Wilmington, North Carolina, has been recognized as one of the top East Coast beach towns for year-round living. A recent analysis by Stacker, a data-driven ranking platform, placed Wilmington ninth on its list. This ranking highlights the city's appeal beyond seasonal tourism, emphasizing its quality of life and environmental features.
Key Takeaways
- Wilmington, NC, secured the ninth spot on Stacker's list of best East Coast beach towns for year-round living.
- The ranking considered six key categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life.
- Wilmington excelled in weather and quality of life, but affordability and economy scores impacted its overall position.
- The city's dual waterfronts, including the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, were noted as significant attractions.
- Nearby South Carolina towns, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, also featured prominently on the list.
Understanding the Ranking Methodology
Stacker's analysis aimed to identify East Coast beach towns that offer a high quality of life throughout the year, not just during peak tourist seasons. The platform used data compiled from a WalletHub study. This study included coastal cities across the United States with populations ranging from 10,000 to 150,000 residents.
The ranking system evaluated towns across six distinct categories. These categories were: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. Each category contributed to a town's overall score, determining its final position on the list.
Fact: Stacker's Ranking Criteria
- Affordability: Cost of living and housing.
- Weather: Climate conditions and seasonal variations.
- Safety: Crime rates and public security.
- Economy: Job market and economic stability.
- Education and Health: Access to quality schools and healthcare.
- Quality of Life: Overall well-being and community amenities.
Wilmington's Performance and Highlights
Wilmington's ninth-place ranking positioned it above several beach towns in Florida and the northeastern United States. The city performed particularly well in the weather and quality of life categories. According to the WalletHub study data used by Stacker, Wilmington ranked 20th nationally for overall quality of life among all beach towns evaluated.
However, the city's scores in affordability and economy prevented it from achieving a higher rank. These factors indicate areas where Wilmington faces challenges compared to other highly-rated beach towns. Despite these points, its strong performance in other areas secured its spot in the top ten.
"Wilmington's dual waterfronts, offering views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, provide a unique appeal that enhances its quality of life score," Stacker noted in its report.
The report also highlighted local attractions that contribute to Wilmington's appeal. These include an extensive network of trails for walking and cycling, which support an active outdoor lifestyle. Historical sites, such as the Battleship North Carolina, were also mentioned as key cultural assets. The presence of nearby coastal communities, including Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, further strengthens the region's overall beach environment.
East Coast Beach Town Rankings: The Top Contenders
Wilmington was the only North Carolina town to appear on Stacker's specific list of top East Coast beach towns for year-round living. However, other towns from the Southeast made a strong showing. Notably, two South Carolina locations, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, secured high positions.
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was ranked first overall. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, came in third. This indicates a strong regional presence for South Carolina's coastal areas in terms of year-round living appeal. Florida also had multiple entries in the top ten.
The Full Top 10 List:
- North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Vero Beach, Florida
- Jupiter, Florida
- Jacksonville Beach, Florida
- Fernandina Beach, Florida
- Satellite Beach, Florida
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- North Palm Beach, Florida
This list shows a clear preference for towns in the southern East Coast states. The mild climate and established tourism infrastructure in these areas likely contribute to their high rankings. These towns often offer a balance of amenities, natural beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle that appeals to year-round residents.
Wilmington's National Standing
Beyond the East Coast specific list, the broader WalletHub study provided a national perspective. In this comprehensive national ranking of all beach towns across the country, Wilmington, North Carolina, was ranked as the 32nd best beach town overall. This national recognition further underscores Wilmington's consistent appeal as a desirable place to live.
The national study considered a wider range of coastal cities and more detailed metrics. Wilmington's position at 32nd nationally suggests a strong overall performance, even when competing with beach towns from all U.S. coastlines, including the Pacific and Gulf coasts. Its blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and community amenities contribute to its high standing.
Residents of Wilmington enjoy access to both the ocean and riverfronts, providing diverse recreational opportunities. The city's commitment to preserving historical sites and developing local trails enhances its attractiveness. These factors collectively contribute to Wilmington's reputation as a desirable place for permanent residency.
