$613,661Average Value$271Average Price per Sq Ft85Homes For Sale
Marina Village is a popular dining, shopping and relaxation destination for Riverlight locals.
Riverside living in between downtown Wilmington and Carolina Beach
A typical evening in Riverlights centers around the sunset. Neighbors step along the tree-shaded boardwalk to view the Cape Fear River as the blue sky slowly melts into pink and orange hues. The spectacular sunsets are the talk of this master-planned enclave in Wilmington, but the nightly show is just one of a long list of amenities in this neighborhood that was only a pine forest 10 years ago. “You feel like you're in a private community when you're not,” says Sarah Hinson, owner of Kasa Mercantile, a boutique store in Marina Village, Riverlights’ commercial district. “It’s a peaceful and fun community. People are involved. They organize neighborhood events,” adds Hinson, one of the first residents of Riverlights. Outdoorsy is the lifestyle here. Spread out over 1,400 acres and still in development, the community features a freshwater lake, a dock on the river and eight public parks. “I walk the boardwalk all the time. People ride up in golf carts and have dinner. There are great trails and plenty of sidewalks,” Hinson explains. Elisa Roels, owner of Cape Fear Realty Group, says the location is a bonus. “You’re close to downtown, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. You're away from all the hustle and bustle near the University of North Carolina At Wilmington, but close enough to get your shopping done at University Centre.”
New Hanover High School serves over 1400 students in the Wilmington, NC area.
Athletics and pop culture at New Hanover High
The New Hanover County School district earns an overall A-minus rating from Niche. Mary C. Williams Elementary School earns a B rating and is located right outside of Riverlights. Myrtle Grove Middle School and New Hanover High School both have B-plus ratings. Open since 1922, New Hanover High has been featured in several TV shows and movies. Its gymnasium was used for a scene in an episode of “One Tree Hill,” a drama series primarily shot in Wilmington in the early 2000s. Along with its pop culture past, the school has a highly competitive athletics department, winning over two dozen state championships in various sports, from football and basketball to golf and tennis. Riverlights is also near several private schools, including Innovative Academy, Myrtle Grove Christian and Coastal Christian High School.
The hammocks in Live Oak Commons are a relaxing treat for Riverlight residents.
Relax on a hammock in Live Oak Commons
Live Oak Commons is a mini oasis of towering oak and pine trees with a stretch of lawn in the middle. Residents can unwind in the shade on a hammock as a cool breeze from the Cape Fear River flows through the trees. The summer song of cicadas dampens the sound of cars whizzing by on River Road. Ember Park is a community gathering space featuring brick firepits regularly lit up in the fall for s’mores under the stars. It’s connected to the riverside boardwalk that leads to a pier and dock for fishing, boating and paddle boarding. Over at the 38-acre Riverlights Lake, the turquoise water is surrounded by wild grasses. A gravel path crunches under residents' feet as they take morning walks and jogs. A natural wildlife habitat, the lake cannot be used for fishing, but residents can paddle around in kayaks and canoes, hoping to spot turtles and blue herons. The Lake House features an outdoor pool with a twisting water slide, a fitness center and an indoor gathering space.
Patio dining is a popular past time at Riverlights's Smoke On The Water.
Eat, shop and play in Marina Village
Marina Village is the community’s quaint shopping and dining district, featuring small businesses, some owned by Riverlights residents. “We are so lucky to have great restaurants. Smoke On the Water and Girls with Dough are very popular. The food at Getaway Café is so good,” gushes Tera McCrary, a Wilmington native and Riverlights resident since March of 2022. Smoke On the Water pairs elevated seafood fare with views of the Cape Fear River, while pizza and pasta are on the menu at Girls with Dough. The Getaway Café and Provisions is the buzzing brunch spot for made-to-order sandwiches, bowls and salads. Shops like Kasa Mercantile feature unique clothing and décor. Southern Shores Craft Beer & Wine has coveted brews and several taps for on-site pours. In the evenings, Club Golf Indoor offers drinks and virtual rounds of golf with three full-swing simulators. A new Harris Teeter on nearby Independence Boulevard offers more than the traditional grocery store experience: “They have a little bar inside, and they serve beer, and they have live entertainment as well,” Roels explains. Further down Independence is The Pointe, a shopping plaza anchored by a movie theater, chain restaurants and national fitness brands.
