$308,999Average Value$275Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Evolving neighborhood in between Wilmington’s popular downtown districts
It may be called The Bottom, but it’s slowly becoming a top choice for people in Wilmington looking to make a historic home their own. With the Castle Street Arts District to the south, the Soda Pop District to the north, the Cargo District to the east and the River & Historic Districts to the west, this neighborhood is within walking distance of some of the city’s most beloved shops, eateries, arts and culture. “A renaissance is happening here,” says Celeste Salzberg, a Realtor with Momentum Companies. “It’s really an edgy kind of place. Anything goes. You may see two roommates hanging out. One is a medical doctor, and one is a surfer. It’s also racially diverse, and we like it that way,” says Salzberg, who has lived in Wilmington since 2017. “Buyers want to be able to walk to the yoga studio. This is the hip place for them,” she says.
Beat Street near The Bottom is in repurposed shipping containers in Wilmington's Cargo District.
The Bottom is less than 2 miles from the Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington.
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Early 20th-century homes with preserved historical features
In The Bottom’s tightly packed grid, single-family homes rest side by side on lots about a 1/10 of an acre in size. Homes are small, too, averaging less than 1,200 square feet. With no HOA, yards are decorated to individual taste with flowering ornamental trees, small shrubs and quaint flower beds. The neighborhood is known for its early 1900s homes, especially Queen Anne-style bungalows and two-story builds that have been renovated over the years while keeping historical features intact. “We appreciate vintage. We prefer the single-pane 100-year-old windows that we’ve painstakingly repaired and maintained. We prefer the 100-year-old floors, the solid wood doors and old doorknobs,” Salzberg says. Buyers can also find midcentury brick ranch-style homes, plus some new construction. Prices range from $225,000 to $450,000, with recently renovated homes at the top of the market.
A Craftsman-style home in The Bottom features a well-manicured lawn.
Newer 2-story homes in The Bottom feature Charleston-style porches.
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Why it’s called Dram Tree Park
Small neighborhood green spaces like James W. Nunalee Park and Church & Nun Park offer quiet places to host a picnic or play on the playground. A more vibrant atmosphere can be found at the 18-acre Robert Strange Park, packed with ballfields, courts and indoor community centers that provide programs such as after-school care, movie nights and senior social groups. “It’s a great resource for our community. All the sports teams meet there to practice, and I see people playing tennis there all the time,” Salzberg says. Dram Tree Park is less than 2 miles away, offering peaceful views of the Cape Fear River. Salzberg says the park's name is a nod to a Colonial-era landmark used by mariners. “The Cape Fear River was treacherous. There used to be this tree that grew out in the middle of the river. When ships coming in would pass it, sailors felt safe, and they would take a dram of rum to celebrate. That’s old pirate terminology for taking a shot.” People today can see a steel sculpture of the Dram Tree at the convention center.
Residents from The Bottom access the Cape Fear River via the Dram Tree Park boat launch.
Nunalee Park, in The Bottom neighborhood of Wilmington, NC, is shaded by mature trees.
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A school pipeline with a focus on the arts
Annie H. Snipes Academy of Arts & Design earns a C-plus from Niche. The magnet elementary school has a curriculum that integrates art and design principles. Williston Middle School is in the neighborhood and has a B-minus. The school offers a musical theater program that culminates in an end-of-the-year showcase. Alternatively, students can apply to the B-rated International School at Gregory, located next door. The kindergarten through eighth grade school offers a dual language immersion program where students learn equally in English and Spanish. New Hanover High School, which receives a B-plus, is just north of the neighborhood. The oldest school in Wilmington, dating to 1922, the building has been featured in television shows and movies, including “One Tree Hill,” an early 2000s teen drama. Several private options, including St. Mary Catholic School and D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, are nearby. Cape Fear Community College is also conveniently close. “I drop my daughter off, and after class, she walks downtown, gets a coffee and an ice cream,” Salzberg says.
Snipes Academy of Arts & Design in Wilmington welcomes students from The Bottom.
The student population of Williston Middle School is 698 and the school serves 6-8.
New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC offers a comprehensive education for students.
