Safe areas downtown (Wilmington, Swansboro: for sale, rent, condo)

[dbone66]

I've been looking for an inexpensive single family home in the Wilmington area to use a second home mainly for weekends and vacations. I started out looking at the beaches but the prices are too high. I've been looking into downtown because it's easy to get out and walk around, and it has a lot to offer. I've heard downtown is dangerous, especially when you go just outside the main attraction areas. I've seen many homes for sale in the surrounding areas. What areas should I stay away from? I have a young family so a safe neighborhood is important.

Also, other than the beaches, are there any other cottage or second-home-like communities in the that I should be looking into? thanks!

[le roi]

the only place downtown that I'd want to live is a little box -

south of market
west of 5th
north of castle

[dsobotta]

Originally Posted by dbone66

I've been looking for an inexpensive single family home in the Wilmington area to use a second home mainly for weekends and vacations. I started out looking at the beaches but the prices are too high. I've been looking into downtown because it's easy to get out and walk around, and it has a lot to offer. I've heard downtown is dangerous, especially when you go just outside the main attraction areas. I've seen many homes for sale in the surrounding areas. What areas should I stay away from? I have a young family so a safe neighborhood is important.

Also, other than the beaches, are there any other cottage or second-home-like communities in the that I should be looking into? thanks!

If so you might want to look into the Swansboro area. Housing prices are very reasonable, there are some nice shops in the area, and plenty to do. Beach access is less than ten minutes away usually.

It is a great small town area, but still has modern services nearby.

If you like boating and/or fishing, it is a fantastic area

[NCGT]

Originally Posted by rubber_factory

the only place downtown that I'd want to live is a little box -

south of market
west of 5th
north of castle

^Dittos. If you have small children, I don't think downtown is the best place. If you just need a safe, inexpensive place to stay on the weekends why not consider a townhome or condo near the beach? Most condo/townhouse complexes have community pools which would keep the kids occupied and SAFE when you're not at the beach and you could always rent the unit if you needed to offset some of the expense. Plus, zero exterior maintenance to worry about when you are not there.