Northchase Wilmington NC: where is it? Northchase is a planned subdivision off North College Road (US 117/NC 132), just south of I-140, in the northern part of New Hanover County. It has a Wilmington mailing address (ZIP 28405), but it sits outside Wilmington city limits in unincorporated New Hanover County. That means county taxes plus the county fire district rate, with no city tax.
I’m Tabi, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. I put this guide together from county records, the HOA’s own handbook and current market data. It covers the homes, the tax math, flood checks, parks and drive times, so you can decide if Northchase fits what you’re looking for.
Where Northchase is and what’s nearby
Northchase is built around a loop of roads called Northchase Parkway, which connects to North College Road. I-140 runs just to the north, and Castle Hayne Road (NC 133) is a short drive west. The Census Bureau maps a Northchase census-designated place of about 1.7 square miles of land. That area includes the homes plus the Northchase Park of Commerce, a business park along the parkway.
The newest public amenity is the Northchase Library at 4400 Northchase Parkway W. New Hanover County opened it on July 9, 2026. It’s the county library system’s fifth branch, a 19,941-square-foot building with study rooms, a children’s story time pavilion, a teen media room and a drive-up book drop.
- Wilmington International Airport (ILM): roughly 10–15 minutes
- Downtown Wilmington: roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic
- Wrightsville Beach: roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic
- Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center: roughly 20–25 minutes
- Shopping on Market Street and North College Road: roughly 10–20 minutes
You may have seen Northchase described as “10 minutes to the beach and downtown.” Once you count traffic lights and rush hour, the ranges above are closer to what you’ll actually drive.
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Homes in Northchase Wilmington NC
Most homes here are single-family houses on suburban-size lots, plus a few townhome sections. New Hanover County’s subdivision map shows the recorded Northchase subdivision with about 1,020 lots and units across two mapped areas. County property records list about 870 single-family parcels and about 150 townhome parcels in the assessment neighborhoods that cover Northchase.
Section names you’ll see in county legal descriptions include Berkleigh, Danbury Forest, Regency Manor, Heatherridge and Dominion Place. Most of them are recorded as “at Northchase.” Other sections in the same county assessment areas include Bridgeport, Lakemoor, Compton Crossing and Marwood Estates. The townhome sections include Williamsburg Place, Winchester and Lauren Place. Some sections have their own association on top of the master HOA, so ask for the HOA disclosure on any home you’re considering.
Lot sizes and home sizes
The figures below are medians from New Hanover County’s 2026 tax-year property data. Single-family lots mostly run about 0.23 to 0.33 acre, depending on the section. Median heated living area runs from about 1,370 to 1,850 square feet by section. Townhome lots are small, at about 0.03 to 0.05 acre, with median living areas of roughly 980 to 1,340 square feet. You’ll mostly find one- and two-story homes. Individual homes vary, so check the listing and the county record for the exact lot and square footage.
Market snapshot
For the three months ending September 2026, Redfin reports a median sale price of $365,276 in Northchase. That’s up 1.0% year over year. Redfin counted 10 homes sold in September 2026. Deeds recorded with the county from September 2025 to mid-September 2026 tell a similar story. They show 34 single-family sales at a median of $360,000 (range $255,000–$530,000) and 7 townhome sales at a median of $267,000. I counted only each parcel’s most recent sale and left out nominal transfers. Prices change month to month, so ask me for current comps on any home you like.
New construction up the road, and what my MLS shows
Northchase sits right where Wilmington turns into Castle Hayne, and the big story up here is building. Sidbury Road and the roads around it are adding new neighborhoods fast. If you’re comparing a Northchase resale with a brand-new home a few minutes north, know that builders often offer deals, like help with closing costs or a lower interest rate for the first few years. Ask what they’re offering before you decide the resale is the better buy. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t.
