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

When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Lakeview. The average rent is $978, compared to the city average of $1,335. Lakeview is convenient to Airlie Gardens, New Hanover County Arboretum, and Wilmington International. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 61.

Harbor Sqare

Average Rent

$1,180/Month

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

Harbor Sqare is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,180. Compare this to the city average of $1,335. Harbor Sqare provides easy access to Wilmington International, New Hanover County Arboretum, and Cape Fear C.C., Downtown. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood 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

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Echo East might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,262, while the city’s average stands at $1,335. Echo East is near The Esplanado, Cape Fear C.C., North Campus, and UNC Wilmington.

Ashley Park at Georgetown

Average Rent

$1,262/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

26 Rentals

Ashley Park at Georgetown is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Ashley Park at Georgetown is $1,262 while the city average is $1,335. Residents enjoy convenient access to The Pointe At Barclay, UNC Wilmington, and Wilmington International. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 7.

Saint Andrews Reserve

Average Rent

$1,262/Month

TransitScore® Rating

17/100

Units Available

26 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Saint Andrews Reserve. The average rent is $1,262, compared to the city average of $1,335. Saint Andrews Reserve is convenient to The Esplanado, Carolina Beach State Park, and Cape Fear Museum of History & Science. The community is 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

Fairfield Park is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,384. Compare this to the city average of $1,335. Fairfield Park provides easy access to Carolina Beach State Park, UNC Wilmington, and The Pointe At Barclay. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood 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.