For decades, the narrative about living in Southeastern North Carolina came with a caveat: "It's paradise, but it's hard to get to." Investors and second-home buyers accepted that reaching Wilmington or the beaches meant a long drive from Raleigh or a frustrating connection through Charlotte.

That narrative is dead.

As of 2025, Wilmington International Airport (ILM) has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation for seat capacity. For real estate investors in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties, this isn't just travel trivia—it is a fundamental shift in property value mechanics. Accessibility is the new amenity, and it is turning our coastal region into a viable primary residence for a new class of high-income professionals.

The "Zoom Town" Game Changer

The explosion of connectivity at ILM has accelerated the "Zoom Town" phenomenon. We are seeing a surge of buyers from the Northeast and major metros who work hybrid schedules. They can live in Landfall or Wrightsville Beach, catch a direct 7:00 AM flight to LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), or Boston (BOS), attend a board meeting, and be back on their boat by Friday evening.

Strategic Insight: Properties within a 20-minute drive of ILM are seeing a premium from this demographic. When marketing a luxury home in Porters Neck or Downtown Wilmington, highlighting "Gate-to-Driveway in 20 Minutes" is as powerful as listing the square footage.

ILM’s Explosive Growth

The numbers tell the story. ILM hasn't just added flights; it has added strategic routes.

• New Carriers: The arrival of low-cost carriers like Avelo, Sun Country, and Breeze alongside legacy giants (AA, Delta, United) has driven down fares, making frequent travel sustainable for families.
• Direct Hubs: Beyond the traditional Charlotte (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL) hops, we now have direct lines to Denver, Chicago, Washington D.C., and multiple Florida hubs.

The Regional Triangle: OAJ and MYR

While ILM grabs the headlines, smart investors in the outer counties know that our region is actually supported by a "Connectivity Triangle."

• Onslow County (OAJ): For investors in Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry, or North Topsail Beach, the Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) is a critical asset. It offers competitive connectivity via Delta and American without the traffic of a larger city. A rental property in Sneads Ferry appeals to military contractors and families precisely because OAJ makes the logistics easy.
• Brunswick County (MYR): If you are buying in Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach, or Holden Beach, your "local" airport is often Myrtle Beach International (MYR). It is frequently cheaper and closer than ILM for the southern end of the county. Understanding which airport serves which beach town is crucial when marketing a vacation rental to out-of-state guests.

The Noise vs. Access Balance

With growth comes increased air traffic. A savvy investor checks the flight paths.

• The Reality: The FAA and ILM have specific noise contour maps. While being close to the airport adds value for accessibility, being under the landing gear of a 737 is a different story.
• Due Diligence: In areas north of Wilmington (like Castle Hayne) or near Blue Clay Road, pay attention to the flight corridors. The "sweet spot" for appreciation is a 15-minute drive without the overhead roar.

Your Next Step

Connectivity is transforming our market from a seasonal vacation spot to a year-round economic hub. You need a partner who understands how these logistics impact long-term appreciation and rental demand.

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes and investments that work for them. We act as your strategic partner, helping you identify neighborhoods that offer the perfect balance of global reach and local tranquility. Let’s connect to discuss which flight path leads to your next investment.