Wallace's agricultural roots, rural nature and modern growth
Settled in the early 19th century, Wallace is one of the original towns that cropped up after the completion of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, surrounded by rolling fields that supported cotton gins and strawberry crops. Wallace is still primarily an agricultural area known for large livestock herds and produce. Its laidback location near the North Carolina shoreline and city job prospects have made it appealing for new residents. "It's rural, and you're not on top of your neighbors, but you're still less than an hour from bigger places like Jacksonville and Wilmington," says Jody Roney, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who's lived in nearby Burgaw for 20 years. "It's got the mom-and-pop shops and the country lifestyle, but at the same time, it's getting the bigger stores, the gated communities. It's only growing because people want quiet without being completely in the middle of nowhere."
Affordable midcentury homes and contemporary properties near Wilmington
Around downtown Wallace, on quiet streets, are midcentury ranch-style homes, renovated cottages and Cape Cods, usually selling for $180,000 to $325,000. "Wilmington is pricey; you can get a comparable house in Wallace for much less," Roney says. "A lot of people commute to Wilmington or Jacksonville for work, but they want less traffic and more affordable prices. For most homes here, you're looking at under $450,000 for good square footage and a decent lot size." Further into the country, custom-built and large contemporary homes become more common. River Landing, a gated community filled with spec housing, is Wallace's newest residential area and a big draw for new residents. Homes in River Landing can sell anywhere between $385,000 to $750,000, determined by square footage and luxury amenities.
Playing around at Farrior Park and heading down to the beach for the day
At Farrior Park, which is anchored by Boney Mill Pond, licensed anglers can cast a line off a recently built dock, and there are kayak and canoe launches for those who want to row around in the water. The park also has a playground and walking trail that circles the pond. "Legion Stadium has your typical Friday night football. Youth leagues and such are really active there," Roney says. "And you can get to the beach in under an hour, so it's easy to go down for the day."
Essential errand runs and locally owned businesses on West Main Street
Wallace serves as a shopping area for many surrounding rural communities, dotted with chain restaurants and small retail plazas. Stores like Piggly Wiggly, Walmart and Tractor Supply provide for residents' everyday needs, and The Wells Livestock opens twice a week to local vendors selling produce. Along West Main Street is a small selection of independently owned shops and restaurants, from vintage clothes at This Little Pig to the ever-changing seasonal menu at Mo'Joe Coffee & Cupcakes. "Mad Boar out by River Landing is pretty great, they do good comfort food. They have live music every weekend, too."
Celebrating spring at the Carolina Strawberry Festival and weekly community events
Every year in May, Wallace welcomes both locals and tourists to the Carolina Strawberry Festival. The main stage hosts live music and the festival pageant while visitors browse the wine and beer garden, hop on carnival rides and enjoy tons of strawberries. "I think there's more going on than people might think; it's just about knowing your community," Roney says. "The neighborhood by the Walmart goes all-out for Halloween; all the neighbors decorate and let families park in their driveways so the kids can trick-or-treat. It's things like that."
Wallace-based public schooling with Duplin County
Most children will receive education through Duplin County Schools, and North Carolina does not offer open enrollment for children to attend schools outside of what they are zoned to. Wallace Elementary School, which teaches prekindergarten through eighth grade, receives a C on Niche. Kids can move on to C-plus-rated Wallace-Rose Hill High School, which received the North Carolina Academic Growth Award for the 2023-2024 school year.
Light traffic makes for easy commutes around Wallace
State Routes 41 and 117 intersect in the center of Wallace, running east-west and north-south, respectively. Interstate 40 runs parallel to the community and 39 miles south to Wilmington. "You can be in Wilmington in 30 minutes, on the beach is 45. It seems counterintuitive, but the further out you get, the less time things take," Roney says. While Wallace has an urgent care center, the closest major hospital, ECU Health Duplin Hospital, is found 20 miles north. Railroad tracks cut through the community's center, so residents may occasionally hear passing trains.
