Wilson is a small town expanding with big industry
Industry, art and athletics combine in Wilson, a growing town of nearly 50,000. “I like the fact that we are a small town that’s convenient to a lot of other communities,” says Debbie Reason, a lifelong resident of Wilson and Realtor at Our Town Properties. “But we don’t have to live in the hustle and bustle and all the traffic.” Wilson is about 50 miles east of Raleigh, but residents may not have to commute that far because Wilson is the largest manufacturing base in Eastern NC. “You can have a great job and still a fairly low cost of living as opposed to living in one of the larger metro areas,” says Allyson Moye, a Realtor with Womble Real Estate Company who has been selling in the area for nearly 20 years.
Wilson is North Carolina’s first gigabit city, meaning they can access high-speed fiber optic gigabit internet with free wi-fi downtown. “There’s reliable service and excellent tech support should you need it,” Moye says. “If you’re having issues, you call, and it’s ‘Greenlight, this is Nick.’ Nick is sitting downtown; you may run into Nick after work at a bar somewhere.” Wilson’s downtown area is also expanding with new shops, eateries, and a baseball stadium.
Wilson residents enjoy a vast array of sweet treats at The Sugar Plum Shoppe.
Local artists share their works at Wilson's Barnes Corner Gallery.
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Historic homes and smaller tract builds
"Wilson has a large inventory of bungalows and then some really beautiful old historic Victorian and Queen Anne Craftsman-style homes as well,” Moye says. Homes in Wilson stay on the market for an average of 44 days. The median single-family price is $275,000. “If you spend $500,000 for a house in Raleigh, you might get 1,300 or 1,400 square feet. If you buy in Wilson for $500,000, you’ll get 3,000 square feet and more land.”
With the growing population, there has been more new construction. “There’s a demand for smaller tract houses,” Moye says. “There’s a couple of new developments that have some townhouses in the front and some larger houses in the back.” Townhouses range from $145,000 to around $325,000.
Wilson is seeing an influx of new home construction.
Ranch homes are a common sight in Wilson.
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Shining sculptures at Whirligig Park
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is the luminary of downtown. Simpson’s creative metal “whirligig” sculptures hover over the park and even light up at night. “Everything that’s happening downtown is centralized around Whirligig Park,” Reason says. It’s home to the annual Whirligig Festival, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary and the Gig in the Park spring and fall concert series. There are also galleries and museums to explore downtown. “Wilson Arts Council and the Boykin Cultural Center downtown have concerts and theater productions going on all the time,” Moye says.
Gillette Park has eight soccer fields, an accessible playground and the J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex. “We host a lot of little league and soccer regional and state tournaments,” Moye says. "If there’s a tournament going on, you know it because of the traffic going in and out.” Residents can kayak, fish or jog along the walking trails at Lake Wilson Park. “They spent a lot of money on that in the last couple of years, adding a bridge across the lake, restroom facilities and picnic areas.” For indoor fitness, a YMCA recently opened downtown.
When the Zebulon Mudcat minor league baseball team was looking for a new home, Wilson volunteered. The Wilson Warbird will begin their season in April 2026 when Wilson Stadium opens.
Creative metal “whirligig” sculptures hover over the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and even light up at night.
J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex features playgrounds, athletic fields, walking trails and more.
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Wilson County Schools and Barton College
There are 14 elementary schools, seven middle schools and five high schools in the Wilson County Schools district. "Instead of going to a traditional high school, you can go to the Early College Academy, and when you graduate, you’ll have your high school diploma and a two-year associate degree,” Moye says. There are also some charter and private school options. Barton College is a private four-year college in the area, while Wilson Community College offers associate degrees.
Barton College is a private four-year college in the Wilson area.
Wilson Community College offers associate degrees to area residents.
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The Downtown Social District and shopping centers
“The downtown area is coming back into its own with lots of locally owned shops and boutiques,” Moye says. There are new breweries and restaurants popping up, including those specializing in Wilson Cuisine, which specializes in Eastern North Carolina-style pork barbeque. Those who are 21-plus can enjoy the Downtown Social District. “As long as you’ve got it in a properly marked cup with the social district sticker on it, you can just walk down the street and look at the sights,” Moye says. A little further out, there are a few shopping centers with well-known retailers and chain restaurants.
