$273,510Average Value$214Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Willard’s laidback Pender County lifestyle and rural community centers
Willard is a patchwork of farmland, forests, country roads and crossroad villages in rural Pender County. Life moves slower this far from cities like Wilmington and Raleigh. While many new and generational residents come to Willard seeking privacy, they end up meeting one another at historic community centers and in flourishing recreation areas hidden down back roads. Neighboring towns like Burgaw and Wallace offer a taste of urban life that’s available much farther down Interstate 40. Still, Willard’s managed to retain its agricultural roots outside of the orbit of suburban sprawl. “Any closer to the coast, and there’s more production, more quarter acre lots. Out in Willard, it’s easy to have 2 acres of land and a nice brick home,” says Rob Warwick, a broker at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast with 12 years of experience specializing in New Hanover and its surrounding counties. “It’s somewhat remote, but that’s what people like. There are production farms out there, you can hobby farm. And you’re certainly never going to find 20 acres of land in Wilmington ever again.”
Many kinds of homes and acreages in the countryside
Many kinds of single-family homes line Willard’s winding country roads, including simple prewar National homes, midcentury ranch-style homes, manufactured homes and large New Traditional construction custom-built over the last few decades. While buyers consider architectural styles, they’re also interested in what the surrounding land can do for them. Many lots already have horse stables, chicken coops or farmable acres, or at least promise the space for buyers to build their own outbuildings. Properties are smaller in historic villages like Watha and the occasional subdivision. Homes on small acreages or suburban-sized lots sell for around $130,000 to $360,000. Prices for larger, move-in ready properties can range from around $300,000 to $900,000, depending on whether the home is an expansive custom estate and whether the lot is closer to 5 acres or 40 acres. Willard has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Rural recreation on public and private land
Willard’s many large, forested acreages and meandering creeks mean that many locals are hunting, fishing and taking ATVs around their own properties. Hunters can also drive 20 minutes to explore the forests and swamps in the sprawling Angola Bay Game Lands or go a little farther to Hampstead’s enormous Holly Shelter Game Land. Some horse owners gallop around their paddocks, while others train, board and take lessons at private businesses like Rose Gold Equestrian. The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina is a lush, award-winning botanical garden accessible during regular business hours or in the evenings during special events like the Southern Lights holiday lights walk-through. Groups use the outdoor playground and athletic facilities at the Willard Outreach Community Center. The Atlantic Ocean is about an hour from home at Carolina Beach.
Shopping and dining in Willard, Wallace and Burgaw
Mom and pop businesses line country roads around Willard. Sweet Bee’s Country Grill is set along U.S. Route 117, a cozy spot for a big, homestyle breakfast. On state Route 11, convenience stores like Penderlea Tobacco and Mini Market and the Penderlea Store offer a place to grab groceries or a hamburger. Residents will drive about 10 miles to Wallace or the Pender County seat of Burgaw for more commercial life. Between the two towns, there are dozens of locally owned restaurants and big box chains like Tractor Supply, Piggly Wiggly, Walmart and Food Lion.
Attending Pender and Sampson County Schools
A few Pender County Schools serve the community, but most of Willard’s students will attend Penderlea School for kindergarten through eighth grade. Penderlea earns a B-minus from Niche and operates on a year-round academic calendar. The school was originally built to serve the Penderlea farm city, a development designed to offer economic and social relief following the Great Depression. Pender High School earns a C. A small northwestern section of Willard attends Sampson County Schools, which earns a B-plus overall.
Getting around and out of Pender County on I-40
Wilmington is nearly 40 miles down Interstate 40, and Raleigh is about 100 miles in the opposite direction. Novant Health Pender Medical Center is around 10 miles away in Burgaw. Wilmington International Airport is roughly 35 miles from home. Willard is not served by fixed-route public transportation, so residents need a car to get around.
