$326,229Average Value$243Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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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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.
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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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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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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.
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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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
The Bottom
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
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 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in The Bottom, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $284,800, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 317 S 15th Street, where timeless character meets modern comfort — perfectly situated minutes to the vibrant Cargo District and Soda Pop District and just minutes from downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Thoughtfully designed to maximize every inch, this home offers a beautiful blend of historic details and contemporary finishes. Exposed beams, subway tile, large baseboards,
Danielle PuleoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
This beautifully updated and furnished cottage offers the perfect blend of modern design and downtown Wilmington charm, ideally located near the Cargo District and Castle Street. Renovated from top to bottom in 2022, the home features major exterior upgrades including fiber cement siding, a new roof, and a privacy fence, creating both curb appeal and peace of mind. Inside, the open floor plan is
Charming and affordable downtown entry-level property featuring two bedrooms and a recent remodel with a new roof, ceiling fans, fresh paint, updated flooring, and modern cabinets. Perfect as a primary residence, rental, or a stylish downtown Airbnb.
Newly Renovated Gem in the Heart of Wilmington — Privacy Fenced & Move-In Ready!Price reduction and $2500 in closing cost. Discover a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort in this beautifully renovated home—just minutes from downtown Wilmington's vibrant Riverwalk, the Cargo District, and Castle Street Arts District. Enjoy easy access to local restaurants, shops, breweries, and
This duplex offers excellent potential. The home is part of a portfolio that can be purchased individually or as part of a larger package — reach out for the full list with pricing details. Previous rents were $1300/mo for the lower unit and $800/mo for the upper unit. No HOA. No photos included to protect tenant privacy. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown, shopping, and major
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This owner also has 15 other properties for sale on the market that can be sold individually or packages. This is a 2 bedroom 1 bath property in a area with lots of renovations and new Construction projects. Currently Used as an investment property but has the option of many different uses. Reach out for more details. Reach out for a full list and prices. No pictures due to tenants privacy. Can
The Domenico Grillo Real Estate TeamKeller Williams Innovate-Wilmington
The perfect blend of charm and convenience in this beautifully updated home set in the vibrant heart of Wilmington. Ideally located near the trendy Soda Pop District, Carolina Place, Jengo's Playhouse, and the energy of Historic Downtown, you'll enjoy quick access to the city's most popular destinations, with midtown just minutes away. Inside, an inviting open layout seamlessly connects the
The Domenico Grillo Real Estate TeamKeller Williams Innovate-Wilmington
Property Id: 2332119Downtown Wilmington duplex near the Soda Pop District.The property features high ceilings, large windows, built-in shelving, and exposed brick. The fenced in yard has mature trees offering shade and privacy which also includes a driveway for off-street parking. Convenient access to downtown, restaurants, and local shops.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home located in the vibrant city of Wilmington, NC. This home is beautifully furnished and ready for you to move in. The kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring a convenient island for extra prep space. The home is equipped with ceiling fans for those warm summer days and a walk-in shower for a touch of luxury. For your peace of mind, a security
Newly renovated 4 bed 2 bath home in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. As you enter the home, you will notice all new LVP flooring throughout the home. Updated kitchen has all new stainless-steel appliances. Master bedroom has beautiful ensuite bath. Enjoy early morning coffee or a relaxing evening on the beautiful covered front porch. Close to all that downtown Wilmington has to offer;
2 bedroom 1 bath home located on a corner lot close to downtown Wilmington. This home comes equipped with covered front and back porches, street parking for the front, and a parking pad located at the back of the home. Enter into the living room to see beautiful, engineered hardwood floors throughout, with upgraded ceiling fan, tv mount, and laundry closet with washer/dryer . The kitchen features
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