It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Wilmington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care has been such a relief for our family. They were there when”
“I receive in home care with Sabrina & Erin at Always Best Care in Leland”
“I’ve trusted Always Best Care with almost daily care for my mom, for over a”
“Kathryn Q. was invaluable in guiding us through the process of exploring senior living options”
“ABC has been such a reliable, compassionate and helpful company!! Could not talk more highly”
“I have been searching for a care company for my Mother, upon speaking with Sabrina”
“I have been pleased with the level of consistent care provided. Sabrina is wonderful and”
“Excellent care. Sabrina is a wonderful caregiver and runs things very well.”
“Always Best Care has been such a great experience. I recently started in August,”
“I have used Always Best Care several times when I was away and my mother”
“Courtney is very professional and compassionate caregiver.”
“They have provided great service to my wife. They have helped her with several household”
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care has been such a relief for our family. They were there when my mother-in-law came home from the hospital and have been incredibly flexible as her needs have changed. Brandi and Sabrina truly listen and care about finding what works best for Mom—and for us. They’ve worked hard to find the right caregiver who can keep her safe, help her maintain her independence, and take some of the stress of managing her care off our shoulders (even when Mom isn’t always the easiest customer!). I also love that they can help us navigate what comes next, from caregiving now to eventually finding the right placement when she needs a higher level of care. This stage of life is not easy, and having people you trust to help navigate it makes such a difference. We’re so grateful to have them in our corner.”
“I receive in home care with Sabrina & Erin at Always Best Care in Leland NC. Without their caregivers to assist me in my daily activities I would be lost! He fact that Hannah and Brittany are so supportive is a bonus, I adore them both for different reasons. Thank you to Always Best Care for making my time here at home so easy, and memorable!”
“I’ve trusted Always Best Care with almost daily care for my mom, for over a year. They are very professional and my mom developed a close relationship with (Super-Special) Brittany. Thank you ABC!”
“Kathryn Q. was invaluable in guiding us through the process of exploring senior living options for my sister. She thoughtfully recommended communities that aligned with her needs, coordinated all the appointments, and personally drove us to each visit. Whenever questions arose, she promptly followed up with staff and ensured we had the information needed to make informed decisions. Her patience, attentiveness, and genuine care made what could have been an overwhelming process feel smooth and manageable. Thanks to Kathryn, we were able to move forward with confidence in this important next stage of life.”
“ABC has been such a reliable, compassionate and helpful company!! Could not talk more highly of the team & environment cultivated :)”
“I have been searching for a care company for my Mother, upon speaking with Sabrina I felt like I was talking to someone who had the best interest for mom’s wellbeing and safety. She educated me on all the amazing service Always best care provides and her compassion truly made me feel like I was talking with a friend . We have been using this amazing company which now has elevated my stress as the son in another state. The care team even calls her mom!!! She looks forward to seeing them everyday. Thank you Sabrina and Shawn for putting my mind at ease. Highly recommend Always best care for anyone searching for the. Best care for their loved ones.”
“I have been pleased with the level of consistent care provided. Sabrina is wonderful and is very attentive, responsive and great at communicating. Always Best Care provides excellent service and does so with care and compassion.”
“Excellent care. Sabrina is a wonderful caregiver and runs things very well.”
“Always Best Care has been such a great experience. I recently started in August, and from the very beginning, Sabrina and Shawn have been incredibly supportive, welcoming, and helpful. They’ve taken the time to make sure I feel comfortable in my role, answer any questions I have, and provide guidance whenever needed. It’s clear they truly care not only about their clients, but also about their staff. The positive environment and strong communication have made a big difference, and I already feel like part of a team that values compassion and professionalism. I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow here and being part of such a dedicated organization.”
“I have used Always Best Care several times when I was away and my mother needed care. They were very responsive in the initial setup and visit. Sabrina is outstanding. She is patient and caring with my mother, who has dementia. Mother doesn't do well with strangers but was comfortable with Sabrina and her backup. They assisted with catheter care, dressing and meals. I have no reservations recommending ABC to a family needing help with a loved one.”
“Courtney is very professional and compassionate caregiver.”
“They have provided great service to my wife. They have helped her with several household and personal care duties.”
