If you’re searching for a serene and convenient boating home, look no further.
Wilmington, North Carolina, is home to several oceanfront properties, making it a hot spot for Intracoastal Realty. Called a water lover’s paradise, Wilmington will offer you an ideal getaway close to all major waterways.
To help you plan your next move, we’ve narrowed down the top 5 boat-friendly communities in Wilmington.
River Bluffs
If you value eco-friendly and sustainable living, head over to River Bluffs, an all-inclusive riverside village with custom-built energy-efficient homes. Although technically located in Castle Hayne, River Bluffs is a 10-minute boat ride from downtown Wilmington (and 25 minutes away from Wrightsville Beach).
As a resident, you’ll get access to a community organic farm and fitness center along with several parks and trails.
Number of Boat Slips: 181
Awarded: Ideal-Living’s “Best of the Best Health and Fitness Community” – 2020
Known For: Terra Vita Farms, Wilmington’s only no-spray farm
Home Budget: $300’s – $1.5M+
Home Plans Available: Townhomes, one-level low-maintenance brick homes (20 different floor plans), low country style, front porch living, and custom homes.
Learn More: River Bluffs Website
RiverLights
Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, RiverLights will give you a premier riverfront community to call home. Located along River Road, it has a public day dock connected to a boardwalk built on the Cape Fear River banks.
River Lights also offers custom and semi-custom constructions if you’re on the market for anything but a cookie-cutter home.
Number of Boat Slips: 112*
Awarded: Ideal-Living’s “America’s 100 Best Places to Live” – 2021
Known For: 40-acre lake for kayaking
Home Budget: $300s – $1M+
Home Plans Available: Townhomes, single-family homes, Del Webb 55+, rentals, and custom homes.
Learn More: River Lights Website
*Marina under construction
Helms Port
If a private beach, resort-style pool, and 3,500 square foot coastal clubhouse sound like paradise to you, Helms Port will be your go-to luxury waterfront community.
Located along the Intracoastal Waterway (Masonboro Sound), it comes equipped with a private marina.
Number of Boat Slips: 75
Recent Award: Bliss Award “Best North Carolina Community of the Year” – 2017
Known For: Its protected deepwater marina, a nesting ground for loggerhead and green turtles (and a natural nursery for saltwater fish).
Home Budget: $400s – $800s
Home Plans Available: SOLD OUT
Learn More: Helms Port Website
Register Place
If you’re looking for a charming residential neighborhood with just a handful of custom-built homes, Register Place is for you. This neighborhood includes access to a community dock fit to hold vessels up to 24 feet.
Number of Boat Slips: TBA
Recent Award: N/A
Known For: Mature landscapes
Home Budget: $380s – $850s+
Home Plans Available: Townhomes, single-family homes, Del Webb 55+, rentals, and custom homes.
Learn More: Register Place Estates
The Tides
If a cozy, tight-knit community with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Masonboro Island State Natural Area sound perfect, plan a move to The Tides. With about 50 homes, The Tides has a large, private marina at the end of it (with a protected harbor) that can accommodate boats up to 32 feet.
Homes here are primarily traditional style and located next to Southeast Harbor, across from Grove Point.
Number of Boat Slips: TBA
Recent Award: N/A
Known For: Private marina
Home Budget: $250s – $700s
Home Plans Available: Single-family homes
Learn More: The Tides Subdivision