For years, Belville was often viewed simply as the "gateway" to Leland—the town you drove through on Highway 133 to get to the more famous master-planned communities. But savvy investors and lifestyle-focused buyers are now stopping the car.

While headlines focus on the explosive growth in Leland proper, the Town of Belville is quietly executing an ambitious waterfront master plan that could rival the accessibility of downtown Wilmington, without the parking headaches. If you are looking for appreciation potential in Brunswick County, you need to look at the river.

The Vision 2030 Reality

The centerpiece of this transformation is the Vision 2030 Plan. This isn’t just a proposal; dirt is moving. The town is expanding the Brunswick Riverwalk Park with a 2,400-foot boardwalk extension north toward the US 74/76 bridge.

The "Urban Working Waterfront": The goal is to create a mixed-use district that blends nature with commerce. Think boutique retail, riverfront dining, and a marina that serves as a true destination, not just a launch point.

Current Amenities: You don’t have to wait for 2030 to enjoy it. The park already hosts a Farmers Market pavilion (where you can grab fresh local catch from Seaview Crab Company) and a unique Dragonfly Sanctuary near the Duke Energy education pavilion.

Residential Opportunities: Where to Buy

To capitalize on this growth, you need to identify the neighborhoods with "walkable" or "golf-cartable" access to this riverfront district.

The Luxury Pioneer: Westport Lofts has set the new standard. This isn't your average garden-style apartment complex; it’s a destination with a resort-style pool, "paw park," and direct connectivity to the Riverwalk. For investors, the success of this project proves the demand for high-end riverfront living in Belville is real.

The Established Plays: Look at resale opportunities in Olde Towne or River Ridge. These established neighborhoods are geographically positioned to benefit most from the new amenities. As the riverfront develops, homes here that were once "affordable entry-level" are poised to become "prime walkable" real estate.

Myth vs. Reality: The Water Taxi

Myth: "I can take a water taxi from Belville to downtown Wilmington right now for dinner."
Reality: Not yet. While a water taxi service is a documented part of the Vision 2030 long-term plan (and a frequent topic of local excitement), it is not currently active for daily commuting.

Strategic Advice: Buy for the park and the pier that exist today. View the potential river taxi as a future "equity kicker" that could skyrocket property values once implemented, but don’t base your daily commute on it just yet.

Your Next Step

Belville is currently in that sweet spot between "undiscovered" and "under construction." You have the chance to buy into a waterfront vision before the rest of the market catches on.

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them. We track the municipal meeting minutes and development permits so you don't have to. Let us help you find a home that puts you on the front row of Brunswick County’s next big boom.