Buying in Leland, NC in 2026: A Buyer's Guide to the Boom

If Leland keeps showing up in your home search — from a friend, a builder, or a Zillow alert — you're spotting a real trend, not hype. Leland has gone from a sleepy crossroads town to one of the fastest-growing municipalities in North Carolina: 33,065 residents in the 2024 census (a 44% jump from 22,908 in 2020), with town estimates now near 39,000 in 2026. Brunswick County, where Leland sits, was the fastest-growing county in the entire state between 2020 and 2024. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Brunswick County.)

What that means for you as a buyer: strong demand, a steady stream of new construction to choose from, and — as you'll see below — more options and more room to negotiate than buyers had just a couple of years ago. Here's what's driving the growth, what the 2026 market feels like from your side of the table, and the handful of things I make sure every client understands before they cross the bridge.

Why Buyers Keep Choosing Leland

When you're weighing Leland, it helps to know why so many other buyers land here. A few things tend to stack in your favor:

Your money goes further. Leland still has room to build — roughly 35% of its housing is new construction — so you'll often find newer homes, bigger lots, and more garage for the dollar than you'd get across the river in Wilmington.

The jobs are close, the land is cheaper. Novant Health, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, the Port of Wilmington, the Walmart Distribution Center, and the UPS Hub are all a reasonable commute away — you get access to Wilmington's job market without Wilmington's land prices.

The beach is a day trip, not a vacation. Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Oak Island, and Caswell Beach are all 25–35 minutes out.

Getting out of town is easy. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is 11 miles away, with nonstop service to Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia, and a growing list of seasonal destinations.

A lot of the lifestyle is already built in. Many Leland neighborhoods are master-planned — pools, golf, trails, fitness centers, gated entries — so much of what you're picturing is there on day one, and you get a lot of amenity per dollar compared to similar coastal markets.

Not sure which beach fits your lifestyle best? See our comparison of Wrightsville Beach vs. Carolina Beach to help you decide where to spend your beach days.

How Leland Compares to Pender and New Hanover

Before you commit to Leland specifically, it's worth seeing how your dollar and your options compare across the three Cape Fear counties you're probably weighing. Leland is a town inside Brunswick County, sitting between Pender County to the north and New Hanover County (Wilmington) across the river.

Here's the part that surprises a lot of buyers: Brunswick is growing the fastest of the three and it's the most affordable on median sale price — with Leland itself landing right in the middle of the pack.

The three counties side by side:

Brunswick County (where Leland is): grew from 136,693 residents in 2020 to roughly 169,000 by 2024 — a +24% jump, the fastest in North Carolina. 2026 median sale price: ~$393,800.

Pender County: grew from 60,203 to roughly 70,100 (+16%). Countywide 2026 median sale price: ~$458,500 — but that average hides two very different markets (more on that below).

New Hanover County (Wilmington): grew from 225,702 to roughly 243,335 (+8%). 2026 median sale price: ~$477,500.

For you, that's the headline: Leland gives you the region's fastest-growing area at close to its most accessible price point — a big reason buyers keep crossing over from Wilmington and moving in from out of state. New Hanover carries the premium of being the urban core.

If you're also looking at Pender: the Topsail coast vs. inland Pender

Don't let Pender's countywide median scare you off — or lure you in — without a closer look, because the county is really two markets stitched together:

The Topsail coast (Surf City, Topsail Beach, Hampstead) is where the beach premium lives. Surf City's 2026 median runs around $535,000, Hampstead sits near $500,000, and Topsail Beach is a true luxury market with a median around $1.6 million. This coastal band is what pulls the county average up.

Inland Pender (Burgaw and the surrounding countryside) is far more attainable, with Burgaw's median around $340,000 — actually below both Leland and Brunswick County as a whole.

So if you want the beach, Pender will cost you more than Leland — and then some. If you're open to a quieter, more rural setting a bit further from the water, inland Pender can be one of the most affordable options in the region. Tell me which lifestyle you're after and I'll point you to the right pockets.

