Top reasons to buy a home in Wake Forest, NC

Wake Forest is the kind of place that makes people feel right at home the moment they visit. This charming suburb 18 miles north of Raleigh combines small-town warmth with all the conveniences of a modern, thriving community.

Every year since the 2000s, more people are discovering the appeal of living in Wake Forest. From 14,000 residents at the turn of the millennium, Wake Forest is now home to roughly 47,000 people (2020 US Census). Between 2000 and 2006, the town’s population grew by 73%, making it the 20th fastest-growing suburb in the country within that time frame. The growth rate has since slowed down but the populace has only been seeing incremental gains.

Living in Wake Forest, you’ll quickly understand why the township is gradually growing. There are plenty of opportunities for work, play, education, and exploration, with a healthy real estate market to boot. The town attracts a diverse array of homebuyers. Whether you’re searching for a starter home, a spacious property for a growing family, or a tranquil retreat for retirement, you’re bound to find one in Wake Forest.

Read on to learn more about what makes this town so attractive to prospective homebuyers.

STABLE REAL ESTATE MARKET

One great benefit of buying one of the lovely homes in Wake Forest, NC is the wide selection of properties. Buyers may choose from classic Southern-style houses with wraparound porches, sleek Mid-century Modern builds, or cozy townhouses ideal for first-time buyers or downsizers. Occasionally, one of the area’s historic Colonial Revival homes appears on the market. Other common architectural designs in the area include Craftsman, Ranch, Victorian, and Traditional homes.

November 2024 prices of sold homes in Wake Forest stand at a median of $464,800, consistently teetering above the national median for the past two years. Moreover, the local sale-to-list price has remained around 100% since 2023, and homes with price drops have also been commonplace in the market.

Additionally, new developments like gated communities continue to expand, bringing fresh inventory to the luxury market and catering to the gradual growth in demand. This combination of variety, value, and growth makes the local real estate market one of the Piedmont Region’s most appealing in terms of quality of life and proximity to educational opportunities. If you’re a prospective homebuyer, now is an especially good time to look at homes in Wake Forest, NC.

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

While Wake Forest offers relatively affordable living, it also boasts high-end neighborhoods with homes that feature premium finishes and resort-style amenities. Common luxury amenities among these upscale communities include

• Stylish kitchens with appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf, custom cabinets, and marble or granite countertops.
• Private pools with waterfalls, hot tubs, and adjacent cabanas for enjoying the North Carolina summers.
• Spacious patios with outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and built-in sound systems.
• Integrated smart home systems for lighting, security, and climate control for convenience and security.

Some of the area’s exclusive neighborhoods like Hasentree and Heritage feature prestigious homes on expansive lots set within a serene atmosphere. Residents enjoy proximity and access to golf courses and a private clubhouse with spas and fitness centers. Community centers also have multiple tennis courts and swimming pools, catering to families and non-golf enthusiasts.

Aside from gated communities, you’ll find a few homes in Wake Forest, NC close to ranches, Falls Lake, the Reservoir, or access points to any of the scenic greenways that run parallel to the town’s creeks. Outdoor lovers will especially enjoy being close to options for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

PROXIMITY TO RALEIGH AND THE RESEARCH TRIANGLE

Wake Forest’s strategic location is its biggest draw for homebuyers. Situated just 30 minutes from Raleigh and close to the renowned Research Triangle Park (or simply, The Triangle), residents enjoy serene suburban environs and, at the same time, gain access to one of the nation’s leading economic hubs.

The Triangle is the largest research park in the country and home to more than 300 companies, with industries like technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education driving its growth. This 7,000-hectare area generates more than 65,000 jobs, with headquarters of tech giants like Cisco, IBM, and Red Hat found here. Equally prominent healthcare and pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Novo Nordisk also maintain a strong presence in the research park. Together, these sectors provide meaningful, high-paying work and career advancement opportunities for fresh graduates and residents in the area.

For educators and scholars, the Triangle’s proximity to top-tier research universities such as Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State opens doors to academic opportunities and tackling the world’s pressing problems through research and development.

Wake Forest’s easy access to these economic centers makes it a particularly appealing option for professionals. Commuters benefit from the convenience of being close to work and coming home to the relaxed atmosphere of their Wake Forest, NC home. After a demanding day in the fast-paced Triangle, the town is a peaceful retreat where residents recharge.

Additionally, Wake Forest itself has a growing local economy. Smaller tech startups, healthcare facilities, and retail establishments add more employment options, making the town a family-friendly suburb and an economic hub in its own right. This proximity to both local and regional opportunities ensures that residents will enjoy career success without sacrificing quality of life.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

Families moving to Wake Forest will find that the town offers an excellent array of primary and secondary education options. The Wake County Public School System, the largest and one of most well-regarded in the state, serves the area with top-rated schools like Heritage High School, Wake Forest High School, and Jones Dairy Elementary School. These schools are known for their strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and dedicated teachers.

For families seeking alternative education, several private and charter schools dot the town. Thales Academy, known for its classical approach to education, is a popular option in the area. Meanwhile, Endeavor Charter School emphasizes a well-rounded education (learning by doing) with smaller class sizes and a tight-knit community. These options provide children in Wake Forest with tailored learning experiences that align with their needs.

Beyond its excellent schools, the town’s proximity to Raleigh places it within easy reach of the Triangle. Below are the highly esteemed and prestigious universities in the area that are open to residents of Wake Forest.

North Carolina State University (NCSU)

Located in Raleigh, NCSU is a leading public research university renowned for its STEM programs, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and computer science. It’s a world-class center for innovation and collaboration with strong ties to industries in the Research Triangle. Students here benefit from hands-on learning and internship opportunities with nearby tech and biotech companies.