Homes in Riverlights come in a wide range of architectural styles.
Luxury townhouses, Craftsman cottages and custom builds
Properties in Riverlights are organized around the neighborhood’s center lake. Picture-perfect rows of coastal-colored Craftsman and New Traditional homes rest on neatly landscaped lawns lined with sidewalks. Single-family home prices start in the $400,000s. “There’s a little bit of everything: townhouses and cottages, and then you’ve got the million-dollar homes on the water,” says Roels, who has lived in the area since 2014. She notes that the only drawbacks are yard size and the wait time for a home to hit the market. Derek Criscitiello, an agent with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, agrees. “Homes hardly ever become available. There’s a five-month wait time, and they’re selling sight unseen,” explains Criscitiello, who lives in downtown Wilmington. Riverlights has an age-restricted subdivision, Del Webb, a 55-plus retirement community. Rentals are also available, from detached cottages to lofts in the quaint Marina Village and luxury apartments at the Oasis at Riverlights. Properties here come with a homeowner’s association, with monthly fees varying from $135 to $602. Buyers should note that properties close to the Cape Fear River have a risk of flooding and strong winds, especially during the June-November storm season.
11
Bike along River Road
River Road is the main thoroughfare in Riverlights. The softly curving boulevard is adorned with pines, magnolias and flower beds. With marked bike lanes and a speed limit of 25 miles per hour, the street is considered a “road biking mecca” by the local cycling community, according to Brad Paluso, the shop mechanic and manager at Shore Break Bikes in Marina Village. The walkability is also a draw, says Roel: “People are drawn to neighborhoods where they can feel safe walking around, walking the dogs and taking a bike ride and not having to drive there to get it.” Riverlights is about 7 miles south of downtown Wilmington and 10 miles north of Carolina Beach, with U.S. Route 421 (Carolina Beach Road) nearby.
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
Are you familiar with the Riverlights neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Riverlights
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Riverlights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Riverlights, Wilmington sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Riverlights, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $549,750, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience effortless living in the beautifully designed Hallmark floor plan, offering 1,581 square feet of thoughtfully crafted, single level space! Located in The Haven at Riverlights, this new construction home combines comfort and convenience just eight miles from Carolina Beach. With two bedrooms and a versatile flex room, the layout provides a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both
This home is one of just six rare Ketch floor plans—a unique opportunity in RiverLights. This 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath end-unit townhome with a backyard and detached one-car garage offers an exceptional blend of comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living. Enjoy outdoor living from four distinct spaces: a welcoming front porch, a covered balcony off the primary suite, a rear covered screened
Recent price improvement! This beautifully maintained home is situated on an established street in the desirable Riverlights community. The open floor plan features a spacious living area with built-ins for storage and display, a kitchen designed for everyday meals or weekend entertaining and a dining space perfect for gatherings. The primary suite is a peaceful retreat with its own full bath,
PRICE REDUCED AND SELLER IS MOTIVATED!! Discover the perfect low-maintenance lifestyle in Del Webb at RiverLights, Wilmington's premier 55+ active adult community! EV CHARGER IN GARAGE. This charming Steel Creek floor plan offers exceptional value in a resort-style setting. At 1,505 sq ft (including the desirable extra sun room addition), this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home delivers an open-concept
Experience the best of coastal living in this stunning, nearly-new townhouse located in the sought-after Riverlights community! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom ''Shoal'' floorplan offers modern elegance and ultimate accessibility with its own private interior elevator—perfect for effortless living. The main level features an airy, open-concept design with 9ft+ ceilings, LVP flooring, and a gourmet
Our Hyde design floods your living and dining rooms with an abundance of natural light from windows at the front and sides of your home. The Hyde makes everyday living a pleasure with easy access to your kitchen from your entryway plus an ample walk-in pantry for plenty of storage. With your owner’s suite on the main level, climbing stairs to access your retreat at the end of the day is a thing
Welcome to 753 Edgerton Drive, where everyday living feels like a vacation. Tucked inside Wilmington's ever-popular Riverlights community, this 2022 beauty blends modern comfort with just the right amount of resort-style fun. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths & a flexible loft, there's space for everything: home office, movie nights, homework hub, or your workout gear. The covered front porch sets the
