If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Southeast North Carolina offers some of the most secluded and tranquil towns I’ve ever encountered.
Tucked away among dense forests, rolling farmland, and winding rivers, these hidden gems provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re seeking a quiet place to settle down or just a serene spot to unwind, join me as I count down the 10 most secluded towns in this charming region.
Each one holds its own unique allure, promising solitude and a deep connection with nature that you won’t find in more populated areas.
10. Council: Serenity in Bladen County’s Woodlands
With a population of just a few hundred residents, Council is a tiny community nestled deep within Bladen County’s dense woodlands. I find that the extensive forests surrounding Council provide a natural barrier, making it a haven for those seeking peace and privacy.
The main industries here revolve around agriculture and forestry, with many locals engaged in farming and timber work. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, bird watching, and fishing in nearby lakes and streams.
What truly makes Council secluded is its minimal development and expansive lot sizes, allowing residents ample space to enjoy the tranquility of rural life without close neighbors.
Where is Council?
Located in the heart of Bladen County, Council sits approximately 40 miles west of Wilmington and miles away from major highways. Its remoteness is accentuated by the winding country roads and the vast expanses of woodland that seem to stretch endlessly.
To get there, I usually take NC Highway 87 and then venture onto smaller local roads that lead into the heart of the community. The journey itself feels like a step back in time, away from the noise of urban centers, and it’s this isolation that gives Council its serene charm.
9. Winnabow’s Hidden Homesteads
Winnabow is a small, unincorporated community with a population of around 2,000 people dispersed over a wide area. Its rural charm is highlighted by the large properties and family-owned farms that dot the landscape.
I enjoy visiting the local farmers’ markets and exploring the historical sites like the Brunswick Town Historic District nearby. The main industries here include agriculture and some light manufacturing.
What makes Winnabow ideal for secluded living is its low-density housing and significant distance from commercial zones, providing residents with a quiet and private lifestyle away from the bustle of neighboring towns.
Where is Winnabow?
Situated in Brunswick County, Winnabow lies just south of Leland and about 12 miles from Wilmington. Despite its proximity to these larger towns, Winnabow retains a secluded feel due to its rural roads and lack of urban development.
To get there, I take US Highway 17 and then branch off onto peaceful country roads that wind through fields and forests. The community’s hidden homesteads are tucked away, making it a perfect location for those who want the convenience of nearby cities but prefer a quiet place to call home.
8. Hallsboro: The Secluded Lakeside Community
Hallsboro is a quaint town with a population of approximately 500 residents. Nestled near the shores of Lake Waccamaw, it offers a tranquil setting for those who love the water. I often spend time here fishing, boating, and enjoying the serene beauty of the lake’s natural surroundings.
The main industries include small-scale agriculture and tourism centered around outdoor activities. Hallsboro’s low population density and the vast natural areas surrounding it provide a secluded lifestyle that is hard to find elsewhere.
The quiet streets and friendly, tight-knit community make it a delightful escape from the noise of larger towns.
Where is Hallsboro?
Located in Columbus County, Hallsboro is about 50 miles west of Wilmington and 15 miles east of Whiteville. Its seclusion comes from its position near the lake and the absence of major highways passing through the town.
To reach Hallsboro, I usually take NC Highway 74/76 and then venture onto smaller local roads that lead to this lakeside haven. The journey offers scenic views of North Carolina’s countryside, enhancing the feeling of retreat as you approach this peaceful community.
7. Riegelwood’s Riverside Seclusion
Riegelwood is a small community with around 600 residents, located along the Cape Fear River. I love the ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and exploring the riverside trails here.
The main industries are centered around the paper mill and timber, with some agriculture as well. The town’s generous lot sizes and surrounding undeveloped land provide natural seclusion for residents.
What makes Riegelwood particularly appealing is the tranquility of riverside living coupled with the friendliness of a close-knit community.
Where is Riegelwood?
Found in Columbus County, Riegelwood is about 20 miles west of Wilmington. Its secluded nature is enhanced by the extensive forests and the river that envelop the area.
Getting there involves taking NC Highway 87 and then turning onto smaller roads that lead into the heart of the community. The lack of urban development and the serene river views make Riegelwood feel like a world apart, offering a peaceful retreat from the demands of city life.
6. Delco: Peaceful Living Off the Beaten Path
With a population of around 350, Delco is a small, unincorporated community where life moves at a slower pace. The area is characterized by its sprawling farmlands and pine forests, and I often find solace in the quiet backroads perfect for long drives or bike rides.
The main industries are agriculture and some small businesses. Delco’s low housing density and large properties make it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude. Its location away from major highways ensures that the sounds of traffic are replaced by the whispers of the wind through the trees.
Where is Delco?
Delco is situated in Columbus County, about 25 miles west of Wilmington. It’s off the beaten path, with the main access via NC Highway 74/76, but even then, you’ll need to navigate a network of rural roads to reach the heart of Delco.