What the 2026 Market Means for You

Here's the July 2026 market from your side of the table — drawn from the local MLS (Leland residential) plus other sources. Numbers shift month to month, so treat these as a feel for the market, and ask me for fresh comps before you write any offer.

What homes are actually selling for: the median sale price is $404,915, up 6.5% from a year ago. Prices are still climbing, but gently — the double-digit jumps of 2022–2023 are behind us, so you're not chasing a runaway market.

How much room you have to negotiate: homes are closing at about 96% of original list price, and there are 456 active listings right now (up ~9% from last year). More inventory means more choice — and more leverage for you — than buyers have had since the pandemic peak.

How fast you'll need to move: homes are taking a median of about 42 days to sell (a 75-day average), up from a 30-day median a year ago. You'll usually have time to think it through — but the well-priced, move-in-ready homes still go quickly, so being pre-approved and ready matters.

Where you'll likely be shopping: most sales cluster in the $300K–$500K range, so that's the heart of the Leland market if that's your budget.

For context, the NC state median was around $381,700 in early 2026, and Wilmington has been trending closer to $407,000+. Leland often prices in the same ballpark as Wilmington — but remember, you tend to get more house, lot, and garage for that money.

Finding Your Corner of Leland

"A home in Leland" can mean a dozen very different lifestyles, so as you narrow your search, here are the names you'll run into most — and the kind of buyer each tends to fit:

Brunswick Forest — A 4,500-acre master-planned community with the broadest mix of options in town: townhomes, patio homes, cottages, traditional single-family, and golf-course estates. Cape Fear National golf course, an 18,000-sf wellness center, miles of trails, and the Villages Town Center (retail and medical) are all on site. Good fit if you want everything in one place. Recent median sale price around $527,000 (Redfin, March 2026).

Compass Pointe — A gated, resort-style golf community with a busy social calendar, multiple pools, tennis and pickleball, and an 18-hole course. Leans toward the higher end — a fit if an active, amenity-rich lifestyle is the priority.

Magnolia Greens — An established golf community off Highway 17 with a wider range of home ages and prices. Often a more accessible entry point than Brunswick Forest or Compass Pointe.

Waterford — One of Leland's older master-planned neighborhoods, built around its own waterway and clubhouse, with patio homes, townhomes, and single-family.

Mallory Creek Plantation — A newer community with a pool, clubhouse, and walking trails; typically more budget-friendly.

Hawkeswater, Grayson Park, Westgate / Adair Park, The Bluffs, The Willows, Windsor Park, Hearthstone, Parkwood Estates — A mix of established and newer subdivisions across a range of amenity levels and price points.

One tip as you compare: each community has its own HOA and fee structure, and when two homes look similar on paper, the monthly HOA assessment is often the number that quietly decides which one is actually the better deal for you. Ask me to break those down side by side.

Touring new construction in Leland — a common sight across town.

What You'll Actually Pay in Property Taxes

If you've heard "taxes are way lower in Brunswick County," it's worth a closer look before you bank on it — because as of Fiscal Year 2025–2026, it's not the automatic win it used to be.

Current county rates (FY25–26):

Brunswick County: $0.3420 per $100 of assessed value

New Hanover County: $0.3060 per $100 of assessed value

New Hanover dropped its rate sharply after a 2025 revaluation, so on the county rate alone, Brunswick is now slightly higher than New Hanover. But the county rate isn't the whole story — here's what actually determines your bill:

If your home is inside the Town of Leland's limits, you pay the Brunswick County rate plus the town's municipal rate (around $0.27 per $100). Combined, that's roughly 61 cents per $100 of assessed value.

A Wilmington home pays New Hanover County tax plus the City of Wilmington's rate.

A home outside any town's limits usually pays only the county rate, plus any fire-district or special-district fees on that parcel.

