Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Wilmington are Lakeview, Harbor Sqare, and Pine Valley East. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Wilmington, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 28, 2026, the average rent in Wilmington is $1,335, which is 0.9% 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
$978/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Lakeview is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Lakeview is $978 while the city average is $1,335. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, University Centre, and Dail Center of Wilmington. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 61.
Harbor Sqare
Average Rent
$1,180/Month
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Harbor Sqare. The average rent is $1,180, compared to the city average of $1,335. Harbor Sqare is convenient to Cornerstone Center, Airlie Gardens, and Samelin Center. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 59.
Pine Valley East
Average Rent
$1,184/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.
Echo East
Average Rent
$1,262/Month
TransitScore® Rating
17/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
Echo East is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,262. Compare this to the city average of $1,335. Echo East provides easy access to UNC Wilmington, Cape Fear C.C., North Campus, and Fultan Station. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 6.
Ashley Park at Georgetown
Average Rent
$1,262/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Ashley Park at Georgetown might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,262, while the city’s average stands at $1,335. Ashley Park at Georgetown is near Franklin Square, Cape Fear C.C., Downtown, and The Pointe At Barclay.
Saint Andrews Reserve
Average Rent
$1,262/Month
TransitScore® Rating
17/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
Saint Andrews Reserve is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Saint Andrews Reserve is $1,262 while the city average is $1,335. Residents enjoy convenient access to UNC Wilmington, Airlie Gardens, and Children's Museum of Wilmington. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 5.
College Acres
Average Rent
$1,360/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
23/100
Units Available
87 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.
Kirkland
Average Rent
$1,365/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.8%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
26 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.
Fairfield Park
Average Rent
$1,384/Month
TransitScore® Rating
17/100
Units Available
37 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Fairfield Park. The average rent is $1,384, compared to the city average of $1,335. Fairfield Park is convenient to Cape Fear C.C., Downtown, The Crossroads At Independence, and New Hanover County Arboretum. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 8.
Pine Valley West
Average Rent
$1,393/Month
TransitScore® Rating
22/100
Units Available
47 Rentals
Pine Valley West is an appealing neighborhood offering a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Renters will enjoy the proximity to parks, schools, and shopping centers, as well as the quiet, residential atmosphere. The area is ideal for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with modern 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.