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RiverLights Real Estate & Homes

RiverLights is one of Wilmington’s most popular master-planned communities, set along the Cape Fear River just minutes from downtown. Designed for walkability and an active coastal lifestyle, the neighborhood features miles of trails, a vibrant lake and riverfront area, community parks, and a growing village center with shops and dining. Homes range from modern townhomes and low-maintenance cottages to stylish single-family and custom builds, giving buyers a wide variety of options. If you want newer construction, lifestyle amenities, and a true community feel close to Wilmington’s best attractions, RiverLights is an ideal choice.

Jump to RiverLights Home Listings

Local 2026 Realtor insights on key features of RiverLights
  • Master-planned community along the Cape Fear River with a strong focus on walkability and lifestyle amenities.
  • Residents enjoy miles of trails, riverfront paths, parks, a large lake, and a growing village center with restaurants and shops.
  • Home options range from modern cottages and townhomes to single-family and custom builds, many with newer construction finishes.
  • Popular sections near the lake, Marina Village, and riverfront tend to see higher demand and quicker resale.
  • Easy 10–12 minute drive to downtown Wilmington, ILM Airport, and major shopping corridors along College Road.
  • Community events, food trucks, sunset gatherings, and live music create a highly social, active neighborhood culture.
  • HOA fees vary by home type and section; some areas offer low-maintenance living with included landscaping.

**Always verify HOA inclusions and new-build incentives with an agent during due diligence.**

Market stats in RiverLights
  • Closed sales: 117
  • Price per square foot: approximately $186 to $417 (across all property types).
  • Median price/sf (single-family, non–Del Webb): approximately $275–$290/sf.
  • Single-family size range (non–Del Webb): 1,240 sqft to 3,447 sqft.
  • Single-family HOA range $1620 to $2820 per year
  • Median price/sf (townhomes in RiverLights): approximately $210–$220/sf.
  • Townhome size range: 1,240 sqft to 2,118 sqft.
  • Townhome HOA range $5300 to 7200 per year
  • Median Days on Market (overall RiverLights): typically around 20–35 days.
  • Home age ranges (overall): roughly 2003 to 2024 construction.
Market stats in Del Webb at RiverLights
  • Closed sales: 43
  • Price per square foot: approximately $186 to $310.
  • Median price/sf: approximately $245–$260/sf.
  • Home size range: 1,416 sqft to 3,791 sqft.
  • Del Webb HOA $4400 per year
  • Median Days on Market: typically around 30–36 days.
  • Home age ranges: roughly 2003 to 2021 construction.
Selling your home in RiverLights

When it’s time to sell in RiverLights, you want more than just a sign in the yard—you want a team that understands how buyers shop this kind of lifestyle community. Coastline has helped many owners sell in master-planned neighborhoods across the Wilmington area, and we know what stands out in RiverLights: walkability, amenities, and newer construction. We combine that local expertise with professional photography, drone aerials, and targeted online marketing to showcase your home at its best and attract the right buyers quickly.

Want a quick estimate of what your home is worth? Enter your address using our home value tool.

You can also see what the neighbors sold their home for using our seller sold data for RiverLights.

Click here to view the most current RiverLights Market Report

FAQs about RiverLights
  • Where is RiverLights located?
    RiverLights sits along the Cape Fear River in southern Wilmington, about 10–12 minutes from downtown and within easy reach of area beaches.
  • What types of homes are available?
    The community offers cottages, townhomes, single-family homes, and custom riverfront properties, many built within the last few years.
  • What amenities does RiverLights offer?
    Miles of walking and biking trails, riverfront boardwalk, community parks, fitness amenities, swimming pool, lake activities, and a vibrant commercial village with dining and shops.
  • Is RiverLights a golf community?
    No, RiverLights is not golf-focused. Its lifestyle centers around outdoor recreation, social events, and its riverfront/lake amenities.
  • Are there age-restricted sections?
    RiverLights includes Del Webb, a 55+ active-adult neighborhood with its own exclusive amenities. The rest of RiverLights is open to all ages.
  • What are the HOA fees?
    HOA fees vary by section and home type. Some neighborhoods include landscaping or low-maintenance features. Always verify during due diligence.
  • What is the community lifestyle like?
    Highly active and social — residents enjoy community events, food trucks, live music, outdoor fitness, and frequent gatherings around the lake and riverfront.