Wilson residents can enjoy lunch or dinner at Bill's Grill.
Those who are 21-plus can enjoy Wilson's Downtown Social District.
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Centrally located from the Research Triangle
Wilson is just off of Interstate 95. “We're just off of a major highway that goes all the way up to New York and all the way down to Miami,” Reason says. RIDE is an app-based community ride-share program that picks up residents for a small fee. The town also has an Amtrack station, and the drive to Rocky Mount-Wilson Airport will take about 12 miles or 20 minutes. Wilson Medical Center is 2 miles from downtown.
Crime rates above the national average
Wilson’s violent crime rate varied in 2023 but was typically just above the national and state averages. Its property crime rate was consistently well above the national and state averages. Wilson experiences all four seasons and has no major environmental concerns.
Written By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wilson, NC sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Wilson, NC over the last 12 months is $259,350, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Introducing a brand-new 1,648 SF true ranch in Bellingham -- a sidewalk community inside Wilson city limits. This light-filled, quick-move-in plan sits on a .24-acre lot and offers 3 beds / 2 full baths, an open chef-inspired kitchen with large island, granite/quartz counters, abundant upgraded cabinetry with dovetail soft-close drawers, corner pantry, and LVP throughout (no carpet). Appliances
Discover a semi-custom, new-construction home in Bellingham's charming sidewalk neighborhood--this Smithfield floor plan delivers modern living and smart storage across more than 2,400 sq. ft. The home includes 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a generous bonus room that can function as a fourth bedroom, and over 400 sq. ft. of walk-in storage. Set on a level 0.26-acre parcel with a two-car garage, the
Sitting on just under 3 acres, this property offers the best of country living--wide open space, privacy, and room to spread out, without feeling too far from everyday conveniences. Enjoy big skies, peaceful surroundings, and plenty of outdoor potential for gardening, outdoor seating areas, or future projects like a workshop, fire pit, or pool, all with ample yard space remaining. Inside, the
Lots of space at an incredible price! This spacious brick ranch with a garage sits on a desirable corner lot in the highly sought-after New Hope Elementary School District. The home offers three bedrooms and two full baths, along with both a living room and a den—each featuring its own fireplace. A bright sunroom provides the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind with a good book.
Wonderful condo in the middle of Wilson! 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Updated flooring and plantation shutters! Go outside to the amazing patio area giving you peace and privacy. Alarm system, fridge, washer and dryer convey. This home has it all and at the right price.
Welcome home to this beautifully designed 2024-built home offering the perfect blend of modern style and comfortable living. Situated on 1.79 acres, this spacious property features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an open-concept layout ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The main level offers a versatile study or formal dining room, giving you the flexibility to create the space that
Prime commercial land opportunity located in a highly desirable, high-traffic corridor in Wilson. This property offers excellent visibility and accessibility along one of the area's busiest roads, making it ideal for a variety of commercial uses. Conveniently located near retail centers, restaurants, medical offices, and established neighborhoods, providing strong exposure and customer access. A
Move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condominium offering 1,840 square feet of comfortable living space. Recent updates include luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and new tile flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms. The spacious kitchen features abundant cabinetry, generous room sizes, and a well-designed floor plan that provides both comfort and exceptional value. Enjoy the convenience and peace
0.73-Acre Residential Lot in the City of Wilson! Approximately 85' road frontage, extending 365.31' on the left side, 377.52' on the right side, and 85.87' across the rear property line. No HOA with a minimum 1,500 heated sq. ft. requirement. Zoned Single Family Residential. Beautiful partially wooded lot offering both privacy and convenience with city utilities available, including water, sewer,
This home checks ALL the boxes! 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths with bonus room! Kitchen features include granite countertops, island with cooktop, and stainless appliances. Comfort abounds in living areas including formal living room, dining room, den with fireplace and wet bar, office/study, craft room and more! Walk-up attic provides tons of storage space, screened porch for enjoying peaceful morning
This home offers a spacious, serene setting with an abundance of rooms and amenities. Highlights include:• Expansive formal living room and sunken family room• Three fireplaces for cozy ambiance• Three bedrooms plus a bonus room and recreation room (both previously used as bedrooms)• Dedicated office/study for work or quiet reflection• Three and a half bathrooms• Oversized