The Haywood is the quintessential 3 bedroom 2 and a half bath home. The Haywood features a owner’s suite tucked away upstairs, which gives the main living spaces on the first floor an exceptionally expansive and open feel. This home lives larger than it’s square footage. You’ll enjoy ample privacy from your family room with an ideal location at the rear of the home with easy access from your back
Welcome home to coastal charm and easy living in RiverLights at Del Webb! Will you spend the day enjoying the community's resort-style amenities or hosting friends on your private back patio? The choice is yours. This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom home welcomes you with a spacious foyer and a versatile front flex room -- perfect for a home office, reading nook, hobby space, or additional
Presented for sale is this stunning fully custom waterfront home in the highly exclusive Riverlights Marina Village Community. Built in 2025 by PBC Design+Build, this practically new luxury home offers intelligent design, exceptional upgrades, and breathtaking waterviews all in a friendly walkable neighborhood. The first floor of the home features a large family room, dedicated downstairs laundry
Chris RoperBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
The Clay, built by New Leaf Builders, is a thoughtfully designed single-story home featuring an open floorplan ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen showcases white cabinetry, a custom tile backsplash, and Miami Vena quartz countertops. The private primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet, while the spa-inspired primary bathroom features a zero-entry, fully tiled
The Jackson features 3 bedroom 2 and a half baths with the owner’s suite tucked upstairs, drastically expanding the space and open feel for your main floor living areas. Our Jackson offers an exceptionally designed kitchen ideally situated on the rear of the home for easy access when it’s time to set down your groceries and boxes. Your living and dining rooms then become one seamless and
A modern two-story home that effortlessly combines style and practicality. Enjoy the open living space, flooded with natural light for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The main floor boasts a primary bedroom and a versatile study, providing comfort and convenience. A handy mudroom with an optional drop zone and a spacious walk-in pantry add practical touches to daily living. Upstairs, two guest
*Proposed Construction* Summer '26 completion. The Coleman - 4 BR, 3 Bath offers all the standard luxurious features you've come to expect from Trusst Builder Group. Choose from 3 elevations, the Craftsman, the Colonial, or the Coastal. This plan comes with a spacious rocking chair front porch and a large club room with 2nd story deck off the back, offering beautiful nature views and amazing
Lee BryantColdwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage-Leland
The Martin offers an enticing array of innovative spaces expertly designed around a covered central courtyard, accessible from your main living areas. Our unique courtyard encourages owners to create an outdoor living or dining room as an additional space to relax and renew. The Martin’s courtyard truly extends your living space and your possibilities. Coming home to the Martin is a joy. Just
Oasis at Riverlights is a new 250-unit, Wilmington apartment community, where we blend modern luxuries with Southern charm, high-end interiors with serene outdoor spaces, and tech integrations with luxe finishes. Our one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in Wilmington are located within the master-planned Riverlights Coastal Community along the Cape Fear River. These are apartments designed for
This stunning 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, former model home in Riverlights boasts exquisite details and luxurious finishes throughout. As you enter the home, you'll be greeted by endless natural lighting and attractive luxury vinyl plank floors that run throughout the main living areas. Through the foyer, the open concept design creates a seamless flow between the living room, dining area, and
The Cottages at Riverlights is a brand new community! Uniquely designed cottages with modern kitchens, spacious living rooms plus side yards to extend your living space! Visit or call our community today for our current availability.
Welcome home to Del Webb by Riverlights! This community is brand new and is strictly for those 55 and over. Del Webb has several amenities like a 15,000 sqft clubhouse, fitness center, workspaces, social clubs, indoor heated pool, trails and so much more all available to the tenant! The property features hurricane shutters, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a very open living area with wood floors
Proximity Watermark is a new way to experience Wilmingtonwhere modern design meets the natural rhythm of the coast. Thoughtfully crafted apartment homes, inspired amenities, and a setting that invites you to slow down and settle in create a community that feels both elevated and effortless. Here, style and comfort coexist beautifully, giving you space to live well, every single day.
Welcome to Argento at Riverlights, a newly constructed apartment community located at 420 Angler Dr in Wilmingtons sought-after 28412 zip code. Designed with contemporary finishes, spacious layouts, and modern functionality, our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes offer elevated living within the Riverlights master-planned neighborhood.With thoughtfully designed interiors and generous
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.