New Hanover New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender Counties in top 20 percent of most economically robust in the state By Rachel Lewis Hilburn • Dec 3, 2012 NC Department of Commerce Listen Listening... / 0:59 Listen here. New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties are among the most prosperous counties in North Carolina. 37 Miles of Roadway Getting a Facelift in Brunswick, NHCo. By Michelle Bliss • Feb 9, 2012 More than 37 miles of primary and secondary roads in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties will soon be resurfaced.