In the current New Hanover County real estate market, the standard for new construction has shrunk. Most new developments in Leland or off Military Cutoff offer lots ranging from 0.15 to 0.25 acres. For buyers used to elbow room, stepping out your back door and staring directly into your neighbor's screened porch is a hard pill to swallow.

The dream of the half-acre (or larger) lot is not dead, but finding it requires a geographic pivot. You likely won't find it in a master-planned community with a clubhouse. Instead, you need to look North.

Northern New Hanover County—specifically Castle Hayne, Wrightsboro, and pockets of Ogden—remains the last bastion of land-first value. Here is where to look if your lifestyle demands a detached workshop, a large garden, or simply privacy.

The "Estate" Enclaves: Castle Hayne

Castle Hayne is often misunderstood as simply industrial or far out, but for insiders, it is the gold standard for acre-plus living without leaving the county.

Greenview Ranches: This is a hidden gem for buyers who want true acreage. It is not uncommon to find parcels here ranging from 1 to 5 acres. Because many of these properties have no HOA, they are prime targets for buyers needing space for large boats, RVs, or equestrian pursuits.

Oakley Circle: Tucked away with a rustic, almost off-grid privacy feel while being minutes from I-140, this area offers diverse architecture and heavy tree canopies. It is the antithesis of the clear-cut subdivision.

The "Coastal Country" Loop: Middle Sound

If your budget allows for a higher price point, the Middle Sound Loop area offers a rare hybrid: large lots with proximity to the water.

Old Baymeade: Known for its equestrian roots, this neighborhood features winding roads and lots that often exceed 0.5 acres. It allows for a rural lifestyle—think chicken coops and towering pines—while being five minutes from the dining and retail at Mayfaire.

The Zoning Reality: Unlike the uniform R-15 zoning of central Wilmington, this corridor features a patchwork of R-20 and R-15 zoning. This lower density protects your privacy, preventing developers from subdividing the lot next door into four cram-packed houses.

The Value Play: Wrightsboro Acres

For first-time buyers or investors seeking land value, Wrightsboro Acres offers the most bang for your buck.

The Trade-Off: You won't find community pools or clubhouses here. What you will find are solid 1970s and 80s brick ranchers sitting on 0.5 to 0.7-acre lots.

The Potential: These homes are prime candidates for adding value. With enough land to build a significant Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or a massive detached garage, you are buying flexibility that simply doesn't exist in city limits.

Insider Strategy: The "Utilities Check"

When buying large lots in Northern New Hanover, you must look beyond the property lines.

Septic vs. Sewer: Many 0.5+ acre lots in Castle Hayne and Wrightsboro are on private septic systems. This is actually a benefit for privacy (it limits density), but you must verify the permit capacity. A 4-bedroom house on a 3-bedroom permitted system can kill a deal or limit your renovation plans.

Well Water: Do not assume city water availability. In these larger lot neighborhoods, private wells are common. We always recommend a full water quality test (including heavy metals and bacteria) during due diligence.

Your Next Step

Finding a home with land in New Hanover County is becoming a needle in a haystack search. It requires monitoring specific pockets of the county that algorithms often overlook.

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening to your lifestyle needs—whether that means space for a horse, a boat, or just peace and quiet—and communicating those wants into a home search that works for you. Let us help you navigate zoning maps and septic permits to secure your own slice of land.