2,564
I can only assume that as a person leaves Barstow California, there is a sign that reads “Wilmington NC 2,564 miles” just as here in Wilmington there is a sign that reads “Barstow CA 2,564 miles.” Living at the end of the only transcontinental highway has its major benefits. Wilmington has been listed for many years running as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Dating back to the 1720’s Wilmington is situated dead in the middle of some very culturally diverse areas. Less than a few miles to the east sits Wrightsville beach, to the north, many rural communities including but not limited to Burgaw, Castle Hayne, and Hampstead. Each locales of these bringing its own distinct “flavor” to the table. As you travel over the eastern city limits marked by the Cape Fear River, you will encounter the fast growing small city of Leland. Jokingly called the home of the “tooth” brush- meaning its residents have only a singular tooth. This title has mostly been forgotten as in the past few years intense law enforcement and the influx of suburban style neighborhoods have greatly increased the desirability of Leland’s residents. I believe that growing up in the heart of this cultural melting pot has help shape me into the person I am today.
Growing up, I led a somewhat different life than most people I know. To start, I don’t know hardly anyone who goes to UNCW who is a Wilmington native. To have lived here all of my life has been a privelidge. Not only that, but growing up I have almost always lived on the same cul-de-sac. This alone may not be different, but growing up a builders son, I have done so in three distinctly different houses either next door or across the street from one-another.
Even though these houses were all built within the city limits, Wilmington never provided much of an atmosphere in which to grow up in. Home of many “fine-dining” restaurants and a plethora of shopping centers, ranging from upscale to lower class, if you are looking...
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