Why Move to Wilmington

From its majestic beaches to its history-rich downtown, Wilmington is a magnet for newcomers. Since 1980, the city’s population has grown from a modest 44,000 to more than 109,922 in 2012. As late as 1990, the area was a little-known sleepy coastal town. But the extension of I-40 eastward meant residents of the Research Triangle set their sights on the sea, and its gateway, Wilmington.

Today Wilmington is roughly the same size as, Berkeley, California or Cambridge, Massachusetts. Like these similarly sized towns, Wilmington is also a college town, being the home of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. The city, the eighth-largest in the state and the county seat of New Hanover County, is built on a seafaring tradition and is growing thanks to its ever-developing industry and economy—and an international airport.

Wilmington residents range from students and workers at the university to active retirees to young families drawn in by the friendly welcome and the laid-back lifestyle. However, don’t let its casual demeanor fool you. Wilmington means business.