Under the 100-year-old oaks lining the streets of Wilmington's Carolina Heights neighborhood, renters can find gracious bungalows, colonial and Tudor revival homes, and cottages, as well as a variety of more modern low-rise apartment buildings. Sitting about two miles north of downtown Wilmington along the Northeast Cape Fear River, Carolina Heights avoids a cookie-cutter feel and brings people out to stroll their historic district.

Head to the river walk along the Cape Fear River or to Mary Bridgers Park to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, or join your neighbors in one of the regular block parties that pop up in Carolina Heights. Just to the east of Carolina Heights, you can find some of Wilmington's top restaurants running up and down Front Street. Pick up cupcakes with unexpected flavors at the Peppered Cupcake, or treat yourself to homemade ice cream or fudge at Kilwin's.