Monday, August 24, 2009

The Community of Sunset Park

The Community of Sunset Park

Sunset Park, located in Wilmington, NC off Carolina Beach Road has origins going back almost 100 years. In 1912 the Fidelity Investment and Development Company bought a tract of land outside the Wilmington city limits just south of Greenfield Lake.

A contest was held by the investors for a community name and the winning name was “Sunset Park”. The investors promoted the modern “permanent improvements” which the community would include. Archived newspaper clippings show advertisements of “Parkways, Boulevards, Streets, Sewage, Artesian Water System, Sidewalks, Decorative Entryways, and Grading of Lots.” One of the taglines for the development was “Everybody’s Going South.”

Sunset Park begins west of Carolina Beach Road and parallel streets to that road were named after presidents beginning with Washington Street and proceeding on order to Taylor Street just before Riverside Drive at the bank of the Cape Fear River. At some point before World War II, the streets of Polk, Taylor and Riverside Drive were taken for use by shipbuilding companies. The North Caroline State Port Authority is situated on this property today.

Crossing these presidential streets in Sunset Park’s original layout are Northern, Central and Southern Boulevards which boasts wide medians. A streetcar track from town once ran down Adams Street to Southern Boulevard.

Sunset Park consists of 800+ homes and is accessible from Carolina Beach Road or Burnett Boulevard (once called Tyler Street) and the cross streets of Shipyard Boulevard, Northern, Central and Southern Boulevards.

Sunset Park boasts a variety of architectural styles including craftsman style, bungalows, cottages and traditional for their time. Some existing homes were Sears Catalog Homes delivered as kits and assembled on site.

Come and see the quaint cottages and charming streets in a community full of history on the Southside of Wilmington. For further information on Sunset Park’s history, go to http://www.sunsetparknc.org .

Sunset Park home for sale; http://www.intracoastalrealty.com/idx/search/details.aspx?key=2679e907-80c1-4b29-a1ad-a7051e088f34&method=standard&type=107080&accountid=47e0b7e2-d4f2-4c5d-a066-77847603efb2&currentpage=1&sort=price;desc&showimages=True&numperpage=25&mapzoom=10&mapmax_num_points=200&returnbannerinfo=False&pricechangeddays=30&resultsdisplaytype=50&detailsdisplaytype=50

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

River Oaks Community, Wilmington, NC 28412

The River Oaks Community

River Oaks, located just south of Wilmington, NC off River Road on the east side of the mighty Cape Fear River, consists of 142+ homes and lots on 14 streets. River Road is accessible from Independence Boulevard, Sanders Road or Carolina Beach Road just north of the Snow’s Cut Bridge. The drive down River Road is scenic with views of marshes, the river and plenty of wildlife. Cargo ship and pleasure craft traffic on the river give a frequent reminder that you live by a major waterway. River Road also has a bike path.

Construction in River Oaks began in the 1970s but most of the development has occurred since 2000. Newer homes boast larger square footage and modern open floor plans. Most lots range in size around ½ acre or more and up to 2 acres.

Both River Road Park (which has kayak/small boat access) and Snow's Cut Park are a quick drive (or bike ride) away. Carolina Beach State Park (with very nice public boat ramps) is only about a 5 minute drive.

Not only is River Road a nice drive, it is extremely convenient for accessing northern Wilmington and downtown. When looking at a map, you might think that River Road is like going around your elbow to get to your thumb, when in reality it is much quicker and easier to drive due to no stop signs, no traffic lights, and mostly a 55 mph speed limit.

With the expansion of Monkey Junction and new retail areas on Carolina Beach Road, River Oaks is only a few minutes away from easy access to restaurants and shopping.

Come and see the quiet solitude of easy living in a community of beautiful homes just south of Wilmington. You’ll be glad you did!