Sunset Park
Neighborhood in Wilmington, North Carolina
New Hanover County 28401, 28412
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Kris Bates
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Team Thirty 4 North
Team Thirty 4 North
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
(910) 679-9760
525 Total Sales
1 in Sunset Park
$298,000 Price
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Ed Wagenseller
Ed Wagenseller
Keller Williams Innovate-Wilmington
(910) 356-9055
130 Total Sales
2 in Sunset Park
$175K - $280K Price Range
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Sean Skutnik
Sean Skutnik
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage-Leland
(910) 765-8727
55 Total Sales
1 in Sunset Park
$149,900 Price
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Ed Coulbourn
Ed Coulbourn
eXp Realty
(910) 807-4736
74 Total Sales
1 in Sunset Park
$201,000 Price
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Adonna Pipkin
Adonna Pipkin
RE/MAX Executive
(910) 356-9950
64 Total Sales
1 in Sunset Park
$360,000 Price
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Rob Warwick
Rob Warwick
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
(910) 807-7356
394 Total Sales
3 in Sunset Park
$220K - $525K Price Range
Schools
Source:
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Greenfield Park
Transit
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
Sunset Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunset Park, Wilmington sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunset Park, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $310,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$310,000
Median Sale Price
$310,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$310,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
43
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$273
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
997
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1943
Months of Supply
3.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,209
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,470
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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$1,047 - $1,447 per month
- Starway Village
- 1-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 781+ Sq Ft
- 2346 Carolina Beach Rd
- Wilmington, NC
-
-
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 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
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
40
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
25
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Greenfield
A serene neighborhood named after the surrounding park and lake
Dry Pond-South Side
In downtown Wilmington, Dry Pond-South Side is close to up-and-coming districts
Glen Meade
Near Wilmington Medical Park, and characterized by estate-style homes
Lake Forest
Single-family homes with spacious yards steps from Greenfield Lake
Longleaf Park
Industrial vibes on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington
Barclay West-Hanover Heights
Ranch-style homes fill this neighborhood, featuring the new Pointe at Barclay mall
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