For many buyers in South Eastern North Carolina, the "School District" filter on Zillow is the first one they click. But even if you don't have children—or if your kids are grown—ignoring that filter is a financial mistake.

In New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties, school ratings are a primary driver of property appreciation. In a stabilizing market like late 2025, homes in top-tier school zones hold their value better and sell faster than comparable homes just one mile away.

Here is the reality of how the "School District Factor" impacts your equity, along with the specific 2025 updates you need to know.

1. The "Premium" is Real

Data consistently shows that homes in highly-rated school districts command a price premium.

The Stats: Nationally, homes in top-rated districts sell for 49% more than the average. Locally, we see this "premium" clearly in sub-markets like Hampstead (Topsail schools) and Masonboro (Parsley/Hoggard).
The "Resale Safety Net": When the market softens, school districts act as a floor for property values. A 4-bedroom home in the Topsail High School district will always have a steady stream of demand from incoming families (especially military), regardless of interest rates.

2. Pender County: The "Purple Star" Powerhouse

If you are looking in Hampstead or Scotts Hill, you are buying into one of the most aggressive school growth zones in the state.

The Military Magnet: Pender County Schools holds the "Purple Star" designation, signaling elite support for military families. This makes the district the #1 target for officers and senior enlisted personnel moving to Camp Lejeune/Stone Bay.
The "Mega-School" Impact: Construction is well underway on the new K-8 School in Hampstead (set to open in 2027). It will be the largest K-8 facility east of I-95.
Investor Note: Buying near this new campus now—before it opens—is a smart equity play.

3. New Hanover County: The "Under-Enrollment" Shift

In Wilmington, the conversation has shifted from "overcrowding" to "optimization."

2025 Update: While there is no massive redistricting map shake-up for the 2025-2026 school year (unlike the headlines you might see from Virginia's Hanover County), NHCS is actively discussing under-enrollment in certain zones.
The Risk: Watch the school board meetings regarding Mosley or other under-utilized campuses. Future consolidation is a possibility to balance the budget.
The Stability: Established districts like Wrightsville Beach Elementary and Parsley Elementary remain the "blue chip" zones where property values are nearly bulletproof.

4. Brunswick County: The "Growth" Pains

Brunswick County is the fastest-growing county in the state, and the schools are racing to catch up.

The Hot Zones: Town Creek Elementary and Union Elementary are seeing massive influxes from developments in Leland and Shallotte.
The Bond Effect: Watch for future bond referendums. As schools like North Brunswick High hit capacity, new redistricting lines are inevitable. Buying on the "edge" of a district in Leland carries a slightly higher risk of being rezoned in 3-5 years than buying in the core.

5. The "Charter School" Wildcard

Don't forget the alternatives.

The Trend: The explosive popularity of charter schools like Coastal Preparatory Academy and Classical Charter Schools of Leland is decoupling property values from district lines in some areas.
The Result: A home in a lower-rated public school zone might not suffer as much of a value penalty if it is within a 5-minute drive of a top-rated charter school.

The Bottom Line

You aren't just buying a house; you are buying a seat in a classroom. Even if you never use it, the next buyer will.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we track the school board meetings so you don't have to. We can overlay the 2025-2026 Attendance Zone Maps on your home search, ensuring that the "perfect" house isn't located on the wrong side of the street for the district you want.