Why River Ridge is the Best Neighborhood Near Wilmington, North Carolina

If you're thinking about moving to the Southeast, then I highly recommend looking into the Wilmington, North Carolina region. It's a charming coastal community tucked away between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. The area offers everything from a beautiful, quaint historic district to the beach life at Wrightsville Beach. Wilmington continues with the historic southern tradition, offering a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of activities. As a real estate agent in this town, I have viewed hundreds of different neighborhoods and communities that make up this great town. However, in 2005 there was record setting appreciation in the Wilmington area, seeing investors from up north capitalize on the relatively inexpensive market. Though 2007 is a somewhat tamer market than 2005, prices are still rising, rates are down, but the square footage you get for the money is dwindling. River Ridge is a beautiful community that offers housing for a reasonable amount of money. I should know; I'm a real estate agent and it's the community that I call home. Come real close, I want to share a secret with you. It's not actually in Wilmington!

River Ridge is located in Leland, a small town just over the Cape Fear Bridge from Wilmington. Leland has seen tremendous growth over the last three years, partly due to the fact that Wilmington housing prices have skyrocketed. Naturally, the closer to the beach and downtown the prices are more expensive, so by moving outside of the town you're likely to get more house for the money. Leland is undergoing a major face lift, with commercial growth off of Highway 17, including a new Wal-Mart Supercenter, grocery stores, restaurants, and strip malls. River Ridge is located five minutes from the bridge off the first exit, which is 133.

The neighborhood of River Ridge is a product of Bill Clark homes. The style of home in the neighborhood is mostly ranch, with an occasional two-story home or finished room over the garage. Most of the residents in the neighborhood work in and enjoy all that Wilmington has to offer, yet still have the pride of an inland community. All of the homeowners take great pride in their home and the lawns are properly kept. Another great thing is that there are no homeowner's dues associated with the community. Each homeowner is responsible for their property. Prices in the community range from $180,000-$235,000, depending on size and condition. The oldest home in River Ridge was built in 2003, and the square footage of the different models range from 1200 to 2000. Most of the yards are fenced in and the average acreage is a quarter of an acre per lot.

However, I'd have to say the best thing about the community is the people. River Ridge is made up of mostly younger married couples from twenty five to thirty five years old. During the summertime, families are out walking their dogs or pushing a stroller. I am friends with several of the neighborhood men and we have a poker night at least once a month. If you like to interact with your neighbors, then this is certainly the place.

If you're worried about the commute to Wilmington every day then let me ease your worries. The office I work at is near Wrightsville Beach. This literally means my drive is from one end of Wilmington to the other. It takes me, on average, fifteen to twenty minutes to get to work each day. It's also an easy drive into town if you want to stop at a restaurant or go to the beach. The best part of my day is the drive home. Depending on which bridge you take, whether it's the Cape Fear or Isabella Holmes, you get a great view of the riverfront in downtown Wilmington, as well as the beautiful Cape Fear River. That scenery alone is reason enough to move to Leland!