$663,648Average Value$301Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Esteemed midtown neighborhood known for its historic homes
Forest Hills South is one of Wilmington’s oldest suburbs, dating to the early 1900s. Often included with the elite Forest Hills North, this small neighborhood is equally revered for its stately architecture. While Forest Hills North features long, winding streets, this community by contrast is a planned grid connected by lush boulevards once traversed by electric streetcars. “It’s a dog-walking neighborhood,” says Celeste Salzberg, a Realtor with Momentum Companies who has lived in Wilmington since 2017. “There are no coffee houses that you can easily get to, but it’s next to the Cape Fear Country Club, one of the nicest and oldest country clubs in the state,” Salzberg says. Resting along the bustling Oleander Drive, this neighborhood is only a few blocks from Independence Mall. Downtown, with its beloved riverwalk and buzzing nightlife, is about 3 miles away.
Moss-covered trees indicate you have entered Forest Hills South.
The Wilmington Port is visible in the distance from Forest Hills South.
1/2
Picturesque properties near the Cape Fear Country Club
Forest Hills South features stately homes on wide streets shaded by the arching branches of mature oak trees shrouded in Spanish moss. The architecture here is inspired by the Federal, Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival styles, with many homes adorned with dormer windows, columns and archways. Houses typically sit far back from the street, with large, landscaped front lawns accented by carefully shaped shrubs and flowering ornamental trees. Single-family home prices vary widely, from $300,000 to $1.35 million, with most properties falling between $600,000 and $800,000. On the low end are two-bedroom cottages and bungalows in the $300,000s, along with three-bedroom midcentury ranch-style homes between $400,000 and $500,000. Estate-like homes that are 3,000 square feet or larger near Cape Fear Country Club start at $1 million. There are also condos in the Trolley Path Condominiums community available in the $200,000s. While the flood risk is lower in this neighborhood than in other communities around Wilmington, buyers should note that Hurricane Florence impacted Forest Hills in 2018, toppling trees and spawning an EF-1 tornado.
A French Eclectic-style home in Forest Hills South sits under mature trees.
A cedar shingle home sits under moss-covered oak trees in Forest Hills South.
1/2
Golf at the oldest country club in North Carolina
The neighborhood’s closeness to Cape Fear Country Club is often a selling point. It's considered the oldest private club in the state, dating to the late 1800s. Members enjoy access to an 18-hole golf course designed by famed course architect Donald Ross, plus tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and more. The country club can be seen in Amazon Studios’ teen drama series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” filmed around Wilmington in 2021. The River to the Sea Bikeway gives cyclists a mostly off-street path to pedal across the neighborhood. It connects to the Cross City Trail, a 15-mile multi-use trail that wraps around nearby Empie Park. A popular spot for tennis lovers, Empie Park, is home to the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex, featuring 24 lighted courts used for clinics, summer camps and school matches year-round. Families also love Empie Park for its large playground. For indoor recreation, the Nir Family YMCA is about 2 miles away.
The Cape Fear Country Club sits just west of Forest Hills South.
Locals from Forest Hills South learn fundamentals at Althea Gibson Tennis Complex.
1/2
An elementary school with a good sledding hill
Forest Hills Global Elementary School is less than a mile away. Earning a C-plus from Niche, the school recently launched new reading and supplemental math programs to improve student performance. Though snow is rare in Wilmington, the school’s hilly grounds become a popular sledding spot after a snowfall. Williston Middle School receives a B-minus and offers a Career and Leadership Development Academy through the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. New Hanover High School gets a B-plus. The oldest school in Wilmington, the building has been featured in multiple TV shows and movies since it opened in 1922, including “One Tree Hill,” an early 2000s teen drama series. 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 over 5 miles away.
Forest Hills Elementary School serves Forest Hills South and the surrounding communities.
The student population of Williston Middle School is 698 and the school serves 6-8.
New Hanover High School serves over 1400 students in the Wilmington, NC area.
1/3
Step inside Forest Hills’ grand estates
The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington’s biggest event of the year. The five-day festival takes place in 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. With their stately architecture, several Forest Hills homes are featured every year.
Homes in Forest Hills South impress with lush gardens and covered porches.
The band at the summer concert series at the pier entertains Forest Hills South residents.
1/2
Pedal down the River to the Sea Bikeway
The streets in Forest Hills South are lined with smooth sidewalks, often used for morning runs and evening walks. But to get around Wilmington, most residents drive. “You have to get in your car to go everywhere,” says Salzberg. Oleander Drive (U.S. Highway 17) makes for an easy route into downtown, about 3 miles away. Residents looking to catch a Wave Transit bus will find stops dotting Oleander Drive and Independence Boulevard. Wilmington International Airport is about a 5-mile drive, and popular Wrightsville Beach is about an 8-mile drive. Residents who prefer to bike can ride along the River to the Sea Bikeway, which crosses the neighborhood connecting to the Cross City Trail and bike-friendly streets, such as Country Club Road.
Wilmington connects Forest Hills South to the greater area via Wave Transit.
Friends ride to downtown Wilmington from Forest Hills South.
1/2
A short drive to Independence Mall
Oleander Drive is along the neighborhood’s southern edge. The busy thoroughfare is lined with shopping centers and small businesses. Residents can shop for hours at Independence Mall, host to dozens of national brands such as Dillard’s and American Eagle .Fast-casual chains like First Watch or Cava offer a quick bite. Or, residents can head across the street to the Hanover Center to dine at local restaurants: Drift Café is a trendy brunch spot, while J. Michael’s Philly Deli is known for its cheesesteaks. Nearby, the adventurous creations at Crazy Mason Milkshake can satisfy any sweet tooth. Its towering milkshakes are topped with goodies like cookies, candies and cereal. Harris Teeter, Whole Foods Market and Food Lion are less than 2 miles away.
Niche, near Forest Hills South, features unique home and garden items.
Forest Hills South residents explore Independence Mall via the Port City Express.
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
Baxter Cheek,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Empie Park
Transit
Airport
Wilmington International
17 min drive
Bus
Wrightsville Ave Wb & Colonial Dr
Bus
Independence Blvd Nb & Park Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Hills South
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Forest Hills South Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Hills South, Wilmington sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Forest Hills South, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $507,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Modern Comfort Meets Historic Charm - Steps from the Cargo District!Tucked away on a quiet, low-traffic street just moments from Wilmington's vibrant Cargo District, this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of location, lifestyle, and functionality. Whether you're a hobbyist, entrepreneur, or simply in need of exceptional storage, the oversized garage with a massive 10x14 bay
Located just steps from Cape Fear Country Club, this charming and well-maintained 1950s two-story home stands out in Forest Hills for its thoughtful updates and move-in-ready condition. This home features a modernized kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large picture window overlooking a fully fenced, professionally landscaped backyard--ideal for easy outdoor
Located in one of Wilmington's most desirable neighborhoods just off Country Club Road, this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home blends modern updates with timeless charm. Undergoing a large-scale renovation in 2022, this home features stylish finishes, functional design, and a spacious layout perfect for comfortable living.Situated on a large 1/3-acre lot, the property boasts a huge
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Baxter Cheek,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
988
Median Age
43
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$99,038
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$135,456
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.7%
College Graduates
67%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.1%
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®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
44/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 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.
