Wake Forest

Population

55,023

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Get to Know the area

A Charming Community With A Rich Heritage

Wake Forest is a town located almost entirely in Wake County but partially sits in Franklin and Granville counties. Wake Forest lies north of the state capital, Raleigh. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population to be 47,601 as of April 2020.  Before the recession, Forbes magazine dubbed Wake Forest as the 20th fastest growing suburb in America, with a 73% population increase from 2000 to 2006. Wake Forest was the original home of Wake Forest University for 122 years before it’s move to Winston-Salem in 1956. The northern Raleigh suburb has easy access to the outer beltline (I-540) that allows easy access around the Triangle, specifically to RTP and RDU. Many families are moving to Wake Forest because of the town's accessibility, affordability and quality of life. The town’s current residents know how great of a place it is and very few move from the town. Downtown Wake Forest has a beautiful small town feel that makes it a great place for residents to frequent. Wake Forest is about 28 minutes (with no traffic) from Research Triangle Park and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, respectively. Wake Forest is almost two and a half hours to Charlotte if you want to catch an NBA (Charlotte Hornets) or NFL (Carolina Panthers) game. Wake Forest is four hours from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and three hours from several of North Carolina’s beautiful beaches.

What You Should Know Before Moving to Wake Forest

As you embark on your search for a new residence in Wake Forest, you may find the cost of living to be quite reasonable, compared to larger urban centers.

However, with Wake Forest's increasing attractiveness, housing demand has risen, which can affect real estate prices.

The education system in Wake Forest is something to highlight, with access to top-notch public schools that are part of the Wake County Public School System, in addition to a selection of private schools.

Wake Forest is also home to various cultural activities and venues, including the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre and the Wake Forest Historical Museum.

For science enthusiasts, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences isn't far in Raleigh, and nor are the cultural treasures of the North Carolina Museum of History and the lush North Carolina Botanical Garden for those seeking a peaceful day amidst nature.

The Cost of Living is Cheaper

Moving to the area can be a great way to save some money in your daily life. While living in Wake Forest can be quite expensive, it is also a great place to find work as well.

Living in Raleigh, you’ll notice that many cost of living lists that include Raleigh also include the surrounding area.

Living in Raleigh, you’ll notice that many cost of living lists that include Raleigh also include the surrounding area.

This is because many people choose to move to the Raleigh area for a variety of reasons, including the lower cost of living and the many amenities that the area has to offer.

A lower cost of living means that you can spend less on food and essentials, making saving more money available in your budget.

The Commute is Shorter

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a community will is how long it takes you to get to work. This will be determined by a number of factors, such as how far you live from 540.

If you live in Wake Forest, you’ll find that the commute to RDU and RTP is quite short. In fact, the average commute in Raleigh is just under 30 minutes.

If you live even closer to work, then you could see your commute come down even further.

If the distance between your home and work is less than 15 minutes, then the commute will almost certainly be shorter.

This can be a huge relief even if you don’t live very far from work. Having a shorter commute can make it easier to get to work without causing traffic jams or having a stressful day at work.

The Community is Friendly and Welcoming

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a new home is the community’s welcoming nature. If the people in your new community are friendly, welcoming, and open-minded, then you’ll feel at home here.

Raleigh is a very welcoming place and a great place for new residents. There are many community events and festivals that are hosted throughout the year.

These events are a great way to meet like-minded people and get to know the community better. If you move to Raleigh, you’ll find that many people are welcoming and friendly.

Housing in Wake Forest

Wake Forest offers a suburban vibe with an array of luxury neighborhoods that can accommodate any preference, from serene residential areas to more bustling parts of the town.

For families or individuals looking for real estate, there is no shortage of options, from apartments and townhomes to single-family houses and larger developments with various amenities designed to enhance community living.

Real estate prices will fluctuate depending on the neighborhood and housing type, so it's essential to research and consult with local real estate agents for the latest market trends.

Jobs in Wake Forest

Though Wake Forest itself may not be as industrially diverse as Raleigh, it still benefits from the dynamic economy of the region.

Significant sectors include technology, healthcare, education, retail, and a range of services that support local and nearby metropolitan communities.

Job seekers can find resources at the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce or explore online job postings on sites like Indeed.com.

Proximity to Raleigh broadens employment opportunities significantly, especially for those with experience in sectors such as IT, biotech, government, and education.

Culture and Activities in Wake Forest

When it comes time to unwind, Wake Forest presents an array of cultural experiences and community events.

The town operates the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, providing arts and entertainment for all ages.

Throughout the year, Wake Forest hosts a variety of events such as the Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival and the Christmas Parade.

