The Best Waterfront Communities Near Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, NC, is a coastal paradise, offering a perfect blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and stunning waterfront views. Whether you’re looking for a boating-friendly community, breathtaking sunsets over the water, or direct beach access, there are plenty of neighborhoods that provide the ultimate coastal lifestyle.

If living by the water is your dream, here are some of the best waterfront communities near Wilmington to consider for your next home.

🌊 1. Wrightsville Beach – Luxury Beachfront Living

📍 Distance from Wilmington: 10 minutes
🏡 Best For: Beach lovers, luxury buyers, and vacation home investors

Wrightsville Beach is one of the most desirable waterfront communities in North Carolina. With pristine beaches, upscale waterfront homes, and a vibrant surf culture, this area attracts those looking for a high-end coastal lifestyle.

Why Wrightsville Beach?

✔ Direct Oceanfront Homes – Many properties offer private beach access and stunning Atlantic Ocean views.
✔ Boating & Marinas – With multiple marinas and access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), it’s a boater’s paradise.
✔ Lively Atmosphere – From waterfront dining at Bluewater Grill to the annual Wrightsville Beach Marathon, there’s always something happening.
✔ Real Estate Highlights: Luxury homes, condos, and waterfront estates with some of the highest property values in the area.

🏡 Who It’s Perfect For: Buyers looking for oceanfront property, vacation homes, or luxury real estate investments.

🚤 2. Porters Neck Plantation – Serene Coastal Living on the Intracoastal

📍 Distance from Wilmington: 15 minutes
🏡 Best For: Boaters, retirees, and golf enthusiasts

Porters Neck Plantation is a gated waterfront community that offers a peaceful retreat along the Intracoastal Waterway. Known for its natural beauty and top-tier amenities, this neighborhood is ideal for those who want a balance of relaxation, recreation, and easy access to Wilmington.

Why Porters Neck Plantation?

✔ Intracoastal Waterway Access – Many homes sit along the ICW, perfect for boat owners.
✔ Private Golf Course – The Porters Neck Country Club features an award-winning course, plus tennis and swimming facilities.
✔ Spacious Homes – Large custom-built homes with waterfront views and private docks.
✔ Quiet & Private – A gated, private community with a slower pace than beachside living.

🏡 Who It’s Perfect For: Retirees, boat lovers, and families looking for a quiet, amenity-filled waterfront lifestyle.

🌅 3. Figure Eight Island – Ultra-Exclusive & Secluded Beachfront Living

📍 Distance from Wilmington: 20 minutes
🏡 Best For: Luxury buyers, celebrities, and those seeking privacy

If you’re looking for true exclusivity and seclusion, Figure Eight Island is one of the most private waterfront communities in North Carolina. Accessible only by a private bridge, this gated island community is home to some of the most luxurious beachfront estates on the East Coast.

Why Figure Eight Island?

✔ Ultra-Private Community – No commercial businesses, just stunning beachfront and waterfront homes.
✔ Pristine Beaches – Quiet, uncrowded sandy shores perfect for a peaceful retreat.
✔ High-Profile Residents – Known for housing celebrities, executives, and high-net-worth individuals.
✔ Boating & Fishing Paradise – Direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

🏡 Who It’s Perfect For: Buyers looking for seclusion, exclusivity, and high-end oceanfront estates.

🛥️ 4. RiverLights – Wilmington’s Newest Waterfront Community

📍 Distance from Downtown Wilmington: 10 minutes
🏡 Best For: Families, retirees, and those seeking modern waterfront living

One of Wilmington’s most exciting new waterfront developments, RiverLights is a master-planned community along the Cape Fear River. Offering modern homes, resort-style amenities, and a strong sense of community, RiverLights is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the area.

Why RiverLights?

✔ Waterfront Homes & Townhomes – A mix of custom homes, townhomes, and cottages overlooking the Cape Fear River.
✔ Marina Village & Restaurants – Waterfront dining and shopping at the heart of the community.
✔ Resort-Style Amenities – Walking trails, kayak launches, a lakeside clubhouse, and a fitness center.
✔ Strong Community Vibe – Social events, farmers’ markets, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

🏡 Who It’s Perfect For: Families, retirees, and professionals looking for new construction in a waterfront setting.

🏖️ 5. Carolina Beach – Laid-Back Coastal Charm

📍 Distance from Wilmington: 20 minutes
🏡 Best For: Vacation home buyers, investors, and beach lovers

Carolina Beach offers a vibrant coastal community with a mix of year-round residents and vacation homeowners. Known for its boardwalk, oceanfront homes, and strong rental market, this town is perfect for those looking for a casual, fun-loving beach lifestyle.

Why Carolina Beach?

✔ Beachfront & Canal Homes – Oceanfront homes and homes along the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin offer easy access to the water.
✔ Booming Short-Term Rental Market – A great area for Airbnb and VRBO investors looking for high occupancy rates.
✔ Active Outdoor Scene – Surfing, fishing, and boating are daily activities here.
✔ Boardwalk & Entertainment – Home to one of the best boardwalks in NC, with shops, restaurants, and live music.

🏡 Who It’s Perfect For: Vacation home buyers, rental investors, and beach lovers looking for a laid-back, oceanfront lifestyle.

Which Waterfront Community is Right for You?

Each of these communities offers something unique for homebuyers looking to live on the water near Wilmington.

✔ Want direct oceanfront living? → Wrightsville Beach or Figure Eight Island
✔ Need a boating-friendly community? → Porters Neck Plantation or Carolina Beach
✔ Looking for a family-friendly waterfront neighborhood? → RiverLights
✔ Searching for a high-end, exclusive retreat? → Figure Eight Island

No matter what your ideal coastal lifestyle looks like, there’s a perfect waterfront home waiting for you near Wilmington!

Thinking of Buying a Waterfront Home in Wilmington? Let’s Chat!

If you’re considering a move to one of these stunning waterfront communities, 1st Class Real Estate Coastal Choice can help you find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re looking for luxury oceanfront, a boating paradise, or a peaceful riverfront retreat, we’d love to assist you!

📩 Contact us today to explore your waterfront home options in Wilmington, NC!

 1st Class Real Estate Coastal Choice
1724 Gardner Drive, Wilmington   |   910.418.1560
1stclasscoastalchoice.com