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible! As an Employee they are also Awesome accommodating the girls working with your schedule. It’s Great working hand in hand with people that care!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very good to me”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and downs, ABC has come thru for me and my family in ways I could never put a price on. Their compassion and understanding made my Mom feel safe and secure, even during difficult times. For that, they have earned a client for life. The way they have loved on her since leaving the hospital make me smile.”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you are looking for a company you can trust your loved one with, then I would definitely recommend this company!!!”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life saver for me and my family. The staff they have is always so warm & inviting they always make my grandpa feel so comfortable. What makes ABC different is that they really care about their customers, and you can truly feel that when you’re dealing with their caregivers. I feel so much better knowing that my grandfather is in the hands of people who truly care about his wellbeing. When times got really hard for my family ABC stepped in and provided assistance & reassurance to us. If you’re looking for a company who will treat your loved one as their own I 100% recommend Always Best Care.”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have never felt at home in a workplace and actually comfortable with communication. So far working here has been amazing.”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Greenfield Park in Wilmington, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wilmington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The 2026 general election is coming up. Thursday, Oct. 15 marks the first day of early voting, which runs until the end of the month. That's a roughly two-week window for residents to get their votes in early and avoid the Election Day crowds on Nov. 3.This year, Wilmington-area residents will have the opportunity to vote on a number of local and statewide races, as well as a few proposed amendments to the state constitution. You can visit www.StarNewsOnline.com to learn more about candidates running for local offices....
The 2026 general election is coming up. Thursday, Oct. 15 marks the first day of early voting, which runs until the end of the month. That's a roughly two-week window for residents to get their votes in early and avoid the Election Day crowds on Nov. 3.
This year, Wilmington-area residents will have the opportunity to vote on a number of local and statewide races, as well as a few proposed amendments to the state constitution. You can visit www.StarNewsOnline.com to learn more about candidates running for local offices.
If you're planning to cast your ballot early this year, here's what you need to know and prepare, including voting locations and requirements.
Early voting begins on Thursday, Oct. 15 and runs through Saturday. Oct. 31. Polls close on the final day at 3 p.m., and the next opportunity to vote isn't until Election Day on Nov. 3.
The voter registration deadline passed for the 2026 general election on Oct. 9.
However, if you missed the deadline, you can still register when you go to cast your ballot. To do so, you must provide acceptable proof of residence. Same-day registration is only available during early voting and will not be available on Election Day.
Local residents will be asked to show photo ID when voting. However, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections, voters who do not present an acceptable photo ID can still vote by completing an ID Exception Form explaining why they could not provide one.
Additionally, all county boards of elections can issue free voter photo IDs to registered voters in their county. To get a free voter photo ID card, the voter must provide their name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number and have their photo taken.
Charlie Kingree is the Pender County and trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].
A Southport pilot took the lead for the Battleship North Carolina's final destination to Wilmington in 1961. Twenty years after the monumental task, he was ready to clear the air about some misunderstandings.According to a story in the Oct. 11, 1981, Sunday StarNews, Capt. Bertram Murphy Burriss wanted to set the record straight for the first time about the Battleship's collision with the Fergus Ark, a floating restaurant across from where the ship would sit along the Cape Fear River.Burriss, an accomplished sea ...
A Southport pilot took the lead for the Battleship North Carolina's final destination to Wilmington in 1961. Twenty years after the monumental task, he was ready to clear the air about some misunderstandings.
According to a story in the Oct. 11, 1981, Sunday StarNews, Capt. Bertram Murphy Burriss wanted to set the record straight for the first time about the Battleship's collision with the Fergus Ark, a floating restaurant across from where the ship would sit along the Cape Fear River.
Burriss, an accomplished sea pilot in World War II of several battleships larger than the North Carolina, said he examined the area and told the Battleship Commission there wouldn't be enough room to swing the ship into her berth unless the Ark was moved. He said he was told on three occasions the owner promised to cooperate.
But when he led the Battleship's move past the State Port, the Ark had not moved. With now inches to spare, Burriss ordered his bow tug to the stern and ground it in the berthing area to keep the ship from drifting, which was the other "infamous incident" on top of the Battleship's hit into the Ark.
"All these years people have called that a collision, which is a very serious thing in the nautical world, and they have called the grounding a mistake," Burriss said. "It was planned. It wasn't negligence and it wasn't faulty seamanship; it was doing the best I could with what I had to work with under the circumstances.
"It was a calculated risk, not a true collision."
Owen Hassell is the local news editor for the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].
It gained 200 jobs in August 2026. Those figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ state and local employment report, which tracks monthly job changes. Job numbers can swing month to month as local economies expand or contract, but over the past five years the Wilmington, NC Metro Area has averaged about 497 new jobs per month. These figures are often revised in later months as more complete data rolls in.+200month to month change in number of jobs (August 2026)Source: Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe W...
It gained 200 jobs in August 2026. Those figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ state and local employment report, which tracks monthly job changes. Job numbers can swing month to month as local economies expand or contract, but over the past five years the Wilmington, NC Metro Area has averaged about 497 new jobs per month. These figures are often revised in later months as more complete data rolls in.
