Living in Leland, NC: 10 Pros and Cons of Living in the LA of NC

Best known for its strong sense of community mixed with small-town charm, residents living in Leland, NC, lead a relaxed and safe lifestyle, all while staying close to the neighboring city of Wilmington. Along with a plethora of community events held throughout the year to bring residents together, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area’s river access and many parks. While the appeal of this popular suburban community is strong, it’s still important to consider the drawbacks, as this community might not be suitable for everyone.

That’s why we’re here to take you through the city’s 10 biggest pros and cons.

Leland, NC, at a Glance

• Where is Leland, NC? Located within Brunswick County, Leland is situated about 10 miles inland from the Atlantic Coast, along the Brunswick River.
• Leland covers an area of approximately 22.3 square miles.
• As of 2025, Leland has a population of around 36,800.
• The median age in Leland is 48 years old.
• Leland is home to immense natural beauty, featuring beaches, rivers, marshes, and wetlands.

10 Pros and Cons of Living in Leland, NC

Before moving somewhere new, it’s important to get familiar with basic standards of living, such as the overall costs, safety, things to do, etc. The natural beauty and calm lifestyle make Leland stand out to most, but some of its drawbacks might be a deal breaker. Here are the pros and cons of living in Leland, North Carolina. 

Leland has a variety of top-notch neighborhoods for families, retirees, and young professionals.
(Source: Bea Desmond, Broker/Realtor via Facebook)

1. Pro: Leland’s Neighborhoods Make Up the True Charm of the City

As an excellent place to raise a family, Leland, NC, neighborhoods are known for their safe environments, good schools, and plenty of local festivities. Take a look at some of the best neighborhoods Leland has to offer:

• Wedgewood at Lanvale: With plenty of amenities for the entire family to enjoy — including a community pool and playground — plus proximity to local schools, Wedgewood at Lanvale is both a peaceful and family-friendly neighborhood.
• Brunswick Forest: As one of Leland’s most popular master-planned communities, Brunswick Forest attracts young professionals and retirees due to its close proximity to shopping centers, along with its tight-knit community feel.
• Compass Pointe: Best for retirees living in Leland, NC, Compass Pointe offers a resort lifestyle with amenities including a golf course, wellness center, and swimming pools.

2. Con: The Cost of Living in Leland Might Not Be Attainable for All

While living in Leland, NC, is not considered particularly expensive given all of its coastal amenities, the overall cost of living is still above the national average. The Leland, NC, cost of living score is 101.4, almost 1.5 percent higher than the national average index, and over 11 percent higher than the state average of 91.

A family of four with two children and both adults working will need an annual salary of $102,000 before taxes to cover basic living expenses, while a person living alone will need to make $45,200 annually before taxes, and a couple without kids will need to make $63,400 annually before taxes.

Leland is served by Brunswick County Schools, which is ranked above average on Niche.
(Source: Brunswick County Schools via Facebook)

3. Pro: Leland, NC, Schools Are Well Regarded

Not only is Leland known as a safe, family-friendly community, but its schools are ranked above average as well. Leland is served by Brunswick County Schools, which has a B grade on Niche. Union Elementary School, Waccamaw Middle School, and Brunswick County Early College High School are some of the top schools within the district that have at least a B+ grade on Niche or higher.

4. Con: Hurricane Season Can Hit Hard in Leland

Looking for warm summers and mild winters? You’ll find it in Leland. The average daily temperature between May and September stays right around 80 degrees. July is the hottest month of the year, when temperatures reach closer to 90 degrees. The coldest month is January, where the average low sits at about 37 degrees.

Leland, NC, weather-related events can be devastating. You’ll have to stay up-to-date throughout the year, and come with proper preparation for hurricane season. Even unnamed storms can come with serious damage, so be sure to listen to local warnings and keep an eye on your weather radio.

5. Pro: Leland’s Low Crime Rates Create a Sense of Ease

One of the qualities that makes Leland stand out as family-friendly is the low crime rate. Leland is safer than over 60 percent of other cities, towns, and villages across the U.S., and over 70 percent safer than other communities within North Carolina. Your chances of becoming the victim of a property crime are just one in 191, while your chances of becoming the victim of a violent crime are one in 1,018.

6. Con: Homes for Sale in Leland, NC, Can Be Competitive

For the most part, homes for sale in Leland are not generally considered expensive. With an average home price of $373,300, homes in Leland are not much higher than the national average. Plus, they’re even cheaper than the neighboring city of Wilmington’s average of $407,400.

However, the housing market can be competitive, and you will most likely have to contend with paying a higher price than you might expect in order to stay ahead.

Wilmington is just 20 minutes from Leland, making it easy for residents to access big-city attractions like the Wilmington Riverwalk (pictured).
(Source: Visit Wilmington, NC and Beaches via Facebook)

7. Pro: City Amenities Are Just a Short Drive Away

There’s a lot going on in Leland throughout the year to keep anyone entertained, but one of the perks of living here is that you’re not far from the amenities offered in Wilmington. The distance from Leland, NC, to Wilmington is just 20 minutes, where you can walk the Wilmington Riverwalk or explore the significant historic sites, art scene, and abundance of museums.

Does Leland, NC, have a downtown? While there is no traditional downtown area of Leland, the area known as the Gateway District along Village Road is under development to become a central hub with shops, restaurants, and new homes.

8. Con: Traffic Congestion in Leland Is a Hassle

While Leland may not be the busiest tourist destination, tourists who pile into town during the warmer months to enjoy the coastal amenities only exacerbate the issue on the roads. The community is, however, putting in effort to address the issues with the roads, and has even received an $80,000 grant through the Safe Streets for All Grant Program.

9. Pro: Outdoor Activities Are Not the Only Thing Leland Has To Offer

The local outdoors are one of the highlights of living in Leland, NC — especially with all the free or low-priced activities you can find. With easy access to beaches, residents of Leland have plenty of activities to choose from when they take a visit to one of the area’s parks, which include Cypress Cove Park, Westgate Nature Park, and Brunswick Nature Park.

Cypress Cove Park is a popular spot to launch your canoe or kayak, while Westgate Nature Park and Brunswick Nature Park offer plenty of natural scenery to take in when you take a hike on one of the trails. Residents can also enjoy a beautiful atmosphere at golf courses like Cape Fear National.

Besides outdoor activities, Leland hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including the Applearchy Cider Fest.

WAVE Transit connects the Leland community to Wilmington and some other surrounding areas, however, there’s no independent city bus system.
(Source: Wave Transit ILM via Facebook)

10. Con: Public Transportation in Leland Is Lacking

Another one of the drawbacks of living in Leland, NC, is the city’s limited public transit. WAVE Transit connects the community to Wilmington and some other surrounding areas, however, there’s no independent city bus system, so residents have to rely on ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft if they don’t have their own car. Another option: Share the Ride NC — a carpool matching program in the state.

Let PODS Help With Your Leland, NC, Move

Moving to Leland, North Carolina, with a PODS portable storage container means a flexible move on your own schedule. Have a container delivered right to your driveway for convenient loading. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can get you connected with local packing and loading services. Once you’re ready, have your container picked up and delivered to your new home in Leland, NC, or you can keep it in a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready to move.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

(Source for image featured at top: Town of Leland via Facebook)

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}