Additionally, due to its closeness to Raleigh and other Triangle cities like Durham and Chapel Hill, residents of Wake Forest have easy access to a wealth of festivals, concerts, and events, including the renowned North Carolina State Fair and other regional attractions.

There are Lots of Things to Do

If you’re searching for a place to move to and one of the most important things to consider is the community’s activities, then you’ve come to the right place.

Raleigh is filled with tons of things to do. Whether you’re into sports or theater, there’s a great option for you. There are plenty of sports teams in Raleigh, and the area also has tons of museums and other cultural attractions.

You can also explore the many festivals and events that are held throughout the year. Raleigh has so much to offer, so you won’t be bored with the choices.

The Schools are Great Too

When searching for a new place, you’ll want to make sure that the schools are great too. Raleigh has some of the best schools in the area and they are almost universally ranked as excellent.

The schools in Raleigh are great for many reasons, including the fact that they are quite affordable.

You can easily find great schools in Raleigh that offer many benefits, including great teachers, great extracurricular activities and plenty of resources. If you have kids, then this will be an even more important factor for you.

If you’re looking for a great place to raise your family, then Raleigh is the place for you.

Wake Forest is a Great Place for New Residents

One of the best reasons to move to Wake Forest is for the community itself. If you’re looking for a new place to live, then you’ll find that the area is filled with many great options.

The cost of living is low, and there are tons of things to do. If you’re looking for a change, then this is a great option.

Raleigh is a great place to move, and it has many things to offer that make it a great place to live. You can easily make the transition from another city or town and make Raleigh your new home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wake Forest

What are the top employment sectors in Wake Forest?

The top employment sectors in Wake Forest include technology, healthcare, retail, education, and various service industries. The town's close proximity to Raleigh also provides residents with access to job markets in biotechnology, IT, education, finance, and government that are prevalent in the larger metropolitan area.

Is Wake Forest a good place for families?

Yes, Wake Forest is an excellent place for families. It boasts a strong public school system within the Wake County Public School System and a variety of private educational institutions. The suburban setting offers a safe environment with plenty of family-friendly activities, parks, community events, and cultural centers like the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre.

Are there cultural activities and venues in Wake Forest?

Absolutely! Cultural activities and venues are plentiful in Wake Forest, including the Wake Forest Historical Museum and the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre which hosts arts and performance events. Additionally, being near Raleigh, residents can easily access museums like the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History.

What type of housing options are available in Wake Forest?

Wake Forest features a diverse range of housing options from apartments and townhouses to single-family homes and large developments with community amenities. There are various neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles, whether one prefers a bustling area or a quiet, residential community.

How does Wake Forest connect to the greater Raleigh area?

Wake Forest is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Cary combined statistical area, commonly known as the Research Triangle region. It is well connected to Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle through major highways like US-1, NC-98, and I-540. This connectivity allows residents to commute for work, education, and leisure, making use of the bigger city's infrastructure and amenities while residing in a more peaceful, suburban setting.

Listings in

Wake Forest

Luxury
Investing
Builders
All
< $200K
$200 - 250K
$250 - 300K
$300 - 400k
$400 - 500k
$500 - 600K
$600 - 800K

Neighborhoods Under $200k

The Mews at Legacy Greene, Margate, Forest Pointe at Cimarron, New Forest, Flaherty Farms, Cimarron, Brookview, Staffordshire

Neighborhoods Between $200-250k

Willow Creek, 10 Arros, Royal Cotton Mill, Glen Royal Mill, Staffordshire, Glen Royall, Robertson Place, Horse Creek, Windermere

Neighborhoods Between $250-300k

Green Acres, Springwood Acres, Avondale, Smith Creek, Wallridge, Jubilee Village, Forest Pointe at Cimarron, The Falls

Neighborhoods Between $300-400k

The Townes at Gateway Commons, Neuse Trail, Carraway Gardens at Tryon, Jones Dairy Farm, Traditions, The Bluffs at Joyner Park

Neighborhoods Between $400-500k

Willow Deer, Stonegate, Pemberley, Heritage, Austin Creek, Cardinal Hills, Bowling Green, Stonemill Falls, Northampton

Neighborhoods Between $500-600k

Kings Glen, The Preserve at Kitchin Farms, The Preserve at Smith Creek, Stonemill Falls, Perry Farms, Hasentree, Carriage Run, Jackson Manor

Neighborhoods Between $600-800k

Hope Valley (Granville), Old Farm Crossing, Sterling Crest, The Homestead at Heritage, Barham Place, Drayton Reserve, Great Falls Estates

Neighborhoods by Builders

Luxury Neighborhoods

Waterfall Plantation, Stonewalls, The Homestead at Heritage, St Ives, Hasentree, Stonewater, Camberley, Waterstone Reserve

Neighborhoods for Investors

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