Nestled just off North College Road in the heart of Murraysville, Belmar Forest is a neighborhood that is as lively today as it is steeped in fascinating local history. For long-time residents and recent arrivals alike, Belmar Forest offers more than just a collection of homes—it is a living tapestry of stories, architecture, and community pride that stretches back decades. If you’ve ever strolled down Belmar Street or watched the sycamores sway on Chadwick Avenue, you know that this is a corner of Murraysville where heritage and home intertwine.
The Origins: How Belmar Forest Came to Be
The story of Belmar Forest begins in the late 1970s, as Murraysville started to emerge from its agricultural roots into a community on the cusp of suburban growth. The area that would one day become Belmar Forest was once part of a patchwork of family-owned pine groves, farmlands, and a few scattered cottages. By 1982, the vision for a thoughtfully planned neighborhood began to take shape, thanks to the foresight of local developer Wilbur Creighton, whose family had deep roots in New Hanover County.
The developers were inspired by the word “Belmar,” a blend of “belle” (beautiful) and “mar” (for the nearby marshlands of Smith Creek). The “Forest” in the name nods to the mature, towering hardwoods that developers took special care to preserve — even as new roads, like Belmar Street and Chadwick Avenue, were being laid.
The Early Years: Building Community from the Ground Up
Development began in earnest in 1983, with the first homes rising along Belmar Street and the winding tracts that would become Olde Gate and Hearthstone Drive. Early designs drew inspiration from Cape Fear vernacular style: broad porches, pitched roofs, clapboard siding, and colors that blended into the lush backdrop of pines and magnolias.
The earliest families recall the neighborhood barbecue held at the site that would later become Belmar Park — a grassy swath at the corner of Belmar Street and Chadwick, still marked by a historic oak that dates back over a century. Local lore tells of neighbors pitching in to plant azaleas and lay brick paths, traditions that helped set the tone for a neighborhood where community, not just real estate, was the goal.
Key Historical Milestones
Belmar Forest’s growth mirrors the broader story of Murraysville. Here are some defining moments:
- 1986: The Belmar Forest Neighborhood Association is founded, aiming to “preserve the character and promote the wellbeing” of the neighborhood.
- 1990: Installation of pedestrian pathways linking Belmar Forest to nearby Smith Creek Greenway, making it one of the first bike-friendly enclaves in northern Murraysville.
- 1997: Renovation and dedication of Belmar Park, now a favorite for weekend picnics and annual Easter egg hunts.
- 2005: Several original homes receive recognition from the Murraysville Preservation Society for their architectural significance.
- 2015: The opening of Murraysville Elementary on Olde Gate Drive, cementing the neighborhood’s reputation as a family-friendly enclave.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
While Belmar Forest is best known for its peaceful residential streets, the area boasts several points of interest that any local could point out with pride:
- The Century Oak at Belmar Park: This mighty oak has watched over Belmar Forest since before the first streets were paved. Local historians say it once marked a property line between two 19th-century farmsteads.
- The Olde Gate Brick Walk: Created by residents in the late 1980s, this pathway commemorates the first families to move in, with engraved bricks bearing their names.
- Chadwick Avenue’s Historic Cottages: A handful of homes on Chadwick predate the main wave of development and showcase original heart pine floors and handmade shutters.
- Belmar Community Bulletin Board: More than a landmark, it serves as the neighborhood’s central hub for lost pets, upcoming events, and smiling graduation photos each June.
Belmar Forest’s Evolution Over the Decades
What makes Belmar Forest special is the way it has changed with the times, while never losing its sense of self. Early years saw mainly young families and working professionals. Over the years, as those first residents became grandparents, the neighborhood welcomed new faces from across Wilmington and even from out of state, drawn by the reputation for good schools and the close-knit feel that defines life here.
In the 2000s, Belmar Forest saw a quiet wave of revitalization. New landscaping and “pocket parks” sprang up, thanks to dedicated volunteers and support from the Belmar Forest Neighborhood Association. Sidewalks were expanded, making the neighborhood a haven for morning joggers and evening strolls.
Perhaps the most endearing evolution has been the intertwining of old and new. It’s not unusual to see a craftsman bungalow—one of the originals—standing proudly next to a thoughtfully updated home with solar panels and a pollinator garden. The commitment to green space, coupled with a hands-on approach to preservation, means that Belmar Forest feels as welcoming today as it did decades ago.
Stories and Celebrations: What Makes Belmar Forest Unique
Ask any resident, and you’ll hear that the real spirit of Belmar Forest isn’t something you can measure on a map. It’s in the smiles exchanged at the neighborhood newsletter drop-off. It’s the laughter coming from impromptu gatherings at Belmar Park, or kids mastering bicycle skills on Hearthstone Drive. Each October, the “Forest Fest” brings everyone out for homemade chili, music, and games — a nod to the neighborhood’s enduring bond.
Belmar Forest has evolved, but never lost its essential warmth or its rich sense of tradition. Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to Murraysville, there’s always a place for you among the trees, stories, and neighbors of Belmar Forest.