Head north from Burgaw on U.S. 117 and you will reach Wallace, a railroad-and-strawberry town on the Duplin-Pender line that is getting a lot more attention from home buyers. With new subdivisions, new retail and quick access to Interstate 40, Wallace is becoming a practical option for people who work in the Wilmington area but want more space and a small-town pace. Here is what to know about living in Wallace, NC.
Wallace at a Glance
Wallace sits in southern Duplin County, and its town limits extend south into Pender County. U.S. 117 runs through the center of town and crosses N.C. 41 downtown. Interstate 40 passes just east of town, with access from the N.C. 41 and U.S. 117 interchanges, which connects Wallace to Wilmington to the south and Raleigh to the north.
The town is a long-standing retail and service hub for the surrounding rural area, with its own police and fire departments, a public library, a parks and recreation department and a municipal airport, according to the Town of Wallace website.
A Town Built by the Railroad and the Strawberry
According to the town’s history page, the area was settled by the Boney family in the early 19th century. The Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, completed in 1840, spurred growth along its route, and local entrepreneur Gabriel Boney built a cotton gin, turpentine distillery and general store by 1870. The town was incorporated in 1873 as Duplin Roads and renamed Wallace in 1899 in honor of Stephen D. Wallace, president of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.
Boney later introduced strawberries to the region, and Wallace earned the title of the “World’s Largest Strawberry Exchange.” The annual strawberry festival remains a cherished community tradition, and the town website promotes the Carolina Strawberry Festival. Over time, agriculture in the area shifted toward tobacco and, today, livestock such as hogs and poultry.
Why Wallace Is Growing
Growth in Wallace is real and well documented. In April 2026, the Duplin Journal reported that Town Council member Glenn Price briefed Duplin County commissioners on more than 1,000 new housing units planned or under development in and around Wallace. He pointed to available land and existing water and sewer infrastructure near corridors such as N.C. 41, along with spillover demand from the Wilmington housing market.
Projects named in that briefing included:
- Rockfish Pointe, a 32-lot subdivision next to Wallace Elementary School
- Eastwood, a 42-home development under construction
- Crossroads, a planned 208-home community awaiting a lift station upgrade
- Bryant Farm, a mixed-use development approved for 276 apartments, 221 townhomes and 254 single-family homes
The same report noted new businesses planned or under construction, including Royal Farms, Wawa, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Waffle House.
Schools: Growth Brings Questions
Wallace students attend Duplin County Schools. The Duplin Journal reported that Wallace Elementary and Wallace-Rose Hill High School were already operating near capacity, with some use of mobile classrooms, and that officials expect enrollment to climb as new homes fill. If schools are a priority, ask the district about current assignments, capacity plans and any changes on the horizon before you buy.
Who Wallace Fits Best
- Commuters who want I-40 access to Wilmington and other job centers.
- Buyers seeking new construction at a different price point than the coast.
- Families and retirees who value a small-town downtown and local traditions.
- Land buyers interested in rural acreage around the town.
If you are comparing small towns in the area, see our guides to living in Burgaw and living in Atkinson.
Buyer Checklist for Wallace
- Confirm the county. Wallace spans Duplin and Pender counties, which affects property taxes and services.
- Check utilities. In-town homes often have municipal water and sewer; rural homes may use wells and septic. Our septic, well and perc test guide explains what to inspect.
- Review builder contracts. For new construction, read warranties and timelines closely. Our new construction guide covers the essentials.
- Explore financing options. Some rural areas qualify for USDA loans. See our USDA loan guide and check eligibility for the specific address.
- Check flood maps. Even inland, some low-lying land sits in flood zones.
FAQ: Living in Wallace, NC
Is Wallace in Duplin or Pender County?
Both. Most of the town is in southern Duplin County, and the town limits extend into Pender County.
How do commuters get to Wilmington from Wallace?
Interstate 40 runs just east of town and leads south to Wilmington. U.S. 117 is another route south through Burgaw.
Is there new construction in Wallace?
Yes. Several subdivisions and a large mixed-use development were planned or underway as of the Duplin Journal’s April 2026 report.
Curious About Wallace?
Whether you are drawn to a new build near town or a quiet piece of land outside it, we can help you weigh the options. Reach out to Aspyre Collective to explore homes in Wallace and the surrounding area.
