$301,348Average Value$274Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Brick pergolas flank the entrance to Sunset Park.
A neighborhood shaped by Wilmington's history
Originally marketed as a planned development for Wilmington’s wealthy in the early 1900s, Sunset Park's name indicates one of its initial draws: views of the mesmerizing sunsets over the Cape Fear River. Developers couldn’t predict that the Port of Wilmington would eventually block this view and that two world wars would shift plans from upscale custom homes to quicker builds for a growing workforce. The result is a special blend of architecture in which picturesque Queen Annes share the block with minimal traditional homes, helping Sunset Park land on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. “When I moved there in 2017, it was one of the best-kept secrets of Wilmington,” says Caroline Harrison, a Realtor and broker with Intracoastal Realty Corporation. Today, this enclave is experiencing a shift once more due to a booming renovation-to-rental market fueled by competitive home values.
Sunset Park features a wide range of single story ranch homes.
Homes with World War II history
Two brick pergolas welcome residents entering the neighborhood on Northern Boulevard, where some of Sunset Park's notable architecture rests, including Queen Annes and Craftsman bungalows dating to the early 1900s. “Residents know each other, know the houses and know the history of the houses,” says Harrison, adding that the neighborhood association actively works to beautify the community. Most homes here are Cape Cods or minimal traditional dwellings built initially for shipyard workers during World War II. Buyers can also find Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival and American Foursquare styles. Properties are a little over a 1/10 of an acre in size and sit close together, divided by short driveways that lead to detached garages. Prices range from $200,000 to $450,000, with most homes listing in the $300,000s. Well-maintained, updated properties with manicured lawns along Northern Boulevard can top $500,000. With home values significantly lower than the Wilmington average of $548,000, Harrison says the rental market is booming, with people renovating homes and turning them into rentals. While there is a risk of flooding here, Harrison says, “It’s protected by the port from storms. When Hurricane Florence came, I felt extremely safe.” She also notes that homes near the port on Burnett Boulevard can hear noise at night.
Sunset Park residents can enjoy Winnie's Tavern's famous burgers for lunch or dinner.
Mouthwatering burgers at Winnie’s Tavern
The locally owned and operated Winnie’s Tavern is a neighborhood mainstay. Open since 1962, this casual eatery with nautical décor is known for its variety of burgers, such as the Trailer Park Burger, topped with fried green tomatoes, bacon and jalapeno pimento cheese. The restaurant used to have a drive-through, but today, it offers curbside service. Benny's Big Time Pizzeria is the local spot for a classic pie or pasta, while True Blue Butcher and Barrel serves steak and whiskey flights in its contemporary digs. Next door is the Satellite Bar and Lounge, which offers evenings of cornhole, craft beer and live music. It’s housed in a historic brick building that was once a supermarket. Tapping into those roots, Satellite hosts a Second Sunday Market each month, with local vendors selling vintage records, artisan crafts and flowers. More nightlife awaits downtown along Front Street, about 3 miles away. For everyday needs, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods Market and Independence Mall, featuring department stores like Belk and Dillard's, lie along Oleander Drive, less than 5 miles away.
Sunset Park Elementary School in Wilmington, NC has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
An elementary school within walking distance
Children can walk to Sunset Park Elementary School. Earning a B-minus from Niche, the school provides annual programming like the African American Read-In, where community members are invited into classrooms to read children’s books by African American authors and illustrators. Williston Middle School receives a B-minus rating, while New Hanover High School earns a B-plus. The high school is ranked the fifth-best public school in the Wilmington area, and parts of the campus can be seen in movies and TV shows, such as “One Tree Hill,” a teen drama series shot primarily in Wilmington in the early 2000s. Saint Mary Catholic School and Cape Fear Academy are two nearby private options.
Greenfield Park's outdoor amphitheatre provides live entertainment to Sunset Park residents.
