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Wilmington, NC


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Wilmington, North Carolina

Introduction to Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington is located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean in Hanover County. The city contains a large seaport and is home to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial. It features a prominent historic district and is close to superb beaches. The city was the childhood residence of basketball star Michael Jordan.

History

The area was established during the 1720's by English settlers. In 1739 the city was incorporated. Lumber produced from the nearby forest as well as naval stores were major factors for the economy during the 18th and 19th Centuries. During the Civil War, the local port was a primary base for Confederate blockade runners. The city was named in tribute to Spencer Compton who was the Earl of Wilmington and held the position of Primer Minister during the reign of George II.

Wilmington was the scene of the notorious "Massacre of 1898," a violent assault by a group of Caucasians which began with the destruction of a printing press of the African-American newspaper called the Daily Record. They proceeded to set the building on fire. The mob then entered an African-American neighborhood and lynched numerous residents and forced hundreds of African-Americans to leave town. The primary factor for the attack was an editorial in the Daily Record which was interpreted by some of the white citizens as being insulting to white womanhood. After the violent attack, the mayor along with the city council was pushed out of office and the leader of the white gang became the mayor.

Transportation

The city is home to the Wilmington International Airport.

Attractions

  • USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial.
  • Cape Fear Museum.
  • Bellamy Mansion features antebellum architecture.
  • Airlie Gardens incudes lakes and the Historic Airlie Oak.
  • Burgwin-Wright House.
  • The Cape Fear Serpentarium features a vast number of snakes from all over the world.
  • Latimer House Museum.
  • Wilmington Railroad Museum.
  • North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
  • Sunset Park Historic District.

Activities

  • Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
  • Cultural Arts Building at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington contains a music recital hall, two theaters as well as an art gallery.
  • The EUE Screen Gems Studio offers tours to the public.
  • Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.
  • Wilmington Exchange Festival.
  • North Carolina Jazz Festival is host to world famous jazz musicians.
  • Wrightsville Beach.
  • Carolina Beach.
  • Kure Beach.
  • Marrz Theatre.
  • Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington.

Higher Education

The city is home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the Cape Fear Community College.

High Points

Wilmington strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in North Carolina):

CategoryTrophy
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 5%trophyWilmington Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)
Top 11%Wilmington Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)
Top 12%Wilmington Walking and Biking to Work
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 15%Wilmington College Educated Adults
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 18%Wilmington Well-Paid Single Women

Comparative Profile of Wilmington, NC

Comparing Wilmington to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in North Carolina (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population107
Senior Citizens85
Well-Paid Single Women69
Racial Diversity67
Age of the Population42
Well-Paid Single Men47
Children Under 5 Years Old23
Male Share of the Population15

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married11
Average Household Size12

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults79
Median Family Income36
People in Middle Class or Better35
People Above Poverty24

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times99
Walking and Biking to Work89
Working at Home67
Public Transportation Use610

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Living Alone109
Seasonal and Vacation Housing98
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals810
Affordability of Property Taxes72
Housing Recently Built77
Affordability of Rents72

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime11
Low Property Crime12

Detailed pages on related topics: Wilmington collegesWilmington travelWilmington mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

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