$379,588Average Value$246Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Central Wilmington neighborhood next to Independence Mall
A thin line of trees is the only thing separating Lincoln Forest from Wilmington’s only indoor mall. But this midtown community doesn’t come with the hustle and bustle of its popular neighbor. A wooded landscape creates a secluded feel. “You have the best of both worlds,” says Tricia Bursell, a Blue Coast Realty Corporation Realtor. “You have all the conveniences of living directly behind the mall. You can hop right onto Independence Boulevard, Oleander Drive and South College Road, but it’s quiet. You can hear the birds,” says Bursell, who lives nearby in Pine Valley. The neighborhood’s key location is coupled with approachable pricing, as home values are below the Wilmington area average of $550,000.
Lincoln Forest is located directly behind Independence Mall.
Teenagers from Lincoln Forest enjoy exploring the stores at Independence Mall.
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Ranch-style homes tucked in the woods
The residential streets here are either broad and unmarked or narrow and lined with sidewalks. “This neighborhood is just off the main road, but you feel like you’re in suburbia,” Bursell says. Homes rest on grassy lots just under a half-acre in size. Spacious front yards are modestly landscaped with ornamental trees and shaped shrubs, while mature trees shade backyards that sometimes feature private in-ground pools. Buyers will mostly find midcentury ranch-style homes with attached garages or carports. “There are some colonials, too, but they’re not as popular over here as the brick ranch-style homes,” Bursell says. Properties range in price from $400,000 to $550,000, but some homes needing renovation can list in the $300,000s. Potential buyers should be aware of the neighborhood’s risk of flooding and the potential for hurricanes.
A front-gabled contemporary home in Lincoln Forest features a modern brick facade.
Ranch homes in Lincoln Forest feature well-manicured lawns.
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Highly rated schools feature new upgrades and inclusive clubs
Students walk through the neighborhood to attend class at Edwin A. Alderman Elementary. The school, which earns a B rating from Niche, features a central courtyard. Students can spend more time outdoors in the butterfly-shaped garden near the playground. The recently renovated Roland-Grise Middle gets an A-minus. The building has an upgraded media center, new desks and bigger windows to provide more natural light. John T. Hoggard High receives an A. Its Unified Club made headlines in 2023 for creating a culture of inclusion and acceptance by building bonds between students with and without intellectual disabilities. Cape Fear Academy, Wilmington Preparatory Academy and Coastal Christian High School are some of the closest private options. The neighborhood is about 2 miles from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the city’s largest university known for its nursing and business schools.
Alderman Elementary School serves children from Lincoln Forest and the surrounding area.
Roland-Grise Middle School is located in Wilmington, NC in New Hanover County.
John T. Hoggard High School has a student to teacher ratio of 19:1.
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Getting around Wilmington
The neighborhood is somewhat walkable, with sidewalks along Fordham Road leading to Independence Mall. Still, driving is the way most Wilmingtonians get around town. The community is cradled by Independence Boulevard, Oleander Drive (U.S. Highway 17), and Shipyard Boulevard, three bustling city arteries sprinkled with Wave Transit bus stops. “My mom moved to that area because it’s the perfect central location to go anywhere,” says Kirsten Larsen, a Realtor with Sold Buy the Sea Realty. Downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are 4, 7 and 13 miles away, respectively. Wilmington International Airport is about a 6-mile drive. “A disadvantage is that you have to be mindful of those main roads, especially during the morning and afternoon commute. It gets congested,” Bursell says. Lincoln Road, the main street through the neighborhood, is bike-friendly and connects to the River to the Sea Bikeway. The multi-use trail connects the downtown riverfront to Wrightsville Beach.
Wilmington’s Wave Transit operates routes near Lincoln Forest.
Lincoln Forest residents can fish from the pier at Wrightsville Beach.
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A carnivorous garden at Piney Ridge Nature Preserve
Lincoln Forest is within reach of several parks. Just south of the neighborhood is the Piney Ridge Nature Preserve, which offers a unique chance to see carnivorous plants, such as the Venus Fly Trap, up close. Empie Park draws tennis lovers from across the city looking to play at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex. The center offers tennis clinics, matches and camps throughout the year. There's space for other team sports, like basketball and baseball, at the sprawling Long Leaf Park, dotted with multiple ballfields and courts. Residents can take peaceful walks through the forest on the park’s winding nature trails. It’s also a popular spot for pet owners, with a dog park and a special fenced area for smaller dogs. Golfers can play a round at the public Wilmington Municipal Golf Course. Its rolling hills feature 18 holes of challenging play designed by famed course architect Donald Ross. The course hosts First Tee Greater Wilmington, a program for youth that teaches life skills through golf.
