Should you buy in Leland or Wilmington? It depends on what you’re optimizing for. In May 2026, Leland’s median sale price was about $420,000 compared with about $487,000 for the City of Wilmington. Leland also sits in a lower-increase homeowners insurance territory. The tradeoffs are a slightly higher county tax rate, a separate town tax, and a daily commute that often depends on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
I’m Tabi, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. “Leland or Wilmington?” is one of the most common questions I get, and the honest answer is that each side of the river wins on different things. Here’s a side-by-side look at the numbers so you can decide what matters most to you.
The quick comparison
- Median sale price (May 2026): about $420,000 in Leland vs. about $487,000 in the City of Wilmington.
- County: Leland is in Brunswick County. Wilmington is in New Hanover County.
- County property tax rate (2026–27): 34¢ per $100 in Brunswick vs. 30.6¢ in New Hanover.
- Town or city tax: Leland adds a town rate. The City of Wilmington adds 33.15¢.
- Insurance rate territory: Leland’s 28451 ZIP had one of the smallest approved homeowners base-rate increases in the area (under 10% over two years). Most Wilmington ZIPs saw about 21%.
- Growth: Brunswick County grew about 4.7% in 2025, the fastest in North Carolina. New Hanover grew about 1.1%.
- Commute: most trips between the two cross the Cape Fear River, and the main crossing’s replacement is still being decided.
Home prices: where your budget goes further
Using May 2026 figures, Leland’s median sale price was about $420,000 and the City of Wilmington’s was about $487,000. That gap is a big reason so many buyers look across the river, especially for newer construction.
Keep in mind that medians hide a lot. Wilmington includes everything from downtown historic homes to newer subdivisions, and Leland ranges from established neighborhoods to large master-planned communities with HOA amenities. Compare specific homes, not just town-wide numbers. My Leland buyer’s guide goes deeper on the Leland side.
Property taxes: it’s not a simple win
This surprises people. For 2026–27:
- Brunswick County kept its rate at 34¢ per $100.
- New Hanover County is at 30.6¢ per $100.
- Inside Leland town limits, you also pay the Town of Leland’s rate. Leland’s property tax calculator shows the current combined figure.
- Inside Wilmington city limits, you also pay the city’s 33.15¢, for 63.75¢ combined.
- Outside town or city limits on either side, you pay the county rate plus any fire district rate.
So the county rate alone is a bit higher in Brunswick, but the town and city rates change the math. Which side comes out ahead depends on the specific parcel, so always calculate taxes on the actual address. Here’s more on why 2026 Wilmington property tax bills went up.
Homeowners insurance: a real edge for Leland
North Carolina’s Rate Bureau sets homeowners base rates by territory. Under the 2025–2026 settlement, the approved two-year increases in our area were roughly:
- About 32% for the beach territory
- About 21% for the territory covering most Wilmington ZIP codes
- Under 10% for the territory that includes Leland’s 28451 and downtown Wilmington’s 28401
That doesn’t guarantee a lower premium on any particular house. Roof, age, construction, and flood risk still matter a lot. But it’s a meaningful difference worth pricing. See what homeowners insurance costs in Wilmington for how to get a real quote.
The bridge question
This is the honest counterweight. Most daily trips between Leland and Wilmington cross the Cape Fear River, and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is the main link. NCDOT estimates its replacement at roughly $1.03 to $1.11 billion, with about $242 million in federal grants committed. That leaves a gap of roughly $800 million.
Tolling has been proposed to close that gap, and it faces strong local opposition. As of September 2026, NCDOT’s public comment period runs through October 15, with a final design decision expected by year’s end. New Hanover County commissioners have asked Congress for more federal funding.
What it means for you: if you’ll commute across the river daily, factor in the possibility of a toll and years of construction. Drive the route at rush hour before you buy. I keep a running explainer on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge toll question, plus Wilmington road projects in 2026.
Growth and new construction
Brunswick County grew about 4.7% in 2025, the fastest rate in North Carolina, according to Census estimates reported by WilmingtonBiz. New Hanover grew about 1.1%. On the Leland side, that means more new construction, more new shopping and services, and more traffic. On the Wilmington side, you’ll find more established neighborhoods, fewer large new communities, and more infill.
If you’re buying new construction on either side, have your own agent with you from the first model-home visit. The builder’s sales team represents the builder.
Water and utilities
Leland and New Hanover County are served by different water providers, and both have worked to address PFAS from the Cape Fear River. I’ve written about each separately: Brunswick County water quality and PFAS and Wilmington water quality. Before you buy, confirm which provider serves the specific address, or whether it’s on a private well.
Which side fits you?
Leland may make more sense if:
- You want more house or newer construction for the money.
- Insurance costs are a big part of your budget.
- You work in Brunswick County or remotely, or you rarely need to cross the river at rush hour.
- You like master-planned communities with amenities, and you’re comfortable with HOA dues.
Wilmington may make more sense if:
- You want to be close to downtown, the beaches, UNCW, or the hospital.
- You’d rather not rely on a bridge for your daily commute.
- You prefer established neighborhoods and older homes.
- You want a shorter drive to Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach.
Explore both sides: my Leland neighborhood page and the Brunswick County beaches south of town, plus is Wilmington, NC a good place to live? and the cost of living in Wilmington.
Let’s compare real homes on both sides
The best way to decide is to look at actual homes, taxes, and insurance quotes side by side. I’d love to help you run those numbers and drive both commutes with you.
Call or text Tabi: 910-983-8963 · www.makingilmhome.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Leland, NC cheaper than Wilmington?
Home prices usually are. In May 2026, Leland’s median sale price was about $420,000 compared with about $487,000 for the City of Wilmington. Brunswick County’s property tax rate is slightly higher than New Hanover’s, though, so compare total costs on specific homes.
Is homeowners insurance cheaper in Leland than Wilmington?
It can be. Leland’s 28451 ZIP falls in a North Carolina rate territory that saw an approved two-year increase of under 10%, compared with about 21% for most Wilmington ZIP codes. Actual premiums still depend on the home.
What is the property tax rate in Leland, NC?
For 2026–27, Brunswick County’s rate is 34 cents per $100 of assessed value. Homes inside Leland town limits also pay the Town of Leland’s rate. Use the town’s property tax calculator for the current combined figure.
Will the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge have a toll?
It hasn’t been decided. As of September 2026, NCDOT has proposed tolling to help close a roughly $800 million funding gap on the $1.03–1.11 billion replacement. The public comment period runs through October 15, with a final design decision expected by the end of 2026.
How fast is Leland growing?
Brunswick County, where Leland is located, grew about 4.7% in 2025, the fastest rate of any North Carolina county, according to Census estimates reported by WilmingtonBiz.
Tabetha Klein, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage · 910-983-8963 · www.makingilmhome.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Figures reflect sources available as of September 2026 (May 2026 median sale prices; Brunswick County FY2026–27 budget; New Hanover County and City of Wilmington FY2026–27 rates; NC Rate Bureau territory changes; WECT, Sept. 18, 2026; Census 2025 estimates via WilmingtonBiz) and change frequently. Verify taxes, insurance, and utility details for any specific property. This article is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice.
