$319,225Average Value$271Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
4
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 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunset Park, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $309,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor Opportunity- Fixer-Upper in Central Wilmington314 Bland Street presents a value-add opportunity for investors, builders, or renovators looking to capitalize on a centrally located Wilmington property. This 1940 cottage offers approximately 1,004 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, situated on a generous ~0.19-acre lot in an established neighborhood.The home is older and not
Nestled in the heart of the sought-after Sunset Park neighborhood, this charming and beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow is the perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience. Step inside to a spacious open floor plan filled with natural light, highlighted by brand-new LVP flooring and elegant crown molding. The completely updated kitchen offers modern style and
Experience the allure of classic Southern living with this enchanting 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow perfectly situated in the Sunset Park neighborhood. Overflowing with character and endless potential, this home invites you to reimagine and restore its timeless beauty. Whether you're an investor ready for a new project or a homeowner with undeniable imagination-this is the perfect canvas! From the
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
Affordable new construction in very desirable area to be built. Convenient to Greenfield Lake Park and Amphitheater, downtown Wilmington, South Front District and so much more. Flexibility to make design changes and upgrades.
Jonathan HarrisKeller Williams Innovate-Wilmington
Price Reduced and ready for a new owner! Welcome to Sunset Park. Wilmington's premier historical location is close to Greenfield Lake and Amphitheatre, restaurants, coffee shops, ale houses and downtown Wilmington. This 3 BR 2 BA home is move in ready. Features include beautiful refurbished hardwood floors in the main living areas, granite kitchen countertops, tile and granite in the bathrooms,
This one level living property offers an open floorplan. Large living area, the eat-in kitchen has a large island, as well as a pantry, and ''separate'' laundry room/area. The spacious primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet plus an additional closet. New Roof in 2021. You will love the fenced in backyard and neighborhood sidewalks. It is minutes away from downtown Wilmington, shopping, and
New Construction of 278 units. Community offers 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms. Water/Sewer and Trash is included in the base rent. While Starway Village does not provide appliances, units have hookups and there are two onsite facilities.Water, sewer, and trash are included in rent.Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis.Starway Village is Pet friendly. One pet up to 40lbs,
A charming 1942 Sunset Park cottage home that's had a FULL and complete ''to the studs'' renovation finished February 2025. Completed by licensed general contractor, the full renovation includes new Roof, Siding, Windows & Doors, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Insulation, Drywall, Paint, Flooring, Interior Stairs, Lights, Fans, Outlets, Switches, Fire & CO Detectors, Cabinets, Sinks & Faucets,
This quaint 2 bedroom downstairs apartment has a recently updated kitchen (new cabinets & granite countertops), gas stove, and washer/dryer. The bathroom has a new bathtub & subway tile surround.You'd have a cute patio space as well, with room for bikes, surfboards, etc!It's the perfect place for someone who likes privacy and doesn't need a lot of space.Sunset Park is a great
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