About Leland
Leland sits just across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington and has become one of the fastest-growing towns in North Carolina. Buyers come for newer homes, Brunswick County's lower property taxes compared with New Hanover, and a commute that can be shorter than driving across Wilmington itself.
Much of the growth is in large master-planned communities such as Brunswick Forest, Compass Pointe and Del Webb at Mallory Creek, with golf, resort-style pools, trails and clubhouses. Shopping and dining along US 17 and Village Road have grown with them, and the Brunswick County beaches are about 30–40 minutes south.
Why People Love Leland
Close to Wilmington
Downtown Wilmington, the Riverwalk and Wilmington International Airport are a short drive across the river.
Master-planned communities
Golf, lazy rivers, fitness centers, trails and lifestyle programming in communities like Brunswick Forest and Compass Pointe.
New construction choice
National and regional builders offer everything from first homes to 55+ active adult living.
Brunswick County taxes
Many buyers find Brunswick County property taxes lower than in New Hanover County.
Homes & Real Estate in Leland
Most Leland buyers are shopping new construction or homes built in the last 20 years. Options run from townhomes and first homes in smaller subdivisions to golf course homes and 55+ communities with full amenity packages.
Older neighborhoods such as Magnolia Greens and Westport offer more established landscaping and often lower prices than brand-new homes.
Golf & New Construction Near Leland
Neighborhoods near Leland worth a look, from golf course communities to new homes from local and national builders.
Golf Course Communities
Brunswick Forest
Builders selling nowRoughly 4,500-acre master-planned community in Leland, about 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington, with multiple builders and neighborhoods still under construction.
Cape Fear National: 18-hole championship course with a ~7,000 sq. ft. clubhouse
Builders: Multiple builders, including Stanley Martin (Trestle Ridge)
- Fitness center
- Indoor & outdoor pools
- 40+ miles of trails
- River Club with kayak access
- Restaurant & community garden
Compass Pointe
Builders selling nowGated, resort-style community in Leland known for its amenity center and lazy river, with a golf course built through the community.
The Pointe: 18-hole course designed by Rick Robbins (separate membership)
- Gated entrance
- Indoor & outdoor pools with lazy river
- Fitness & wellness center
- Tennis & pickleball
- Dog park & events lawn
- Walking & biking trails
Magnolia Greens
Mostly resaleEstablished golf community in Leland close to shopping on US 17, popular with buyers who want golf and value without the newest-construction price tag.
27-hole golf course open to the public
- Golf
- Community pool & clubhouse
- Tennis
- Close to Leland shopping
New Home Communities
Del Webb Wilmington at Mallory Creek
Builders selling now55+ active adult community from Del Webb on about 300 acres near River Road, planned for roughly 760 homes.
Builders: Del Webb
- ~20,000 sq. ft. clubhouse
- Indoor & outdoor pools
- Fitness & yoga
- Pickleball & bocce
- Lifestyle director, clubs & activities
- Trails, dog park & community garden
East Lake
Builders selling nowActive adult new home community in Leland from Ryan Homes.
Builders: Ryan Homes
- Active adult community
- Low-maintenance living
Terrapin
Builders selling nowMaster-planned community in the heart of Leland by Logan Homes, a long-time coastal Carolina builder.
Builders: Logan Homes
- Master-planned community
- Close to Leland shopping & schools
Planned & Recently Approved
Cherry Tree
Planned / approvedAbout 1,000 homes approved by the county in March 2026. Sewer capacity limits in parts of the county may affect when building starts.
- Approved development
Updated October 2026. Builders, phases, amenities and availability change often. Contact us for current pricing and inventory, and bring your own agent to your first builder visit.
Before You Buy in Leland
Bridge traffic
Commutes into Wilmington cross the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge or the I-140 bridge. Rush hour and bridge work can add time.
HOA and amenity fees
Master-planned communities carry HOA dues, and golf or club memberships are often separate. Compare total monthly costs.
Builder contracts
New construction contracts favor the builder. Having your own agent at the first visit helps protect you on price, upgrades and inspections.
Leland: Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Leland from Wilmington?
Downtown Wilmington is about 15 minutes from much of Leland, depending on traffic over the bridges.
What are the main new construction communities in Leland?
Brunswick Forest, Compass Pointe, Del Webb Wilmington at Mallory Creek, Terrapin and East Lake are among the active communities, along with several smaller subdivisions.
Does Leland have golf communities?
Yes. Brunswick Forest (Cape Fear National), Compass Pointe (The Pointe) and Magnolia Greens all have golf courses.