Wilmington's continued popularity and recent growth has sparked the development of top-rated schools and medical centers to rival those of larger cities.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington has been ranked one of the 10 best regional public universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report for the past eight years. The 661-acre campus is among the fastest-growing universities in the 16-campus UNC system, offering 71 undergraduate and 24 graduate programs and a marine sciences program ranked fifth best in the world. Also within the city are Cape Fear Community College, Miller-Motte Business College and Mount Olive College.

The selection of pre-school, middle and high schools is just as impressive. Brunswick Public Schools includes nine elementary, three middle and three high schools, as well as an alternative learning center. In addition, there are five private schools serving the area with programs that offer a variety of learning environments.

For general medical services and emergency treatment, residents need venture no farther than the 40,000 square foot New Hanover Regional Medical Center building in The Villages at the entrance to Brunswick Forest. More advanced care is referred to Wilmington's three larger hospitals-New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Cape Fear Hospital and Pender Memorial Hospital. The New Hanover Health Network includes 450 practicing physicians and some of the most technologically progressive facilities and equipment in the state. Brunswick County also has two hospitals-Brunswick Community Hospital and Dosher Memorial Hospital.