Your assessed value matters as much as the rate. Brunswick County's next revaluation hits January 1, 2027, which will reset values county-wide — something to factor in if you're buying now.

Bottom line for you: don't compare taxes at the county level alone. Before you write an offer, ask me to pull the actual estimated annual taxes for the specific home you're considering — town limits, special districts, and current assessed value included. Your lender's estimate will reflect this too, but it's worth knowing going in.

The Bridge: What It Could Mean for Your Commute

If you'll be driving into Wilmington regularly, the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge deserves a spot on your radar — it comes up in nearly every conversation I have with Leland buyers.

The current bridge (a 1969 vertical-lift span carrying US-17/74/76/421) has been declared functionally obsolete by NCDOT. It got major preservation work in 2024 to extend its life, but a replacement is now firmly on the table. Where things stand in 2026:

NCDOT's planning is active, with environmental documents targeted for completion in 2026.

A 135-foot fixed-span replacement is now estimated at $1.1 billion.

A $242 million federal grant has been secured.

A private firm (Delivering Bridges LLC) has proposed to design, build, finance, and operate a replacement — partly funded by tolls — and as of March 2026 that proposal is under assessment.

A public hearing on the alternatives is being targeted.

What this means for you: construction is still years away, so it won't disrupt a purchase today — but the funding model is worth watching. If a toll is eventually added and you commute daily, that's a real line item in your monthly budget. And whatever happens long-term, the existing bridge can open for river traffic and does back up at rush hour, so if you're touring homes here, drive your actual commute at the actual time you'd be making it. I tell every relocating client the same thing.

Before You Write an Offer

A few things I always help my Leland buyers check — they're easy to overlook and can save you real money or headaches:

Drainage and flood zone. Some newer developments have had stormwater growing pains. Ask about the community's drainage plan and check the parcel's flood-zone designation before you fall in love.

What the HOA actually covers. Fees range from about $25/month in smaller subdivisions to $300+/month in fully-amenitied communities. Confirm what's included and what costs extra (golf, fitness, social).

Your real commute. Leland-to-Wilmington in Google Maps and Leland-to-Wilmington at 5:15 on a Tuesday are not the same number.

Builder incentives. In a moderating market, builders often offer rate buydowns, closing-cost credits, or design-center allowances. Always ask, always compare across builders — and bring me to your first sales-office visit, because the on-site agent works for the builder, not for you. Having your own REALTOR® there protects your representation.

Resale down the road. A community that's still building out can mean construction noise, changing views, and the builder competing with you when you eventually sell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leland, NC a good place to live?

That's really a personal-fit question — but here's the backdrop: Leland is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in North Carolina, with a 2026 estimated population near 39,000, a median household income around $91,977, and a poverty rate around 6.1% per the most recent ACS data. Whether it's right for you comes down to your commute, the amenities you want, and your budget. I'm happy to walk through the specific tradeoffs with you.

New-construction framing detail during a Leland build.

How far is Leland from Wilmington, NC?

Leland sits roughly 5–10 miles from downtown Wilmington, depending on where in Leland you are. Crossing the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge usually takes 15–25 minutes in normal traffic, longer at peak commute hours.

What is the median home price in Leland, NC right now?

As of July 2026, the median sale price in Leland was $404,915 (local MLS, Leland residential), up about 6.5% year-over-year, with the median list price around $419,990. Homes are closing at roughly 96% of original list and taking a median of about 42 days to sell. These shift constantly — I can run live comps for any neighborhood you're eyeing.

How does Leland compare to Pender and New Hanover counties?

Leland is in Brunswick County, the fastest-growing county in North Carolina from 2020 to 2024 (about +24%), ahead of Pender (+16%) and New Hanover (+8%). Even so, Brunswick has the lowest median sale price of the three (~$393,800 in 2026), versus Pender (~$458,500 countywide) and New Hanover (~$477,500). Pender's number is pulled up by the pricey Topsail coast — inland Burgaw runs closer to $340,000. In short: Leland gives you the region's fastest growth at close to its most accessible price point.

