Drive south on River Road from downtown Wilmington and the city thins out fast. Within a few minutes you’re passing woods, marsh, and long views of the Cape Fear River, and then you reach Riverlights, the master-planned community that has reshaped this stretch of southern New Hanover County over the past decade. If you’re thinking about buying here, or you already own and want to know what’s coming, this guide covers what life in Riverlights looks like, what’s changing, and what to weigh before you write an offer.
There’s also fresh news for this part of town. On Nov. 3, New Hanover County voters approved the county’s $320.5 million school bond, and one of its five major projects is a new elementary school inside Riverlights. More on that below.
Riverlights at a Glance
According to figures Riverlights management shared with the Wilmington StarNews (March 9, 2026), the community covers about 1,400 acres with roughly three miles along the Cape Fear River. Construction started in 2015, more than 3,000 people live there now, and the plan calls for about 3,182 homes at full build-out. That total includes a Del Webb active-adult section, single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, apartments, and single-family rentals.
The community is also getting close to finished. As of February 2026, about 350 single-family lots were still undeveloped, and management expected Riverlights to be considered complete in 2028. For buyers, that means the window for picking a brand-new home from a builder here is narrowing, and more of the choices over the next few years will be resales.
What Daily Life Looks Like
Amenities and the outdoors
Riverlights is built around the river and the outdoors. Residents have miles of walking trails, community gardens, fire pits, and kayak launch points. There are two pool and recreation centers. The Lake House has a pool, a waterslide, and a fitness center. The newer Riverhouse, which opened in January 2026, includes a saltwater pool with lap lanes, a fitness room, a community kitchen, a screened porch, and four pickleball courts, according to its architect, Mark Loudermilk Architecture.
Shopping and services
River Road itself is still light on commercial options, which is part of the appeal for many residents and a trade-off for others. Within the community, Marina Village offers retail, dining, and entertainment, and the 7 Bridge mixed-use neighborhood includes a commercial village planned for everyday services. For a full grocery run, expect to head over to Carolina Beach Road or Monkey Junction.
Getting around
Two recent public projects have made the area easier to live in. In January 2026 the City of Wilmington opened a $2.42 million roundabout at River Road and Independence Boulevard, jointly funded by the city, Riverlights, and Proximity Watermark Development, to improve safety and traffic flow on this corridor. And in November 2025, Wilmington Fire Department Station 6 opened near the north end of River Road, the city’s first fire station built inside a residential community, placed to serve Riverlights, Echo Farms, and part of Independence Boulevard (StarNews, March 2026).
From Riverlights, downtown Wilmington, Monkey Junction, and the drive to Carolina Beach are all reachable without crossing a bridge, which locals tend to appreciate during summer traffic.
The School Bond News: A New Elementary School in Riverlights
The $320.5 million bond that passed on Nov. 3 includes a $53.9 million project to build a new 650-student, Pre-K-compatible elementary school within Riverlights. It replaces the current Mary C. Williams Elementary, which opened in 1976, according to New Hanover County Schools’ bond project page. The district says the replacement addresses safety issues with the older building’s layout and adds capacity in this growing part of the county.
A few things to keep in mind. Results are unofficial until the county canvass on Nov. 13, as WHQR reported Nov. 3. The bonds will be issued in phases over several years, so a new school won’t open overnight. And school attendance zones can change, so always confirm current assignments directly with New Hanover County Schools before you buy. On the cost side, the county’s bond disclosure estimates a property tax increase of one-half cent per $100 of assessed value, or about $20 a year on a $400,000 property.
What to Know Before You Buy in Riverlights
- New construction vs. resale. With a few hundred lots left, compare builder incentives on remaining new homes against resales that may come with landscaping, window treatments, and other finished touches already in place.
- Home styles and price range. The mix runs from townhomes to larger single-family homes, plus a 55-and-up Del Webb section. StarNews reported in March that homes were typically priced from around $400,000 to over $1 million. Ask us for current sold data before you set a budget, because pricing varies a lot by section and home type.
- HOA rules and dues. Master-planned communities come with covenants and HOA fees that pay for amenities and common areas. Read the documents carefully, including any rules on rentals, fences, and exterior changes, and know whether a section has its own sub-association.
- Flood zones and insurance. Being on the river is the draw, but flood risk can vary from one street to the next. Check the property on the FEMA flood map, ask for any elevation certificate, and get insurance quotes during your due diligence period, not after.
- Future growth nearby. Riverlights itself is near build-out, but southern New Hanover County is still growing. Keep an eye on new projects along River Road and Carolina Beach Road, and on future traffic changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverlights in the City of Wilmington?
Yes. Riverlights is within Wilmington city limits along River Road in southern New Hanover County, and it’s served by city services, including Fire Station 6.
When will the new Riverlights elementary school open?
No opening date has been set. The bond passed on Nov. 3, results will be certified Nov. 13, and the bonds will be issued in phases over several years. We’ll share updates as New Hanover County Schools announces timelines.
Are there still new homes available in Riverlights?
Some. About 350 single-family lots were still undeveloped as of February 2026, and the community expects to be complete in 2028. Availability changes quickly, so check with us for what’s on the market right now.
Is there a 55-plus section?
Yes. Riverlights includes a Del Webb active-adult neighborhood alongside its all-ages sections.
Thinking About Riverlights?
Whether you’re relocating to Wilmington, moving up, or selling a home along River Road, our team knows this part of town and can walk you through current listings, recent sales, HOA details, and flood and insurance questions for any home you’re considering. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and let’s talk about what you’re looking for.
