$316,889Average Value$272Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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
Are you familiar with the Sunset Park neighborhood?
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 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunset Park, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $318,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NOW OFFERING $5,000 IN CLOSING COSTS!! This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers an incredible opportunity for buyers seeking affordability, comfort, and convenience -- making it an ideal starter home. Perfectly priced and located in the heart of Wilmington, this property provides easy access to everything that makes coastal living so desirable. Centrally located, you'll enjoy quick drives to
314 Bland Street presents a compelling 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.Recent system updates provide a strong foundation for future improvements,
Solid low maintenance brick construction, hardwood floors throughout, and the timeless appeal of historic Sunset Park with wide streets, sidewalks, and trees. Situated on a welcoming Washington Street block known for its strong sense of community, this home features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, encapsulated crawlspace, dehumidifier, new ductwork (2021), Nest thermostat, Ring doorbell,
Charming duplex bungalow in the desirable Summer Hills neighborhood of Historic Sunset Park, just minutes from downtown Wilmington and area beaches. Walk to local favorites like Winnie's Tavern, Dram Tree Tavern, and Greenfield Lake Park. This versatile ''two-in-one'' property features two separate 2BR/1BA units, ideal for investment, house-hacking, or multi-generational living. Enjoy fenced
Mende KitzmanColdwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage-CB
Welcome to this character-filled 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in the Sunset Park neighborhood, just minutes from Greenfield Lake Park and Amphitheater, walking trails, and the Cape Fear River.Inside, you'll find hardwood floors in the living area and a cozy layout that highlights the home's original charm. This property offers a great opportunity for updates and personalization, with the potential
Fresh updates and a modern feel give this recently renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home a style that feels both comfortable and current. Inside, stained wood floors add warmth and character throughout the living spaces, while updated lighting and finishes create a clean, cohesive look. The kitchen features beautifully updated cabinetry, quartz countertops, barstool counter, a new Whirlpool appliance
A rare opportunity to own a piece of Wilmington history in the heart of Sunset Park, one of the city's most beloved downtown neighborhoods. Built in 1910, this 2,628 sq ft classic home has been thoughtfully and extensively updated -- the kind of bones-deep renovation that turns a historic gem into a move-in-ready home without sacrificing an ounce of character.The main level flows generously
Completely renovated bungalow with an ADU in desirable Sunset Park offering modern finishes and thoughtful upgrades throughout. Bright open living areas feature new LVP flooring, fresh paint, granite countertops, a new stove and dishwasher, and custom light switches imported from England. Comfort and convenience include remote-control ceiling fans, new ductwork, security cameras, TVs on swivel
This home is ready for immediate occupancy. The owner has done wonders in upgrading and renovating this beautiful home in Sunset Park. They rebuilt the retaining wall in front while making the front yard a dream to look at with plants and trees and built custom firepit in backyard for the evenings just to sit around a fire and roast marshmallows. Fresh wall paint and trim completed recently,
Craig YarboroBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
Profitable short term rental/ AIR BNB that stays rented!! Nestled in the heart of Sunset Park , this completely renovated tiny cottage was once one of two original fishing cottages in Carolina Beach --Now used as short term rental. A piece of coastal history refreshed for modern living. Exterior: a charming cottage look updated with a new roof and fresh paint, sitting on brand-new piers with new
Sunset Park | 3BR | No HOA | One Level | Workshop | Large Fenced Lot | Minutes to Historic Downtown Wilmington Located in the established Sunset Park neighborhood, this 1950-built, single-story home sits on one of the larger lots you will find this close to the heart of Wilmington. With no HOA fees, this property offers a level of flexibility that is increasingly difficult to come by in an
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,
This is a prime, perfect location in the Wilmington area. This location is in the heart of Wilmington, being minutes away from Wilmington’s historic downtown, Greenfield Lake/ Amphitheatre, and New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Downtown has around 230 blocks of beautiful Victorian style architecture, local trendy shops, local restaurants, and fun for all ages. The beautiful Greenfield Lake
Step into your dream home in the desirable Sunset Park community! This stunning new construction boasts a spacious, open floor plan perfect for modern living. The sleek, new appliances in the kitchen add a touch of elegance, while the convenient back patio provides an ideal space for relaxation and outdoor entertaining. Inside, you'll find luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) throughout, enhancing
Unique Find in SunsetPark – A Corner-Lot Charmer Ready for YouTucked into a quiet, tree-lined street of SunsetPark, this three-bedroom gem stands out as a truly rare find. Set on a generous corner lot, the home enjoys plenty of natural light and a sense of spaciousness that’s hard to come by in the bustling neighborhood. A fully fenced backyard creates a private oasis—perfect for summer
Relax in this charming Sunset Park cottage. It is a 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and is nestled just off of Carolina Beach Road. With a spacious kitchen with dining room combo; good size bedrooms; and a mudroom/laundry room which leads to a large fenced in backyard! Enjoy your morning coffee on the screened in back porch. There is a shed in the backyard with ample storage. Sunset Park is a sought after,
This classic home offers a spacious open floor plan perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The vaulted ceiling in the great room creates an airy, light-filled space that feels even larger and more inviting. The seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas makes gathering with family and friends easy and comfortable. All three bedrooms feature generously sized walk-in
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.
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