This remoteness contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. I appreciate how the journey to Delco itself is calming, passing through open fields and forests that signal you’re leaving the hectic world behind.
5. Ivanhoe’s Rustic Retreat
Ivanhoe is a sparsely populated area with fewer than 300 residents. Known for its expansive acreage and natural barriers like the Black River, it’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in nature.
I enjoy canoeing on the river and hiking through the untouched woodlands. The local economy revolves around agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming.
Ivanhoe’s seclusion is amplified by its minimal development and the large distances between homes. If you’re looking for a rustic retreat where neighbors are few and far between, this is the spot.
Where is Ivanhoe?
Located in Sampson County, Ivanhoe is about 40 miles northwest of Wilmington. Its secluded nature is due to its distance from major towns and the natural barriers that surround it.
To get there, I usually take NC Highway 210, navigating through scenic rural landscapes. The journey underscores the isolation, as cell service can be spotty, and you’ll likely see more wildlife than people. This remoteness is what gives Ivanhoe its undeniable charm.
4. Kelly’s Unspoiled Natural Beauty
Kelly is a tiny community with a population of around 550, surrounded by untouched woodlands and wetlands. I find its serenity perfect for activities like bird watching, fishing, and enjoying the simple pleasures of outdoor life.
There are few industries here, with some residents involved in farming and others commuting to nearby towns for work. The large lots and minimal development mean that homes are often secluded within dense foliage, providing ultimate privacy.
Kelly’s natural beauty and quiet atmosphere make it a hidden gem for those seeking solitude.
Where is Kelly?
Situated in Bladen County, Kelly is about 45 miles northwest of Wilmington. Its location near the Cape Fear River and vast tracts of protected land enhances its seclusion.
Reaching Kelly involves taking NC Highway 53 and then venturing onto smaller roads that weave through forests and wetlands. The journey can feel like an adventure in itself, bringing you closer to nature with every mile. This remoteness is a key part of what makes Kelly so special to me.
3. Nakina: The Quiet Countryside Haven
Nakina is a rural community with approximately 1,000 residents spread out over a vast agricultural landscape. It’s a place where the countryside stretches as far as the eye can see, and I often enjoy the peaceful drives along its country roads.
Farming is the main industry here, with tobacco, corn, and soybeans being common crops. The absence of urban development and the wide-open spaces create a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. Nakina embodies peaceful rural living, far from the noise and congestion of major urban areas.
Where is Nakina?
Nakina is located in Columbus County, about 60 miles west of Wilmington and near the South Carolina border. Its secluded nature is due in part to its distance from major highways and cities.
To get there, I take US Highway 76 and then navigate smaller rural roads that lead into the heart of the community. The journey takes you through picturesque farmland and forests, highlighting the area’s natural beauty and reinforcing the feeling of being tucked away from the rest of the world.
2. Solitude in Ash’s Pine Forests
Ash is a small community with around 4,000 residents spread across expansive rural areas. Nestled among dense pine forests, Ash provides privacy and a strong connection to nature.
I find the expansive acre-plus properties perfect for those who value space and tranquility. The main industries include agriculture and some forestry work. The remote location and the vast stretches of unspoiled land make Ash an ideal place for those seeking to escape the city bustle.
The community’s seclusion is enhanced by the natural surroundings that envelop it, providing a serene backdrop for daily life.
Where is Ash?
Located in Brunswick County, Ash is about 35 miles west of Wilmington and close to the South Carolina border. Its secluded position is due to the lack of major highways and urban centers nearby.
To reach Ash, I typically take NC Highway 130, which winds through rural landscapes and forests. The journey itself reinforces the feeling of solitude, as the scenery shifts from coastal to deeply rural. This remoteness is a significant part of what makes Ash such a peaceful place to live or visit.
1. The Hidden Charm of Currie
Currie is a quiet, unincorporated community with a population of around 2,000 people scattered over a vast area. Surrounded by extensive undeveloped lands and forests, it offers large lot sizes and a sparse population density.
I particularly enjoy visiting Moores Creek National Battlefield, a historical site that adds a touch of heritage to the natural beauty. The main industries are agriculture and some light manufacturing.
Currie is miles away from urban centers, and its seclusion is palpable. The expansive properties and the enveloping woodlands make it a secluded haven for those who crave peace and privacy.
Where is Currie?
Situated in Pender County, Currie lies approximately 25 miles northwest of Wilmington. Its location away from major highways enhances its secluded atmosphere.
To get there, I usually take NC Highway 210 or NC Highway 421, driving through serene countryside and over the Black River. The absence of heavy traffic and commercial development contributes to the feeling of taking a step back to simpler times.
Currie’s hidden charm is best experienced firsthand, as the journey and the destination together offer a respite from the demands of modern life.
