A small, but growing community close to the Maco Light
The area of Northwest was known in Brunswick County long before it became a city in 1993. Just beyond the border awaits the site of the Maco Light. According to legend, in the late 1800s, a mysterious light appeared near the location of a train wreck. The light was said to be a glowing lantern from the conductor who died in the accident. It's unclear if the wreckage ever happened. However, witness accounts continued until the tracks were removed in the 1970s.
Today, this ghost town is undergoing redevelopment. "They're doing a lot of remodeling and getting things together," says Dorris Ballard, a Northwest native and Deputy City Clerk for the city. "There will be a new playground here [soon]. We have two nice, new home developments." In 2021, the city and Brunswick County partnered to create the City of Northwest Unified Development Ordinance. The plan lays out future developments for new housing and businesses.
A mix of older homes and new constructions in Herring Shores
Along the country roads are older ranch-style houses and manufactured homes. Many residential lots have drainage ditches in the front yard to assist stormwater runoff. There are also more recent New Traditional dwellings. "Herring Shores [development] is being built at the end of Northwest Road. The Northern Lights [subdivision] has been here since 2021," Ballard says. The city's most recent houses range between $300,000 and $435,000. Older dwellings and manufactured homes typically range from $100,000 to $225,000. However, some renovated homes can enter the market for as much as $400,000. With the Cape Fear River nearby, Northwest has a minor risk of flooding.
U.S. 74/76 leads to fast-food spots and Dollar General
Ballard says a few national fast-food spots, including Hardee's and Bojangles locations, are on U.S. 74/76. She says locals enjoy nearby regional chains, such as Heather Rae's Comfort Cookin' Restaurant. A Dollar General also stands off the highway. There is a Piggly Wiggly supermarket about 5 miles away in Riegelwood.
Attending Lincoln Elementary to North Brunswick High
Students attend Brunswick County Schools in nearby Leland. Lincoln Elementary has a B grade from Niche. Leland Middle and North Brunswick High receive B-minus grades. The high school offers career and technical education pathways for health science, business law and computer science. The district allows students to transfer to other schools under special circumstances if space is available.
Northwest City Park and recreation in Leland
Northwest City Park has basketball courts and a lighted baseball diamond with bleachers. The community green space sits next door to the city hall. Northwest District Park, in Leland, is a county-run public sports complex. The grounds contain multiple fields for baseball and soccer. The site also includes tennis courts and a playground. Compass Pointe Golf Club, also in Leland, offers members a private 18-hole championship course.
Grover hosts holiday events all year
The small city hosts several annual community events. "We have Founder's Day every year. There are vendors for food and different activities for the kids. It's a pretty big event," Ballard says. "The Fall festival in October has trunk or treat for the kids and hot dogs. There's also a Christmas parade."
Traveling to Leland and Wilmington
The Brunswick Transit System provides public transportation through a Dial-a-Ride program; ride requests must be made 48 hours in advance. U.S. 74/76 stretches across Grover's southern edge. The roadway leads to Interstate 140 and Leland. Wilmington Health Today's Care in Leland offers a walk-in clinic. Drivers can reach Wilmington in about 20 miles.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
