When you retire to South Eastern North Carolina, you leave behind your job, but you shouldn't leave behind your purpose—or your people.

Research shows that for retirees, social connection is the number one predictor of happiness and longevity. The house you buy matters, but the calendar you inherit matters more.

In New Hanover and Brunswick counties, we don't just have subdivisions; we have "lifestyle engines." But each community has a distinct social flavor. Whether you are a competitive pickleballer, a master gardener, or a wine connoisseur, here is where you will find your tribe in 2025.

1. The "Summer Camp for Grown-Ups": Compass Pointe & Brunswick Forest

Compass Pointe (Leland):
The Vibe: “Resort Casual.” It feels like being on a permanent vacation.
The Club Scene: With over 100 chartered clubs, if you have a hobby, there is a group for it.
Standout Clubs: The Avant Gardeners, massive Grand Lanai social mixers, and the Lazy River—retirement’s version of a floating happy hour.
Best For: Extroverts who want a packed calendar and a resort-style pool scene.

Brunswick Forest (Leland):
The Vibe: “Active & Athletic.” More walkers, cyclists, and trail-goers than almost anywhere else.
The Pickleball Mecca: With the nearby House of Pickleball (HOP) and internal leagues, it’s highly competitive and highly social.
Standout Amenities: The Fitness & Wellness Center is the community’s heartbeat. Their outdoor “Concerts in the Park” bring hundreds out with lawn chairs and coolers.

2. The "Private Club" Experience: St. James Plantation & Landfall

St. James Plantation (Southport):
The Vibe: “Nautical & Infinite.” A massive, self-contained community with a strong social backbone.
The Crown Jewel: The private Beach Club on Oak Island—with oceanfront parking and a pool overlooking the Atlantic.
Social Highlight: Four clubhouses and 81 holes of golf fuel an active, upscale retirement culture. The St. James Service Club is a major hub for philanthropy.

Landfall (Wilmington):
The Vibe: “Sophisticated & Established.” Wilmington’s premier gated address.
The Scene: The Country Club of Landfall offers galas, tennis tournaments, and formal dinners. It’s more “cocktail attire” than “potluck dinner.”
Best For: Retirees who want high-end amenities, proximity to Wrightsville Beach, and fast access to Wilmington dining and culture.

3. The "Riverfront & Downtown" Energy: Riverlights

Del Webb at Riverlights (Wilmington):
The Vibe: “Modern & Connected.” A blend of private, gated amenities and social life that spills into Riverlights’ public Marina Village.
The Split Life: Enjoy exclusive Del Webb amenities—pool, clubhouse, Lifestyle Director—plus public concerts, coffee shops, and event nights along the Cape Fear River.
Standout Club: The Kayaking Club, with regular sunset paddles launched directly from the community.

4. How to "Audit" the Social Scene

Ask for the Newsletter: Monthly calendars like The Compass (Compass Pointe) or Cat-Tales (St. James) reveal the true activity level.

The “Bar Test”: Go to the community restaurant or pub on a Tuesday. Is it empty—or buzzing? That is the real measure of daily social life.

Check the Resident Portal: Some communities have public event calendars. Look for consistency. Is there something to do every weekend, or does the social life shut down early in the week?

The Bottom Line

You can renovate a kitchen, but you can’t renovate a boring neighborhood. You need a community that matches your energy level.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we don't just sell homes; we sell access. We can introduce you to actual residents in these communities so you can ask the real questions—like who has the best book club or which golf league is the most fun for high-handicappers.