Welcome to Wilson! you're moving to a city known for its beautiful historic downtown, the artistic flair of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, and a community spirit that feels like home from day one. Whether you're relocating for a new job or simply seeking a change of pace, getting settled involves more than just unpacking boxes.
We know that setting up a new life can feel overwhelming. Between signing leases and organizing movers, figuring out who powers your lights or picks up your trash is often the last thing on your mind. But getting these essentials sorted early is the key to a stress-free move. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about utilities and local services, so you can focus on enjoying your new neighborhood.
If you haven't found your new home yet, you might still be browsing apartments for rent in Wilson North Carolina. Finding a community that fits your lifestyle is step one. To see what luxury living looks like here, check our current availability and see if our floor plans match your needs.
One of the biggest perks of living in Wilson is the convenience of "one-stop shopping" for your utilities. Unlike many cities where you have to juggle three different providers, the City of Wilson manages electricity, natural gas, water, and sewage through Wilson Energy and Wilson Water Services.
Why does this matter? It saves you time and simplifies your monthly budgeting. Instead of tracking multiple due dates, you usually receive a unified bill.
To start service, you will need to contact Wilson Customer Service. You can do this online or in person at the operation center on Miller Road. When you apply, be prepared to provide a government-issued ID and a copy of your lease agreement.
What about deposits and costs?
Most utility accounts require a security deposit unless you have an excellent credit history or a letter of credit from a previous utility provider. These deposits can range from $150 to $300 depending on your credit check. The good news is that reliable payment history often leads to this deposit being refunded to your account after 12 to 24 months.
If you're trying to budget for your monthly expenses, keep in mind that the average residential electricity bill in North Carolina is roughly $135 per month, though this fluctuates based on the season and your usage.
In today's connected world, high-speed internet is just as essential as running water. Wilson is famous for being North Carolina’s first "Gigabit City." This means you have access to some of the fastest internet speeds in the country.
Greenlight Community Broadband
This is the city-owned fiber-optic network. Because it is community-owned, the service is known for being reliable and customer-focused. They offer internet, cable TV, and phone packages. For renters, this is often the preferred choice because of the speed—up to 1 Gigabit per second—which is a game-changer if you work from home.
Other Providers
While Greenlight is a local favorite, you may also have access to Spectrum or CenturyLink depending on your specific address. It is wise to compare packages, but many residents find the bundle options from Greenlight to be competitive, with basic internet packages often starting around $40 to $60 per month.
Keeping your new home clean is easy here. The City of Wilson Environmental Services Division handles residential garbage collection.
When is trash day?
When you move into apartments for rent in Wilson North Carolina, your property management team will typically handle the schedule for dumpsters or compactors. However, if you're in a rental home or townhome with curbside pickup, the city will assign you a specific day for trash and recycling.
Why does this matter? Missing trash day is a hassle no one wants. You will typically be issued a 96-gallon roll-out cart for garbage and a separate bin for recyclables. The city uses a "Pay-As-You-Throw" system in some contexts, but generally, the fee is included in your monthly utility bill. Make sure to pull your cart to the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day to ensure pickup.
Your health is a priority, and knowing where to go before you get sick offers peace of mind. Wilson is well-served by Wilson Medical Center, located conveniently on Tarboro Street.
This 294-bed facility offers a range of services, from emergency care to orthopedics and cardiology. For routine check-ups or minor illnesses that don't require an ER visit, there are numerous urgent care clinics and pharmacies scattered throughout the city, particularly along the Raleigh Road Parkway corridor near destinations like the Heritage Crossing shopping center.
Getting around Wilson is straightforward, thanks to well-maintained roads and innovative public transit.
Driving
If you have a car, you will find traffic here is much lighter than in larger metros. Key arteries like Raleigh Road Parkway and Ward Boulevard connect you to shopping, dining, and the beautiful Barton College campus. Plus, easy access to I-95 and U.S. 264 means you're only about 45 minutes east of Raleigh, making day trips to the capital easy.
Public Transit: RIDE
Wilson replaced its fixed-route buses with an on-demand micro-transit service called RIDE. Think of it as a ride-share service similar to Uber or Lyft, but much more affordable.
Why is this useful for renters? It provides flexibility. You can book a ride through a smartphone app to go anywhere within the city limits. The cost is incredibly budget-friendly, typically capped at just $1.50 per rider, making it an excellent option if you want to save on gas or leave the car at home.
While we hope you never need them, knowing who to call in an emergency is a vital part of settling in.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Wilson County are top-notch, ensuring that help is minutes away regardless of where you live in the county.
Moving to a new city is a big step, but Wilson makes it easy with unified utilities, lightning-fast community internet, and a transportation system designed for convenience. By taking care of these logistics early—ideally two weeks before your move-in date—you can spend your first few days exploring local gems like Lake Wilson rather than waiting on hold with a cable company.
If you're still looking for the right place to land, remember that location and comfort are everything. When browsing apartments for rent in Wilson North Carolina, look for communities that offer the amenities you deserve.
We would love to help you settle in. Contact Oasis at Heritage at (252) 302-4970 to schedule a tour and find your new home today.