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The Cape

The Cape

Neighborhood in Sea Breeze, North Carolina

New Hanover County 28412

$466,219 Average Value
$233 Average Price per Sq Ft
22 Homes For Sale

Gated community formerly home to the Masonboro Country Club

Spread out along the southern Cape Fear peninsula, The Cape was once a bustling golf community that attracted retirees who wanted to step out of their front doors and onto the course. However, Hurricane Florence in 2018 would permanently alter this neighborhood, damaging the course and ultimately leading to its closure. Today, this semi-private gated community still brings in retirees and families, but instead of golf, the big draw is the neighborhood’s closeness to Carolina Beach. “It’s a great location for someone who doesn’t want to be on the barrier island but wants to be close to the beach,” says Sean Skutnik, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. “Insurance is affected by your distance from the water. People are a little more conscious of how close they are these days,” adds Skutnik, who’s lived in Wilmington since the 1990s. Potential buyers should note that plans for development on the community’s aging golf greens remain locked in litigation between the developer and a group of homeowners.

An array of coastal homes surrounded by wild golf greens

While The Cape is no longer a country club, the area still feels elevated. Residents entering the neighborhood pass by a white tower surrounded by shrublike palms. Homes feature meticulously landscaped yards and rest on wide streets shaded by mature trees. Some properties back up to the once pristinely kept golf greens dotted with sand traps and ponds. A wide range of single-family styles is available, from single-story patio homes with sunrooms and cute cottages to larger brick builds and coastal Craftsman designs. Most properties cost between $400,000 and $600,000, but three-story custom homes with views of the Cape Fear River start at $1 million and can top $2 million. There are also townhouses in the $200,000s and $300,000s. Monthly HOA fees range between $50 and $60. As for the coastal nature of the neighborhood, Skutnik says, “We’re in an area that can potentially receive tropical weather. It’s part of living here. It’s pretty isolated impact-wise, unless it’s a big rainmaking event.”

Outdoor recreation on Pleasure Island

Residents will soon have a pool to enjoy at The Cape. For now, Carolina Beach is the destination for recreation. Beachgoers can enjoy the soothing sounds of waves lapping against the sandy coast before dipping in the Atlantic Ocean. A short walk over the dunes and boardwalk leads to Carolina Beach Lake Park. A smooth walking path loops around the glittering Carolina Lake, where residents can board a paddle boat for a smooth ride on the water. On the opposite side of the island, hikers trek along nature trails, and kayakers set off down the Cape Fear River at Carolina Beach State Park. Those who love to camp can book a quiet site under the cover of the park’s towering pine and oak trees, or they can enjoy an oceanside experience at Freeman Park. Boating along the Intracoastal Waterway is a big to-do. Mariners have several marinas and yacht clubs, including Carolina Beach Yacht Club and Marina. It recently opened The Barge, a floating bar where residents can listen to live music and watch the sunset over The Cape. The semi-private Beau Rivage Golf & Resort is the nearest course, featuring 18 holes designed by Joe Gessner.

An elementary school blocks from the beach

Children travel across the Snow’s Cut Bridge to attend Carolina Beach Elementary. The school, adorned with palm trees, rests a few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and earns an A-minus from Niche. Elisa Roels, the Owner of Cape Fear Realty Group, says the school’s relaxed and supportive community is a big draw for homebuyers. “The parents are really laid back and fun. A lot of the kids will go surfing before they go to school,” says Roels, who’s lived in the Wilmington area since 2014. Students head inland to Charles P. Murray Middle and Eugene Ashley High. The schools sit side by side next to Veterans Park, where youth sports teams across the area hold practice and games. Murray Middle receives an A-minus and has a thriving arts department offering band, chorus, orchestra, theater and visual art classes. The B-rated Ashley High offers a long list of clubs and organizations for students to explore interests such as beach volleyball, e-sports, dance and gardening. Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences, which does not have a Niche grade, and Coastal Christian High School, earning a B, are two nearby private options.

Scenic bike rides along River Road

Paved paths weave through overgrown golf greens, but that’s the extent of the community’s walkability. A private vehicle is needed to get around Wilmington. The Cape has easy access to Carolina Beach Road (U.S. Route 421) for commutes into downtown, about 14 miles north. The less traveled River Road provides an alternative route when traffic is high. The bike-friendly street is popular with cyclists looking to enjoy scenic views of the marshland and the Cape Fear River. As for public transportation, the neighborhood has no Wave Transit routes, but residents can use its RideMICRO service to order rides to destinations across the city.

Seafood and shopping in Carolina Beach

Residents drive over the Snow’s Cut Bridge to Carolina Beach to eat, shop and play. The town features dozens of local eateries serving seafood, barbecue, American fare and international food. A sea-themed mural on the front of Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn delights the eyes of diners ready to enjoy its authentic Mexican cuisine, priced low and served quickly. Residents work up an appetite practicing their throws at Lazy Pirate Sports Grill and Axe Throwing. The vibrant, island-themed bar offers seafood and cocktails. Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar pairs fish tacos with unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the only restaurant with a pier stretching out over the sand. The historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk features a mix of local boutiques and chain gift shops. The island is home to two grocers, Publix and Food Lion. Residents can drive about 6 miles north to Monkey Junction to shop at national retailers such as Walmart Supercenter and The Home Depot.
DeeVa Payne
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Marc Smith
Photography Contributed By
Marc Smith
Brad Davis
Video By
Brad Davis

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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 Matt Jones, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Wilmington International

39 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Cape US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

The Cape Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$449,900
Median Sale Price
$440,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$449,950
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$320,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
63
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$233

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,019
Number of Homes for Sale
22
Median Year Built
1999
Months of Supply
4.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,952
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,924
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
997
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
752
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    12 - 2pm

    223 Rouen Ct, Wilmington, NC 28412

    $450,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,704 Sq Ft
    • 223 Rouen Ct
    • New 23 days ago

    Charming Coastal Home Minutes from Carolina Beach!Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in The Cape, a beautiful neighborhood just minutes from the sand and surf of Carolina Beach, this well-maintained home offers comfort, space, and privacy. Featuring vaulted ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors and an open floor plan, the living area is bright and welcoming with a cozy fireplace at its center.Enjoy

    Agent Photo
    Atlantic Edge Partners
    Intracoastal Realty Corp
    (910) 807-7298
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  • Sunday, Jun 15
    2 - 4pm

    513 Capeside Dr, Wilmington, NC 28412

    $279,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,638 Sq Ft
    • 513 Capeside Dr

    Take advantage of this rare opportunity to live in a quiet age restricted 55+ community that is close to the beach and a local golf course. This home was renovated in 2020 with recent electrical and plumbing repairs. The large kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, island with seating, an abundance of cabinets and ample pantry. The generous size laundry room(off the

    Donna Watson Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties

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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 Matt Jones, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,507
Median Age
57
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
37%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$64,080
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$94,017

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36%
Advanced Degrees
7.2%
% Population in Labor Force
58.2%
Below the national average
65.1%

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®

38 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

4 / 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.

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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
The Cape