For many families, the search for a new home doesn't start with a floor plan—it starts with a school website.

Southeastern North Carolina is home to some of the state’s most prestigious private institutions, offering curriculums that range from classical Christian education to college-prep Montessori. However, the region's geography—defined by bridges, waterways, and seasonal traffic—means that living "close" to school is about more than just mileage. It’s about time management.

Whether you are targeting Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington or Southport Christian in Brunswick County, buying in the right neighborhood can save you hours of weekly drive time. Here is a look at the top real estate hubs for private school families.

New Hanover County: The Commuter Corridors

Wilmington has the highest density of private schools, and competition for homes in these "feeder neighborhoods" is fierce.

Cape Fear Academy (CFA): Located on South College Road, CFA is a major hub.

Where to Look: The Forks and Pine Valley offer incredibly convenient access, allowing students to get to school without fighting the brunt of rush-hour traffic. For luxury buyers, the Cape Fear Country Club area is a traditional favorite, though it involves a slightly longer drive down Independence Blvd.

St. Mary Catholic School & The Friends School:

Where to Look: For St. Mary's, the historic neighborhoods of Forest Hills and Brookwood are unbeatable. You can enjoy charming, tree-lined streets and a commute that is often less than 10 minutes. Families at The Friends School often flock to the Pine Valley or Long Leaf Acres areas for a balance of central location and large lots.

Coastal Christian High School:

Where to Look: Situated near the "Monkey Junction" area, neighborhoods like Masonboro Forest and Beau Rivage are prime territory. These communities are filled with families, making carpooling easy.

Onslow County: Faith & Classical Education

In Jacksonville and Richlands, private education often centers on faith-based and classical models.

Infant of Prague Catholic School (Jacksonville):

Where to Look: The established neighborhoods of Northwoods and Country Club Hills are perfect for families here. They offer character-rich, mid-century homes that are just minutes from the school doors.

Liberty Christian Academy (Richlands):

Where to Look: Families here often trade subdivisions for acreage. Look for properties along the Gum Branch Road corridor, where you can find 3+ bedroom homes on large lots that still offer a manageable drive to campus.

Brunswick County: The Academy Lifestyle

Brunswick County’s private schools are strategically placed to serve the coastal communities.

Southport Christian School:

Where to Look: St. James Plantation and Winding River Plantation are top choices. These gated communities offer security and amenities (like pools and tennis courts) that complement the private school lifestyle, all within a short drive of the school.

The Academy of Coastal Carolina (Supply):

Where to Look: This school is centrally located for families in Holden Beach (mainland) and Shallotte. Neighborhoods like Rivers Edge provide a high-end residential feel that aligns well with the school's community.

Pender County: The Hampstead Strategy

Pender County is unique. While it has excellent options for younger years like Topsail Montessori, many families with high schoolers choose to commute to Wilmington schools.

The Strategy: If you live in Hampstead and commute to a Wilmington private school, you want to be on the south side of town to shave time off the drive. Neighborhoods like Pecan Grove and Washington Acres are strategically located to make that morning run to Wilmington as smooth as possible.

Finding the Right "School Zone"

When you are investing in private education, you are also investing in a community. You want a home where the "morning rush" isn't a panic and where your neighbors are likely your carpool partners.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we help you factor the "school run" into your home search. We know which neighborhoods have the best back roads to Cape Fear Academy and which streets in Hampstead have the easiest access to Highway 17. Let us help you find a home that makes the grade.