+200
month to month change in number of jobs (August 2026)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Wilmington, NC area job growth of 200 in August 2026 was smaller than the 700 jobs gained in July 2026.
During the latest five-year period (September 2021 to August 2026), the Wilmington, NC area gained jobs in 51 out of 60 months. August 2026 had the 14th-lowest job growth during this period. The highest gains during this period occurred in February 2022 (+1,900) while job growth was weakest in January 2024 (-500).
Monthly change in nonfarm employment in the Wilmington, NC area
| MY | Jobs gained | Jobs lost |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-08 | 400.0 | |
| 2021-09 | 700.0 | |
| 2021-10 | 1000.0 | |
| 2021-11 | 900.0 | |
| 2021-12 | 1000.0 | |
| 2022-01 | -300.0 | |
| 2022-02 | 1900.0 | |
| 2022-03 | 400.0 | |
| 2022-04 | 1500.0 | |
| 2022-05 | 100.0 | |
| 2022-06 | 1000.0 | |
| 2022-07 | 900.0 | |
| 2022-08 | 500.0 | |
| 2022-09 | 1000.0 | |
| 2022-10 | ||
| 2022-11 | 800.0 | |
| 2022-12 | 300.0 | |
| 2023-01 | 1300.0 | |
| 2023-02 | 500.0 | |
| 2023-03 | 500.0 | |
| 2023-04 | ||
| 2023-05 | 500.0 | |
| 2023-06 | 600.0 | |
| 2023-07 | -400.0 | |
| 2023-08 | 1400.0 | |
| 2023-09 | 400.0 | |
| 2023-10 | 700.0 | |
| 2023-11 | 300.0 | |
| 2023-12 | 500.0 | |
| 2024-01 | -500.0 | |
| 2024-02 | 800.0 | |
| 2024-03 | 700.0 | |
| 2024-04 | 400.0 | |
| 2024-05 | 500.0 | |
| 2024-06 | 400.0 | |
| 2024-07 | -400.0 | |
| 2024-08 | 500.0 | |
| 2024-09 | 500.0 | |
| 2024-10 | 200.0 | |
| 2024-11 | 400.0 | |
| 2024-12 | 300.0 | |
| 2025-01 | 300.0 | |
| 2025-02 | ||
| 2025-03 | 800.0 | |
| 2025-04 | 400.0 | |
| 2025-05 | 700.0 | |
| 2025-06 | 300.0 | |
| 2025-07 | 1000.0 | |
| 2025-08 | 300.0 | |
| 2025-09 | 300.0 | |
| 2025-10 | ||
| 2025-11 | -100.0 | |
| 2025-12 | 300.0 | |
| 2026-01 | 200.0 | |
| 2026-02 | 100.0 | |
| 2026-03 | 400.0 | |
| 2026-04 | 1900.0 | |
| 2026-05 | 100.0 | |
| 2026-06 | 100.0 | |
| 2026-07 | 700.0 | |
| 2026-08 | 200.0 |
In 2025, the Wilmington, NC area has gained an average of 358 jobs every month. That's higher than the 2024 average monthly increase of 317, and the highest since 2023. The 2025 average ranks as sixth-highest in job growth since 2007.
When excluding the two pandemic-affected years of 2020 and 2021, job growth ranged from a loss of 642 every month in 2009 to a gain of 675 every month in 2022.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Wilmington has long drawn people in with its beaches, its history and its coastal pace of life. Now a national study is adding context behind what many have already been sensing.RentCafe's 2026 Best Cities for Renters report, which analyzed 150 U.S. cities across 20 metrics, ranks Wilmington fourth in the nation and the best city for renters in North Carolina. Raleigh came in seventh, making North Carolina home to two of the top 10 rental markets in the country.The report scored cities across three cate...
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Wilmington has long drawn people in with its beaches, its history and its coastal pace of life. Now a national study is adding context behind what many have already been sensing.
RentCafe's 2026 Best Cities for Renters report, which analyzed 150 U.S. cities across 20 metrics, ranks Wilmington fourth in the nation and the best city for renters in North Carolina. Raleigh came in seventh, making North Carolina home to two of the top 10 rental markets in the country.
The report scored cities across three categories: cost of living and housing, local economy and quality of life.
Wilmington's strongest showing came in the local economy category, where it ranked fifth nationally and first for job growth. Renter household incomes have also surged, growing nearly 50% over the past five years, one of the highest rates of any city in the study.
On housing and cost of living, the city ranked 11th nationally. The cost of living sits slightly below the national average, and renters have given local properties some of the highest ratings in the country.