Watch a short video on RiverLights

“Video recorded by Brian Schrader, Coastline NC Real Estate. We’ve helped buyers purchase homes in RiverLights since 2015.”

Full video transcript on the RiverLights Community Overview video

hey everybody welcome back to another Spotlight Community today we're going to talk about River lights River lights is located in the Wilmington NC area so River lights is a is a master playing Community it's got a lot of different amenities it's located close to downtown close to Airy beaches like Wrightsville Beach and Carolina beach it is nestled along the Cape Fear River as you can see here in this photo here the homes are well appointed they have a vast majority of different styles and architectures throughout here's a shot of some of the homes here in the video clip they also have walking trails here's a site map of their whole entire master plan community so it's it's quite large it has a lot to offer um as you can see here being close to the Cape Fear River some of the areas that you see here in the light brown are located in a flood zone that's called AE there's a few pockets of that within Rivers River lights but the majority of the homes are going to be built in zone X which does not require flood insurance on the property if you carry a mortgage which is nice the HOAs in this neighborhood um cover a lot of different amenities the taxes are based on assessed value so if your home is assessed at 500 000 you're roughly pay around 42.70 per year in real estate taxes the HOA on the single-family home area in in the river lights neighborhood is going to be around fifteen hundred dollars per year that covers the amenities uh throughout there are some townhouses in in condos within River lights which that HOA is slightly different because it covers insurance and wind Hill insurance and usually exterior maintenance but the HOA is here for fifteen hundred dollars covers the boat dock the clubhouse the community pool the fitness area and the walking trails the sidewalks and the maintenance throughout the whole entire development as you can see here are river lights that's got quaint little sidewalks and and trails they do have a shot of the community pool it's got a fire pit fitness center in there it's got lap Lanes it's got a community pool slide for kids so it also has a canoe and kayak launch Center you can paddle board you canoe and kayak in this area they also have a dock house which is in the commercial Village Center of um of river lights which is nice you can pull up by boat there's a restaurant down here uh called Smoke on the Water and there's also a bunch of different shops and this is a shot of the commercial area and also they have condos above that but pizza shops coffee shops and boutique shops all are found in this area of river lights which is nice so you can jump on a path wherever you live in the neighborhood and you can get to these amenities there's also a nice Boardwalk that kind of runs along the river here so the community has a lot of different options a lot of different style homes throughout and a ton of different amenities so if you like to be in a community where you can walk everywhere you got sidewalks you've got running trails you got pools you got fitness center you might want to check out River lights it's um located you know 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington about 20 minutes to Wrightsville Beach about 20 minutes to Carolina beach so it's a really good fit for a lot of folks so if you have any questions about this community or any other community feel free to give us a call this is Brian Schrader with the coastline real estate team at Blue Coast Realty Corporation I'm also going to post a link in the comment section here so if you want to get to prices and and what homes are for sale I'll post a link so you can click on that because the market changes drastically in our in our in our Marketplace so if you want to find out about homes for sale you can click the link it'll go to another website that you can research the area in different neighborhoods or if you have any questions feel free to call me the number here and we hope to see you on the next update.