The MLS doesn’t track Northchase by itself. Its ZIP code, 28405, also includes Landfall and Mayfaire, which are much pricier, so the ZIP numbers run high. For context only, here’s what my MLS showed on October 17, 2026 for houses sold in 28405 from January through September 2026.
- Typical sale price: $458,872. Half sold for more, half for less.
- Price per square foot: $299.
- Homes sold: 345.
- Time to sell: about 53 days.
Northchase homes sell for well under that typical price, which matches the Redfin number above. I pull exact Northchase sales for anyone who’s serious. Just ask.
Taxes, utilities and flood risk
Property taxes
New Hanover County’s GIS map of municipal boundaries shows Northchase as unincorporated New Hanover County, and the county’s property records place these parcels in the fire district. For fiscal year 2026–27, the county rate is 30.6 cents per $100 of assessed value. The Fire Service District rate for unincorporated areas is 7.25 cents. That’s 37.85 cents per $100 in total, with no City of Wilmington tax (the city rate is 33.15 cents).
Here’s an example. On a home assessed at $360,000, that works out to about $1,363 a year in county and fire district tax. Inside city limits, the same assessed value would pay about $2,295 in county plus city tax. Your bill is based on the county’s assessed value, which can differ from the sale price. Unincorporated county properties also pay a stormwater fee of $6.14 per equivalent residential unit per month for FY 2026–27. You’ll find more detail in my Wilmington-area county tax guide.
Water and sewer
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) runs public water and sewer in much of New Hanover County. Being outside city limits doesn’t mean a home is on a well or septic system. Check any specific address on CFPUA’s Service Available to Existing Structures map. Look at the seller’s disclosure as well. For water quality background, see my Wilmington water quality guide.
Flood checks
Northchase sits inland, but it has ponds and drainage channels. Stormwater from Northchase drains to Pumpkin Creek, near where I-140 meets I-40. The county got a grant in 2023 to study the Pumpkin Creek watershed. New Hanover County’s current flood-hazard map layer shows most Northchase lots outside the mapped high-risk (AE) flood zone. A small number of lots along the drainage do fall inside it.
Check any address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and NC FRIS. Get a flood insurance quote before you’re under contract. Unincorporated New Hanover County takes part in FEMA’s Community Rating System. The county’s Class 7 rating (reported by WECT in 2018) gives eligible NFIP policies in high-risk zones up to a 15% premium discount. The City of Wilmington doesn’t participate. For more, see flood zones in Wilmington and homeowners insurance costs.
Parks and outdoor life
The Northchase HOA handbook (June 2020 edition) lists a pool and recreation facility (open Memorial Day through September), tennis courts, basketball courts, common areas with walking paths, and ponds stocked with fish to help control algae and weeds. Confirm current amenities, rules and dues with the HOA before you buy.
- Northern Regional Park at Castle Hayne (4700 Old Avenue), roughly 10–15 minutes away. This county park has an 18-hole disc golf course, 6 pickleball courts, 4 lighted football/soccer fields, a baseball field, a full basketball court, a playground and a 1.7-mile asphalt trail. The county is adding two more multi-purpose fields and a pump track, with opening expected in early fall 2026.
- Smith Creek Park, roughly 10–15 minutes away. This county park has a 1.3-mile paved loop around a freshwater lake, a fishing pier (catch-and-release, NC fishing license required) and a launch for kayaks and other non-motorized boats. A Phase 2 expansion opened in August 2026. It added 85 acres, a 1-mile paved perimeter trail and a new entrance at 251 Lake Emerald Drive East, off Gordon Road.
- Northchase Library, 4400 Northchase Parkway W, opened July 2026.
Getting around
Most trips start on North College Road. From there, I-140 takes you toward Porters Neck, US 17 and Brunswick County, and I-40 heads toward Raleigh. For downtown, you can take Castle Hayne Road or Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. For the beaches, MLK Parkway and Eastwood Road are the usual route.
