Northchase - Wilmington, NC

Giovanni da Verrazano reportedly discovered this area in 1524, although it wasn't officially founded until 1739. During World Wars I and II, shipbuilding became the industrial focus. After Interstate 40 opened in 1990, the city's tourism industry grew, making it one of the fastest-growing cities of the decade.

To experience the city's vibrant cultural scene, residents only need to travel as far as downtown. The city center houses numerous galleries and museums such as the Wilmington Railroad and Cape Fear Museums. Annual festivals, which include Riverfest and the Azalea Festival, help foster a strong sense of community.

You'll find a variety of restaurants and bars located just across College Road and within a few minutes of the Northchase Community. You can enjoy a hipster vibe even while grabbing breakfast or lunch. Eternal Sunshine Cafe serves breakfast all day long, with tasty options such as potato skins loaded with eggs, cheese, and breakfast meat. Other specialties include the Eternal Sunshine omelette with bacon, avocado, and cheese; steak benedict and cannoli pancakes. Whether you feel like grabbing a quick slice, splitting a pie, or ordering delivery, Hoobie's NY Pizza & Hoagies has you covered with a fantastic variety of pizzas, calzones, and stromboli. When you need to feed a crowd, order the giant, 3 x 3-foot Godzilla pizza. Choose from specialty pies such as the Steak Red Top, Chicken Wing, or EBA. If you would rather have a sandwich, try one of Hoobie's oven-baked steak or meatball hoagies.

Don't be fooled by the initial sports bar appearance at Ogden Tap Room. This casual eatery keep 40 different beers on tap at all times, and it specializes in classic pub grub with a twist. After all, it's not everywhere that you can get a fried bologna sandwich. Try appetizers such as fried wild mushrooms with garlic aioli, Cajun-fried frog legs, fried green tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and a balsamic reduction, or Scott's Hill egg rolls, which include pulled chicken, tasso ham, roasted corn, and collards. Other local favorites include the catfish po-boy, muffaletta, and Emma's chick n' waffles.

From billiards to bars, the area surrounding Northchase provides a variety of nightlife options. Check out a hot band at one of the city's only outdoor music venues: the Tiki Stage at Beach House. In addition to hosting outdoor concerts, Beach House also has live music inside, along with music spun by local DJs, karaoke on Thursdays, trivia on Wednesdays, games on Sunday Funday, and free pool on Tuesdays. Become a Liberty Tavern member to take advantage of this private hot spot's indoor bar and its expansive landscaped outdoor space, which features games, grills, live music, and plenty of cocktails flowing from the full bar.

Those living in Northchase have easy access to several means of transportation. The Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority's Wave Transit services the area with several bus routes, including its 104 Northeast Route, which connects residents with destinations such as Racine Commons, Food Lion, and Forden Station. Alternatively, pick up the 207 North route, which connects residents with downtown and the Cape Fear Community College. Alternatively, arrange a ride with Uber or call a local taxi company.

While public transportation is available, the majority of Northchase residents prefer to drive. Proximity to Blue Clay Road, Martin Luther King Parkway, and North Kerr Avenue makes it relatively easy and fast to commute to downtown Wilmington. Other nearby major roadways include Interstate 40, which takes you north to Raleigh, and Route 74, which takes you to picturesque Wrightsville Beach. With plenty of on- and off-street parking spots, finding a parking spot is fairly easy.

Thanks to the walking path and paved roadways within the Northchase community, you may see many of your neighbors out walking and biking in the neighborhood on a sunny day. Cyclists can also take advantage of several bike-friendly roadways, including Blue Clay Road, North Kerr Avenue, and Murraysville Road.

Residents have many opportunities to get out and play in the beautiful outdoors. In addition to being just a short drive from the beach, you can take advantage of the amenities offered right within the Northchase community, including its recreation facility, ponds stocked with fish, several playgrounds, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

Olsen Park, a free public park located nearby, features a rubberized "Miracle Field" intended to give children and adults with mobility issues a chance to get out and play. The park welcomes leashed pets in most areas. It has a playground, sports fields, picnic facilities, restrooms, and plenty of parking.

Take a quick trip downtown to Greenfield Lake Park, which hosts free concerts at its spacious amphitheater. Wrightsville Beach Park has free movies in the park on Friday nights during the summer.

When you live in the Northchase area, you can expect to experience a cost of living that typically sits approximately 10 percent above the average for North Carolina. High demand for rental property makes this area a competitive market, with one-bedroom apartments in Northchase renting for around $731 per month. Going out for an ice-cold brew usually sets you back between $4 and $5.

Commuters enjoy reasonable prices. For example, one-way fare on Wave Transit buses costs $2, while a one-day pass costs $5. Gas prices generally run about two percent above the national average.

Northchase residents only need to travel a short distance to find specialty shops such as Lula Balou Boutique. From clothing to accessories, gifts, and home decor, this charming shop has you covered. In addition to its friendly staff, the store carries a wide selection of dresses, tops, and bottoms; you can also find unique jewelry, scarves, travel bags, and more.

When you need a special gift or that special extra touch for your home, check out the artwork and other merchandise at Blue Moon Gift Shops. This 8,500-square-foot store carries goods from more than 100 artisans and retailers, including watercolor paintings from A.M. Vivaldi, sculptures from Justin Campbell, jewelry from Barbara Bennett Designs and Chucklefish, along with baskets, throw pillows, and gourmet food items.

Northchase residents typically stock their pantry shelves with groceries from nearby markets such as Food Lion or Lowe's Foods. Choose from fresh produce, plants, and flowers at the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market.