New Hanover vs. Brunswick vs. Pender County: Where should you live?

Thinking about moving to the Wilmington area? Finding the right home is only part of the decision. Choosing between New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties can shape everything from your daily commute to how close you live to beaches, restaurants and shopping.

While all three counties are part of southeastern North Carolina's Cape Fear region, they offer different lifestyles. New Hanover is home to Wilmington and several popular beach communities, Brunswick offers growing suburbs and coastal towns, and Pender combines expanding neighborhoods with quieter rural areas.

So, which county is the best place to live? Here's how they compare and what to consider before making a move.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties offer different living experiences, from Wilmington's city amenities to suburban neighborhoods, beach towns and rural communities.
• The details: New Hanover has the highest median owner-occupied home value of the three counties, while Pender has the lowest, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
• Why it matters: Housing costs, commute times, schools, property taxes and proximity to everyday amenities can all influence where you choose to live.
• The more you know: Individual communities can differ significantly within the same county, so comparing specific neighborhoods is just as important as comparing counties.

New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties at a glance

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020-2024 American Community Survey estimates, housing values, rental costs and homeownership rates vary across New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. The figures reflect historical housing data rather than current home listing prices. 

New Hanover County

• Median owner-occupied home value: $387,800
• Median gross monthly rent: $1,417
• Average one-way commute: 20.6 minutes
• Homeownership rate: 61.4%

Brunswick County

• Median owner-occupied home value: $349,800
• Median gross monthly rent: $1,351
• Average one-way commute: 25.7 minutes
• Homeownership rate: 84.6%

Pender County

• Median owner-occupied home value: $299,000
• Median gross monthly rent: $1,106
• Average one-way commute: 30.1 minutes
• Homeownership rate: 82.7%

Living in New Hanover County: City conveniences and beach access

New Hanover County is home to Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

For people who want to live close to restaurants, shopping, health care facilities and entertainment, New Hanover offers convenient access to many of the region's amenities.

Why people choose New Hanover County

• Wilmington amenities: Access to downtown attractions, restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
• Nearby beaches: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach offer different coastal experiences.
• Health care access: The county is home to major medical facilities and health care providers.
• Airport access: Wilmington International Airport is located in the county.
• Shorter average commutes: Census data shows New Hanover has the shortest average commute of the three counties.

Popular communities to consider

• Wilmington: Offers everything from downtown neighborhoods to established residential areas and newer developments.
• Ogden and Porters Neck: Residential communities in northern New Hanover County.
• Monkey Junction: A southern Wilmington area with shopping, restaurants and neighborhoods.
• Carolina Beach and Kure Beach: Coastal communities with access to the ocean.
• Wrightsville Beach: An island community with waterfront homes and beach access.

What are the drawbacks?

New Hanover has the highest median owner-occupied home value of the three counties at $387,800, according to Census estimates.

Some areas are also more developed, meaning residents may encounter heavier traffic around major shopping corridors and popular beach destinations.

Best fit: People who prioritize Wilmington's amenities, shorter commutes and access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment and beaches.

Living in Brunswick County: Growing suburbs and coastal towns

Located south and west of Wilmington, Brunswick County offers a mix of expanding residential communities, small towns and beach destinations.

The county has experienced significant growth, particularly in communities near Wilmington.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Brunswick County's estimated population grew 27.8% between April 2020 and July 2025.

Why people choose Brunswick County

• Growing communities: Leland and surrounding areas continue to attract residential development.
• Coastal options: Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach offer access to the Atlantic Ocean.
• Small-town living: Communities such as Southport provide a quieter waterfront setting.
• Housing variety: Buyers can explore established neighborhoods, new construction and coastal properties.
• Access to Wilmington: Communities near the Cape Fear River provide connections to the city.

Popular communities to consider

• Leland: A growing town with residential neighborhoods, shopping and access to Wilmington.
• Belville: A smaller community near Leland with access to the Brunswick Riverwalk.
• Southport: A waterfront town known for its historic character, restaurants and shops.
• Oak Island: A coastal community with beach access and year-round neighborhoods.
• Shallotte: A commercial hub serving surrounding Brunswick County communities.
• Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach: Beach towns with different residential and vacation-home options.

What are the drawbacks?

Brunswick County covers a large geographic area, so location makes a major difference.

Living in Leland offers a different commute and access to amenities than living in Southport or one of the county's southern beach communities.

Residents who work in Wilmington may also need to account for bridge crossings and traffic along major routes.

Best fit: People interested in growing suburban communities, smaller coastal towns or a quieter setting while remaining connected to the Wilmington region.

