Leland, N.C.- Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of calling Leland a suburb. Locals don’t like that phrase very much. They’ll tell you that their town has its own identity, its own feel. Thousands of people are moving here, many from northern states. It is the fastest growing municipality, in one of the fastest growing counties anywhere in the nation.
And yes… it is conveniently located, in close proximity to Wilmington. One of our friends, who crosses the bridge each day to go work near downtown Wilmington, says from door-to-door his commute is only 13 minutes long. He too doesn’t like the word “suburb.” He prefers to call Leland “a bedroom community.”
Initially people were attracted to Leland because it was the classic case of getting more home for your money. And while there are still many neighborhoods being built for younger families, with starter homes, more and more the town has become a destination for retirees. One neighborhood is jokingly referred to as “Little Manhattan” because many of the residents have relocated from New York.
In terms of geography this Brunswick County town is bordered by the community of Navassa to its north, and the village of Belville to the east. Several times over the last 30 years efforts have been made to combine these three areas into one larger town (the most recent was in 2012) but each time the measures were ultimately rejected. We are unaware of any future plans of consolidation.
Just the Facts
*Although it is only a few minutes to Wilmington, Leland is technically considered by the federal government to be part of the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area.
*According to the 2020 census the town’s population stands at 23,504 (that’s up 10,000 residents from the 2010 census and up 21,000 residents from the 2000 census.)
*Median annual household income is $78,884
*Average price of a single family home so far in 2022 is $391,740.
* In 2020 37.8% of Leland residents had bachelors degrees.
*The largest event of the year is the annual Leland in Lights. This is a month long celebration of the holiday season held every year in Founder’s Park. Crews start hanging thousands of lights in the early fall, and don’t turn them on until the first weekend of December. Throughout the month the gathering attracts thousands of patrons and on some weekends features live music, arts, vendors and crafts.
* Distance from Leland to Downtown Wilmington is 8 miles
* Distance from Leland to Myrtle Beach 70.4 miles
*Distance from Leland to Raleigh is 138 miles
* Closet beach is Wrightsville Beach 16 miles
Why Eric Bought and Invests in Leland
It took a little while for JFB agent Eric Badalov to find the perfect town for his family. After retiring from the federal government he first moved to Wilmington. After a few years he moved to the Raleigh area (but frankly, thought it was too congested) and so he decided to move back to the Cape Fear region- this time buying in Leland.
“I want to have access to everything Wilmington had to offer” said Eric. “But I didn’t have to be directly in Wilmington. To me Leland was the best of both worlds. It’s not the city, and it’s not by any means rural. It’s a town. You’ve got everything you need out here, stores and restaurants, and then when you want something bigger- Wilmington is the icing on the cake. ”
Eric bought in one of Leland’s newer neighborhoods. It has amenities like a nature trail, playgrounds, picnic area, even a boardwalk. And it has something else, too. The community HOA allows chickens.
“I built a little coop in my backyard,” said Eric. “I am not getting a rooster. This is strictly an egg operation. If you would try to do this within the Wilmington city limits… your HOA would probably be sending you some letters. Out here, it’s accepted.”
Not only has Eric decided to retire in Leland, he has also purchased a couple of investment properties in the town limits. These are long term rentals that he says are never vacant. When a tenant turns in their month notice, Eric advertises the listing, and always has a new lease signed before the old renter moves out.
“If you’re an investment buyer, at least if you are in long term rentals, Leland not only needs to be on your list, in my opinion it needs to be in the top spot. You can charge the Wilmington rates, and never have to worry about the home sitting empty.
Where to Live
Brunswick Forest: is one of the largest planned communities in the greater Wilmington area. The neighborhood will eventually have 8,000 homes. Heavily marketed to folks from the mid-Atlantic and Northeast states, Brunswick Forest is home to many transplants who favor our proximity to the ocean and milder winters. The community was included on Where to Retire magazine’s “50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States” list.
Compass Pointe: is a gated, master-planned community. It has received a number of awards including “Happiest Community”, “Best Community in North Carolina”, “Best Pool”, “Best Wellness Environment”, “Best Golf Course Design.” The first homes were built in 2007 with the most recent home going up in 2022.
Hawkeswater: is a planned community in Leland, North Carolina. The development consists of three separate neighborhoods all located off Highway 133. Hawkeswater at the River, and the Villages of Hawkeswater are located on the western side of the highway. Riverbend at Hawkeswater, a small gated community with homes that overlook the Cape Fear River, is located on the eastern side of the street. The three communities consist of roughly 300 single family homes, and one hundred townhomes that overlook a community pond.
Magnolia Greens: was the first major planned community built in Leland. Established in the early 2000’s, it’s made up of more than 1,100 homes including condos, townhouses, patio homes, and custom-built single family homes. One of the neighborhood’s main appeals is the variety of architecture. There are brick homes, both single and two story, as well as several houses with Hardiplank siding. Low country architecture, craftsman, Cape Cods and traditional colonials are all popular here. Neighborhood amenities include a clubhouse, a newly restored fitness center and indoor pool facility, two outdoor pools, walking trails, sidewalks, and tennis courts. Plus the golf course has its own restaurant which residents can visit without ever leaving the neighborhood.
Mallory Creek Plantation: is a large community made up of four different neighborhoods with very distinct styles and a variety of home plans to fit residents lifestyles, from Craftsman and European homes to luxury and premium brick homes. Amenities include a competition size swimming pool, low country style clubhouse, playground, ponds and walking paths. So far in 2022 a total of 71 homes have sold in Mallory Creek Plantation for an average price of $357,621.
Waterford of the Carolinas: is one of the largest residential communities in the tri-county area. It measures nearly 600 acres. It was built around a chain of man-made canals, providing a large number of home owners with water views. In all the community is made up of 19 different neighborhoods each has its own name, its own identity and own style. Buyers will find townhomes, patio homes and larger estates. Neighborhood amenities include a clubhouse, large swimming pool, pickleball and tennis courts, bocce ball fields, a playground, fitness center, beach volleyball court and kayak launch
Final Thoughts
If you don’t have to be in the city, but you want to be near the city, whether you call it a suburb or a bedroom community, Leland may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Its location makes it an easy commute for those who work in Wilmington. But it is also a great place for retirees who want to escape the high taxes and the harsh weather of the north.
“We’re very happy out here,” said Eric. “Northern Brunswick County has so much to offer and the crown jewel in this area is the Town of Leland. I’d love to help you discover this very special place.”