Paddle around Greenfield Lake
Small green spaces like Cameron Park and Sunset & Adams Park dot the neighborhood, but Harrison says most residents visit the expansive Greenfield Park. Known for its large tree-lined lake, Greenfield Park features a skate park, 1,200-seat amphitheater, playground and a 4 1/2-mile multi-use trail that loops around the water. Residents can rent paddleboats or canoes to see turtles and other wildlife up close. Posted signs warn of alligators, usually six to eight feet long, that are known to swim in the algae-covered water. The ordinarily quiet park becomes a bustling destination in the summer for a concert series held at the amphitheater. “People come out with paddle boats or kayaks to listen to the concerts from the water,” Harrison says. Along the southwest end of the lake is the Legion Sports Complex, home to the Wilmington Sharks, a collegiate summer league baseball team. “I take my son there all the time. They have things like dog night in the park and kid night,” says Dan Barentine, a longtime Wilmington resident and broker with Nest Realty. The facility also has two soccer fields, pickleball courts and an outdoor pool.
Residents can bike around Greenfield Park, a 190-acre park.
A walkable and bikeable neighborhood
Streets around the neighborhood are lined with thin concrete sidewalks, making it easy to get around on foot. Cyclists can take two bike-friendly streets, Central and Burnett boulevards, to reach the paved multi-use trail encircling Greenfield Lake. Carolina Beach Road (U.S. Route 421) runs along the eastern edge of Sunset Park, connecting Wilmington to Carolina Beach, about 12 miles away. Shipyard Boulevard (U.S. Route 117) starts at the Port of Wilmington and connects with College Road, a major city thoroughfare. Barentine notes, “You have your port traffic with 18-wheelers.” But Harrison says, "Traffic within the neighborhood is nothing.” Downtown Wilmington is about 3 miles away, and residents can reach it by hopping on a Wave Transit bus at stops dotting Carolina Beach Road. Wilmington International Airport is about 7 miles away.
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
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Parks in this Area
Greenfield Park
Transit
Airport
Wilmington International
21 min drive
Bus
Bell St Wb & Pine Terrace
Bus
Carolina Beach Rd Sb & Medical Center Dr
Bus
Carolina Beach Rd Sb & Southern Ave
Bus
Carolina Beach Rd Sb & Bourdeaux St
Bus
Carolina Beach Rd Sb & North Carolina Ave
Bus
Adams St Sb & Bell St
Bus
Carolina Beach Rd Sb & Central Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sunset Park
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunset Park, Wilmington sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Sunset Park, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $307,258, down 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Cottage in the Heart of Coveted Sunset ParkDiscover this delightful 3-bedroom cottage nestled in one of Wilmington's most sought-after neighborhoods--Sunset Park. Brimming with character and warmth, this home offers a cozy living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining.Step outside to a spacious deck ideal for evening gatherings or unwinding as you take in breathtaking sunset views
Classic Charm Meets Modern Comfort in Sunset Park!Step into this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottage nestled in the heart of Sunset Park. With 1,107 SF of stylish living space, this home effortlessly blends historic character with contemporary updates. Enjoy cooking in the brand-new kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and all new cabinetry. The original
Description:Charming bungalow in Sunset Park, move-in ready and currently tenant-occupied--perfect for investors or future homeowners! Enjoy a short bike ride to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, South Front District, and the vibrant downtown dining scene. Plus, off-street parking adds extra convenience! Tenant occupied. Owner is selling his personal property. Owner is a minority owner in the firm
Nestled in one of Wilmington's most charming historic neighborhoods, this prime vacant lot offers a rare opportunity to build your dream home or investment property in the heart of the city. Just minutes from the vibrant energy of downtown Wilmington, you'll enjoy easy access to trendy restaurants, lively entertainment, and boutique shopping.For nature lovers, Greenfield Lake and Park are just
This home will not last long. Cute 2 bedroom 1 bath home is ready to move in. Has a lot of character and charm. Also, there is a hugh detached 2 car garage that has a/c and heat. Great for someone that enjoys working with tools.
Property Id: 1833965Charming 2br/2ba home with fenced yard in lovely Sunset Park. Yard maintenance provided 2xmonthly. Wonderful neighbors and parking off street for two vehicles. Fire pit. Covered screened porch. Full laundry room with fulsize washer and dryer. Home can be partially furnished if desired. Convenient to downtown. Sidewalks. Open park within two blocks. Will consider
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Team Thirty 4 North,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,212
Median Age
40
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$60,375
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,193
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.4%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.2%
Advanced Degrees
15%
% Population in Labor Force
77.4%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
64''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
47/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
26/ 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.
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.
