The Secret Is Out: Brunswick County Named America’s Most Desirable Place to Move

Written by 
Chris Creekmore
March 16, 2026
 | 

If you’ve been paying attention to recent relocation trends, you may have seen the news: Brunswick County, North Carolina has been ranked the most desirable place to move to in the United States. For many people, this might feel like a new discovery. But for those of us who live and work here, it’s something we’ve known for a long time.

I’ve had the privilege of helping many people relocate to Brunswick County over the years, and one thing I hear time and again is how quickly visitors fall in love with the area. Many first come here on vacation, experience the coastal lifestyle, and eventually decide they want to make Brunswick County their permanent home.

So what makes Brunswick County so special?

Coastal Living Without the Crowds

One of the biggest draws is our incredible coastal lifestyle. Brunswick County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, including Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach. These coastal communities offer miles of shoreline, breathtaking sunsets, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s hard to find in more crowded beach destinations.

Unlike some larger coastal cities, Brunswick County still maintains a small-town coastal charm where neighbors know each other and life moves at a more comfortable pace.

Close to Everything, Yet Peacefully Removed

Another reason so many people are choosing Brunswick County is its ideal location. Residents enjoy a peaceful coastal setting while still being just minutes from the vibrant city of Wilmington, NC. This means easy access to:

  • Major healthcare systems and hospitals
  • An international airport
  • Shopping, dining, and entertainment
  • Cultural events and historic attractions

It’s the perfect balance of quiet coastal living with big-city convenience nearby.

A Lifestyle People Are Looking For

Over the past several years, there has been a noticeable shift in what people want from where they live. Many buyers relocating to the area are coming from the Northeast, Midwest, and other high-cost regions. They’re often looking for:

  • A warmer climate
  • A slower pace of life
  • Outdoor recreation like boating, golf, fishing, and beach living
  • Communities where they can enjoy retirement or a flexible work lifestyle

Brunswick County checks all of those boxes.

Communities for Every Stage of Life

One of the things that makes Brunswick County so appealing is the variety of communities available. Whether someone is looking for:

  • A waterfront home
  • A golf course community
  • A quiet neighborhood near the beach
  • A retirement-friendly community
  • Or a place to raise a family

There’s truly something here for everyone.

Watching Brunswick County Grow

Over the years, Brunswick County has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. With that growth has come new restaurants, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and community amenities that make living here even more enjoyable.

But despite the growth, the area has managed to maintain the qualities that attracted people here in the first place: friendly communities, beautiful natural surroundings, and a lifestyle centered around enjoying life.

Thinking About Moving to Brunswick County?

If you’re considering relocating to Brunswick County, it helps to work with someone who understands the area and the many communities within it. From beach towns to golf communities and quiet coastal neighborhoods, there are many options to explore depending on the lifestyle you’re looking for.

Whether you’re dreaming of a beach house, a golf course property, or a quiet coastal retreat, Brunswick County continues to offer one of the best lifestyles anywhere in the country.

And now the rest of the nation is starting to notice what locals have known all along.


If you’d like to learn more about living in Brunswick County or are considering making the move, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help people explore what makes this area such a special place to call home.

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Christopher Creekmore
926-a Old Ocean Hwy
Bolivia, NC 28422
910-613-0397