For many buyers moving to South Eastern North Carolina, the question is no longer just "How close is the beach?" It is now: "Where can I play Pickleball?"

The sport has exploded across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties, transforming from a casual retirement hobby into a serious social driver. In our region, real estate and pickleball are now inextricably linked.

However, not all "courts" are created equal. A painted line on an old tennis court is very different from a dedicated club with organized league play. If you are a serious dinker—or just want the social benefits of the sport—here is your insider map to the neighborhoods with the best private pickleball cultures.

The "Big Leagues": Leland’s Powerhouse Communities

If you want organized competition, Leland is the epicenter.

Brunswick Forest: This is arguably the heavyweight champion of coastal pickleball. With a massive dedicated Pickleball Club (500+ members), they don't just have courts; they have a culture. Their facilities at the Fitness & Wellness Center and Cape Fear National host regular tournaments.

Compass Pointe: Just down the road, Compass Pointe offers a resort-style experience with dedicated active-adult programming.

The Insider Insight: These two communities (along with Waterford of the Carolinas) participate in the Cape Fear Inter-Community League. This isn't just a friendly game; it’s a traveling league where neighborhoods compete against each other for bragging rights. If you love team spirit, these are your target neighborhoods.

The Private Club Enclaves: Wilmington (New Hanover)

In Wilmington, the scene is more "Country Club" than "Community League."

Porters Neck Country Club: Located in northern New Hanover, Porters Neck has fully embraced the trend. They have converted tennis amenities into dedicated pickleball courts with a strong social scene. It is perfect for those who want a round of golf in the morning and a match on the courts before dinner.

Country Club of Landfall: For the ultimate luxury experience, Landfall offers private, pristine courts for members. The play here is often organized by the club pros, ensuring you are matched with players of your exact skill level (from 3.0 to 5.0+).

Riverlights: For a younger, more active-adult vibe without the "Country Club" dues, the Del Webb section of Riverlights features excellent private courts that serve as the social hub for the 55+ residents.

The Northern Corridor: Hampstead & Sneads Ferry

As you move north into Pender and Onslow counties, the vibe shifts to "laid-back luxury."

Pecan Grove Plantation (Hampstead): This gated community is one of the few in Hampstead with private courts included in the HOA amenities, offering a safe, quiet place to play without leaving the gates.

The "Belvedere" Hub: While not a single gated neighborhood, the Belvedere Pickleball Center (at Ironclad Golf) has become the de facto living room for Hampstead players. Buyers in Olde Point or Salters Haven often join here for the best social mixing in town.

Mimosa Bay (Sneads Ferry): If you are looking further north near the inlet, Mimosa Bay stands out. It is one of the premier gated communities in Onslow County that features private tennis and pickleball courts as a standard amenity, making it a favorite for buyers who want the boat-and-court lifestyle.

Your Next Step

Finding a home with a court nearby is easy; finding a home with the right players and community vibe is harder.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we know which neighborhoods have "show courts" that sit empty and which ones have active, thriving leagues that will welcome you on Day 1. We are experts in listening to your lifestyle needs—whether you are a 3.5 tournament player or a beginner looking for fun—and communicating that into a home search that works for you. Let’s connect and find your home court advantage.