If you drove down Highway 17 through Leland five years ago, you might have thought Brunswick Forest was "finished." With its established entrance and bustling Villages, it looked complete. But as we head into 2026, this master-planned giant is proving it has plenty of room left to grow—and the new phases are arguably some of the best designed yet.

For buyers in New Hanover and Brunswick counties, the evolution of Brunswick Forest offers a rare opportunity: the chance to buy "new" in a community that is already "established." You get the fresh floor plan, but you don't have to wait ten years for the grocery store or the pool to be built.

Here is an insider’s look at the new enclaves and amenities shaping the 2026 landscape.

1. Trestle Ridge: The Modern "Sweet Spot"

Slated as one of the primary residential engines for late 2025 and 2026, Trestle Ridge is hitting the market at a critical price point. With 133 planned homesites, this enclave by Stanley Martin Homes is targeting the "upper $400s"—a fiercely competitive bracket in our coastal market.

The Vibe: Trestle Ridge is designed for the modern buyer who wants low-maintenance living without sacrificing curb appeal. Expect open-concept layouts that prioritize main-level living—essential for the active adult demographic flocking to Leland.

The Strategy: If you are looking to move in 2026, this neighborhood should be top of your list. It offers a balance of price and proximity to the community's core that is becoming harder to find.

2. Creek Side & Osprey Landing: The "Coastal Cottage" Revival

If Trestle Ridge is about efficiency, Creek Side and Osprey Landing are about atmosphere. These enclaves are leaning heavily into the "Coastal Cottage" aesthetic—think sweeping front porches, metal roof accents, and screened lanais.

Nature First: Creek Side features 127 homesites specifically positioned to maximize water and nature views. It feels more secluded, tucking residents away from the parkway traffic while keeping them connected to the trail system.

The Amenity Connection: Osprey Landing (88 homesites) is strategically located near the new Reflections Amenity Center, making it a prime choice for swimmers and social butterflies who want their pool within walking distance.

3. Collingwood Cottages: The Golfer’s Retreat

For those seeking luxury without the sprawling footprint of a custom estate, the new Collingwood Cottages within the Cape Fear National section are the answer.

The Niche: With packages starting in the high $500s, this is an exclusive pocket for buyers who want the prestige of the golf course address but prefer a "right-sized" home. It’s a direct response to the market shift away from 4,000-square-foot mansions toward manageable, high-finish luxury.

Amenity Spotlight: The "Reflections" Era

The opening of the Reflections Amenity Center marks a shift in Brunswick Forest’s social gravity. For years, the original Fitness & Wellness Center was the sole hub. Reflections adds a resort-style, zero-entry saltwater pool, a wet deck for lounging, and a dedicated fitness facility.

Why it Matters: For buyers in the newer enclaves (like Park West and Osprey Landing), this effectively gives them a "private" club experience, alleviating crowding at the main center and boosting property values in the southern section of the community.

The Villages: Maturing into a Medical Hub

The commercial side, The Villages at Brunswick Forest, is also evolving. 2026 will see the continued expansion of medical and wellness services, including the new "coastal farmhouse" style expansion for North Brunswick Chiropractic. The addition of unmatched walkability to doctors, dentists, and dining remains Brunswick Forest's "killer app" against newer, more isolated communities.

Your Next Step

Navigating new construction requires a different strategy than buying resale. You need to know which builder incentives are real, which lot premiums are worth the cost, and how to time your contract for a 2026 delivery.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we specialize in representing buyers across the table from the developer. We help you translate the site maps and floor plans into a home that fits your life, ensuring your interests are protected from the first deposit to the final walkthrough.

Eyeing a move to Brunswick Forest in 2026? Contact us today to get the latest inventory sheets and "off-market" insight on upcoming lot releases.