Lovely painted brick home in the established Wilson community of Cavalier Terrace, offering classic character paired with everyday functionality. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence is warm, inviting, and thoughtfully laid out. The kitchen features eat-in space and stainless-steel appliances, all of which will remain. The primary bedroom is conveniently located on the main level and includes an
Here at Oasis at Heritage Apartments, you'll experience luxury living with all the best in location and comfort. Just minutes from our community you will find great shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including Heritage Place Shopping Center, Harris Teater, Target, Marshalls, Panera, Starbucks, and Westwood Village Shopping Center. We are situated near several area schools and employers,
Centro at Pine Nash Apartments proves that big style doesn’t require a big city. Thoughtful design, modern comfort, and a downtown address await the moment you say yes to our apartments in Wilson, NC.It all starts with you exploring our curated selection of studio, one, and two-bedroom layouts, paired with loft options and all the upscale features you want, like pendant lighting and high-end
Our apartments are situated in a historic warehouse once integral to North Carolina's tobacco industry—in beautiful downtown Wilson. All of our lofts feature historic charm and great amenities like all-inclusive utilities, all stainless steel appliances, washer & dryer in-unit, and high ceilings with exposed wood beams & brick walls. Contact us today for more information & to apply!
Beacon Pointe Apartments is in Wilson, North Carolina convenient to shopping, dining, downtown, and entertainment. We offer affordable and spacious one, two, three and four bedroom apartment homes featuring modern appliances, ceiling fans, wall to wall carpet, central heat and air with water and sewer included. For your enjoyment and convenience, there's a playground, an onsite laundry room, and
Discover the essence of sophisticated living at The Carolinian Apartments! Our brand-new community elevates apartment living with its collection of luxurious one, two, and three bedroom homes, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Step into elegantly designed interiors featuring side-by-side stainless steel refrigerators, tile backsplash, and wood-style flooring. You can enjoy in-unit
Brand New Renovated Apartment Home! Lease Today- College Court offers fully renovated apartment homes. These homes offer brand new hardwood floors, appliances, central heating, and air conditioning, a High Efficient Tankless water heater, brand new windows, LED lighting, new countertops. The homes also have washer and dryer connections available. All homes include FREE water and sewer. Our
Welcome to Briarcliff Apartments, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Wilson, NC. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel right at home with thoughtfully designed spaces and a welcoming community atmosphere. Located just minutes from local dining, shopping, parks, and entertainment, Briarcliff offers easy access to everything you need to enjoy life in Wilson. Whether you’re relaxing
At Summit Place Apartments, we feature an array of luxury apartments in the heart of Wilson, NC. Thanks to our apartments for rent, you won't have to worry about a thing. Sit back and relax. Life is easy at Summit Place! Our apartments are situated just minutes away from local grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, doctors' offices, movie theaters, hospitals, and much more. Be
Welcome to Villages at Heritage Place, a Dream Live Prosper community, now featuring newly renovated apartment homes! Located in the heart of Wilson, NC, our community combines an ideal location with exceptional amenities and professional service to create a living experience you’ll love. Choose from our spacious 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments, all designed with modern touches to make you feel
Move-In Special! Receive your first month of rent FREE plus $150 credit and a $500 Visa gift card when you lease within 48 hours of touring!*Only a limited number of apartments!*Settle into Your New Nest! Our luxurious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in downtown Wilson have both the comfort and modern feel for your new home. Each apartment is equipped with stainless appliances, quartz
Originally built in 1854 for the Hackney Wagon Company, the recently redeveloped Nash Street Lofts offers tenants a unique living experience in the heart of Downtown Wilson, North Carolina. Each loft boasts high ceilings, exposed brick walls, large windows, and newly refurbished interiors.The location of Nash Street Lofts at 215 Nash St. offers tenants the best Wilson has to offer,
Property Id: 1834320Welcome to your dream townhouse in Wilson! This stunning 3 bed, 3 bath unit features modern amenities such as dishwasher, microwave, and central heat. Enjoy the convenience of washer/dryer hookups, and a garage. Don't miss out on this gem! Rent: $1885/month. 1pet allowed limited to 10lbs pet deposit required.
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