The real estate landscape in Southeastern North Carolina, including New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties, is undergoing a dramatic transformation, fueled by a significant influx of new residents. For buyers, sellers, and investors, understanding who is moving into (and occasionally out of) this coastal region is key to making informed decisions.

Who is Moving IN? The Key Demographics

The coastal counties of Southeastern North Carolina, particularly the greater Wilmington area (New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick), are major migration magnets, often ranking nationally for their high inbound-to-outbound moving ratio. The people relocating here largely fall into two main groups:

• Active Adults and Retirees (Ages 55+): This is arguably the most dominant demographic driving growth, especially in Brunswick and Pender counties. Attracted by the mild climate, coastal lifestyle, abundant golf courses, and favorable tax environment, many are choosing this region for retirement. They often come with significant purchasing power, seeking low-maintenance living in amenity-rich master-planned communities like those in Leland or Southport.
• Affluent Professionals and Families (Ages 35–44): A growing cohort of mid-career professionals and young families is moving to the area. Many are capitalizing on the remote work trend, allowing them to escape higher-cost, more crowded metropolitan areas in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, New York), and West Coast (California). They are drawn by the perceived better quality of life, strong job growth in sectors like healthcare and education (Wilmington), and family-friendly communities with good school systems. Many new arrivals fall into higher income brackets ($75K+ to $150K+).

States fueling this growth include Florida, New York, Virginia, and California.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, USA at dusk.

What Does the Outflow Look Like?

While the area experiences a strong net gain, the small percentage of residents moving out often reflects standard life events:

• Younger Families leaving for job opportunities or to be closer to extended family elsewhere.
• Military Personnel relocating due to assignments (particularly relevant for Onslow County near Camp Lejeune, which sees high, but structured, turnover).

Implications for Real Estate

These demographic trends have concrete implications for the local market:

• For Sellers: High inbound migration ensures strong buyer demand and often results in steady home value appreciation. Pricing your home competitively, especially in desirable retirement and family-centric areas, remains crucial.
• For Buyers: You're competing with a national pool of relatively high-net-worth buyers. Be prepared for competition, particularly for new construction, homes with waterfront access, or properties near amenities.
• For Investors: The rapid growth sustains high demand for rental properties. Investing in multifamily units, single-family rentals (Build-to-Rent models), or properties appealing to the active adult niche offers strong income and long-term appreciation potential. The continuous military presence in Onslow County also ensures a stable rental market.

The Southeast North Carolina market is defined by continuous, migration-driven growth, solidifying its status as a top destination for both coastal living and real estate investment.