Cheryl M. WhitakerWilmington StarNews
A healthy living website considers Wilmington one of the best for coastal living and affordability.
According to Avocadu, Wilmington is ranked among 14 affordable beach towns you can actually live in.
And in July 2025, a popular magazine Travel + Leisure listed Wilmington as one of the 10 best places to live in North Carolina, thanks in part to input from local real estate experts.
Here's what Avocadu says about Wilmington
Wilmington, located on the Cape Fear River, is a charming and affordable beach town offering the best of coastal living, according to writer Michael Paraiso Duran. The cost of living is lower than in many other East Coast cities, with affordable housing options in the historic downtown area or just a short drive from the beach. Wilmington is home to a mix of southern hospitality and modern amenities, including great schools, diverse restaurants, and a lively arts scene.
Two North Carolina places made the list in Wilmington at No. 9 and the Outer Banks 10th.
Texas took the top two spots while Florida tops the number of beach towns listed with six.
What is Avocadu?
Avocadu is a website that focuses on yoga, weight loss, and healthy living.
More about Wilmington
The city has miles of beaches nearby, perfect for residents who enjoy sunbathing, surfing, or fishing, writes Duran. Wilmington is also rich in history, with many museums and historic sites to explore. The vibrant downtown area is filled with shops, cafes, and galleries, offering a great place to spend time outside of the beach. With its affordable living and mix of amenities, Wilmington is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy life by the water without the high costs.
More: Wilmington named one of the best places for renters to live in 2025. Here's where it ranked
Battleship North Carolina offers views of downtown Wilmington, NC
The walkway around the Battleship North Carolina serves up great views of the marsh, downtown Wilmington, and the Battleship itself.
The complete list of the 14 affordable beach towns you can actually live in
1. Galveston, Texas2. Port Aransas, Texas3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina4. Pensacola, Florida5. Daytona Beach, Florida6. Gulf Shores, Alabama7. Vero Beach, Florida8. Ocean City, Maryland9. Wilmington10. Outer Banks11. Destin, Florida12. Cocoa Beach, Florida13. Laguna Beach, California14. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at cheryl.whitaker@starnewsonline.com.