Browse All Riverlights Properties for Sale

$635,000
5 Beds 4 Baths 100482527 MLS
Welcome to the Continental! This home features 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms at 2.919 sq ft. Owner suite and bedrooms 2-4 are all located on the 2nd floor; however, this home had the downstairs flex room converted into a guest suite, thus gaining a 5th bedroom and a 4th full bath! Downstairs, the main area of the home encompasses the living room, kitchen, and café. The kitchen has been upgraded to a gourmet kitchen which boasts lovely quartz countertops, tile backsplash, built-in gas appliances, and an island perfect for meal prep or gathering. In addition to the café, there is a designated dining room that connects to the kitchen via a butler's pantry—perfect for hosting formal dinners! Don't forget all the extra space that has been added off the cafe... your screened in lanai! When you enter the home from the garage, you will see a planning center that is a separate nook with a generous size, built-in desk. This is a great place to focus on some busy-work or have children work on homework while you're busy right there in the kitchen. Upstairs, you will be greeted by a large loft that can function muti-purposefully, with three bedrooms branching from it, one being an en-suite as it hosts its own, full bathroom. Travel down the hall to the magnificent owners' suite. In your private bathroom, you will enjoy a peaceful soaking tub, double vanity with granite countertop, and two walk-in closets! Walk in attic space with lots of storage space. This stunning home has just what your family needs—come see it today!

347 Longhill Dr Unit 1094, Wilmington

$535,000
3 Beds 2 Baths 100517649 MLS
Welcome to this picture-perfect cottage-style home, ideally nestled in the heart of the vibrant and highly sought-after Riverlights community along the scenic Cape Fear River! Fall in love the moment you arrive at this charming one-story retreat, where comfort, style, and effortless coastal living come together in perfect harmony. From the inviting rocking-chair front porch to the bright and airy open-concept interior, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted for easy living and elegant entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is sure to impress—featuring quartz countertops, designer tile backsplash, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, gorgeous cabinetry, an expansive breakfast bar, and rich hardwood floors. The private primary suite offers a peaceful escape, while two additional spacious bedrooms provide flexible options for guests, a home office, or hobbies—one even includes a custom Murphy bed and access to the adjoining full bath. Step outside to enjoy your own slice of serenity on the screened-in back porch, or sip your morning coffee from the classic front porch as you greet neighbors passing by. The oversized two-car rear-entry garage includes generous storage, a garage system, and even a TV—perfect for weekend projects or catching the game. Just a short stroll from your front door, you'll find Riverlights' award-winning resort-style amenities and the lively Marina Village—home to dining, shopping, a scenic boardwalk, and breathtaking river sunsets. Sidewalk-lined, golf cart-friendly streets, a soon-to-be-completed neighborhood fire station, and a full calendar of community events all contribute to the unbeatable lifestyle. All of this, just minutes from Carolina and Wrightsville Beaches, historic Downtown Wilmington, top-rated medical facilities, and the largest Harris Teeter in the Southeast! Riverlights isn't just a neighborhood—it's a lifestyle. Don't miss your chance to live your coastal dream. Schedule your private tour today!

812 Wharton Ave, Wilmington

$580,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 100522419 MLS
This is it! Different from other lots in the area. What a difference a large lot brings with fenced side yard and the last home on alley with rear privacy! . Welcome to 729 Wharton Avenue, a distinguished property located in the vibrant community of River Lights. This exceptional home offers a harmonious blend of modern design and timeless elegance, boasting 2,104 square feet of meticulously crafted living space predominately on one floor. With four spacious bedrooms (or a Bonus Room) and three well-appointed bathrooms, this residence is ideal for those seeking comfort and functionality. Upon entering, you are greeted by an open floorplan that seamlessly integrates the main living areas, all situated on one convenient level. The marble kitchen, featuring a center island, serves as the heart of the home, perfect for culinary enthusiasts and gatherings alike. Custom wood trim ceilings and hardwood floors throughout add a touch of sophistication and warmth to the interior. The property is set on a large, deep lot, providing ample space for outdoor activities and relaxation. The fenced yard ensures privacy and security, while alley access enhances convenience. Residents will appreciate the comprehensive community lifestyle that surrounds this home, offering a sense of belonging and engagement. Located in a sought-after area, the community combines the tranquility of suburban living with easy access to urban amenities. This property is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Wilmington's charm, designed to cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences.

729 Wharton Ave, Wilmington

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