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Masonboro Forest

Masonboro Forest

Neighborhood in Wilmington, North Carolina

New Hanover County 28409

$740,097 Average Value
$244 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Nature surrounds this central Wilmington neighborhood

As its name suggests, Masonboro Forest is a neighborhood surrounded by trees. But it’s not just woodsy; this small, private community features several ponds and is less than 2 miles from the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. “It’s a family-style neighborhood,” says Matt Freeman, a broker with Team Thirty 4 North at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. “You’re not going to be walking to things, but you’re about 20 minutes to Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach,” says Freeman, who’s lived in Wilmington for 15 years. Residents here can access community amenities like a clubhouse, an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Local parks and shopping centers are a short drive away. “Wilmington is not a big city as far as landmass goes,” says Nest Realty broker Dan Barentine. “So being accessible to restaurants, healthcare and things of that nature is really what makes this area popular, along with the school district.”

Masonboro Forest is only a few miles away from the ocean.
Masonboro Forest is only a few miles away from the ocean.
A family from Masonboro Forest enjoys a day at Wrightsville Beach.
A family from Masonboro Forest enjoys a day at Wrightsville Beach.
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New Traditional brick homes with forested backyards

The entrance of Masonboro Forest features two red brick walls topped with antique streetlights. Manicured bushes, colorful flower beds and a tree-lined median add to the grand feel. The lush scenery continues along the neighborhood’s wide streets, where early 2000s New Traditional brick homes rest on lots shaded by pine, oak and magnolia trees. Yards are 1/3 of an acre or larger in size and professionally landscaped. Homes are primarily four or five-bedroom and feature long concrete driveways, attached garages and small covered front porches. Some homes sit along cul-de-sacs or have views of the neighborhood’s ponds. A few have private pools. Prices are typically above the Wilmington area average of $552,000 and have risen by 18% over the past year. Barentine, who’s lived in the city since 1999, explains why the housing market here is resistant to economic downturns: “We’re not as affected by economic issues because we’re a beach and river town and a small town. We’ve got the appeal that everybody wants. So I expect prices will continue to increase,” he says. Most homes range in price from $700,000 to just over $1 million. However, smaller properties around 2,200 square feet can list in the $500,000s. Stately homes that back up to Whiskey Creek can list for nearly $1.3 million. Potential buyers should note that homes come with monthly HOA fees of around $200. While flood risk is low, Wilmington can be hit by hurricanes.

Most homes in Masonboro Forest feature 2-car garages.
Most homes in Masonboro Forest feature 2-car garages.
A Cape-style home in Masonboro Forest features vibrant colors and brick construction.
A Cape-style home in Masonboro Forest features vibrant colors and brick construction.
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Cultivating young gardeners at Holly Tree Elementary

Students at Holly Tree Elementary learn hands-on in an outdoor classroom surrounded by garden beds. The school earns an A-minus from Niche and is known for its supportive community. “The school has this ‘we’re better together’ mentality,” says Blue Coast Realty Corporation Realtor Tricia Bursell. “They have a lot of parental involvement, and they believe in meeting students where they’re at,” says Bursell, whose neighbor is a teacher at the school. Roland-Grise Middle gets an A-minus and ranks as the No. 4 public middle school in New Hanover County. John T. Hoggard High receives an A and is considered one of the top public high schools in the Wilmington area, offering an International Baccalaureate program. The private Cape Fear Academy, a popular pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school, is about a mile from Masonboro Forest. Wilmington Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free charter school offering kindergarten through eighth grade, and Coastal Christian, a private high school, are other nearby options. The city’s largest university, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, has a Center for Marine Science just south of the neighborhood along the Masonboro Sound.

Holly Tree Elementary School is a school located in New Hanover County in Wilmington, NC.
Holly Tree Elementary School is a school located in New Hanover County in Wilmington, NC.
Roland-Grise Middle School is located in Wilmington, NC in New Hanover County.
Roland-Grise Middle School is located in Wilmington, NC in New Hanover County.
John T. Hoggard High School received an A on Niche.
John T. Hoggard High School received an A on Niche.
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Climbing the owl at Hanover Pines Nature Park

With the Intracoastal Waterway so close, Freeman says many boaters live in the Masonboro area, and they can use the boat ramp at Trails End Park to cruise along the waterway. The popular Wrightsville Beach is reachable by boat or by car. James E.L. Wade Park is about a mile from the neighborhood. This 17-acre wetland captures and treats stormwater runoff heading into Hewletts Creek. Visitors can walk along a 1/2-mile trail to a boardwalk overlook where they can spot native wildlife and plants such as silver-spotted skipper and bald cypress. The recently opened Hanover Pines Nature Park draws families to its colorful, owl-shaped play structure, featuring a slide and a climbing wall. The park’s broad, paved trails curve around a dog park, New Hanover County’s largest to date. Masonboro Forest has its own pool, tennis & basketball courts and a small playground, but for ballfields, basketball courts and soccer fields, residents can drive to Long Leaf Park, about 4 miles away.

Hanover Trails Nature Park near Masonboro Forest offers paved walkways.
Hanover Trails Nature Park near Masonboro Forest offers paved walkways.
Trails End Park has a boat launch that is close to Masonboro Forest.
Trails End Park has a boat launch that is close to Masonboro Forest.
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Eating local at Masonboro Station

Residents are about 2 miles from Masonboro Station, a small shopping center featuring boutique businesses and two local restaurants. Bursell says The Keg and Egg is popular for brunch, serving steak & eggs and chicken & waffles. The tavern-style Whiskey Trail at The Creek offers burgers, wings and pierogies. Nearby at the Pine Valley and Fulton Station shopping centers, residents can pick up a pizza at Slice of Life or enjoy a craft brew at Drum Trout Brewing Company. The centers are dotted with fast food options such as Taco Bell and Zaxby’s Chicken. Several national pharmacies, Ace Hardware and three grocery stores (Publix, Food Lion and Aldi) make this area a one-stop-shop for the essentials. Before heading home, residents can swing by the New Hanover County Public Library branch to check out a new book.

Masonboro Forest's Whiskey Trail Bar and Grill is a popular lunch spot.
Masonboro Forest's Whiskey Trail Bar and Grill is a popular lunch spot.
The Keg and Egg near Masonboro Forest is adorned with various memorabilia.
The Keg and Egg near Masonboro Forest is adorned with various memorabilia.
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Cycling along Masonboro Loop Road

Most residents get around Wilmington by car. College Road is nearby for trips into downtown, about 8 miles away. Wilmington International Airport, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are all about 10 miles away. The closest Wave Transit bus stops are near Monkey Junction, the bustling intersection of Carolina Beach (U.S. Route 421), College and Piner roads. Cyclists can pedal down the scenic Masonboro Loop Road to reach other bike-friendly streets around the city.

The River to the Sea bike path connects to Wrightsville Beach near Masonboro Forest.
The River to the Sea bike path connects to Wrightsville Beach near Masonboro Forest.
Masonboro Forest is connected to the greater Wilmington area via the Wave Transit System.
Masonboro Forest is connected to the greater Wilmington area via the Wave Transit System.
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DeeVa Payne
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Scott Davis
Photography Contributed By
Scott Davis
Adam Lapallo
Video By
Adam Lapallo

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 Ed Wagenseller, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Wilmington International

27 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Masonboro Forest US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$650,000
Median Single Family Price
$674,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$244
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Months of Supply
2.00
Median List Price
$674,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-12%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
190
Median Year Built
2001
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,890
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
14,592

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
500
Median Age
43
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$101,210
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,433

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
49.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.6%
% Population in Labor Force
69.9%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

2 / 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
Masonboro Forest