Living in Leland.
Across the river from Wilmington, closer to the beaches.
By Rich Burghgraef, Broker + Team Leader·Updated November 2026
Leland is a great fit for coastal buyers who want more for their money; retirees and 55+ buyers; golf and pickleball people. Across the river from Wilmington, closer to the beaches. Neighborhoods to start with: Brunswick Forest, Magnolia Greens, Leland Town Center area, Compass Pointe.
Leland sits just across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington, and it's one of the fastest-growing towns in the state. You get newer homes, golf, a huge pickleball scene and the Brunswick County beaches, usually for less than you'd pay in Wilmington proper.
- About 5 minutes to downtown Wilmington
- Brunswick Nature Park (900+ acres)
- Big pickleball scene
- Brunswick County
You'll love Leland if...
- Coastal buyers who want more for their money
- Retirees and 55+ buyers
- Golf and pickleball people
Maybe look elsewhere if...
- You need to be in the Triangle regularly
- You want a beach cottage steps from the sand
A perfect Saturday in Leland.
The best way to know if a town fits is to picture a regular weekend there. Here's ours.
- 8:00Pickleball before it gets hot
- 10:00Trails at Brunswick Nature Park
- 12:30Five minutes to lunch in downtown Wilmington
- 3:00Beach time at a Brunswick County beach
- 7:00Sunset back home on the porch
The Leland neighborhood cheat sheet.
Brunswick Forest
Master-planned with golf, trails and a 55+ feel.
Magnolia Greens
Established golf community.
Leland Town Center area
Close to shops and restaurants.
Compass Pointe
Newer resort-style community.
Want the insider tour of Leland?
Tell us what matters to you and we'll put together a custom Leland short list: the neighborhoods that fit, what homes really cost there right now, and the spots locals love. Can't visit yet? We'll FaceTime you through it.
Living in Leland: quick answers.
Is Leland, NC a good place to live?
For the right person, absolutely. Across the river from Wilmington, closer to the beaches. It tends to be a great fit for coastal buyers who want more for their money; retirees and 55+ buyers; golf and pickleball people.
What are the best neighborhoods in Leland?
Good places to start: Brunswick Forest (master-planned with golf, trails and a 55+ feel); Magnolia Greens (established golf community); Leland Town Center area (close to shops and restaurants); Compass Pointe (newer resort-style community). The right one depends on your budget, commute and lifestyle, so we'll narrow it down with you.
Who might not love living in Leland?
It may not be the best fit if you need to be in the Triangle regularly; or if you want a beach cottage steps from the sand. In that case, also look at Wilmington, Raleigh, Pittsboro.
What is there to do in Leland?
A few local favorites: About 5 minutes to downtown Wilmington, Brunswick Nature Park (900+ acres), Big pickleball scene, Brunswick County. Scroll up for our idea of a perfect Saturday there.
Can you help me buy a home in Leland from out of state?
Yes. We help relocating buyers every week with video tours, a custom Leland short list and a plan for where to stay while you look. See our Moving From guides too.
Moving to Leland? Bookmark these.
Official local resources we send every new Leland client. Schools, utilities, trash pickup and things to do, straight from the source.
Always confirm school assignments directly with the school district. Assignments can change from year to year.
The Triangle market, in two minutes a month.
Which towns are hot, which are cooling, and what it means if you're buying, selling or just curious. Free, monthly, no fluff.
New construction in Leland.
Brunswick Forest
New homes recently advertised in the $440s to $780s
See the communityIf you like Leland, also look at...
Wilmington
See the guide
Raleigh
See the guide