For high-net-worth buyers in Southeastern North Carolina, time is the ultimate asset. Whether you are flying in for a weekend of marlin fishing or commuting to a board meeting in New York, the ability to go from wheels down to toes in the sand in under 20 minutes is a luxury that few markets can offer.

In New Hanover and Brunswick counties, your property search isn't just about the view; it's about the vector. Choosing the right home means understanding which airfield supports your aircraft and which neighborhood minimizes your drive time.

The "Heavy Iron" Hub: ILM and Landfall

If you fly a Gulfstream, Challenger, or Global Express, your destination is Wilmington International Airport (ILM). The primary Fixed Base Operator (FBO) here is Modern Aviation, a world-class facility equipped with over 100,000 square feet of hangar space and full U.S. Customs services for those arriving directly from the Bahamas or Europe.

The Strategy: For owners of mid-to-large cabin jets, Landfall is the premier residential choice. Located just 15 minutes from the Modern Aviation ramp, Landfall offers a seamless transition from the cockpit to a secure, gated estate.

The Lifestyle: You can land at ILM at 4:00 PM and be teeing off on the Jack Nicklaus course or boarding your sportfisher at the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) marina by 4:45 PM.

Alternative: Porters Neck Plantation provides similar proximity with slightly more secluded, oversized lots, perfect for pilots who want privacy without sacrificing FBO access.

The Coastal "Convenience" Hub: KSUT and St. James

For those flying light jets (Citation, Phenom) or turboprops (Pilatus, King Air), the Cape Fear Regional Jetport (KSUT) in Oak Island is the region's best-kept secret. With a 5,500-foot runway and a brand-new terminal building, KSUT avoids the commercial traffic of ILM while placing you directly in the heart of the Brunswick Islands.

The Strategy: This airport is the gateway for St. James Plantation. The drive from the KSUT tarmac to the St. James gate is less than five minutes.

Why It Matters: If your goal is Southport, Oak Island, or Bald Head Island (via the Deep Point Marina ferry), flying into KSUT saves you the 45-minute drive from Wilmington.

Insider Note: While ILM handles the heavy commercial traffic, KSUT is optimized for general aviation efficiency. You can often have your rental car waiting alongside the plane before the engines spool down.

The Ultimate Insider Tip: Residential Airparks

For the pilot who wants to sleep with their plane, the commute can be zero.

Pilots Ridge (03NC): Tucked away near Carolina Beach, this is a rare residential airpark in New Hanover County featuring a paved private runway. Homes here often include personal hangars, allowing you to taxi from your living room directly to the runway. It is an exclusive, tight-knit community that rarely sees public listings.

Stag Air Park (7NC1): Located in Burgaw (Pender County), this community features a grass strip and a strong EAA chapter presence, ideal for vintage aircraft enthusiasts or those with STOL capabilities looking for a rural retreat.

Your Next Step

Buying real estate with aviation requirements adds a layer of complexity to the transaction. You need to know not just the HOA fees, but the runway lengths, hangar availability lists, and approach patterns.

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them. We understand the logistics of private aviation in the Coastal Carolinas. Whether you need a deep-water dock near ILM or a golf villa minutes from the KSUT ramp, we can guide you to the property that fits your flight plan. Let’s connect to ensure your arrival is as smooth as your landing.