Are Brunswick County property taxes really lower than New Hanover County?

Not as simply as you might have heard. The FY25–26 county rate for Brunswick is $0.3420 per $100, slightly higher than New Hanover's $0.3060 per $100 after the 2025 revaluation. Inside the Town of Leland's limits you also pay a municipal rate of about $0.27 per $100 on top. What you actually owe depends on the specific parcel, whether it's in town limits, any special districts, and the current assessed value — so always get a parcel-specific tax estimate before you write an offer.

What is happening with the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement?

The bridge has been declared functionally obsolete and is in active replacement planning by NCDOT. The estimate has reached $1.1 billion, a $242 million federal grant is secured, and a private firm has proposed a replacement that could include tolls, currently under assessment. Construction is still years out, and the existing bridge got major preservation work in 2024 to extend its life.

What master-planned communities are in Leland, NC?

The biggest and most active are Brunswick Forest (4,500 acres, broadest mix), Compass Pointe (gated, resort-style golf), Magnolia Greens (established golf community), and Waterford (older master-planned with townhomes and patio homes). Other notable ones include Mallory Creek Plantation, Hawkeswater, Grayson Park, The Bluffs, Hearthstone, and Westgate / Adair Park.

A 'Built for the Coast' builder display of completed craftsman-style homes.

How long does it take to sell a house in Leland?

In July 2026, homes were taking a median of about 42 days to sell (average CDOM around 75 days), up from a 30-day median a year earlier. The market has clearly cooled from the 2022–2023 peak — which, as a buyer, means more leverage and more time to make a decision than you'd have had then.

Is Leland still a good place to buy a home in 2026?

My honest take: yes — for the right buyer, at the right price, in the right community. The growth is real, the amenity-to-dollar ratio is strong, and today's market gives you negotiating room you didn't have two years ago. Just remember that "a Leland home" isn't one thing — the community, HOA, build quality, and commute fit all matter enormously, so it's worth doing the diligence (that's where I come in).

Are there homes in Leland without an HOA?

Yes, though they're a smaller share of inventory than they used to be. Parts of Parkwood Estates, scattered acreage parcels, and some older subdivisions are HOA-free or nearly so. If HOA-free is a must-have for you, tell me up front and I'll narrow the search accordingly.

What schools serve Leland?

Leland is in Brunswick County Schools (BCS). The closest comprehensive high school is North Brunswick High School in Leland. The county also offers an Early College, the COAST CTE center, and dual-enrollment with Brunswick Community College. For current performance data, see the NC School Report Card, and for attendance zones contact BCS at (910) 253-2900. I've also written a full Wilmington-area High Schools Guide if you want the deep dive.

Thinking About a Move to Leland?

I grew up in this area, I've watched Leland grow firsthand, and I help buyers navigate this market every week. Whether you're relocating from out of state, retiring to the coast, or making a local move from Wilmington across the river, I'd love to help you sort through the neighborhoods, builders, and real tradeoffs — and find the home that actually fits your life.

The Leland market rewards buyers who do their homework. That's exactly what I'm here for.

Tabetha Klein | Making ILM Home
REALTOR® • Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
910-983-8963
www.makingilmhome.com
Instagram @theILMrealtor

Between the river and the sea — with Goose and Maple at my side.

Market data referenced in this post reflects the local MLS (Leland residential, July 2026) plus publicly available information from Zillow, Redfin, Movoto, Houzeo, the U.S. Census Bureau, NC OSBM, the Town of Leland, NCDOT, Brunswick County, New Hanover County, and Pender County as of mid-2026. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Real estate market conditions, tax rates, and infrastructure plans change frequently — please verify current figures with the relevant source or with me before making any decision. Tabetha Klein, REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.