Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $63,900, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $63,900 in Wilmington. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Appreciate any input. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
40 upvotes
6 Replies
Judy G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Wesley Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 57, moved here 2 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in East and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
31 upvotes
Silas W.
I'm a nurse and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Diana B.
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
14 upvotes
Waylon Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Zoe B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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