Ask a longtime local where Monkey Junction is and you’ll get a quick answer: the busy crossroads where College Road meets Carolina Beach Road on the south side of Wilmington. Ask a newer resident and they may call the same area Myrtle Grove. Either way, this stretch of unincorporated New Hanover County has become one of the most popular places to live between downtown Wilmington and Pleasure Island. Here’s our local guide to what living in Monkey Junction and Myrtle Grove is like, what’s changing right now, and what buyers should think about before making an offer.
Where the Name Comes From
The nickname goes back to a gas station and grocery store at the corner of Carolina Beach Road and Piner Road. According to a StarNews history feature, the owners kept live monkeys to draw customers, and bus drivers on the Carolina Beach route started announcing the stop as “Monkey Junction.” The Myrtle Grove name is actually older. It comes from Myrtle Grove Sound, the stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway along the area’s eastern edge. Today you’ll hear both names, and locals use them more or less interchangeably for the neighborhoods around that intersection.
What It’s Like to Live Here
Monkey Junction and Myrtle Grove sit in the sweet spot of the county. You’re a short drive from Carolina Beach and Kure Beach to the south, and from Midtown, UNCW, and downtown Wilmington to the north. For a lot of buyers, that’s the whole appeal: beach access without beach-town prices or summer traffic on your own street, and in-town shopping without living in the middle of the city.
Housing Mix
The housing here is varied. You’ll find established single-family neighborhoods from past decades, newer subdivisions with amenity centers, townhomes, and a growing number of apartment communities along the main roads. Closer to Myrtle Grove Sound, some streets have water views or water access, and a few neighborhoods offer boat slips or community docks. Farther inland, you’ll find more traditional suburban streets with bigger lots. That range makes the area work for first-time buyers, move-up families, retirees, and investors alike.
Shopping and Everyday Errands
This is one of the most convenient shopping areas in the county. StarNews reported on Aug. 17, 2026 that New Hanover County’s second Target opened in May at the Village at Myrtle Grove shopping center, and that the Walmart at 5135 Carolina Beach Road plans to add 9,441 square feet for online pickup and delivery. The county’s commercial projects list also shows a proposed Biggers Market at 6218 Carolina Beach Road and a new Starbucks at Masonboro Commons, both under review. Groceries, hardware stores, restaurants, medical offices, and gyms are all within a few minutes for most residents.
Outdoors and Recreation
Being on the water side of the county is a big part of the lifestyle. Boaters can reach the Intracoastal Waterway and Masonboro Island, and Carolina Beach State Park, with its marina, campground, and trails, is just across Snow’s Cut. The beaches of Pleasure Island are close enough for an after-work walk on the sand.
What’s Changing Right Now
Growth is the story here, and it’s worth understanding before you buy. We covered the commercial side in our post on what’s being built on Carolina Beach Road. On the residential side, StarNews reported on July 7, 2026 that the planned Alton Orchard subdivision in the 6200 block of Myrtle Grove Road is set for 55 single-family homes, the most its R-15 zoning allows, along with an amenity center. Neighbors raised concerns about dust during land clearing, and county staff told the developer to control it. The county’s project list shows the Alton Orchard amenity center under review as of its September 2026 technical review meeting.
For buyers, more growth usually means more convenience and more new construction to choose from. It can also mean more traffic at peak hours, especially along Carolina Beach Road and College Road in summer, and construction near some existing neighborhoods. If you’re looking at a home next to a wooded lot, it’s smart to ask whether that land is zoned or planned for development.
Buyer Tips for Monkey Junction and Myrtle Grove
- Check the flood zone for every property. Homes near Myrtle Grove Sound and the tidal creeks can sit in higher-risk flood zones, while homes a few streets inland may not. Our flood zone guide for Wilmington-area buyers explains how to look it up and what it means for insurance.
- Confirm city or county. Most of the area is unincorporated New Hanover County, not the City of Wilmington. That affects which rules apply, such as zoning and short-term rental regulations, and which services you get.
- Verify school assignments by address. Assignments can change as the district grows, so check the New Hanover County Schools address lookup rather than relying on a listing description.
- Ask about water and sewer. Many homes are on Cape Fear Public Utility Authority service, but some older properties may have a well or septic system. Know which one you’re buying.
- Read the HOA documents. Newer subdivisions often have covenants covering boats, trailers, fences, and rentals. If you plan to keep a boat at home, make sure the rules allow it.
- Drive it at rush hour. Commute times to Midtown and downtown can look very different at 8 a.m. than on a Sunday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monkey Junction part of the City of Wilmington?
Mostly no. The Monkey Junction and Myrtle Grove area is largely unincorporated New Hanover County, even though many addresses say Wilmington. Check the specific property to confirm.
How far is Monkey Junction from the beach?
Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are a short drive south across the Snow’s Cut Bridge, which is a big reason buyers like the area.
Is there new construction in Myrtle Grove?
Yes. New subdivisions and townhome communities continue to come online, and several projects are in the county’s review pipeline. Availability changes quickly, so it helps to work with someone who tracks it closely.
Are homes near Myrtle Grove Sound in a flood zone?
Some are, especially those closest to the water and tidal creeks. Flood zones vary street by street, so check each property and get an insurance quote early in due diligence.
Thinking About a Move to Monkey Junction or Myrtle Grove?
Whether you want a home near the water, a newer house close to shopping, or a starter home with an easy drive to the beach, this part of New Hanover County has a lot to offer. We know these neighborhoods street by street and can help you compare flood risk, HOA rules, and commute times before you commit. Reach out to Aspyre Collective to start your search or talk through selling your current home.
