Leland vs. Wilmington: What You Get for Your Money
The short answer: Leland usually gets you a newer, larger house for less money per square foot. Wilmington costs more per square foot, but homes there sell about twice as fast, and you get a much wider range of ages, styles and neighborhoods. The numbers below come from every home listed and sold in both towns through the Hive MLS over the last 12 months (as of September 2026).
Leland vs. Wilmington at a glance
| Leland | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Homes for sale right now | 468 | 930 |
| Middle asking price | $415,000 | $450,000 |
| Middle size for sale | 2,082 sq ft | 1,769 sq ft |
| Asking price per sq ft | $212 | $264 |
| Homes sold, last 12 months | 1,442 | 3,339 |
| Middle sale price | $394,578 | $450,000 |
| Sale price per sq ft | $204 | $253 |
| Sold for, vs. first asking price | 97.0% | 97.4% |
| Middle days on market | 50 | 26 |
| Middle year built (homes sold) | 2022 | 1999 |
| New construction, share of homes for sale | 46% | 15% |
| Homes for sale in an HOA | 93% | 68% |
"Middle" means the median: half the homes are above it and half below.
What the numbers mean for a buyer
You get more house for the money in Leland
At about $204 a square foot sold versus $253 in Wilmington, the same budget buys roughly 20–25% more space across the river. Homes for sale in Leland are also bigger on average (about 2,080 sq ft vs. 1,770), which is why the middle price gap looks smaller than the per-square-foot gap.
Leland is mostly new; Wilmington is everything
Half the homes that sold in Leland over the last year were built in 2022 or later, and nearly half of what's for sale today is new construction. That means builder incentives, new-home warranties and modern floor plans. It also means you'll be comparing builder price sheets, not just resale homes. Wilmington's middle home was built in 1999, and the range runs from historic downtown houses to brand-new townhomes. If you want an established street with mature trees, you'll find far more of it in Wilmington.
Wilmington homes move about twice as fast
The middle Wilmington home sold in 26 days; in Leland it was 50. In both towns sellers got about 97% of their first asking price, so there's room to negotiate in both. In Wilmington, though, a well-priced home can be gone in a weekend. With the amount of new construction in Leland, you usually have more time to compare, and builders are often the ones offering concessions.
Plan for an HOA in Leland
93% of the homes for sale in Leland are in a homeowners association, compared with 68% in Wilmington. Among homes that bill yearly, the middle HOA fee in our data is about $1,680 a year in Leland and $2,730 in Wilmington. Many newer Leland communities bundle a pool, clubhouse and trails. Always check what the fee covers and whether there's a one-time transfer or capital fee at closing.
Buddy's take
The drive across the river to areas of Wilmington is not challenging as there are multiple crossings and all are designed to move traffic and also with the addition of the newer I-140 it makes moving around the entire Cape Fear area so easy.
Taxes, insurance and other costs to check
Leland is in Brunswick County and Wilmington is in New Hanover County, so tax rates, school systems and services differ. On a new-construction listing, the tax amount in the MLS is often for the land only. Look up the county's current rate and estimate on the full price. Homeowners and flood insurance on the coast vary a lot from house to house, so get a quote before you make an offer, not after. Both towns have areas in flood zones; the flood map for a specific address matters more than the town.
Buddy's take
Leland and the surrounding Brunswick County areas has become more and more of a destination retirement living area that is full of active living, dining, shopping and more. At the same time it is great opportunity for first-time buyers and families who work in Wilmington to be close but live so much more affordably.
Keep looking
- All homes for sale in Leland · new construction in Leland
- All homes for sale in Wilmington · single-family homes in Wilmington
- Leland homes with the primary bedroom on the main floor
- Compare neighborhoods — prices, recent sales and what's nearby
Questions buyers ask
Is Leland cheaper than Wilmington?
Per square foot, yes. Homes sold for about $204 a square foot in Leland over the last year versus $253 in Wilmington. The middle sale price was about $395,000 in Leland and $450,000 in Wilmington.
Are there more new homes in Leland?
Yes. About 46% of the homes for sale in Leland are new construction, compared with about 15% in Wilmington.
Where do homes sell faster?
Wilmington. The middle home sold in 26 days there, versus 50 days in Leland.