The Althea Gibson Tennis Complex is located just minutes from Lincoln Forest.
A Carnivorous Pitcher Plant awaits its next victim at Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden.
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Businesses big and small line Oleander Drive
Independence Mall is right around the corner, host to dozens of name-brand stores, including Dillard’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. “Independence Mall was recently purchased, and they’re still renovating it,” says Elisa Roels, the owner of Cape Fear Realty Group. Chain restaurants such as Panera Bread and Moe’s Southwest Grill dot the edge of the parking lot. Local shops and eateries sit along Oleander Drive. Residents rave about the sweet creations at Our Crepes & More. Maven Coffee is next door, pouring up lattes and specialty coffees. Bursell loves the eclectic décor and speedy service at Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn, a beloved Wilmington brand since 2000. Larsen, who’s lived in the city for over 30 years, likes the vibe and the East Carolina flavors at Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue. Harris Teeter and Whole Foods Market are nearby for grocery runs. Roels, who has lived in Wilmington for a decade, adds that The Pointe 14 movie theater is right down Independence Boulevard. The neighborhood is also close to the Cameron Art Museum, which features paintings, sculptures and textile art by American and international artists.
Our Crepes and More in Lincoln Forest is a beloved breakfast spot.
Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn is known for their homemade salsa bar in Lincoln Forest.
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
Kimberly Penrose,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hugh MacRae Nature Trail
Empie Park
PR-Piney Ridge Nature Preserve
Transit
Airport
Wilmington International
21 min drive
Bus
Oleander Dr Eb & Fordham Rd
Bus
Lake Ave Eb & Roland-Grise Middle School
Bus
Lake Ave Eb & Lake Ridge Commons
Bus
Oleander Dr Eb & 41st St
Bus
Shipyard Blvd Wb & Pickard Rd
Bus
Oleander Dr Eb & Audubon Blvd
Bus
Oleander Dr Eb & Independence Mall
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lincoln Forest
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Lincoln Forest Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lincoln Forest, Wilmington sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Lincoln Forest, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $339,500, down 70% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous one story villa with many recent upgrades, open floor plan and one guest room over the garage. Recent improvements include new HVAC units, quartz kitchen counters, new kitchen appliances and new paint. Independence East is a gated community and located in close proximity to shopping, restaurants, banks, and Novant Regional Hospital. Come and enjoy this low maintenance lifestyle.
A classic brick ranch tucked into the heart of Wilmington's Lincoln Forest neighborhood. It's a home that feels easy from the moment you walk in - bright, welcoming, and full of potential.The single-level layout flows effortlessly, with roomy living and dining areas, three comfortable bedrooms, two full baths, and a few bonus spaces that are just waiting to become your home office, playroom, or
Welcome to Lincoln Forest! An established neighborhood with it's own unique charm, located right in the heart of Wilmington, in Mid-town. No HOA! This home comes with a 2-year-old SOLAR PANEL system worth $45k that produces close to 3/5 of the current owner's energy. They produced over 13,000kWh in the last year alone. The solar panels come with a 25-year warranty and will be paid off in full by
Embrace a beautifully curated and cozy lifestyle at One Midtown. Our stunning community offers a place to do it all, whether youre working from home, spending time with friends, or enjoying a quiet reprieve solo. Home is your next great destination in Wilmington, North Carolina.
1 Bed Loft Apartment! Under $1,100! Trash, Lawn Included!Call today about this 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath loft apartment located in Mid-Wilmington. The kitchen, 1/2 bath, living room, laundry closet and storage closet are on the first level. The loft bedroom and full bath are on the second level. The bedroom has a nice sized walk-in-closet.Short distance to the Beach, Shopping, Dining, UNCW. This
Centrally located town home in the heart of Wilmington 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath townhome. Centrally located. 1 car garage. With new LPV flooring on the first floor, Open Kitchen, great schools and walking distance to Long Leaf Park ( splash pad, tennis & basket ball courts, baseball fields and walking & running trails as well as playgrounds and a dog park.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kimberly Penrose,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,253
Median Age
45
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,832
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,002
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.3%
College Graduates
51%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.7%
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®
39/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
43/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
28/ 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.
