2008 Hot Retirement Towns

Wilmington, North Carolina
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DURING THE 1990S, WILMINGTON A decade before, in the 1970s, cale for history buﬀs: spotted with pre- w
evolved into one of the fastest-growing Wilmington launched a massive war antebellum mansions, museums
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.
retiree havens in the region, a trend preservation project, saving many of and a Civil War battleﬁeld, the area’s
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etir
that continues today. its historic homes from ruin and es- rich historical traditions have been
The warm weather, nearby beaches tablishing one of the largest historical preserved for generations to come.
ing t
and rich history of the area draw peo- districts listed on the National Register As a result, the movie industry has
ple from across the country to call this of Historic Places. Those eﬀorts played taken a shine to Wilmington, using the
famed Cape Fear River town home. a huge role in making Wilmington city for external shots and featuring it
Founded by English settlers in in several Civil War-era epics.
N
o
1739, the coastal outpost struggled
“The warm weather,
Today, Wilmington’s population
initially because it was virtually inac- continues to grow. State-of-the-art
ORTH
cessible. The surrounding marshes
nearby beaches and rich
medical facilities, upscale shopping and
and tidal pools made overland travel a wide range of restaurants have ﬂour-
nearly impossible until technological
history of the area draw
ished in the slow-paced community.
advancements in road and bridge con- The area oﬀers residents a wide array
struction brought growth and prosper- people from across the of recreational activities from which to
C
ity. By 1840, Wilmington was a busy choose, including golf, ﬁshing, river-
shipping port and North Carolina’s
country. ... ”
boat cruises, nature trails and bicycling.
largest city. Or, if you prefer to simply drink
AROLINA
By the time the 19th century came a top vacation destination. Tourists in the splendor of Wilmington, you
to an end, Wilmington had lost that come from around the world to walk can join the residents and visitors
distinction to inland cities in the the cobbled streets and view mansions who wander through the streets of
Piedmont area, and it did not begin to that have been restored to their pre- the historic district in the springtime,
regain its luster until the tourist boom Civil War glory. admiring the city’s many gardens in full
of the 1980s. Wilmington is indeed an ideal lo- bloom.
At A Glance
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Wilmington, NC
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Population: 91,137
Average Temp: 74 F
Average Age: 34
Nearest Hospital:
New Hanover Regional
Medical Center
Nearest Major Airport:
Wilmington International
Airport
Wilmington Info:
Greater Wilmington
Chamber of Commerce
www.wilmingtonchamber.com
(910) 762-2611
SUZY KING- CALABASH PHOTOGRAPHY
www.RetiringToNorthCarolina.com I www.HotRetirementTowns.com I www.CoastalRetirementTowns.com
95_WilmingtonNC.indd 95 1/14/08 4:54:17 PM
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