Living in Pender County: More space and quieter surroundings

Pender County stretches north of New Hanover County and includes growing residential communities, inland towns and coastal destinations.

For people looking beyond Wilmington's more developed neighborhoods, Pender offers a mix of suburban growth and rural surroundings.

Why people choose Pender County

• Rural living: Many areas offer larger properties and less densely developed surroundings.
• Growing neighborhoods: Hampstead and nearby communities continue to attract new residential development.
• Beach access: Surf City and Topsail Beach offer coastal living opportunities.
• Housing values: Pender has the lowest median owner-occupied home value of the three counties in Census estimates.
• Small-town atmosphere: Burgaw and other inland communities offer a different pace from Wilmington.

Popular communities to consider

• Hampstead: A growing residential area north of Wilmington.
• Surf City: A coastal town with beach access, restaurants and shops.
• Topsail Beach: A smaller community on Topsail Island.
• Burgaw: The county seat, with a traditional small-town setting.
• Rocky Point: An area with rural properties and residential neighborhoods.

What are the drawbacks?

Pender County has the longest average commute of the three counties at 30.1 minutes, according to Census estimates.

Residents who regularly travel to Wilmington may need to plan around traffic on U.S. Highway 17 and other major routes.

Access to shopping, health care and entertainment can also vary depending on whether you live near Hampstead, along the coast or farther inland.

Best fit: People who want more space, a quieter environment or a home in one of the county's growing communities north of Wilmington.

Which county has the most affordable housing?

Based on the Census Bureau's 2020-24 median owner-occupied home values, the counties compare as follows:

1. Pender County: $299,000
2. Brunswick County: $349,800
3. New Hanover County: $387,800

However, these figures represent historical estimates of homes occupied by their owners, not current real estate listings or recent sale prices.

A waterfront home in Brunswick or Pender County may cost significantly more than an inland property in New Hanover County.

Other housing costs to consider

• Homeowners insurance: Costs can vary based on location, construction and coverage.
• Flood insurance: Properties in flood-prone areas may require additional coverage.
• Property taxes: Rates vary by county, municipality and applicable tax district.
• HOA fees: Planned communities may have additional monthly or annual expenses.
• Maintenance: Coastal exposure and property conditions can affect long-term costs.

For buyers, comparing the total cost of specific properties is more useful than relying on countywide home values alone.

Which county is best for commuting to Wilmington?

Commute times are another important consideration, particularly for people working in Wilmington.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, average one-way commutes are:

• New Hanover County: 20.6 minutes
• Brunswick County: 25.7 minutes
• Pender County: 30.1 minutes

These figures represent average travel times to work for residents across each county, not estimated drives to downtown Wilmington.

What affects your commute?

• Work location: Traveling to downtown Wilmington differs from commuting to Mayfaire, Monkey Junction or northern New Hanover County.
• Bridge crossings: Brunswick County residents may need to cross the Cape Fear River to reach Wilmington.
• Major highways: U.S. Highway 17 is an important route for residents in Brunswick and Pender counties.
• Seasonal traffic: Roads serving beach communities can become busier during peak tourism months.
• Daily errands: Consider the distance to grocery stores, schools, health care facilities and other services.

Before choosing a neighborhood, consider testing your commute during the times you would normally travel.

How do schools compare?

Each county has its own public school district:

• New Hanover County: New Hanover County Schools
• Brunswick County: Brunswick County Schools
• Pender County: Pender County Schools

Rather than comparing school districts based only on county boundaries, families should research individual schools and programs.

What should families look at?

• School assignments for a specific address
• Academic programs and extracurricular activities
• Enrollment and school capacity
• Transportation and bus routes
• Before- and after-school programs
• State-reported school performance

The North Carolina School Report Cards provide school-level information, including academic performance and other measures.

School attendance boundaries can change, especially in growing communities, so families should verify assignments directly with the appropriate district before purchasing a home.

Which county offers the best lifestyle?

The answer depends on what you're looking for in a community.

Choose New Hanover County if you want:

• Convenient access to Wilmington's restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
• Proximity to Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach or Kure Beach.
• More urban and suburban living options.
• A shorter average commute.

Choose Brunswick County if you want:

• Growing suburban neighborhoods near Wilmington.
• Smaller coastal towns and beach communities.
• A mix of new construction and established homes.
• Options ranging from Leland to Southport and the southern beaches.

Choose Pender County if you want:

• Rural surroundings or larger properties.
• Growing communities such as Hampstead.
• Access to Surf City and Topsail Beach.
• A quieter setting outside Wilmington's more developed areas.