$287,915Average Value$218Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Willard, Watha over the last 12 months is $235,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully appointed 2020-built home situated on nearly 2.5 private acres outside the city limits -- meaning no city taxes! Offering nearly 2,100 square feet, this thoughtfully designed three-bedroom, two-bath home features a spacious and functional footprint with two additional flex rooms, perfect for home offices, playrooms, guest space, hobby rooms, or whatever best fits your
Welcome to 454 Buckhorn Road in Willard, NC, where peaceful country living meets endless possibilities. Situated on 3.3 acres, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers plenty of space both inside and out. Step inside to find a spacious living room perfect for gathering with family and friends. The home's functional layout includes three bedrooms, one and half bathrooms, and a small office space for
Discover the freedom and flexibility of rural living with this beautiful 1.1-acre wooded property in Pender County, North Carolina. Located on well-maintained Busch Ave with quick access to Highway 117, this flat and fully wooded parcel offers an excellent opportunity for a homesite, mobile home setup, weekend retreat, or long-term investment.The property is zoned RA, making it ideal for
Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Pender County, this 2.91-acre property is the kind of place where big ideas finally have room to breathe. Zoned RA with no deed restrictions, youre free to create a setup that actually fits your lifestyle whether thats a beautiful custom-built home, a cozy tiny home retreat, a spacious manufactured home, or even the modern barndominium youve been saving
Welcome to Pender County! Discover the exceptional comfort and ample space offered by this beautifully maintained double wide mobile home, perfectly situated on a serene one-acre lot. Step inside and be captivated by the thoughtfully designed layout, boasting spacious rooms throughout, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxation and enjoyment. Indulge in the convenience of two distinct living
Trista JonesBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
Just listed in Willard NC! Situated on nearly 3 acres, this 1600+sqft split-level home features three bedrooms, two full baths, living room, dining room and a den. You will fall in love with this wonderful home in rural Pender County. Relax and enjoy the quiet summer evenings overlooking the spacious front and back yards. Call for more information today!
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.
Almost one acre lot in rural location with no restrictions. See attached survey on record in documents section, which is on file with the county. Well and Septic needed. This is a raw piece of land.
Investment opportunity in Willard! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath conventional home offers 1,224 sq. ft. of living space on approximately 0.70 acres. With renovation potential and room to add value, this property may be a strong fit for buyers seeking a project, rental opportunity, or resale investment.
Georgetta HamiltonKeller Williams Innovate-Wilmington
Charming cottage- style home nestled on a generous parcel in the country- offering the perfect blend of peaceful country living and modern updates. This inviting property features thoughtful renovations while maintaining its original character and warmth. Enjoy a cozy light- filled interior with updated finishes, refreshed kitchen and baths, and comfortable living spaces throughout. Outside, the
Charming Willard, NC farmhouse on 2.65 acres -- 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. Classic single-family home with warm hardwood floors throughout the main living areas, generous natural light, and a cozy layout that blends country comfort with functional living. Primary bedroom with a full bath; two additional bedrooms share a second full bath. Spacious kitchen , large dining area and easy flow to the
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning property, completed in December 2024, offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and country charm. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, office space, a bonus room, and fantastic outdoor amenities, this home is designed for comfortable living and entertaining. Inside, you'll find luxury hardwood floors that add elegance and warmth to the main living areas, while
****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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