Wilmington Apartments and Rentals

Known as the Port City, Wilmington sits on the North Carolina coast between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. The location has been a historic draw for commerce and tourism, with access to beautiful beaches, relaxing waterfronts and a dynamic culture.

People looking for Wilmington apartments for rent will find a city with history and a familiar, welcoming feel; as a hub for film production, the area is full of recognizable landmarks from TV series and movies, and its refreshing climate invites residents to head outdoors and have fun year round.

Incorporated in 1739 and named for the Earl of Wilmington, its many ports and transportation options made Wilmington the largest city in North Carolina from 1840 until the early 1900s. In the mid-1800s, the city was even the terminus of the nation's longest railroad. Today, the city is still a major port, but in addition to cargo ships, the Cape Fear River is dotted with smaller boats filled with pleasure seekers out for an afternoon in the sun.

Home to more than 106,000 people according to the 2010 census, Wilmington is an active but manageable city, with a charming downtown riverfront, lively university, quiet neighborhoods and living options just minutes away from Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches. Wilmington rentals appeal to a wide range of lifestyles, interests and budgets.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is one of the state’s most popular universities, with over 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as nationally recognized programs in subjects ranging from creative writing to marine biology - UNCW boasts the only underwater ocean laboratory in the country. Additionally, many area students attend Cape Fear Community College, the 5th largest school in the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges System.

Tourism anchors the local economy, but the city’s employers are diverse. Education and healthcare are the top job sources, while headquarters for GE’s nuclear fuel division, Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD) and textile manufacturer Guilford Mills round out the area business presence. Major facilities for fiber-optics manufacturer Corning and Verizon help drive local manufacturing and research, too. Wilmington is also the site of EUE/Screen Gems Studios, and the area is a popular destination for film and television production.

With its large student population, as well as its tourism draw, Wilmington has an ample stock of rental options. Over half the city chooses to rent and, while desirable locations tend to drive up prices, it’s still possible to find an affordable place to live.

The median gross rent from 2008 to 2010 for Wilmington was $809, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, while additional research showed one bedroom rentals for between $475 and $1600 per month.

Wilmington’s wealth of attractions, both natural and man-made, have made it a major tourist draw, meaning there is always something to do. In addition to the nearby beach and scenic river, which are full of boaters and water sports enthusiasts, Wilmington has a wealth of outdoor recreation options for swimmers, golfers, tennis players and more.

Annual events such as the North Carolina Azalea Festival, the Fourth of July celebration and Riverfest bring visitors and residents downtown to enjoy the water and local history, while the Cucalorus Film Festival draws a wide range of visitors and films. Fans can also look for local landmarks that have appeared onscreen, particularly from the shows One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek, which were filmed and produced in Wilmington.

Other area attractions include the U.S.S. North Carolina battleship, the Wilmington Railroad Museum, the Cameron Art Museum and the Cape Fear Museum, one of the oldest continuously operating history museum in North Carolina. Also home to great dining and nightlife, Wilmington has something for everyone.

To find a Wilmington apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.