Published March 17, 2026

Around the Azalea Coast | March 2026

Written by Anne Rose

Around the Azalea Coast | March 2026 header image.

Make it your PLACE: the North Carolina Coast.

Insight: Cape Fear Living

Choosing Your Place on the Coast

Southeastern North Carolina is a patchwork of coastal landscapes, historic towns, growing communities, and quiet rural stretches. Each has its own pace, personality, and housing market. For homebuyers exploring the region, understanding how the counties differ can make a big difference in finding the right fit. From vibrant waterfront cities to secluded barrier islands and farmland dotted with small towns, the coastal counties of this part of North Carolina offer a wide spectrum of lifestyles.

Take a look at some of the key counties that shape the character of southeastern coastal North Carolina.

Been to an Open House Lately?

If you are considering purchasing a home, attending open houses is one of the most effective ways to prepare yourself for the market. Beyond browsing listings online, open houses provide firsthand insight into pricing, condition, layout, and neighborhood dynamics. Approached strategically, they become an essential part of your buying process.

Here is our practical framework for making the most of open houses — with additional considerations specific to coastal markets.

Thinking about a new home for a new year? Start your home search.

Great Properties: Listings

9139 Fallen Pear Lane NE
Leland, NC
4 bd | 4 ba | 2350 sqft
$765,000 Price Improvement!
See the listing.

7405 Springwater Drive
Wilmington, NC
3 bd | 3 ba | 1700 sqft
$385,000
See the listing.

209 Elmhurst Road
Wilmington, NC
3 bd | 2 ba | 1144 sqft
$350,000
See the listing.

1941 Hudson Drive
Wilmington, NC
2 bd | 2 ba | 1082 sqft
$375,000
See the listing.

Housing Affordability Snapshot: Wilmington vs. National Average

According to recent data from Redfin, here’s how Wilmington stacks up:

Wilmington, NC
• Income needed to afford a home: $98,482
• Median household income: $83,111
• Share of income going to monthly housing: 35.5%
• Listings affordable to median earners: 27%

National Average
• Income needed to afford a home: $100,925
• Median household income: $87,935
• Share of income going to monthly housing: 34.4%
• Listings affordable to median earners: 44%

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of what this means for you, let’s talk strategy. The numbers matter — but so does having a smart plan.

Updates: From the Team & Kudos

We put our heart into community. Broker-in-charge Becky Brown with Bruce Brown at the Cape Fear Heart Ball.

The KBT Team spent two days learning and connecting with PLACE partners in Raleigh. Pictured: Kirk and Janine Pugh.

Super Useful Links.

Meet our AGENTS and Team.

What's your home worth? For sellers.
Explore a career in real estate. Email Janine.
Start your FREE home search. For buyers.
Visit our blog. For readers.

Kirk Pugh

Owner - Broker/REALTOR® | KBT Realty | Keller Williams Realty | PLACE

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