If you’re thinking about a move to the Wilmington area, you’ll quickly find out that “Wilmington” means three very different counties. Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender all share the same Cape Fear coastline, the same mild winters, and the same love of fresh seafood. But day to day, each one lives differently.
We help buyers and sellers across all three counties, and the question we hear most is simple: Which one is right for me? Here’s an honest, local look at each.
The Big Picture: A Fast-Growing Coastal Region
All three counties are part of the Wilmington metro area, and all three are growing. According to North Carolina’s State Demographer, Brunswick County was the fastest-growing county in the state between 2020 and 2024, up about 24%. Pender grew about 16% over the same period, and New Hanover about 9%.
What that means for you: new neighborhoods, new shopping, and more choices than ever. It also means traffic patterns, school assignments, and inventory change quickly, so local guidance matters.
New Hanover County: City Energy, Island Beaches
New Hanover is the heart of the region. It’s the second-smallest county in North Carolina by land area, but it’s one of the most populous, with Wilmington as its county seat.
Towns and neighborhoods
The county includes the City of Wilmington plus three beach towns: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. Beyond those, unincorporated areas like Ogden, Porters Neck, and Monkey Junction offer a more suburban feel while staying close to everything.
Lifestyle
This is where you’ll find historic downtown Wilmington and its Riverwalk, UNCW, the region’s largest hospital system, and the widest range of restaurants, arts, and nightlife. If you want to walk to dinner or have a short drive to work, New Hanover is hard to beat.
Who it fits
- Professionals who want a short commute to Wilmington jobs
- Buyers who want city amenities and beach access in the same zip code
- Downsizers who want walkability and healthcare close by
Price tier
Because land is limited and demand is high, New Hanover generally sits at the upper end of the three counties for comparable homes, especially near the beaches and downtown.
Brunswick County: Room to Grow, Miles of Beach
Cross the Cape Fear River heading south and west, and you’re in Brunswick County. It’s large, with 19 municipalities, and it stretches all the way to the South Carolina line.
Towns and neighborhoods
Leland is now Brunswick’s largest town and the closest to downtown Wilmington, with master-planned communities and plenty of new construction. Farther south, Southport offers historic, small-town waterfront charm. Shallotte serves as the shopping hub for the southern beach towns, and Calabash is famous for its namesake seafood.
Beaches
Brunswick’s coastline includes Oak Island, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and car-free Bald Head Island, reached by ferry. Oak Island alone offers more than 10 miles of beach. These beaches tend to feel quieter and more family-oriented than the busier New Hanover strands.
Commute
Leland and Belville are a short drive across the river to Wilmington. The farther south you go, toward Southport, Oak Island, or the South Brunswick Islands, the longer the drive. One local perk: the NCDOT Southport–Fort Fisher ferry crosses the Cape Fear in about 35 minutes, connecting Southport to Kure Beach and Carolina Beach.
Who it fits
- Buyers who want newer construction and amenity-rich communities
- Retirees and second-home buyers drawn to golf and quiet beaches
- Families who want more space for their budget
Price tier
Brunswick covers the widest range. Inland areas often offer more home for the money than New Hanover, while oceanfront and island properties can sit at the top of the regional market.
Pender County: Space, Water, and a Slower Pace
North of Wilmington, Pender County is the most rural of the three. Only a small share of its land is inside a town, so you’ll find more acreage, farmland, and open water views.
Towns and communities
Burgaw, the county seat, has a charming historic downtown, and its courthouse square has appeared in plenty of film and TV productions. Hampstead, an unincorporated community along US-17, has become a popular choice for buyers who want quick access to Wilmington with a quieter feel. Rocky Point and Scotts Hill round out the options close to the New Hanover line.
Beaches
Pender’s coast is Topsail Island, home to Surf City and Topsail Beach (the island is shared with Onslow County). Topsail is known for its laid-back, low-rise beach-town feel, fishing piers, and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
Commute
Hampstead, Scotts Hill, and Rocky Point can be a reasonable drive into north Wilmington. Topsail and Burgaw are farther out, so they suit buyers with flexible schedules, remote work, or a preference for weekend trips into town.
Who it fits
- Buyers who want land, privacy, or room for a workshop or boat
- Remote workers who value peace and quiet
- Beach lovers who prefer a classic small-island atmosphere
Price tier
Inland Pender often offers some of the region’s best value on land and square footage. Topsail Island, like any oceanfront market, is priced at a premium.
Quick Comparison
| New Hanover | Brunswick | Pender | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | City and beach | Suburban and coastal | Rural and small-island |
| Key towns | Wilmington, Wrightsville, Carolina, Kure Beach | Leland, Southport, Oak Island, Shallotte | Hampstead, Burgaw, Surf City, Topsail Beach |
| Commute to downtown Wilmington | Shortest | Short (Leland) to longer (south county) | Moderate (Hampstead) to longer |
| General price tier | Higher | Wide range | Often best value inland |
For Sellers: Know Your Buyer
If you’re selling, knowing which buyer your county attracts is half the battle. New Hanover listings often draw professionals and buyers relocating for work. Brunswick attracts retirees, second-home buyers, and families looking for new construction. Pender appeals to buyers seeking space and value. We market each home to the buyer most likely to fall in love with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which county is closest to downtown Wilmington?
New Hanover, since Wilmington is its county seat. Leland in Brunswick County and Hampstead in Pender County are also popular for their relatively short drives.
Which county has the quietest beaches?
It depends on the season, but many buyers find the Brunswick beaches, like Holden, Caswell, and Sunset Beach, and Pender’s Topsail Island feel calmer than the busiest New Hanover beaches.
Is Brunswick County really growing that fast?
Yes. North Carolina’s State Demographer named it the fastest-growing county in the state, with about 24% growth from 2020 to 2024.
Where can I find more land for my money?
Inland Pender County and parts of inland Brunswick County typically offer larger lots than New Hanover.
Let’s Find Your Corner of the Coast
There’s no single “best” county, only the one that fits how you want to live. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or getting ready to sell, our team knows Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties street by street. Contact the Aspyre Collective team and let’s talk about what you’re looking for.
