$655,819Average Value$300Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Established Wilmington neighborhood with upscale, historic homes
Two red brick pillars topped with antique streetlamps mark the entrance of Forest Hills North. Passing through them, some say, is like stepping back in time. A two-lane road lined with mature magnolias and oak trees covered in Spanish moss gently curves as it flows past pristine estates outlined with ornate iron fencing. “It’s considered one of the more elite neighborhoods in Wilmington,” says Celeste Salzberg, a Realtor with Momentum Companies who has lived in Wilmington since 2017. “If you want a new home, it’s not the place. But if you’re looking for more space and enjoy historical features, it’s a lovely area.” This neighborhood dates to the early 1920s, and its elegant feel has caught the attention of filmmakers throughout the years. More recently, it was captured in several Hallmark movies, including “USS Christmas,” filmed in 2020. This sought-after community breaks away from the city’s grid pattern but is only about 3 miles from downtown. It’s even closer to the Cape Fear Country Club, the Nir Family YMCA and Independence Mall.
Forest Hills North, dating back to the 1920s, is one of Wilmington's oldest neighborhoods.
Bob and Debbie from Forest Hills North enjoy cool nights in downtown Wilmington.
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Lavish estates on forested streets
Forest Hills is true to its name. The wide, sidewalk-lined streets here gradually wind over hills through a thick forest of pine, oak and magnolia trees. Grand estates, some built in the 1920s, rest on spacious, perfectly manicured lawns. The architecture is a feast for the eyes, featuring symmetrical Federal and Greek Revival designs, often decorated with columns and dormer windows. Tudor Revival builds look like they were plucked straight from a fairytale accented with flowering ornamental trees, while sprawling midcentury ranch-style homes feature clean lines. Most properties list between $500,000 and $900,000, but smaller three-bedroom ranch-style homes, like those along Stradleigh Road, can list in the $400,000s. Large estates, typically over 4,000 square feet with four or more bedrooms, start at $1 million. Potential buyers should note that train tracks slice through the neighborhood’s southern half, with a line of trees helping to buffer the noise. Hurricane Florence impacted the neighborhood in 2018, toppling trees and spawning an EF1 tornado.
A brick ranch home in Forest Hills North is accented with natural ivy.
A Tudor inspired mansion sits on a corner lot in Forest Hills North.
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An elementary school within walking distance
Towering pines dot the Forest Hills Global Elementary School campus. The building’s Federal architecture fits in with the neighborhood’s elevated style. In the colder months, kids and kids-at-heart are known to sled down the hill next to the school after each snowfall. Forest Hills Global receives a C-plus rating from Niche, and the school recently launched new reading and supplemental math programs to improve student performance. Williston Middle School earns a B-minus, while New Hanover High School, the oldest school in the city dating to 1922, gets a B-plus. It’s ranked the fifth-best public high school in the Wilmington area. Peace Rose Montessori and Wilmington Preparatory Academy are nearby alternatives for younger students. Cape Fear Academy and Coastal Christian High School are popular private options, both over 5 miles away.
Forest Hills Elementary School serves kids from the neighborhood and surrounding areas.
The signboard at Williston Middle School keeps parents from Forest Hills North informed.
Students from Forest Hills North finish their education at New Hanover High School.
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So much to do at the Nir Family YMCA
Several small neighborhood parks are sprinkled around Forest Hills, including Thomas B. Lilly Park, which has picnic tables and exercise equipment and Beaumont Park, which has a playground and a basketball court. With ample sidewalks and slow speed limits, it’s common to see residents out for walks and bike rides. “It’s great for runners who like to run in their neighborhood,” says Caroline Harrison, a Realtor with Intracoastal Realty Corporation. She visits the Nir Family YMCA on Market Street in the neighborhood nearly every day. “You can do everything there. There are camps for kids, you can take swim lessons. It got a facelift in 2017, and the pool got redone last year,” says Harrison, who’s lived in Wilmington for seven years. Residents also can join the nearby Cape Fear Country Club, the oldest private club in the state, featuring an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor pool, and several tennis and pickleball courts.
Beaumont Park is part of the Forest Hills Loop.
The Nir Family YMCA offers a summer soccer program for Forest Hills North.
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Travel with your tastebuds at Indochine Restaurant
With Market Street and Oleander Drive close by, Forest Hills residents have ample shopping and dining options. A local favorite is Indochine Restaurant, a Thai and Vietnamese eatery with elaborate and colorful décor. Harrison notes that reservations are required, especially if people want to enjoy a meal in the serene garden outside. Molly Pitcher's American Grill offers a more rustic setting for classic Southern cuisine like Fried Green Tomatoes and pulled pork sandwiches. “It’s like if Cracker Barrel wasn’t a chain. It has that feel,” says Harrison. Drift Coffee is a beloved local coffee shop. Independence Mall, about 2 miles away, features chain restaurants like Panera Bread and Moe's Southwest Grill, along with national retailers like Dillard’s and Belk. Residents can pick up groceries at Harris Teeter and Whole Foods Market.
Indochine Restaurant in Forest Hills North offers a unique dining experience.
Drift Cafe is a popular stop for your caffeine fix near Forest Hills North.
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Touring Forest Hills’ grand estates
The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington’s biggest event of the year. The five-day festival takes place the first week of April to coincide with the annual blooming of the azaleas across the city. Revelers enjoy street fairs, parades and home & garden tours, in which several homes in Forest Hills are featured every year.
Pop-up markets on Castle Street offer local art to Forest Hills North.
A home in Forest Hills North showcases Greek Revival architecture.
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Driving around Wilmington
Sidewalks throughout the neighborhood make it easy to take a leisurely stroll. Commuting is another story. “You have to get in your car to go everywhere,” Salzberg says. Market Street provides a straight route to downtown, about 3 miles away. Wilmington International Airport is also an easy drive up North 23rd Street, about 4 miles away. Wrightsville Avenue leads to Wrightsville Beach, about 8 miles away, and Interstate 40 is nearby for road trips west out of Wilmington. Cyclists can use bike-friendly streets around the neighborhood, like Colonial Drive and Wayne Drive. Salzberg says most residents have private vehicles, but Wave Transit bus stops are along Wrightsville Avenue and Market Street.
Wrightsville Beach is just 10 miles from Forest Hills North.
Residents of Forest Hills North can access the world via Wilmington International Airport.
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
Ed Wagenseller,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Beaumont Park
Transit
Airport
Wilmington International
16 min drive
Bus
Wrightsville Ave Wb & Forest Hills Dr
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Hills North
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Hills North, Wilmington sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Forest Hills North, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $618,000, up 31% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A must see, this true iconic Georgian home designed by renowned Richmond architect C.W. Huff, this home sits on a sprawling 3.46 acres in the heart of Wilmington. Located on one of Wilmington's prettiest streets and known for its beautiful southern homes, you are immediately drawn to the circular driveway draped with oak trees and Spanish moss. Once inside you will be taken aback by the
Welcome to this Single family 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in Wilmington, NC! No HOA, located on a ''X'' flood plan and Renovated in 2022 make this home a must see! Updates include: New roof, new flooring, new interior trim , updated kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features white cabinets, floating shelves, recessed lighting, an island and stainless steel appliances. The location is hard to
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ed Wagenseller,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
838
Median Age
45
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$137,244
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$165,898
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.9%
College Graduates
82.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
43.4%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.6%
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®
36/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
24/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 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.
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.
