UNC Wilmington keeps growing, and the neighborhoods around campus feel it first. In late October, UNCW leaders laid out plans to add hundreds of parking spaces as enrollment hits record levels, and on Oct. 29 a university-affiliated nonprofit closed on an off-campus apartment complex to lock in student housing. For homeowners and buyers in the streets around College Road, Hurst Drive, Riegel Road and Randall Parkway, here is what the latest plans mean.
Record Enrollment, Tight Parking
Port City Daily reported on Oct. 27, 2026 that Chancellor Aswani Volety said UNCW hit a record 20,556 enrolled students in 2026. At a Board of Trustees meeting, parking director David Cook said campus has 10,022 parking spaces and reaches 94% peak occupancy on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. He told trustees UNCW’s ratio is roughly 0.49 spaces per student.
What UNCW Plans to Add
According to the same report, UNCW plans to add between 550 and 575 new parking spaces for the 2027-28 school year:
- About 300 spaces at the Resident Remote and Park & Ride lot across College Road at Hurst Drive and Hoggard Drive.
- 50 to 75 spaces in an expanded DeLoach lot.
- About 200 net new spaces tied to the Hurst Connector, a roadway project approved by the UNC Board of Governors in July that links Hurst Drive to Riegel Road.
A separate $20.4 million parking deck, Parking Deck IV, had been planned to add 500 spaces near Morton and Leutze halls by August 2028. A UNCW spokesperson told Port City Daily the university has delayed that plan while it reevaluates location, demand and funding, with a revised timeline expected.
Housing: New Beds and a Big Purchase
On the housing side, UNCW announced on Nov. 2, 2026 that UNCW Corporation II Randall Parkway, LLC completed the $16.25 million purchase of Plato’s Lofts on Oct. 29. The property at 4810 Randall Parkway has 54 four-bedroom apartments, 216 beds in all, for sophomores, juniors and seniors. We looked at the rental-market side of that deal in UNCW Buys Plato’s Lofts.
The campus master plan also includes Hammerhead Hall, a new residence hall. WWAY reported in September that Volety said it will add 543 beds and help ease the housing crunch. The master plan, approved by trustees in 2024, also includes academic and health sciences upgrades.
What It Means for Nearby Homeowners
Traffic and parking patterns will shift
A bigger park-and-ride lot at Hurst and Hoggard and a new Hurst-to-Riegel connector could change how students and staff move through nearby streets. If you live close to those roads, expect more activity around peak class times once projects open.
The one-mile rule matters
Port City Daily notes that off-campus undergraduates living within a one-mile radius of campus are not eligible to park in permitted spots from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., though they can buy night and weekend permits. That policy is one reason students living close to campus often walk, bike or look for parking nearby. Homeowners should know their street’s parking rules and HOA policies.
Rental demand stays strong
Record enrollment and a tight on-campus supply keep demand high for nearby rentals. That can support resale interest for homes that work well for students or faculty, and it can mean more rental activity on some blocks. See our long-term rental investor guide if you are weighing that path.
Faculty and staff are buyers, too
A growing university means more employees looking for homes with short commutes. Homes within easy reach of campus tend to appeal to this group, especially those with garages or off-street parking.
Tips for Buyers Near Campus
- Visit at different times of day, including weekday mid-mornings and weekend nights.
- Ask about HOA rules on rentals, occupancy and parking.
- Check how upcoming road and parking projects could affect your street.
- Look at the city’s rules on occupancy and short-term rentals if you plan to rent part of the home.
FAQ: UNCW Growth and Nearby Neighborhoods
How many students attend UNCW?
Port City Daily reported a record 20,556 enrolled students in 2026.
When will new parking open?
UNCW plans to add 550 to 575 spaces for the 2027-28 school year. The larger Parking Deck IV is delayed pending a revised timeline.
What is the Hurst Connector?
A roadway project approved by the UNC Board of Governors in July that links Hurst Drive to Riegel Road and is expected to bring about 200 net new parking spaces.
Who bought Plato’s Lofts?
UNCW Corporation II Randall Parkway, LLC, a subsidiary of a nonprofit that supports the university, for $16.25 million on Oct. 29, 2026.
Buying or Selling Near UNCW?
Homes near campus come with their own rhythm, opportunities and questions. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and we will help you weigh traffic, parking, rental demand and resale value for any home you are considering.
