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Living in Wilmington, North Carolina
Welcome to Wilmington, the “Coast Guard City” in North Carolina. This is a sprawling, colonial city on the banks of the Cape Fear River, just a few miles away from North Carolina’s stunning coastline. Over the past couple of decades Wilmington has seen huge economic growth, and expatriates have come from all over the world to work in the city’s medical research facilities, tourist industry, and at the EUE Screen Gems Studios, the largest domestic television and movie production facility outside of California. As such, Wilmington has been the filming location for films such as “Iron Man 3” and “We’re The Millers” as well as television shows such as “Under the Dome”. It is therefore not uncommon to see a major movie star chowing down on some fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants and bistros. Expats living in Wilmington can expect to spend balmy summers walking along the mile-long riverwalk and mild winters making the most of the city’s famous nightlife – an idyllic fusion of city life and nature.
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Moving to Wilmington
Wilmington sits on the east coast of the state of North Carolina, around 130 miles from the state’s capital Raleigh. Wilmington International Airport is situated just outside the city, and offers – despite its name – mostly domestic connections. Moving to Wilmington is like relocating to any US city: you will need to arrange your accommodation ahead of time, and you will need access to a car if you want to get around. More affluent expatriates in Wilmington may even consider getting a small boat – there are a lot of waterways in and around the city, and many of the larger houses come equipped with their own docks. Join some of the locals for a spot of fishing, or just while away a day exploring the area. Read InterNations' Expat Magazine for stories on adapting to life abroad.
Working in Wilmington
Wilmington was once best known as a naval base, and it is still the home port for the USCGC Diligence and the retired USS North Carolina, which is open for public tours. The port still plays an active role in the Wilmington economy, but in recent years the city has reinvented itself as a popular filming location and a world-class research hub. As a result, expat workers arrive in the city from all over the world while a steady stream of tourists only adds to the city’s diverse population. Expats working in Wilmington will enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding areas, and the favorable year-round climate, as well as the many employment opportunities offered as the city continues to grow. If you have any questions or concerns about living and working in North Carolina, simply sign up on InterNations and speak directly to a seasoned expatriate on the platform.