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.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wilson, NC sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Wilson, NC over the last 12 months is $258,130, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
One-level living at its best. This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch offers nearly 1,700 square feet of easy, accessible living with no stairs to navigate. The vaulted ceilings in the great room create an open, airy feel, while the renovated kitchen features stunning granite countertops, a tile backsplash, and a sunny breakfast nook. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet and a
Looking for a mix of comfort and convenience? This 3-bedroom features a cozy living area, warm fireplace with gas logs and 2-car garage. The property includes a fenced-in backyard. The home comes with a washer and dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator and electric range. Plus, you're just minutes away from I-95 and shopping.
This ranch-style, single-story home combines modern design with low-maintenance living. Two bedrooms and a full bathroom are conveniently located near the entryway, flowing into a spacious open-concept living area. A covered porch just steps away creates effortless indoor-outdoor living, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The owner's suite is tucked into a private rear corner and features a
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.
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.
Don't miss this one! Cute, comfortable and well-kept 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in a convenient location near shopping and dining. Spacious fenced yard, storage building and nice deck for relaxing with family and friends. New HVAC, LVP flooring and electric car charger!
One of the last remaining buildable lots in the prestigious Wilson Country Club is now available! This beautiful parcel offers a breathtaking backdrop overlooking the pond and the 12th and 18th greens — giving you the perfect combination of water and golf course views. Enjoy peaceful mornings watching the sunrise over the fairway and relaxing evenings surrounded by the quiet beauty of the course.
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
Wonderful opportunity for multi-generational living or income property! Two homes for the price of one! This property features two homes: One brick three bedroom/one bath with nice hardwoods and a carport. Second home has two bedrooms, one and half baths, covered porch and cute outbuilding. Long term tenants in both homes. Call today!
Looking for an investment property in Wilson? This property offers a great location just minutes from downtown. Enjoy easy access to local attractions such as Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum and the city's new baseball field. With its convenient location near shopping, dining and entertainment, this property offers strong potential for investors.
Great neighborhood & Location - Close to shops, restaurants, schools & hospital. No HOA. Zoned Single Family, Property is 85' wide street front & about 365.31' deep on one side. For Full Disclosure please see Restrictive Covenants Bk1506 Pg284-291. 50' Riparian Barrier from the bank of the Bloomery Swap. Per Wilson City GIS 500 Year Floodzone, 0.2 PCT ANNUAL CHANCE FLOOD HAZARD
Welcome to Thorpshire Farms--one of the area's most desirable neighborhoods! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3 full bathroom home offers the perfect blend of space, style, and functionality. Step inside to be greeted by tall ceilings that create an open, airy feel throughout the main living areas.The seller is offering a $10,000 allowance for closing costs.The updated kitchen is a
Great neighborhood & Location - Close to shops, restaurants, schools & hospital. No HOA. Zoned Single Family, Property is 85' wide street front & about 377.52' deep on one side. For Full Disclosure please see Restrictive Covenants Bk1506 Pg284-291. 50' Riparian Barrier from the bank of the Bloomery Swap. Per Wilson City GIS 500 Year Floodzone, 0.2 PCT ANNUAL CHANCE FLOOD HAZARD
Come see this 3 bedroom/2 full bath home conveniently located in the heart of Wilson. This home features a spacious and recently updated eat in kitchen with ceramic tile, butcher block countertops and stainless steel appliances. Kitchen refrigerator conveys! The open floor plan on the main floor features a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace in the living room. The primary bedroom is located on the
This beautifully updated ranch home features new engineered wood floors throughout the main living areas and plush new carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen has been renovated with new shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, a stylish tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. The bathroom has been refreshed with new tile floors and a custom quartz vanity. Fresh paint and updated hardware
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
Brand new 1400 square foot townhome in a great neighborhood with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a first floor master suite and a large fenced in back yard. Rent is $1,875 a month with a 3 year lease. This home includes a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, washer and dryer. There is a front Ring doorbell and back Ring camera for extra security.
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: 1806667Last Unit Available. Beautiful newly renovated 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment available for rent. This open concept unit is freshly painted with all new flooring, lighting fixtures and blinds. Appliances provided including a washer machine and dryer, refrigerator, oven, microwave and dishwasher. The property is conveniently located near Barton College and is
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