Sunset Forest

November 5, 2023

Sunset Forest offers family-friendly new construction homes with open floorplans, amenities like a pool and playground, and easy access to RTP
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Nestled just south of Raleigh, Sunset Forest is a charming community within the rapidly growing town of Holly Springs, North Carolina.

Though a relatively new neighborhood established in the early 2000s, Sunset Forest has quickly become one of the most coveted areas for families looking to plant roots while remaining close to Raleigh's top employers and amenities.

Location and History

Sunset Forest is conveniently located off NC-55 and just minutes from both I-40 and Highway 70, providing easy access to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

The neighborhood is situated  approximately 15 miles southwest of downtown Raleigh and just 5 miles from RDU International Airport.

Holly Springs was first settled in the late 1700s and originally centered around the railroad.

It remained a very small rural town until the 1990s, when the population boom in the surrounding Research Triangle area spilled over into Holly Springs.

Several new family-oriented developments, like Sunset Forest, began construction in the early 2000s to meet demand.

Notable Builders and Amenities

Many of the homes in Sunset Forest were built by trusted local builders like Trinity Homes, who aim to provide quality new construction and exceptional value.

Houses range from cozy 2-3 bedroom starter homes to spacious 5-6 bedroom executive homes, appealing to a diverse demographic.

At the heart of the community lies the Sunset Forest Clubhouse with an outdoor pool, playground, basketball courts and baseball field.

The neighborhood also offers walking trails that connect to the larger town greenway system. Families appreciate the proximity to highly-rated schools in the Holly Springs district.

Neighborhoods and Lifestyle

Sunset Forest contains several smaller subdivisions like Sunset Ridge, Sunset Lake, Sunset Pointe and Sunset Bluff.

It borders the scenic Jones Park and is located just around the corner from Ting Park, home to the Holly Springs Salamanders baseball team.

This area provides a family-friendly small town vibe while remaining close to big city amenities.

It attracts professionals working in the Research Triangle who desire new construction homes and a strong sense of community. Outdoor recreation like fishing, boating and sports are popular neighborhood activities.

Local Dining and Attractions

Some favorite restaurants in Holly Springs include:

Casual Dining

  • Backyard Bistro: This local favorite serves up classic American fare like burgers, wings and salads in a casual, rustic setting. Don't miss the fried green tomatoes!
  • Village Deli: Stop by this cozy deli and market for custom sandwiches, soups, and salads. It's a go-to lunch spot for many in the Sunset Forest neighborhood.

Upscale Dining

  • Casa Carbone: For a special night out, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list at this popular Italian eatery. Their shrimp scampi receives rave reviews.
  • 55 Steakhouse: Located at the Holly Springs Golf Club, this contemporary steakhouse is known for its aged steaks, fresh seafood and impressive wine list.

In terms of attractions, Sunset Forest residents love visiting Bass Lake Park just 2 miles away. This scenic 54-acre park offers fishing, canoe rentals and walking trails circling the lake.The Town of Holly Springs also hosts free summer concert series and a weekly farmer's market downtown.

Major shopping centers include Holly Springs Towne Center and Holly Springs Crossroads.

For regional malls and entertainment, Crabtree Valley Mall, North Hills and Triangle Town Center in Raleigh are just a quick 20-30 minute drive away.

Location and Accessibility

Sunset Forest lies about 15 miles southwest of downtown Raleigh, providing easy access to the city. From Sunset Forest, the drive is:

  • 12 miles and 20 minutes to downtown Chapel Hill
  • 18 miles and 25 minutes to downtown Durham
  • 15 miles and 25 minutes to Raleigh's Crabtree Valley Mall
  • 12 miles and 15 minutes to RDU International Airport

The proximity to Raleigh, Durham and the airport makes Sunset Forest a very convenient basecamp for families who need to commute or travel frequently.The neighborhood is also just 2 miles from Highway 55 and 5 miles from Interstate 40, allowing quick access to surrounding cities.

Nearby Healthcare and Education

Families moving to Sunset Forest appreciate the proximity to exceptional healthcare and schools. Nearby medical facilities include:

  • Rex Hospital Holly Springs - 5 miles
  • Duke Health Holly Springs - 4 miles
  • WakeMed Cary Hospital - 8 miles

Top-rated schools in the Holly Springs district include Holly Grove Elementary, Holly Ridge Middle and Holly Springs High School.

Holly Springs is also conveniently located just 12 miles from NC State University in Raleigh.

Real Estate Agent Perspective

As a local Holly Springs real estate agent, I highly recommend Sunset Forest to families looking for beautiful new construction homes and a strong sense of community.

The neighborhood offers an ideal blend of small town charm and modern amenities.

With its parks, trails, clubhouse and proximity to top-notch schools, it's easy to see why Sunset Forest remains one of the area's hottest real estate markets.

If the family-friendly lifestyle of Sunset Forest appeals to you, don't hesitate to get in touch. I'd be happy to schedule a tour so you can experience this wonderful neighborhood firsthand!

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**NOTE: If you're not seeing any listings, then currently there are no available homes in this community.**

Tim M. Clarke

About the author

17 years as a Realtor in the Research Triangle, Tim seeks to transform the Raleigh-Durham real estate scene through a progressive, people-centered approach prioritizing trust & transparency.

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