Duke University

Situated in Durham, just a 40-minute drive from Wake Forest, Duke is an elite private institution with a picturesque campus celebrated for its academic excellence, sports, and research. Duke’s law, business, and medicine programs consistently rank among the best in the country. Access to the Duke University Medical Center makes it a standout choice for aspiring physicians.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

UNC is steeped in history and prestige as one of the oldest public universities in the country. It specializes in liberal arts and public health, and its solid commitment to research attracts students, researchers, and collaborators from across the globe. Its vibrant campus culture and expansive network make it a cornerstone of the Triangle’s educational landscape.

Living in Wake Forest places families within reach of these institutions, which makes it easier for students to commute or stay connected to home while pursuing their academic dreams. For parents, it’s reassuring to know that their children will advance seamlessly from high-quality K-12 education to world-class universities without having to leave the area.

Choosing a home in Wake Forest, NC means more than just finding a great place to live – it’s also an investment in a future surrounded by outstanding educational opportunities at every stage of life.

NATURAL BEAUTY AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

For those who love the great outdoors, Wake Forest is a paradise waiting to be explored. The town and surrounding Wake County areas are blessed with beautiful green spaces and countless opportunities for year-round recreation.

E. Carroll Joyner Park

One of Wake Forest’s newest outdoor destinations, E. Carroll Joyner Park is 117 acres of lush greenery that features paved trails for walking, jogging, and biking. Families can spend an entire day picnicking and flying kites on the open fields or exploring the historic pecan grove and the park’s restored farm buildings. Seasonal events like free concerts and movie nights at the park’s amphitheater make it a community hub for outdoor entertainment.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Just a short drive from Wake Forest, Falls Lake offers an expansive natural retreat with over 5,000 acres of water and woodland. It’s a favorite destination among locals for water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing. Anglers flock here for its healthy populations of largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.

For those who prefer to stay on land, the Falls Lake Trail – part of the state’s larger Mountains-to-Sea Trail project – winds through the area and provides amazing views of the water and forests. Campgrounds and picnic areas make it easy to turn a day trip here into a weekend adventure.

Favorable climate

North Carolina’s mild climate ensures that outdoor activities are thoroughly enjoyed throughout the year. Spring brings vibrant blooms to local parks and trails while summer is perfect for adventures in the waters of Falls Lake. In the fall, the area’s trees burst into brilliant colors, which enhances the experience of outdoor forays. Even in the winter, people go out for brisk walks and try to spot migratory birds in the region’s many preserves.

GETTING AROUND

Wake Forest is designed with accessibility in mind and ensures that residents have a smooth and efficient experience when commuting, running errands, and exploring the area. It’s conveniently located near several key transportation routes, including US-1 (Capital Boulevard) and NC-98. These highways make commuting to nearby cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill straightforward. Raleigh is just a 30-minute drive while it takes about 40 minutes to go to Durham and Research Triangle Park. This proximity allows professionals to access the area’s employment centers with minimal hassle, leaving more time to slow down and enjoy domestic life.

Local to international connectivity

Wake Forest has a well-connected network of roads that makes navigating the area simple. Thoughtful planning ensures that grocery stores, schools, and parks are just a short drive away and, for Wake Forest residents who live around the downtown area, walking is a viable option.

Residents may easily walk to coffee shops, boutique stores, and restaurants around South White Street. The town also invests in bike-friendly infrastructure, with trails like the Smith Creek and Dunn Creek Greenway connecting neighborhoods to parks and schools.

For people who travel frequently, Wake Forest’s location near Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a major advantage. The airport is a roughly 35-minute drive away and offers nonstop flights to domestic and international destinations in Central America and Europe.

PET-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Wake Forest has a large community of pet owners and the town’s spacious homes, welcoming public spaces, and local businesses embrace four-legged companions.

Many of the homes in Wake Forest, NC have large back and front yards ideal for pets to run and play in. Properties in neighborhoods like Heritage and Holding Village often feature fenced outdoor areas and wide sidewalks – more than enough space for pets to roam safely and freely. For homeowners looking for more room, larger lots outside the town center are great for active pets and even small farm animals. For renters, apartment complexes like Capital Creek Apartments are pet-friendly and include on-site dog play areas.

You’ll frequently see residents walking their dogs at the following public spaces:

• E. Carroll Joyner Park
• Flaherty Dog Park
• Smith Creek Greenway
• Falls Lake Trail

Finally, Wake Forest’s pet-friendly ethos extends to its local businesses. Many restaurants and cafes in the area welcome well-behaved dogs on their outdoor patios, and the accommodating environment doesn’t stop at policy – a lot of staff members at these places genuinely love animals and go the extra mile with their service by giving water bowls, whipped cream, and other treats to their furry guests.

Here are just some of Wake Forest’s pet-friendly businesses:

• Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
• Charlie’s Kabob Grill
• The Burger Shop
• Wake Forest Coffee Company
• Norse Brewing Company
• Stewart’s Bistro
• Gatehouse Tavern
• Village Deli

EXPLORE WAKE FOREST, NC HOMES WITH PROPERTY SPECIFIC REALTY

Wake Forest stands out as a unique gem, offering a lifestyle that blends a thriving real estate market, top-tier schools, and natural beauty. It’s a place where you can nurture knowledge, build a successful career, and enjoy the serenity of quiet, undisturbed surroundings.

Real estate opportunities may abound in this charming town, but finding a home that fits exactly what you need is easier with a little local help. As a tribe of passionate agents from the area, we at Property Specific Realty are always eager to show prospective homebuyers the breadth of options in Wake Forest. Call us at 919.307.7767 or contact us here to get started.