$385,373Average Value$235Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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.
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On average, homes in Lincoln Forest, Wilmington sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lincoln Forest, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $375,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Come see this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in the highly sought after Lincoln Forest neighborhood. Charm and comfort with modern updates. Inside you will find beautiful wood floors throughout the main living areas and an updated primary bathroom. The spacious fenced backyard is perfect for play, pets or gardening, while the screened porch completes the picture, making this home ideal for both
Welcome to this fully renovated 2-story end-unit townhome, ideally located in the heart of midtown Wilmington. This home underwent a complete renovation in 2024, rebuilt from the studs and concrete up, with everything inside brand new--insulation, sheetrock, LVP flooring, carpet and padding, fresh paint (including front and back porches), kitchen and bathroom cabinets, sinks, toilets, ceiling
Discover the perfect blend of charm and modern touches in this beautiful brick ranch home. Located on a large lot in the highly sought-after Lincoln Forest neighborhood, you will love the proximity to everything Wilmington has to offer. Get ready to be impressed as you step inside this inviting home featuring over 2000 sq. ft, large living areas, 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Enjoy a spacious
Welcome to the highly desirable and established Lincoln Forest neighborhood! This central yet private location is less than 20 minutes from Wrightsville Beach and just under 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home sits on almost three-quarters of an acre with no HOA. Inside, you'll find thoughtfully sized rooms, new granite countertops, and an attached apartment with
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.
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.
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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.
