While the ocean gets top billing in terms of geographical attraction, it was the existence of a relatively narrow river that gave rise to successful European settlement. These new access routes have promoted discovery of the region and nurtured a greater than 19.2 percent population increase between 1990 and 1998. Wilmington occupies most of New Hanover County which geographically is the second smallest county in the state with 185 square miles. New Hanover had a population of 143,354 as of 1996, gaining 23,000 people since 1990. Downtown Wilmington, aside from being the center of government for the city and New Hanover County, has become a magnet for retail stores, financial institutions, the cultural arts, entertainment, filmmaking, dining and scenic beauty.
Nightlife is abundant.
Dance clubs, jazz bars, live soaps, local and touring musicals, rock n roll, rhythm and blues venues and more can be found in the 55 block area. Perhaps the nicest thing about downtown Wilmington and something that separates it from the rest of the city is its pleasant and fascinating walkability. The Riverwalk, with its view of the Battleship North Carolina moored on the western shore, is a great place to stroll, grab a hot dog from a street vendor, listen to free music and gaze at the river. Believe it or not, more movies are filmed each year in Wilmington than in any other American city except Los Angeles and New York. The spark that ignited Wilmington's steadily burning film industry came in 1983 when Stephen King's Firestarter was filmed at the studio.