About Wilmington
Wilmington, located in Southeast North Carolina on near the Atlantic Ocean serves as the county seat of New Hanover County. The city has a population of 106,476 as of the 2010 US Census which makes it the 8th largest city in North Carolina. Wilmington is the anchor city of the metro area which includes New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender Counties is home to 362,315 residents.
Wilmington is a port city that was first discovered by English settlers in the 1720’s. Named in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington, the city was incorporated by the United States in 1739. The city which is located on the Cape Fear River played a role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Wilmington’s industrial base includes electrical, medical, electronic and telecommunications equipment; clothing and apparel; food processing; paper products; and pharmaceuticals. Wilmington is part of North Carolina’s Research coast, which is one of the Country’s research parks adjacent to the Research Triangle Park in Raleigh, NC. Also important to Wilmington’s economy is tourism due to its close proximity to the ocean, climate and vibrant nightlife.
Tourists can visit the Riverwalk, a mile long strip of restaurants, gift shops and other tourist attractions, The USS North Carolina War Memorial, and the historic district which is one of the largest in the United States and consists of over 300 blocks. Also, Carolina, Wrightsville and Kure Beaches are within a half hour drive from downtown Wilmington.
Film production also plays an important role in the city’s economy. Wilmington is home to the 2nd largest TV and movie production facilities outside of California. Screen Gems Studio’s newest addition, Dream Stage 10 ranks 3rd largest in the US and houses the largest special effects water tank in North America.
Nearby Cities & Towns
Castle Hayne, Skippers Corner, Murraysville, Kings Grant, Wilmington, Ogden, Bayshore, Topsail Beach, Surf City, Holly Ridge, Wrightsville Beach, Old Town, Leland, Northwest, Evergreen, Sandy Creek, Boliva, Bolling Spring Lakes, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Montague, East Arcadia, Sandyfield
