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College Park-Fernside

College Park-Fernside

Neighborhood in Wilmington, North Carolina

New Hanover County 28403

$293,243 Average Value
$211 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Centrally located Wilmington neighborhood

College-Park Fernside is a densely populated neighborhood with townhouses, apartments and single-family homes. Since the pandemic and the rise of remote work, Wilmington has seen an influx of residents, and with its newly constructed properties, some of this neighborhood is a product of the area’s expansion. Less than a mile from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, College-Park Fernside is largely inhabited by college students who live in the neighborhood’s apartments. But with approximately 18,000 students, the school is small, and when they leave for the summer, tourists take their place, keeping activity in the neighborhood fairly consistent. Surrounded by grocery stores, big-box retailers and restaurants, it’s convenient for undergraduates and locals alike to access everyday amenities. It’s a short drive from well-known Wilmington attractions – Wrightsville Beach, the Historic District and Mayfaire Town Center. “Wilmington is a very active town,” says Realtor Amanda Gonzalez with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, who has lived in Wilmington for over a decade. “The college students don’t make that much of a difference, traffic wise. When they leave for the summer, that’s when vacationers come in.”

Wave Transit busses make commuting in College Park-Fernside a breeze.
Wave Transit busses make commuting in College Park-Fernside a breeze.
Duplexes offer space for families n College Park-Fernside.
Duplexes offer space for families n College Park-Fernside.
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Apartments and single-family homes

Most of the neighborhood’s housing consists of townhomes that range in price from $185,000 to $310,000, depending on the size, age and condition of the property. There are numerous apartments scattered throughout the neighborhood to accommodate UNCW students, including the Lighthouse Wilmington, Progress 910 and Aspire 349. These complexes are unique because individuals sign a lease for a bedroom, not an entire apartment, catering to college students. There’s also an eclectic mix of single-family homes here, from single-story ranch-style houses and bungalows to two-story New Traditional and Colonial Revival properties. They typically cost between $199,000 and $277,000.

College Park-Fernside includes condos for those looking for maintenance-free living.
College Park-Fernside includes condos for those looking for maintenance-free living.
Small cottage style homes in College Park-Fernside sell in the $300,000 range.
Small cottage style homes in College Park-Fernside sell in the $300,000 range.
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Commercial amenities near U.S. Route 117

There’s a large retail presence in College Park-Fernside, particularly between New Center Drive and U.S. Route 117. Residents can grocery shop at Food Lion, Walmart Supercenter or Sam’s Club, all of which are within the neighborhood. In the morning, they can walk to Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, known for its brews, smoothies and positive environment. When the sun sets, Capt’n Bills Backyard Grill & Volleyball Facility is a popular spot to eat and get active. Youth and adult leagues play on over 10 courts and, afterward, grab food and drinks from Bill’s Brewing Company and its taproom, dining on the sand under teal umbrellas. The popular mixed-use Mayfaire Town Center, with its shopping, dining and entertainment venues, is about 5 miles from the neighborhood.

College Park-Fernside residents shop for groceries at Lowes Foods.
College Park-Fernside residents shop for groceries at Lowes Foods.
College Park-Fernside local enjoy east access to the large Mayfaire Town Center shopping area.
College Park-Fernside local enjoy east access to the large Mayfaire Town Center shopping area.
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Walking trails at Anne McCrary Park

Anne McCrary Park is just south of the neighborhood. This small outdoor space has a dock that goes over a pond and two gazebos. The 11-mile River to Sea Bikeway runs through the park and follows the Historic Beach Car Line, which previously shuttled beachgoers from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach. It connects to the 15-mile Gary Shell Cross-City Trail, which leads from Wade Park in southern Wilmington to the drawbridge at Wrightsville Beach.

Anne McCrary Park
Anne McCrary Park
The Cross City Trail makes commuting by bike safe and easy in College Park-Fernside.
The Cross City Trail makes commuting by bike safe and easy in College Park-Fernside.
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Cheering for the Seahawks

Students are zoned for New Hanover County Schools. They can attend College Park Elementary School, which receives a B-minus from Niche, before M.C.S. Noble Middle School, which earns an A-minus. They can finish their public education at New Hanover High School, which gets a B-plus and offers the Marine Science Academy. In partnership with UNCW, this program offers college-level oceanography and biology courses to enrolled students. UNCW is less than a mile from the neighborhood. Those who don't attend the college often visit the campus to go for a walk or to watch a sports game. “There’s Seahawks stuff everywhere,” Gonzalez says.

College Park-Fernside is where a majority of UNC Wilmington students live.
College Park-Fernside is where a majority of UNC Wilmington students live.
The College Park-Fernisde community loves supporting UNC Wilmington.
The College Park-Fernisde community loves supporting UNC Wilmington.
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Getting around College-Park Fernside

Market Street runs along the neighborhood’s northern border and leads to Wilmington’s Historic District, about 4 miles west. Gonzalez explains that due to Wilmington’s growth, the city is widening a lot of its roads to mitigate traffic, including Market Street. “I’ve lived here for 12 years and seen a lot of expansion,” she says. “We’re the smallest county in North Carolina and it is really populated with all the beaches. There’s also been an influx of people moving in from out of state in the past two years.” South Kerr Avenue cuts through the center of the neighborhood and eventually leads south to College Road, a major thoroughfare in the Wilmington area. Wrightsville Beach is a 7-mile drive east from the neighborhood, while Carolina Beach is about 16 miles south. In case of emergency, the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is about 6 miles northeast. And to leave the coast and travel anywhere in the world, the Wilmington International Airport is about 5 miles north.

Wave Transit busses make commuting in College Park-Fernside a breeze.
Wave Transit busses make commuting in College Park-Fernside a breeze.
Bikers enjoy the 15 miles Cross City Trail that runs through College Park-Fernside.
Bikers enjoy the 15 miles Cross City Trail that runs through College Park-Fernside.
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Adreanna DeMarino
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Jay Ratchford
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
Brad Davis
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Brad Davis

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amanda Gonzalez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Wilmington International

16 min drive

Bus

Randall Pkwy Wb & Marlboro St

Bus

Market St Eb & Walton Rd

Bus

South College Rd Sb & Randall Pkwy

Bus

Market St Eb & Cinema Dr

Bus

Covil Ave Nb & Randall Pkwy

Bus

New Centre Dr Sb & Dapple Ct

Bus

Market St Eb & Kerr Ave (Food Lion Plaza)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime College Park-Fernside US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$252,000
Median Single Family Price
$264,500
Median Townhouse Price
$272,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$223,250
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$211
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$260,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
280
Median Year Built
1986
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,236
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,688
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,105
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
19,166

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amanda Gonzalez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,177
Median Age
29
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$43,553
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$48,729

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.6%
College Graduates
35.8%
Advanced Degrees
2.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.3%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
64''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

57 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

34 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
College Park-Fernside