaches of North Carolina. It was at the well-known waterfront restaurant, " Wally's in Wrightsville Beach" where he met someone who inspired him to give Real Estate a try. Using care managing his client’s real estate needs, just as he would his patron’s food, has propelled him in his Real Estate business, and has allowed him to be here 17 years later. He has a small Firm downtown. He is in The Cape Fear Regions Top Producers/ 300 from 2017-2020 and feels blessed that he can wake up Every morning with the same enthusiasm knowing he is helping people achieve their Real Estate goals & Dreams, as well as helping owners solve problems when in distress.
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