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Lincoln Forest

Lincoln Forest

Neighborhood in Wilmington, North Carolina

New Hanover County 28403

$382,274 Average Value
$229 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes 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.
Lincoln Forest is located directly behind Independence Mall.
Teenagers from Lincoln Forest enjoy exploring the stores at 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.
A front-gabled contemporary home in Lincoln Forest features a modern brick facade.
Ranch homes in Lincoln Forest feature well-manicured lawns.
Ranch homes in Lincoln Forest feature well-manicured lawns.
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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.
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.
A Carnivorous Pitcher Plant awaits its next victim at Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Wilmington’s Wave Transit operates routes near Lincoln Forest.
Lincoln Forest residents can fish from the pier at Wrightsville Beach.
Lincoln Forest residents can fish from the pier at Wrightsville Beach.
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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.
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.
Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn is known for their homemade salsa bar in Lincoln Forest.
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DeeVa Payne
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Scott Davis
Photography Contributed By
Scott Davis
Adam Lapallo
Video By
Adam Lapallo

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

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

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$360,000
Median Sale Price
$375,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$440,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$350,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$175,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
43
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$229

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
651
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1972
Months of Supply
2.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,674
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,325
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,037
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,463
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
19,166

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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 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.

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Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Lincoln Forest