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Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach

Located in New Hanover County

$2,034,668 Average Value
$1,096 Average Price per Sq Ft
36 Homes For Sale

Laid-back surf culture and walkability define Wrightsville Beach

The Wilmington barrier island of Wrightsville Beach is known for its village-like feel and walkability to shops, restaurants and the sandy shore. While the island sees its fair share of tourists, it is defined by a laid-back surfing culture and quiet beaches. Local Marcello Caliva, a broker with Intracoastal Realty Corporation, says it is a “Goldilocks” zone. "It's popular and busy, but it's still relatively quiet and a quaint, charming area," he says.

You can rent a bike and explore everything that Wrightsville Beach has to offer.
You can rent a bike and explore everything that Wrightsville Beach has to offer.
Wrightsville Beach offers surfside relaxation for any and all.
Wrightsville Beach offers surfside relaxation for any and all.
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Cottages, condos and luxury homes all find a place here

Wrightsville Beach has a median price of about $1.6 million, those costs tend to vary widely depending on condition and proximity to the water. "There's a lot of new construction on the beach, but at the same time, there are also very quaint cottages just off the ocean and the sound," Caliva says. "Those are just as charming and not too expensive." Smaller bungalows and cottages start around $1.2 million, while the priciest oceanfront homes can reach up to $10 million. Condos can range from about $300,000 to $4.2 million. Lees Cut at Channel Walk features modern townhouses with boat slips and water views for about $1.2 to $2 million.

Located on both the ocean and the intercostal, makes Wrightsville Beach a scenic place to call home.
Located on both the ocean and the intercostal, makes Wrightsville Beach a scenic place to call home.
Beach front homes are prevalent on Wrightsville Beach as well as condos and cottages.
Beach front homes are prevalent on Wrightsville Beach as well as condos and cottages.
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Students attend top-rated schools with strong athletics

The area falls within the well-regarded New Hanover County Schools system. Wrightsville Beach Elementary feeds into M.C.S. Noble Middle School and John T. Hoggard High School, all earning A-minus grades from Niche. Hoggard has a strong athletics program with about 20 varsity-level sports. The school has won 38 out of the last 40 Wells Fargo Cup competitions, based on performance in state championship events.

Wilmington, NC's Wrightsville Beach Elementary School serves children in grades K-5.
Wilmington, NC's Wrightsville Beach Elementary School serves children in grades K-5.
John T. Hoggard High School has a student to teacher ratio of 19:1.
John T. Hoggard High School has a student to teacher ratio of 19:1.
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Clean beaches, Caribbean-blue water and trails

Wrightsville Beach's surf culture dates back to 1909. The island offers more than 40 public beach access points. Both locals and city representatives work to keep the beaches clean, according to Caliva. "The water is some of the clearest on the East Coast, probably second to Florida," he says. "We're far from the river, so you get very clear, clean, bright blue water that is very Caribbean-esque." Residents and visitors walk The Loop – the town's 2-and-a-half-mile pedestrian route around the town center with water views. The town manages six neighborhood parks and the larger Wrightsville Beach Park, featuring an inclusive playground, sports courts and a stage for annual events.

Residents can sink their toes in the sand, walking up and down Wrightsville Beach.
Residents can sink their toes in the sand, walking up and down Wrightsville Beach.
"The water is some of the clearest on the East Coast, probably second to Florida,"
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Boutique markets and beachside restaurants within walking distance

Surf shops, restaurants and boutique grocers are available on the island. "You can walk or ride your bike to all of these retail services, and I think that's one of the biggest things about Wrightsville Beach," Caliva says. Robert's Grocery provides a small selection of produce, prepared foods, meats and pantry staples, and locals supplement their grocery trips at Harris Teeter across the Causeway Drive bridge. Drift Cafe serves lattes and breakfast and lunch options garnished with fresh greens and fruit. Oceanic Restaurant offers outdoor dining on the Crystal Pier and seafood options such as scallop and shrimp linguine.

For groceries, Harris Teeter is located just across the Causeway Drive bridge.
For groceries, Harris Teeter is located just across the Causeway Drive bridge.
The Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market is every Monday from 8AM-4PM.
The Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market is every Monday from 8AM-4PM.
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Paddle surf pros and lighted boats headline annual events

The Carolina Pro-Am hosts some of the top amateurs and professionals in stand-up paddle surfing. Flotilla, the longstanding lighted boat parade and fireworks show, kicks off the holidays at the end of November. The event continues into the weekend with arts and craft vendors, an antique car show and kids' activities at the park. The Sounds of Summer concert series hosts rock, dance, country and island bands at the Wrightsville Beach Park stage.

Drawbridge delays aside, the island is easy to navigate

In 2025, the city wrapped up two improvement projects, adding new bike lanes on Causeway Drive and expanding pedestrian lanes on North Lumina Avenue. The Loop provides walking access to parks, shops, restaurants and beaches. U.S. Route 74 leads through town and connects to U.S. 17 and Interstate 40. Boat traffic at the drawbridge can create longer commutes. The town is about 6 miles from Wilmington and about 10 miles from Wilmington International Airport, offering 29 direct domestic routes.

Residents may have to plan ahead or leave a little early as boat traffic at the drawbridge can create longer commutes.
Residents may have to plan ahead or leave a little early as boat traffic at the drawbridge can create longer commutes.
Wilmington airport is about a 6 mile drive away from Wrightsville Beach.
Wilmington airport is about a 6 mile drive away from Wrightsville Beach.
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Flood mitigation and quick recovery times after storms

Hurricanes are an annual possibility here, as with the rest of North Carolina's coastline. The entire town is within a special flood hazard area. Recent building codes help to prevent flooding, and existing structures may need to be retrofitted to reduce or eliminate exposure to water. "We're fortunate that there are some not-too-exciting events where there is a lot of wind, rain, maybe some downed trees and powerlines, and Duke Energy comes out and gets them repaired very quickly," Caliva says. "It's amazing how, within a day or two, everything is operational again after a storm."

Liz Coughlin
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Kris Bates
Photography Contributed By
Kris Bates

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,369
Number of Homes for Sale
36
Median Year Built
1982
Months of Supply
5.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,545
Above the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,004
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,076
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
597
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Wrightsville Beach Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$5,247
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,998
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,495
Median Townhouse Rent
$6,500
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$6,500
Median Condo Rent
$3,650
Median 1 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,500

Demographics

Total Population
5,796
Median Age
45
Population Density
47 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$117,267
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$151,238

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
68.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.1%
% Population in Labor Force
62.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
64''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

30 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.

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.
Wrightsville Beach