Lincoln Forest
Neighborhood in Wilmington, North Carolina
New Hanover County 28403
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 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.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.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.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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Ed Wagenseller
Keller Williams Innovate-Wilmington
(910) 356-9055
130 Total Sales
2 in Lincoln Forest
$203K - $265K Price Range
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Kimberly Penrose
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
(910) 936-3490
30 Total Sales
1 in Lincoln Forest
$360,000 Price
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Team Thirty 4 North
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
(910) 679-9760
525 Total Sales
1 in Lincoln Forest
$115,000 Price
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AH
Angela Howard
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Innovate-Wilmington
(910) 901-3185
8 Total Sales
1 in Lincoln Forest
$760,000 Price
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Buddy Blake
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
(910) 557-8537
464 Total Sales
4 in Lincoln Forest
$140K - $173K Price Range
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Nicole Valentine
Responds QuicklyIntracoastal Realty Corp
(910) 839-5856
381 Total Sales
2 in Lincoln Forest
$170K - $185K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
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 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lincoln Forest, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $375,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods

Centrally located neighborhood, home to the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex

Centrally located neighborhood resting outside Long Leaf Park

Traditional suburban neighborhood bordered by two parks east of Midtown

Stately properties, just blocks from Cape Fear Country Club

Near Wilmington Medical Park, and characterized by estate-style homes

A residential road with plenty of housing options and a community tennis club