Located in Nash County
Bailey is a growing community between Raleigh and Rocky Mount. Long known for agriculture, it’s now seeing new housing developments, with recently built subdivisions beside acres of farmland. This is the kind of place where you can see the stars at night and farm stands sell produce along the roadside. But Wilson, a larger town center, is about 15 minutes away, so you aren’t far from urban conveniences.
Bailey offers a lower cost of living than nearby cities, largely because of its more affordable home prices, and a variety of single-family home options. “There are farmhouses that are established and have been there a while, with new subdivisions built just a mile up,” says Haley Langley, a Realtor with True Local Realty who has sold many homes in the area. Here’s what housing prices look like in Bailey:
Local attractions and an active event calendar give Bailey character. The Country Doctor Museum, housed in a 19th-century doctor's office, documents the history of practicing medicine, while Tu Casa Event Center, opened in 2023, hosts weddings and other large parties. The Christmas in Bailey Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holidays with music, cookies, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and, of course, the lighting of the tree. The next day, the Annual Bailey Christmas Parade begins on Main Street in the morning with vendors and kids’ activities, and continues through the afternoon with the parade itself. Halloween on Main Street is the town’s trick-or-treating event, featuring food trucks and candy, while the North Carolina Sweet Potato Festival in May is a two-day affair with cook-offs, car shows, live music and more.
Shopping and dining options are limited in Bailey, but, for a small town, they’re fairly substantial. You don’t need to travel far for everyday needs, with a Piggly Wiggly grocery store and Dollar General located in the center of town. The Roasted Mullet is a go-to for morning coffee, The Leaning Tree Ristorante Italiano serves traditional Italian favorites, and El Paso Mexican Restaurant is popular for tacos and fajitas.
Langley says that local growers sell their goods throughout Bailey. “There are quite a few family farms that have their own country stores with local produce and a lot of flowers, and there are a lot of pumpkin farms in that area as well,” she says. “A lot of those places, you wouldn’t know they were there unless you drove by. You’ll see a house and a gravel road leading to their farm stand with homegrown products like eggs, sourdough or fresh-cut flowers.” Big-box stores and nationally known retailers are also a short drive away. “For those who want the rural life with access to amenities, Bailey is nice,” Langley says. “It’s a 15-minute drive to Wilson, with a Publix, Target, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A.”
The highly rated Nash County Public Schools district serves Bailey. Most students attend their assigned school, but families can apply to magnet or specialty programs or request transfers to other public schools. Approval depends on available space and district rules, and the school board must clear all out-of-district transfers. There are two highly rated public schools in town: Bailey Elementary School and Southern Nash High School.
Bailey is car dependent. U.S. Route 264 and state Highway 581 run through town, and Interstates 95 and 587 are about 8 miles away. Here’s how far you’ll have to travel to get to nearby cities:
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Stephanie Anson
Northside Realty Inc.
(984) 228-2061
648 Total Sales
1 in Bailey
$250,000 Price
Allyson Moye
Womble Real Estate
(252) 650-5114
89 Total Sales
1 in Bailey
$45,000 Price
Jennifer Brinson
The Brokerage Real Estate Advisors
(252) 494-5154
51 Total Sales
1 in Bailey
$310,000 Price
Shanti Holloway
Compass -- Chapel Hill - Durham
(833) 690-5351
72 Total Sales
1 in Bailey
$279,990 Price
Mike Tefft
RE/MAX EXECUTIVE
(855) 578-2083
76 Total Sales
1 in Bailey
$236,490 Price
Valerie Deloach
Keller Williams Elite Realty
(252) 417-2399
133 Total Sales
1 in Bailey
$145,000 Price
On average, homes in Bailey, NC sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Bailey, NC over the last 12 months is $334,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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