Brunswick Forest

Brunswick Forest is one of the most popular master-planned communities on the North Carolina coast — a 4,500-acre development in Leland, Brunswick County, that has become a top destination for active adults, retirees, and families seeking resort-style amenities alongside everyday convenience. The community features over 100 miles of walking and biking trails, multiple pools, fitness centers, and a vibrant social scene.

Developed by the same team behind some of the Southeast’s most successful communities, Brunswick Forest is anchored by Cape Fear National, an 18-hole Tim Cate-designed golf course that ranks among the region’s finest. The community also includes The Villages at Brunswick Forest, a walkable town center with restaurants, shops, medical offices, and a full-service grocery store.

Homes in Brunswick Forest range from low-maintenance townhomes and paired patio homes to custom single-family residences on spacious lots. Builders active in the community include Legacy Homes, Kent Homes, and others offering a variety of architectural styles from coastal traditional to Lowcountry designs. Many homes back to nature preserves, lakes, or the golf course.

As of early 2026, the median home price in Brunswick Forest is approximately $550K. The range extends from townhomes and smaller patio homes starting around $350K to custom estate homes exceeding $900K. The community’s strong amenity package and location keep demand steady.

By property type:

• Oceanfront and ocean-adjacent homes: $500K – $700K+, with premium lots near “The Point” (the island’s famous sunset-viewing spot) commanding the highest prices
• Interior homes and second-row properties: $350K – $550K, depending on lot size, condition, and proximity to beach accesses
• Cottages and smaller homes: From the low $300Ks, offering entry-level coastal ownership or strong rental investment potential

Property taxes in Brunswick Forest benefit from Brunswick County’s notably low tax rate. The combined effective rate is approximately 0.34% — significantly lower than neighboring New Hanover County. A home assessed at $550K would pay roughly $1,870 annually, making this one of the most tax-friendly addresses in the region.

Life in Brunswick Forest revolves around the community’s impressive amenity lineup. The Fitness and Wellness Center offers a full gym, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and group fitness classes. The community’s trail system is one of its signature features, connecting neighborhoods to parks, lakes, and the town center.

Cape Fear National Golf Club provides an 18-hole championship experience set among wetlands and native landscapes. The Hammock Lake pool complex, the River Club, and the community garden offer additional gathering spaces. An active lifestyle director coordinates hundreds of clubs, classes, and social events throughout the year.

Dining options within The Villages include Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, Farmhouse Kitchen, and a variety of casual eateries. The on-site grocery store, medical facilities, and retail shops mean many residents can handle daily needs without leaving the community. Downtown Wilmington’s restaurants and nightlife are just 15 minutes away.

• KoKo Cabana — fish tacos, seafood plates, and coastal cocktails right next to Brunswick Forest Pier
• Solar Brewing Company — the island’s first brewery, with handcrafted pizzas, wings, and locally brewed beer
• Ocean Crest Fishing Pier — 893 feet long, open April through September; $2 admission to walk and watch
• Seahorse Eats and Drinks — casual beer and wine bar at the Ocean Crest Pier

The social calendar in Brunswick Forest is packed year-round: wine tastings, trivia nights, community cookouts, holiday celebrations, and special events at Cape Fear National create a strong sense of belonging. Fitness challenges, art classes, and outdoor adventure groups cater to every interest.

Brunswick Forest is served by Brunswick County Schools. Students attend Leland area schools, including Town Creek Elementary, Leland Middle School, and North Brunswick High School. The district has been investing in new facilities and programs as the Leland area continues to grow.

• West Brunswick High School — Niche grade B-minus, 1,512 students with a 17:1 student-teacher ratio
• Brunswick County Early College High School — Niche grade A, a selective option for 365 students seeking accelerated academics

Private school options in the Wilmington area are also accessible, and Brunswick Community College and UNCW provide higher education nearby.

Brunswick Forest sits in Leland, Brunswick County, just minutes from US-17 and I-140. The community is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington via the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and roughly 25 minutes from Wrightsville Beach.

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is about 25 minutes away. Myrtle Beach is approximately 60 miles south via US-17. The community’s central location between Wilmington and the Brunswick County beaches makes it a convenient home base for exploring the entire region.