Growth, change and tradition in Angier, North Carolina
Angier, North Carolina, is a town in transition, with a population that has more than doubled since 2000. Now, over 7000 estimated residents call this area home, drawn by a lower cost of living about 20 miles south of Raleigh. “It’s the commutability,” says Misty Lyons, a Realtor and owner of Lyons Group, eXp Realty. “It’s changing the trajectory of the area.”
Located mostly in Harnett County, the town is seeing infrastructure development in addition to a growing population, with expansions and changes in major transportation arteries, including a bypass along North Carolina Route 55 and expansion along North Carolina Route 540. “Those two things are going to change everything as far as Harnett County is concerned,” Lyons says. Residents can also enjoy a revitalized parks department, lower property taxes than those in Wake County, where Raleigh is, and still-vibrant small-town charm embodied by long-running local restaurants and traditions. “We have some really amazing mom-and-pop places,” Lyons says.
New construction, townhomes and other styles at lower costs than in Raleigh
A mix of development and more established suburban pockets are characteristic of the area. The median home price is about $380,000, about 20 to 25 percent lower than the median in Raleigh. “Our taxes are cheaper here than Wake County,” Lyons says. “You can buy the same house in Harnett County and save a significant amount of money.” Older single-family ranch-style homes needing TLC start around $120,000, while large, newer builds in Colonial Revival or New Traditional styles can cost up to $600,000. “There are a lot of new homes and new townhomes being built,” Lyons says. Townhomes can cost between about $200,000 and $370,000.
Options for early college education at Harnett County Schools
Young students here can attend Lafayette Elementary School, a kindergarten through fifth-grade school that earns a B-minus from Niche. Alternatively, North Harnett Primary School serves pre-kindergarten through second grade and earns a B, and Angier Elementary serves third through fifth grade and scores a C. Harnett Central Middle scores a C-plus, and Harnett Central High earns a B-minus. Additional choices include a Virtual Academy and Harnett County Early College, an advanced program to which eighth-grade students can apply, and which Niche grades a B-plus.
New bypass and nearby interstates pave the way for future growth
Developing infrastructure is designed for smoother commutes to Raleigh. “The 55 bypass is being built as we speak,” Lyons says. “It’s the first direct link from Wake County as far as bringing masses of people to the area.” Downtown Raleigh is about 22 miles away. Interstate 40 runs about 11 miles east, while Interstate 95 is accessible about 17 miles southeast. Central Harnett Hospital is about 8 miles away near Lillington. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is about 39 miles north, via North Carolina Route 540. “540 hasn’t been open very long,” Lyons says. “We know the growth is still coming, but we don’t quite know what the infrastructure is going to fully look like when finished. We’re hopeful we can keep growing responsibly.”
Investment in town parks and Cape Fear river trips
As its population has swelled, Angier’s Jack Marley Park has been reinvigorated. “They did a big expansion on the Jack Marley Park,” Lyons says. There’s a dog park now, and a big pond with ducks. They’ve done a good job creating a place families and children can enjoy. There’s a skateboarding area. There’s a lot over there.” Angier Town Park, a proposed second park, is in the planning stages. Raven Rock State Park offers camping, hiking and boating along the Cape Fear River. “South of Angier in Lillington, there’s Cape Fear Adventures where you can rent a kayak or tube and float down the river,” Lyons says. “They have buses that ferry you back and forth. People love doing that.”
Local restaurants, boutiques and nearby destinations
While growth and infrastructure are causing changes, much of Angier’s shopping and dining are still long-running local businesses. “We have a lot of mom-and-pop spots, and people support them,” Lyon says. “Ed’s Family Restaurant is a staple. Corner Grill is a staple.” Local boutiques like the Sopa Bar and Muckalee Creek line Broad Street. Residents can head out of town to explore Gregory Vineyards, Broadwell’s Nursery, or grab ice cream at Sunni Sky’s or The Scoop at Willow Oak Farms. Grocery stores in town include Compare Foods and Carlie C’s IGA.
Crepe Myrtle Festival, a summer market and Bike Fest
Angier hosts an annual Crepe Myrtle Festival. “It’s been going on since I was a kid,” Lyons says. “Lots of people come out.” The September festival includes a vendor fair, kids’ activities, and a kickoff concert on the festival’s eve. The Angier Summer Market & Concert also brings vendors, food trucks and music to Depot Square on an August Saturday. Bike Fest, a motorcycle celebration with live music, food trucks and a bike show, has run since 2001.