The city's housing stock itself reflects the pace of growth. More than a quarter of Wilmington's apartments are brand new, a sign of how much residential development has reshaped the city's footprint in recent years.
That transformation is visible on nearly every block of downtown Wilmington, where more than 1,400 apartments have been added in the past decade alone with more developments still in the pipeline.
Christina Haley, president and CEO of Wilmington Downtown iNC, says the growth reflects a long-held vision for what downtown could become.
"We have always wished that this community would become this livable, walkable community," Haley said. "Even when we started in 1977, there were little if no residents in downtown Wilmington."
Haley says she sees the demand coming from a wide range of people.
"I see everything from the young professionals who are starting their career and wanting to live in a walkable community all the way to retirees who are wanting to reduce their size of living," she said.
However, the growth has not come without consequence. According to Apartment List, median rent in Wilmington grew around 3% in the past year, compared with a 1.5% drop across North Carolina as a whole during the same period.
For Cheryl Hartsoe, property manager at The Cotton Exchange, a downtown institution that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026, the pace of change has been something to witness.
"People that have been away for a few years and have come back are astounded at the cultural and economic growth and the hub that we are not only for the county, but for this area, the state," she said.
Hartsoe says one of the most noticeable shifts has been in the rhythm of business downtown. The seasonal lulls that once defined the slow months have largely disappeared.
"There'd be a dearth of the slowdown period in the first of the year," she said. "And now we're seeing more steady, dependable economic trends year round."
For Hartsoe, who has spent her entire life in Wilmington, the city's appeal is straightforward.
"We have a lot to offer for young people and retirees to come and establish a life here," she said.
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80+ have completed company's newest apprenticeship programWILMINGTON, N.C. – August 25, 2026 – GE Aerospace celebrated the first year of its newest apprenticeship program in Wilmington, N.C., where more than 80 apprentices have graduated since it launched in August 2025.Over about eight weeks, apprentices prepare for careers as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists. Training begins at GE Aerospace’s Wilmington site, continues with five intense weeks at Cape Fear Community Colleg...
80+ have completed company's newest apprenticeship program
WILMINGTON, N.C. – August 25, 2026 – GE Aerospace celebrated the first year of its newest apprenticeship program in Wilmington, N.C., where more than 80 apprentices have graduated since it launched in August 2025.
Over about eight weeks, apprentices prepare for careers as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists. Training begins at GE Aerospace’s Wilmington site, continues with five intense weeks at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), and concludes with several weeks of on-the-job training with mentors back at GE Aerospace. For those with previous machining experience, their training is full-time at the Wilmington site.
Apprentices are paid as full-time GE Aerospace employees throughout the program, and the cost of instruction is covered by North Carolina’s NCEdge program. CNC machinists set up and operate large equipment that creates precise parts that are critical to jet engines.
Recent graduate Joseph Knox said, “I joined the apprenticeship program to pursue a new career path and create a better future for myself and my family. It’s a great way to step into this field where you can thrive and make a career out of it.”
“This apprenticeship opens the door to a career at GE Aerospace for people from many backgrounds, including those new to the industry,” said Mark Moon, the site leader for GE Aerospace in Wilmington. “It helps us grow the skilled workforce we need in Wilmington to deliver the critical engine parts our customers depend on.”
As part of its partnership, GE Aerospace purchased new CNC machines for CFCC’s shop for hands-on instruction.
“Our partnership with GE Aerospace demonstrates the vital role community colleges play in developing the skilled workforce that drives economic growth,” said Jim Morton, President of CFCC. “As GE Aerospace continues to expand its operations and invest in the Wilmington region, CFCC is proud to provide the training and talent pipeline needed to support that growth. Through this customized machining training program, we are helping individuals launch rewarding careers while ensuring one of our region’s leading employers has access to a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing.”
The apprenticeship program builds on GE Aerospace’s broader workforce efforts in North Carolina. Last year, the GE Aerospace Foundation donated $500,000 to the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative to help former service members earn their FAA mechanic license near Fort Bragg. In 2024, the Foundation also awarded Cape Fear Community College a $100,000 grant to support scholarships and machining bootcamps that strengthen the local manufacturing industry talent pipeline.
Earlier this year, GE Aerospace announced plans to invest $60 million in its Wilmington site as part of more than $160 million investment across North Carolina and $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing during 2026.
The Wilmington facility supports GE Aerospace’s commercial and military engine programs. The site manufactures precision parts used in the core of jet engines — including blisks, spools, and high-pressure turbine disks — components designed to operate under extreme conditions and pressure.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 57,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.
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