Riverlights is a master-planned community located in Wilmington, North Carolina, along a three-mile stretch of the scenic Cape Fear River. This 1,400-acre development has rapidly grown since its opening in 2016, offering a vibrant mix of residential homes, commercial spaces, and community-centric amenities designed to foster an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Community Overview
Riverlights is designed to balance the tranquility of nature with the energy of modern living. With its proximity to downtown Wilmington (about five miles) and area beaches (12 miles), the community provides an ideal location for families, retirees, and working professionals alike. Homes in Riverlights include a variety of options, from single-family houses and townhomes to duplexes and custom homesites, catering to a wide demographic of residents. As of 2023, around 1,000 families call Riverlights home, with more housing developments in the pipeline.
Amenities and Lifestyle
The Riverlights community offers a wide array of amenities centered around outdoor and waterfront living. One of the standout features is the 38-acre freshwater lake, which is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and lakeside activities. The Lakehouse serves as a community gathering spot, offering a pool, fitness facilities, and social spaces for residents. In addition to the lake, Riverlights provides access to the Cape Fear River for boating, fishing, and crabbing.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the eight miles of walking and biking trails, numerous parks, and green spaces scattered throughout the community. Pocket parks, a riverfront boardwalk, and the recently completed dog park add to the appeal for families and pet owners. Ember Park, another community hub, regularly hosts events like oyster roasts, while Live Oak Commons, with its shaded oak canopy and hammocks, serves as a relaxing space to gather.
At the heart of the community is Marina Village, a lively commercial area that features restaurants, shops, and pubs, as well as open-air markets and concerts throughout the year. The village is designed to promote a sense of community, with spaces that encourage residents to mingle and enjoy the scenic waterfront views.
Ongoing Developments and Future Growth
Riverlights is still expanding, with several new projects in the works. The most notable is the Town Center, a mixed-use development that will include 22 buildings housing 274 apartments and 23,800 square feet of commercial space. This area will feature one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a clubhouse, pool, and green spaces. The development is expected to enhance Riverlights’ appeal as a self-contained community, where residents can live, work, and play without venturing far from home.
Additionally, 7Bridge, a new commercial center at Riverlights’ southern entrance, will offer upscale retail and service businesses, making it easy for residents to meet their daily needs without leaving the community. Surrounding this center, residential projects such as the Argento luxury apartments and The Cottages, Wilmington’s first single-family-for-rent neighborhood, are also in development.
For seniors, Riverlights is planning the Luminance, an active adult community with independent and assisted living options. Slated to open in 2026, Luminance will feature resort-style amenities including a clubhouse, fitness studio, bistro, and walking paths, providing residents with the opportunity to age in place within the community.
Environmental and Community Recognition
Sustainability is a core focus of the Riverlights development. The Lower Cape Fear Stewardship Development Coalition awarded the community for its sustainable practices at Marina Village. This commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in the thoughtful integration of green spaces and preserved natural areas within the community.
Riverlights has received numerous accolades, including the title of 2022 Community of the Year from the North Carolina Home Builders Association. It has also been recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, community design, and outdoor lifestyle offerings, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the Wilmington area.
Transportation and Infrastructure
As Riverlights grows, there have been ongoing discussions about improving infrastructure to accommodate the increasing population. Residents have raised concerns about traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours on River Road, the main artery connecting the community to downtown Wilmington and surrounding areas. The city is exploring solutions such as road improvements and a potential transportation bond to address these concerns. In the meantime, developers are working with local officials to implement immediate traffic improvements, such as additional traffic signals and road enhancements.
Conclusion
Riverlights offers a unique blend of modern living, outdoor adventure, and community engagement, making it a standout development in Wilmington. Its continued expansion, with new residential and commercial projects, ensures that it will remain a dynamic and evolving community for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront home, a walkable neighborhood with access to shops and restaurants, or a retirement community with resort-style amenities, Riverlights has something to offer everyone.
