Wilmington NC

Wilmington, NC, is 13th on Forbe's Best Places for Business and Careers List!

Founded in 1739, Wilmington is sandwiched between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean giving Wilmington the best of both worlds - the culture of the historic downtown and the relaxation of beach living. Downtown, visitors can take a carriage ride along the Cape Fear River to view converted historic buildings and quaint victorian homes or stop at one of the many unique shops and restaurants. On the Atlantic side of New Hanover County, visitors have the choice between Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure Beach. They can layout on the beach and watch the pelicans fly by, or if they prefer something more fastpaced, the Wilmington area is a popular destination for surfers.

Wilmington's mild climate change is favorable to those wanting to escape the harsh winters of the North or the constant heat of the far South. The weather stays warm into the beginning of Fall, but the color changes that many love still occur. Matter-of-fact, Flowers bloom throughout the Winter leading to an amazing color display in the Spring. The beautiful pink and white azaleas and dogwoods make fill the streets of Wilmington with Southern charm.

New Hanover County has over 20 parks with outdoor sports facilities that are host to a number of leagues in the area - Biking, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Football, Tennis, Equestrian, and Disc Golf. It's also home to two beautiful gardens, Airlie Gardens and The Arboretum, that host classes, concerts, and holiday light displays in addition to their walking trails.

Never short on entertainment, Wilmington has a number of community events throughout the year, including the North Carolina Azalea Festival, Riverfest, Greek Festival, Festival Latino, Cucalorous Film Festival, and the Coastal Carolina Air Show. Wilmington is also home to the Battleship North Carolina and Screen Gems Studios, the largest movie and television studio outside of California, both of which are open to tours. 

Though Wilmington has a number of different entertainment attractions, it is not just a tourist destination. Wilmington is a center for higher learning. It has two fine choices for higher education, including the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College. Their engaging programs and dynamic student life make them attractive choices for anyone continuing their education. After graduation, students find Wilmington provides jobs for many different fields of study. Below are the Top 25 Area Employers (statistics provided by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce):

As you can see, Wilmington has something for everyone!