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Walk, bike or ride around Wilmington
The Bottom is a very walkable neighborhood with sidewalks throughout. Cafes, shops and corner stores are only blocks away. Three Wave Transit bus routes are available in the neighborhood, making for short rides to the Historic and Riverfront Districts less than 2 miles away. Bike-friendly streets like Castle and South 13th streets connect to other bikeable roads and trails throughout the city. Drivers have easy access to U.S. Highway 17 and Market Street to reach destinations such as Wrightsville Beach, about a 9-mile drive, and Wilmington International Airport, about a 4-mile drive.
Wave Transit connects The Bottom to the greater Wilmington area.
Wrightsville Beach is just a 10-minute drive from The Bottom.
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Steps from the Castle Street Arts District
Residents of The Bottom are blocks away from popular shops, eateries and bars along Castle Street, and many of them are locally owned. “Small businesses are really strong here, and people intentionally support them,” says Salzberg. Residents step into the space-themed Luna Café for an out-of-this-world latte. Lewis Adorno, a 15-year Wilmingtonian, says people head to Gravity Records to pick up a new vinyl. Born from a food truck, the family-run On Thyme Restaurant is known for its Philly egg rolls, wings and fried seafood. Residents can enjoy a tour, tasting and live music at End of Days Distillery before walking to Fried Fruit Art Space to see the latest exhibition in this cargo container-turned-art gallery. As for groceries, Salzberg admits, “We’re in a food desert. There is a rumor that there’s going to be a Publix somewhere. For now, there’s a Food Lion on Dawson Street and a Harris Teeter on Oleander.” Independence Mall is less than 3 miles away.
The Castle Street Art and Antique District is a favorite shopping spot in The Bottom.
Find rare vinyl at Gravity Records near The Bottom.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Baxter Cheek,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Dram Tree Park
Robert Strange Park
Nunalee Park
Portia Mills Hines Park
Transit
Airport
Wilmington International
16 min drive
Bus
Castle St Wb & 11th St
Bus
Market St Eb & 16th St
Bus
16th St Sb & Castle St
Bus
Castle St Wb & 15th St
Bus
Market St Eb & 12th St
Bus
16th St Sb & Dock St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
The Bottom
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
The Bottom Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in The Bottom, Wilmington sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in The Bottom, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $312,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully renovated gem in the heart of Wilmington! Welcome to 118 S 13th St. where the historic charm meets modern convenience. This home has been thoughtfully renovated from top to bottom, including an all-new HVAC, roof, and more! From the covered front porch, step inside to a freshly painted interior. You will notice classic characters with smart functionality updates. The kitchen features new
This beautifully updated home is move-in ready with renovations completed in 2025. Featuring a brand-new roof, stunning new floors, a modern kitchen, and fresh paint throughout, this home blends comfort with style. Well-maintained and thoughtfully upgraded, it's perfect for anyone looking for quality and value. Don't wait--this one won't last long!
Step into this beautifully updated 3BR/2BA home that blends timeless character with modern convenience. Be welcomed by fruit-bearing peach, fig, and loquat trees in the front yard and a cozy covered porch--perfect for relaxing and enjoying the vibrant neighborhood.Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, a bright open living space, a spacious updated kitchen with new cabinets and appliances, along
Own a piece of history with this charming 1910 Queen Anne-style home, ideally located just minutes from historic downtown Wilmington! From award-winning restaurants to unique shops and vibrant entertainment, everything this beloved coastal city has to offer is right at your fingertips.This character-filled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features classic architecture, including a beautiful wrap-around
Property Id: 1830906Updated historical home just blocks from the Cargo District and Castle Street. Brand new appliances, countertops and laminate flooring.
Great 2 bedroom home in convenient location downtown. Partially furnished. Enjoy walking distance to the cargo district. Close to shopping, riverfront and downtown Wilmington. Large living room and large dining room. Huge fenced backyard. Quiet neighborhood across from sports fields.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Baxter Cheek,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,237
Median Age
41
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$47,692
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,769
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.6%
College Graduates
41.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.7%
% Population in Labor Force
58.8%
Below 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®
60/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
73/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 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.
