Why Live in Upper Downtown
Upper Downtown in Wilmington is a vibrant neighborhood known for stunning sunsets over the Cape Fear River and its proximity to the Central Business District. This bustling area features marinas, the Wilmington Convention Center and Live Oak Bank Pavilion, making it a hub for residents and visitors. Dining options include Marina Grill for surf and turf and Tequila’s Waterfront for Mexican cuisine. Nearby, the Brooklyn Arts District offers artsy eateries, local bars and entertainment venues such as Bottega Art & Wine and The Eagle’s Dare. The Historic District along Front Street adds more nightlife and dining choices.
Upper Downtown includes modern apartments, riverfront hotels and contemporary office spaces, with opportunities to buy single-family homes and condos. Condos often feature open floor plans, modern finishes and amenities like balconies and parking. Townhouses typically include private decks or rooftop patios and attached garages. Single-family homes, including bungalows and Victorians, sit on tree-lined streets. Residents enjoy outdoor activities along the Cape Fear River, with Riverfront Park and the Riverwalk as popular spots. Northside Park offers a playground and public pool. The neighborhood hosts Riverfest, a street festival celebrating the river and downtown Wilmington. Commuters benefit from Wave Transit buses, the free Port City Trolley and major routes like U.S. 74 and Market Street, which connect to Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Downtown a good place to live?
Upper Downtown is a good place to live. Upper Downtown is considered somewhat walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. Upper Downtown has 3 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 8.4 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $101,984 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 58.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Upper Downtown are renters, with 71.6% of residents renting and 28.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Upper Downtown can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Upper Downtown neighborhood guide.
Is Upper Downtown, NC a safe neighborhood?
Upper Downtown, NC is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Upper Downtown?
The median home price in Upper Downtown is $372,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $74,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,790 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $77K a year to afford the median home price in Upper Downtown. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Upper Downtown is $102K.
What are the best public schools in Upper Downtown?
The best public schools that serve Upper Downtown are:
What are the best private schools in Upper Downtown?
The best private schools that serve Upper Downtown are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Upper Downtown, Wilmington, NC?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Upper Downtown, Wilmington, NC?
Are home prices dropping in Upper Downtown?
Yes, home prices in Upper Downtown are down 15% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Upper Downtown, NC
On average, homes in Upper Downtown, Wilmington sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Upper Downtown, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $357,500, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$357,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$330,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$560,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$391,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$311,450
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$367
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median List Price
$372,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-11%