One NCDOT project to watch is U-5792. It would widen College Road to three lanes each way from Market Street to south of Gordon Road. It would also build an interchange with a flyover at MLK Parkway, plus changes at Ringo Drive and Kings Drive. NCDOT’s January 29, 2026 meeting handout lists right-of-way acquisition starting in summer 2026 and construction in summer 2029, and says the dates may change. The project cost is estimated at $288.5 million. It’s south of Northchase, but it sits right on the main route into midtown. See Wilmington road projects for 2026.
Schools
Northchase is served by New Hanover County Schools. School assignments are set by address and can change, so check the current assignment for any home with the district’s School Locator.
Is Northchase a good match for what you want?
Northchase may fit if you want:
- An established subdivision with an HOA pool, courts and ponds
- Unincorporated county taxes (37.85 cents per $100 for FY 2026–27, including the fire district)
- Quick access to I-140, I-40 and the airport
- A new public library on Northchase Parkway and county parks within a short drive
It may be less of a fit if you need waterfront or boat access, lots of an acre or more, a short drive to the beach at rush hour, or a home with no HOA covenants.
Keep researching with Wilmington neighborhoods compared, how to research a Wilmington neighborhood, the cost of living in Wilmington and my guide to buying a home in Wilmington, NC.
Frequently asked questions
Is Northchase inside Wilmington city limits?
No. New Hanover County’s municipal boundary map shows Northchase in unincorporated New Hanover County, even though homes have Wilmington mailing addresses.
What is the property tax rate in Northchase?
For FY 2026–27, it’s the New Hanover County rate of 30.6 cents plus the Fire Service District rate of 7.25 cents, for 37.85 cents per $100 of assessed value. There’s no City of Wilmington tax.
What do homes in Northchase sell for?
Redfin reports a median sale price of $365,276 for the three months ending September 2026. County-recorded single-family sales from September 2025 to mid-September 2026 ranged from $255,000 to $530,000.
What amenities does the Northchase HOA have?
The HOA handbook (June 2020) lists a seasonal pool and recreation facility, tennis and basketball courts, walking paths and ponds stocked with fish. Confirm current amenities and dues with the HOA.
Is there a library in Northchase?
Yes. New Hanover County opened the Northchase Library at 4400 Northchase Parkway W on July 9, 2026. It’s the county’s fifth library branch.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Comparing the north side of the county? Look at Castle Hayne just to the north, Hightsville to the northwest, and Ogden & Mayfaire for a spot closer to Market Street.
Hey, I’m Tabi! I help people buy and sell homes all over the Cape Fear coast, from New Hanover to Brunswick and Pender. If Northchase is on your list, I’d love to show you around and pull real numbers for the streets you like. No pressure, just honest answers.
Talk soon,
Tabi
Tabetha Klein, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
Call or text Tabi: 910-983-8963 · www.makingilmhome.com
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 October 2026 (New Hanover County budget, GIS and property records; Redfin, three months ending September 2026; U.S. Census Bureau; NCDOT; Northchase HOA handbook; WECT; Port City Daily) and change often. Verify taxes, utilities, flood zone and school assignment for any specific property. This page describes places and public amenities only.
Sources: NHC FY 2026–27 budget adoption (May 18, 2026) · NHC Fiscal Year 2026–2027 · NHC GIS municipal boundaries · NHC GIS property records · NHC GIS subdivisions · NHC GIS flood hazards 2025 · Redfin Northchase housing market · U.S. Census TIGERweb · NHC Northchase Library opening (July 9, 2026) · Northern Regional Park at Castle Hayne · Northern Regional Park improvements · Smith Creek Park · WECT, Smith Creek Park Phase 2 (Aug. 4, 2026) · Northchase HOA handbook (June 2020) · CFPUA water service area · NHC Floodplain Management · WECT, NHC CRS Class 7 (2018) · Port City Daily, Pumpkin Creek watershed study (2023) · NCDOT U-5792 College Road & MLK Parkway · NHCS School Locator