Section Image

Intracoastal Waterway

Intracoastal Waterway

Neighborhood in Sea Breeze, North Carolina

New Hanover County 28409, 28412

$833,688 Average Value
$493 Average Price per Sq Ft
31 Homes For Sale

An outdoorsy community along the Intracoastal Waterway

The Intracoastal Waterway neighborhood stretches 7 miles along its namesake, the federally maintained boating route, from Whiskey Creek in Masonboro to Snow’s Cut in Sea Breeze. This waterside community draws in outdoorsy buyers looking to make boating, fishing and kayaking a part of everyday life. Residents can enjoy morning cups of coffee from decks overlooking the marshy coast or down on a dock as they prepare for a day on the tranquil waters of the Intracoastal. Properties here differ from one lot to the next, fitting a variety of buyers, from traditional homes for families and retirees to lavish coastal estates for high-income residents and investors. Prices reflect the closeness to the water. In July 2024, the average home value in the neighborhood was about $789,000, compared to the Wilmington area average of $557,000.

Traditional homes for everyday living and lavish waterfront estates

Most of the neighborhood’s streets course straight through pine forests before reaching the marshy coast of the Intracoastal Waterway, where private and community docks stretch out over the calm waters. While most roads are wide and paved, some are narrow and a mix of gravel and sand. Homes rest on neatly manicured lots between a third of an acre to over half an acre and come in a wide range of styles and pricing. Ranch-style homes, Cape Cod-inspired farmhouses and New Traditional builds range from $400,000 to $800,000, often featuring covered front porches and attached garages. Custom coastal-style houses, sometimes resting on stilts, are designed for entertaining, offering multiple porches, patios and backyard firepits for friendly gatherings. These homes start at around $700,000 and can reach $1 million. Luxurious waterfront estates with modern interiors sit at the top of the market, starting at $1 million and reaching $3.3 million. Buyers can find properties with or without HOAs and community amenities like a clubhouse and pool. Due to the coastal nature of the area, there is a risk of flooding, but the region’s barrier islands provide a buffer amid tropical storms.

Day trips to Masonboro Island

The neighborhood’s location along the Intracoastal Waterway makes it ideal for those who love spending time on the water. “There are a lot of boaters in that area,” says Matt Freeman, a Team Thirty 4 North broker at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. “There are multiple communities that have marinas. Some homes have their own private docks,” says Freeman, who’s lived in Wilmington for 15 years. Residents without waterfront access can launch their boat at Trails End Park, which features a boat ramp and fishing pier. Or they can join one of the area's several yacht clubs and marinas. Tricia Bursell, a Blue Coast Realty Corporation Realtor who’s lived in Wilmington since 2019, recommends Freedom Boat Club, “You can ride right under the Snow’s Cut Bridge and get to downtown. They have lots of water activities, kayaking and jet skiing.” Masonboro Island, a coastal nature preserve not reachable by car, is a popular destination, offering quiet afternoons for fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking.

Eugene Ashley High inspires future marine scientists

Heyward C. Bellamy Elementary, hugged by the rolling golf greens of Beau Rivage Golf & Resort, earns an A-minus from Niche. The school’s supportive PTA recently fundraised to purchase a sunshade for the playground area, which receives full sun for most of the day. Charles P. Murray Middle and Eugene Ashley High share a connected campus adjacent to the expansive Veterans Park. Murray Middle receives an A-minus and is named after a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who routinely visited the school following its opening in 2001 until his passing in 2011. Eugene Ashley High gets a B and offers a Marine Science Academy for students interested in oceanography and marine biology. Myrtle Grove Christian and Coastal Christian High School are two nearby private options. The neighborhood is home to Wilmington Academy of Arts & Sciences, a private middle school for gifted children, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science.

Boating, driving and biking around Wilmington

Boating is a common way to reach coastal destinations around Wilmington, such as Wrightsville Beach, but most people drive to get around for daily life. A major city thoroughfare, Carolina Beach Road (U.S. Route 421), is nearby for trips into downtown Wilmington, about 11 miles away. Cyclists can use Masonboro Loop and Myrtle Grove roads to reach other bike-friendly routes. As for public transportation, the closest Wave Transit bus stops are in Monkey Junction. Wilmington International Airport is about 14 miles north.

Picking up the essentials in Monkey Junction

Once drawing in tourists for its gas station with monkeys, the intersection of Carolina Beach Road and College Road is now known as Monkey Junction. Today, the area is a bustling commercial corridor, home to national retailers such as Walmart Supercenter, The Home Depot, and Lowes Foods. Residents can dine at chains, including Buffalo Wild Wings and IHOP. There are also a handful of local restaurants in the area. Celtic Monkey Irish Pub and Grill serves traditional Irish pub fare, often enjoyed with a pint. Michaelangelo's Pizza & Subs slices up New York-style pies, while Cape Fear Seafood Company is popular for brunch and date nights. Residents drive or boat to Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and downtown Wilmington for nightlife and entertainment.
DeeVa Payne
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Marc Smith
Photography Contributed By
Marc Smith
Kevin Carter
Video By
Kevin Carter

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Diane Castro-Perez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Wilmington International

34 min drive

Bus

Uncw Center For Marine Science

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Intracoastal Waterway US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Intracoastal Waterway Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$995,000
Median Sale Price
$895,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$964,750
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$967,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
59
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
19%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$493

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,684
Number of Homes for Sale
31
Median Year Built
1989
Months of Supply
6.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,365
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,980
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,110
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
16,988

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    11am - 3pm

    229 Chimney Ln, Wilmington, NC 28409

    $1,300,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,850 Sq Ft
    • 229 Chimney Ln
    • New 8 days ago

    This tastefully renovated 3-4 bedroom home offers a rare combination of charm, functionality, and lifestyle. Located in the highly sought-after waterfront community of Old Chimney, the property includes an assigned 38' boat slip--perfect for boating enthusiasts. The home features an additional 900 sq ft of heated and cooled living space on the ground level (not included in the listed square

    Libby Harriss Keller Williams Innovate-Wilmington

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Jun 14
    10am - 1pm

    5624 Captains Ln, Wilmington, NC 28409

    $3,500,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,870 Sq Ft
    • 5624 Captains Ln

    Boaters Paradise! Set on 4.9 private acres with over 260 feet of direct frontage along the Intracoastal Waterway, this exceptional home offers panoramic views of lush marsh, Masonboro Island, and an unmatched coastal lifestyle. Custom built by Eddie Collins, this three-level residence effortlessly blends timeless craftsmanship with modern functionality--all just steps from the water.At the heart

    Jane Marr Intracoastal Realty Corp

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Jun 14
    10am - 12pm

    5013 Dockside Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409

    $1,749,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,799 Sq Ft
    • 5013 Dockside Dr

    *1 year boat slip lease included* Welcome to 5013 Dockside Drive in the exclusive gated community of Helms Port. This custom built home, thoughtfully designed and impeccably maintained by the original owners, offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality. With expansive living spaces, 10' foot ceilings on both levels, and a layout that creates an open, airy feel, this home is

    Evan Barton Cadence Realty Corporation

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Diane Castro-Perez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,590
Median Age
47
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$115,277
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$145,603

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.4%
College Graduates
51.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
64''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Intracoastal Waterway neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Intracoastal Waterway