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.
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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.
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On average, homes in Riverlights, Wilmington sell after 94 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Riverlights, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $546,764, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$4,000 in Buyer Incentives!Preferred lender is offering $4,000 in closing costsStunning 3BR/2BA Martin Ray in Del Webb at Riverlights 55+ Community!This beautifully upgraded Martin Ray floor plan blends style, comfort, and functionality in one of Wilmington's most desirable active adult neighborhoods.Inside, you'll find crown molding, chair rail detailing, and rich flooring throughout. French
A home with an open easement lot next door for more space and privacy! Welcome Home to this less than 2 year old, better than new, cozy and light filled home in one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Wilmington. Whether you are downsizing, a first time home buyer or just want a change, make this home a must see today. Amazing amenities included in the purchase AND a LENDER INCENTIVE at
💰 $9,000 in Buyer Incentives! 💰Seller is offering $5,000 use as you chose in concessionsPreferred lender is offering $4,000 toward closing costs (must use preferred lender to qualify).Beautiful 3BR/2BA Ranch in Riverlights-Del Webb 55+ CommunityEnjoy resort-style living in the award-winning Riverlights-Del Webb community! Amenities include indoor/outdoor pools, a 38-acre lake with
Premium lakefront living with Wilmington's best sunsets in RiverLights, an award-winning community on the Cape Fear River. This 2018 semi-custom home features elegant details, including dimmable tray and coffered ceilings, with 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths in an open, light-filled floorplan. The main level offers the primary suite with his and hers closets, a secondary bedroom, an office/study,
Like new Townhome in desirable Riverlights Community. This end unit is immaculate. The extra side windows provide plenty of light. 3 bedroom 2.5 bath with separate laundry won't disapoint. This unit also has an oversized 1 car garage for added space.Come take a look and see all that Riverlights has to offer!!
The Haywood, built by New Leaf Builders 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
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
Welcome to our luxurious townhouse in the beautiful waterfront community in Riverlights Marina Village. This stunning home features granite countertops, a private elevator, and covered balconies perfect for enjoying the serene views. Residents can take advantage of the community pool, clubhouse, walking and bike trails, boat dock, playground area, fitness center, picnic area, and dog park. With
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.
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