Brunswick Forest

Brunswick Forest: Premier Active Adult Living in Leland, North Carolina

Nestled in the heart of Leland, North Carolina, just across the Cape Fear River from historic Wilmington, Brunswick Forest stands as Coastal North Carolina's premier 55+ active adult community. Spanning an expansive 4,500 acres of lush, wooded landscapes, natural creeks, and serene parks, this award-winning master-planned development offers a resort-like lifestyle tailored for vibrant retirees and empty-nesters. Often hailed as the fastest-growing community in the Coastal South, Brunswick Forest combines the tranquility of nature with sophisticated amenities, diverse housing options, and effortless access to Wilmington's cultural heartbeat and nearby beaches, creating an idyllic haven for those seeking maintenance-free coastal elegance.

A Thriving Oasis of Natural Beauty and Convenience
Brunswick Forest is thoughtfully designed around its stunning natural surroundings, with over 100 miles of interconnected walking, biking, and nature trails weaving through majestic trees, tranquil ponds, and preserved green spaces. The community's non-gated layout fosters a welcoming, open feel while prioritizing privacy through its neighborhood clusters. Parks and recreational areas are strategically placed, ensuring residents are never far from a peaceful escape—whether it's a quiet stroll along Town Creek or a birdwatching session in one of the many wooded enclaves.

At the core of the community lies The Villages at Brunswick Forest, a bustling 160-acre town center that blends everyday convenience with upscale living. This on-site hub features essential retail like a grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop, pet store, vision center, and financial services, alongside dining options and professional offices. It's a self-contained village that eliminates the need for long drives, making daily life seamless and enjoyable.

World-Class Amenities for an Active Lifestyle
Brunswick Forest is renowned for its unparalleled array of resort-style amenities, all accessible to residents without mandatory membership fees—a rarity among luxury coastal communities. The crown jewel is Cape Fear National, an 18-hole championship golf course offering stunning fairways amid rolling terrain and marsh views, perfect for avid golfers or casual players alike. The grand Clubhouse serves as a social epicenter, boasting indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center with group classes, and an indoor multi-purpose facility for events and gatherings.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the tennis and pickleball courts, community gardens for fresh produce, and a small boat launch on Town Creek for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. Additional highlights include the Reflections neighborhood's dedicated pool and fitness center, ample green spaces for yard games, and partnerships with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) for educational lectures, social events, and lifelong learning opportunities. These facilities support a dynamic, health-focused lifestyle, with clubs and activities ranging from arts and crafts to hiking groups, ensuring there's something for every interest.

Diverse and Luxurious Housing Options
Brunswick Forest features 14 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own architectural flair, from charming bungalows and single-level villas to spacious single-family homes and elegant townhomes. Options cater to varying preferences: the signature Cape Fear National neighborhood specializes in luxury estate-style custom homes built by top local builders, many with golf course vistas. More affordable entry points include duets and duplexes in areas like the newly approved Ascend phase, while Collingwood offers modern townhomes with screened porches and open floor plans.

Home sizes range from 1,400 to over 4,000 square feet, with prices starting in the upper $300,000s and reaching $1 million or more for premium properties. Recent additions like Inspire Brunswick Forest introduce upscale 55+ apartments with 1- and 2-bedroom layouts, granite countertops, resort-style pools, and exclusive athletic clubs, broadening appeal for those preferring rental living. With over 3,000 homes already welcoming families since 2007, the community continues to expand thoughtfully, prioritizing sustainability and resident feedback.

Recent Developments and Seamless Connectivity
Brunswick Forest is evolving rapidly to meet growing demand, with exciting expansions enhancing its allure. In early 2025, the Ascend neighborhood broke ground on dozens of duplexes, 270 apartment units, and mixed-use commercial spaces, including a pool, clubhouse, electric vehicle charging station, car wash, and 1.5 acres of retail—clustering residential and business nodes to attract even more amenities. Two additional phases are planned, adding over 1,100 units across 418 acres, ensuring the community remains a leader in sustainable growth amid Leland's population boom to over 34,000 residents.

Connectivity is a hallmark, with Brunswick Forest just 10 minutes from Wilmington's Riverwalk, Thalian Hall theater, and eclectic dining scene, and a quick 30-minute drive to pristine beaches like Wrightsville or Carolina Beach. Major highways link to Wilmington International Airport, top-rated schools (including Town Creek Elementary and North Brunswick High), and medical centers like New Hanover Regional, blending rural serenity with urban accessibility. As Leland pivots toward more affordable housing options, Brunswick Forest balances rising home values with inclusive developments, making it a smart investment in Coastal North Carolina's thriving market.

Why Brunswick Forest?
Brunswick Forest isn't just a community—it's a lifestyle of endless possibilities, where mild year-round weather, coastal proximity, and first-class amenities create the perfect backdrop for an enriching retirement. From golf mornings to trail evenings, residents enjoy a vibrant, supportive environment that feels both luxurious and approachable. As one of the top places to live in North Carolina, it offers unmatched value for active adults ready to embrace coastal living at its finest.

Ready to discover your new home in Brunswick Forest? Contact us today to explore available properties, schedule a tour, and experience why this master-planned gem is the ultimate retreat for sophisticated coastal living.