Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Wilmington are Lakeview, First Hills, and Mercer Place West. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Wilmington, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 12, 2025, the average rent in Wilmington is $1,330, which is 0.4% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Lakeview
Average Rent
$1,148/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Lakeview. The average rent is $1,148, compared to the city average of $1,330. Lakeview is convenient to New Hanover County Arboretum, UNC Wilmington, and Children's Museum of Wilmington. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 61.
First Hills
Average Rent
$1,208/Month
TransitScore® Rating
25/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
First Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,208. Compare this to the city average of $1,330. First Hills provides easy access to Wilmington International, UNC Wilmington, and Coastal Plaza 1. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 39.
Mercer Place West
Average Rent
$1,208/Month
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Mercer Place West might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,208, while the city’s average stands at $1,330. Mercer Place West is near Cape Fear C.C., North Campus, Jones Plaza, and Wrightsville Bend.
Echo East
Average Rent
$1,264/Month
TransitScore® Rating
17/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Echo East is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Echo East is $1,264 while the city average is $1,330. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cape Fear C.C., Downtown, UNC Wilmington, and Cape Fear C.C., North Campus. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 6.
Ashley Park at Georgetown
Average Rent
$1,264/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Ashley Park at Georgetown. The average rent is $1,264, compared to the city average of $1,330. Ashley Park at Georgetown is convenient to Wilmington International, Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, and Cape Fear C.C., Downtown. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 7.
Saint Andrews Reserve
Average Rent
$1,264/Month
TransitScore® Rating
17/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Saint Andrews Reserve is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,264. Compare this to the city average of $1,330. Saint Andrews Reserve provides easy access to Cape Fear C.C., North Campus, New Hanover County Arboretum, and Cape Fear Museum of History & Science. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 5.
Pine Valley East
Average Rent
$1,286/Month
TransitScore® Rating
9/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Pine Valley East is known for its spacious homes and scenic streets, offering access to top-rated schools. It provides a quiet community atmosphere, with parks, shopping centers, and golf courses nearby, delivering a suburban feel while remaining close to Wilmington’s downtown. Some local highlights include the nearby Halyburton Park and the Pine Valley Country Club.
Holy Fountain Society
Average Rent
$1,297/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Holy Fountain Society might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,297, while the city’s average stands at $1,330. Holy Fountain Society is near Bayshore Commons, New Hanover County Arboretum, and Oak Landing.
Kirkland
Average Rent
$1,310/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
Kirkland is a growing residential area offering a mix of newer developments and established homes. It’s close to shopping, dining, and Wrightsville Beach, making it an excellent spot for those who desire a suburban lifestyle with easy access to coastal and city amenities.
College Acres
Average Rent
$1,321/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.4%
TransitScore® Rating
23/100
Units Available
85 Rentals
College Acres is a serene neighborhood nestled close to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, making it a top pick for students and faculty. This area offers a convenient mix of homes and apartments, with shopping centers, parks, and Wrightsville Beach just a short distance away, providing easy access to both campus and local amenities.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.