Events at the Willard Outreach Community Center
Before desegregation, Willard Elementary School was created to better public education for the Black community in rural Willard. The school has since been redeveloped into the Willard Outreach Community Center and is a modern hub for Pender County service organizations and local community events. Many Willard Elementary alumni and other county organizers host recurring food giveaways and resource fairs in the center. The Fourth of July Fundraiser is a larger annual tradition, bringing locals together for a day of family-friendly bounce castles, cookout food, car show fun and live music performances. Neighbors also get together at small houses of worship like Cora’s Grove Church for regular services and special programs like vacation bible school.
Weighing scattered flood risk and agricultural activities
While waterways like Sills Creek introduce scattered flood risk around Willard, the community is largely outside of the Cape Fear River’s floodplain. Buyers may look at maps to check on their need for flood insurance, but many others will be checking out what sounds and smells they can expect from the farm next door. “What you hear out here is, ‘I’m fine to live near a chicken house, but not a hog house,’” Warwick says.
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
Are you familiar with the Willard neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Willard
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Willard Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Willard, Watha sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Willard, Watha over the last 12 months is $264,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Instant Equity! 1.1-acre Lot in Pender, NC! For only $29,999! Market value is $39,999*Property DetailsFinding the right spot for your future home or getaway is all about balance, and this 1.1-acre lot on Buschs Avenue offers exactly that. Located in the peaceful outskirts of Burgaw, NC, this spacious property gives you the room to breathe that you just can't find in the city.
.48 acres with old home. The home needs a total overhaul. This home could be a beautiful family home or a bed and breakfast. Or tear it down and buy the .48 acre lot beside it (mls #100560885) for almost an acre.
This stunning property, completed in December 2024, offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and country charm. Nestled on almost 8 acres of land, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with an office and huge bonus room is designed for comfortable living and entertaining. Located in a quiet and private neighborhood, it is just 4 minutes from town amenities and 30 minutes from the beach.The interior
Welcome to your private riverfront playground at 19 Ruddy Duck Lane.Tucked beneath mature trees along the scenic Northeast Cape Fear River, this hidden retreat offers the kind of peace and seclusion that's increasingly hard to find. Set on just over half an acre, the property feels significantly larger thanks to its natural buffer of trees and river frontage -- creating your own personal
Escape to the country! Consisting of two separate parcels, for a combined (approximate) 1.32 acres, this home couples the convenience of one level living with a flexible layout. With no HOAs nor neighborhood covenants, there is plenty of space for chickens, a boat, and even a small paddock. An oversized two car garage affords extensive storage, while a generous back deck offers plenty of space
Welcome to 371 Harley Drive in Willard, a fully remodeled home offering space, privacy, and modern upgrades on over an acre, all just minutes from I-40 for an easy commute to Wilmington or Jacksonville. This home has been completely refreshed from top to bottom, featuring brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring, new carpet, a new roof, and a new HVAC system for peace of mind. The kitchen has been
Julio FuentesBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
This land listing features a 1940s house on the lot, which holds no value. Additional acreage has been included to be a totsal of 2.09 +- Wilmington, NC, is just a 30-minute drive south on 421, and downtown Wallace is only 12 minutes away.
Discover the perfect blend of investment and recreation with this exceptional 94-acre property less than an hour from Wilmington. With access to NC Highway 421 plus well-established shared historic access, this property features strong investment potential and excellent recreational opportunities. Highway access and proximity to Wilmington ensures a competitive market for both timber resources
Welcome to your brand-new home in Welsh Landing! This beautifully constructed manufactured home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 2 living rooms, providing ample space for comfort and versatility. The thoughtful split floor plan places the primary suite on one side of the home, ensuring privacy, while two additional bedrooms are conveniently located on the opposite side. The heart
Hilary ThompsonBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
Welcome Home to this spacious Double Wide Mobile Home located on one acre of land in Pender County! With spacious rooms throughout, you can enjoy the comfort of two separate living spaces and an eat in kitchen area with center island. A new metal roof was installed in 2024! This property features a 24 X 25 metal building + lien to fully permitted with electricity installed. Could be used as a
Trista JonesBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
****LOT RENT ONLY*** This one-acre parcel with well and septic is awaiting your single-wide manufactured home. Enjoy the peace and quite of being out in the country!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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