This port city, which traces its roots to the early 1700s and played an historic part in the Civil War, sits on a peninsula carved out by the Cape Fear River to the west and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway directly to the east. The result is a charming, picturesque city, home to slightly more than 112,000. Modern Wilmington is a dream tourist destination for thousands from around the globe every year. If you're looking at homes near the water, we recommend putting Wilmington on your list of must-see areas.