Located near the southeastern corner of North Carolina, Wilmington is a prominent port city with plenty of things to see and do. Over a quarter of a million people reside in the greater Wilmington area. From the River Walk to the nearby beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find many beautiful areas to explore for years to come.
At Prime Storage, we know Wilmington is special. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to Wilmington. Whether you’re moving here or just exploring your town, check out our Wilmington storage facilities for your storage needs.
Moving to Wilmington 101
What’s to know about Wilmington? One of the most populous cities in North Carolina, it anchors the broader Cape Fear area. On its east lies the Atlantic Ocean, and on its west lies Cape Fear River. It’s served by Wilmington International Airport and Interstates 40 and 140. Its largest employers include General Electric, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Pharmaceutical Product Development.
Did you know that Wilmington is also a hub of film and television production? EUE/Screen Gems Studios has an extensive Wilmington studio complex that features one of the largest sound stages in the country. More than 400 productions have been filmed in and around Wilmington in the last few decades.
What is the weather like in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington enjoys mild temperatures much of the year as part of its humid subtropical climate. Snow is rare in the winter, and average highs in the winter months hover around 60° Fahrenheit. Temperatures in the fall and spring are similarly mild and enjoyable. Though summers can get stifling due to the humidity, the average highs only stay in the upper 80s.
One interesting quirk of Wilmington weather—you may see a curious number of yellow roofs and cartops in the spring. That’s not because Wilmington residents love yellow, but because of pollen coming from the abundant plant life.
What are prominent areas in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington’s neighborhoods are filled with beautiful homes to purchase and have distinct character with unique dining experiences and amenities. Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods:
Historic Downtown and River District
With fountains, refurbished brick buildings, and cafes, the historic downtown is a wonderful place to live and hang out. The River District also features the Riverwalk—two miles of beautifully scenic walkway.
National Register Historic District
If you’re an architecture buff, the Historic District is just for you. It features Victorian-style and colonial architecture block after block.
Brooklyn Arts District
Named after the Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews Church, this district is a hub of concerts and flea markets, and is a common spot for weddings too.
Cargo District
As one of the newest neighborhoods in the city, the Cargo District features a prominent local distillery and other businesses utilizing cargo containers in interesting ways.
What are the best Wilmington, NC, attractions?
As a local hub of culture and entertainment, there are a wide variety of attractions that are great places to visit. We can’t cover them all, but here are a few of our favorites.
Local Museums
Wilmington’s American history dates back to the 1700s, with a natural history dating back much farther. There are multiple museums worth visiting:
- Cape Fear Museum of History and Science—Explore the universe’s wonders and be sure to greet the 20-foot giant sloth at the entrance.
- Wilmington Railroad Museum—All aboard! This museum features model trains of all varieties and even a steam locomotive!
- Cameron Art Museum—Take in beautiful paintings and explore the Civil War battle site right in its backyard.
- House and Mansion Museums—Check out some of the most fascinating old houses and architectural marvels in the classic colonial style.
Beaches
Just a few minutes drive from Wilmington Proper lies the sands of multiple beaches, just waiting for you to visit and enjoy.
- Wrightsville Beach—The closest beach to Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach features water sports as well as hotels, restaurants, and more.
- Carolina Beach—If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach with a scenic boardwalk and great fishing, Carolina Beach is your go-to.
- Kure Beach—Away from the bustle of other beaches, Kure is a pure beach experience with plenty of other attractions like the nearby NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
A truly unique experience, Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is a World War II-era ship that has been refurbished. It serves as both a memorial for North Carolinians who died in the war and as a museum. As one of our favorite museum ships in the nation, you won’t want to miss this one.
Where can I find affordable self storage in Wilmington, NC?
Whether you’re moving to Wilmington for the first time or are a longtime Wilmington resident, there’s often a big need for additional storage space. Life Demands Space®, and self storage can help with a wide variety of needs—from planned moves to those unplanned life events that cause sudden and pressing storage requirements.
Prime Storage is proud to serve the residents, students, and business owners in Wilmington with three Wilmington storage facilities. You’ll find them at:
With such perks like 24-hour access, climate controlled storage units, and parking spaces for your boat or RV, Prime Storage has the kinds of storage units that will fit your budget and your unique needs. And with month-to-month lease lengths, you can rent for exactly as long as you need. Rent your unit online today, or explore Prime Storage’s other North Carolina storage options.
