Two towns merged to create this vibrant community south of Raleigh
Eighteen miles southwest of modern-day Raleigh, a father and son unearthed a mineral spring meandering under the shade of towering pine trees. This 1858 discovery of the Fuquay Mineral Spring would lead to the creation of a resort town visited by thousands of travelers hoping to taste the waters, which were believed to have healing properties. While it’s not advised to take a sip from the spring today, Fuquay-Varina remains a thriving town drawing in tourists and residents for its two historic downtowns, 20 parks and clearly defined subdivisions: from the tree-canopied lawns of Parker to the cookie-cutter Village of Sippihaw. “It’s been growing like crazy,” says Julie Toy, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage who visits family here often. “I love it. It’s got these great established neighborhoods that you can just walk for blocks and blocks and enjoy the architecture,” she explains. “People move here for the quality of life and greater land. The property value is more affordable compared to Raleigh,” adds Van Starling, a six-year managing broker at Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty.
Fuquay-Varina is one of the fastest growing towns in Wake County.
Old Honeycutt Road Park located on 11 acres is a great place to take the family for a walk.
1/2
Celebrate Fuquay-Varina and other events
With a buzzing local scene, there are plenty of opportunities for community engagement. The town organizes many events in its downtown districts, from year-round holiday gatherings to music festivals. One of the biggest events is Celebrate Fuquay-Varina, highlighting what makes this town loved by so many: food, art and community. It takes place one day each October. Thousands head downtown to listen to live music, enjoy local food and craft brews, peruse the artist village and see unique performances like the thrilling BMX bike show.
Twin downtown hubs for arts and dining
Residents can shop for essentials at Walmart, Home Depot and Harris Teeter. But something that sets Fuquay-Varina apart is being the "only town in the state with two downtown areas," says Greene, who’s lived in North Carolina for 25 years. Residents step on brick and stone sidewalks along Main and Broad streets, passing under awnings with scalloped edges and wooden hanging signs to reach local businesses, from barber shops and breweries to antique stores. Aviator Brewing Tap House & Kitchen is a popular outdoor gastropub that showcases live music and offers bar bites, like wings and hot pretzels. “They take up both sides of the street. One side is a bar area, and the other is a restaurant,” Toy explains. “That part of Fuquay is super charming,” she continues. Residents have a soft spot for Joyce & Family Restaurant, a proudly Black-owned buffet-style spot serving flavorful comfort food. Dale Suggs, a local resident and Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Platinum, says, “That’s one of my favorite places to go. It’s owned by Mrs. Joyce. The first time we ate there, the waitress came over and asked if everything was okay. And I said, ‘Do you know how good the food is?’” For entertainment, Fuquay-Varina Arts Center hosts live theater, concerts and school productions.
Hav-a-da-pizza at Anna's in downtown Fuquay-Varina.
Grab a pint at one of Fuquay-Varina's four breweries, try not to faint!
Grab some refreshments at The Mill, a local favorite in Downtown Fuquay.
1/3
New subdivisions and established neighborhoods
Widescale development projects are creating a market full of newly built Craftsman and New Traditional homes. “It’s one of the fastest growing towns in Wake County,” says Marguerite Greene, senior vice president with Century 21 Triangle Group. There are also older styles like 1940s bungalows, midcentury ranch-style homes and late 20th-century Colonial Revivals. Homes closer to the historic downtown areas sit on lots less than a half-acre in size, decorated with flowering shrubs and garden beds. There are few sidewalks here, and mature magnolia, pine and oak trees add to the established feel. Further from the town center, planned subdivisions are lined with smooth concrete sidewalks, often dotted with saplings. Cul-de-sacs and equal-sized lots create the suburban vibe. Prices range from $150,000 for a home under 1,000 square feet that needs repairs to upwards of $2 million for a stately custom home over 6,000 square feet. Buyers can also find condos and townhouses between $200,000 and $480,000.
Some neighborhoods are designed with a higher density in Fuquay-Varina.
Classic ranch homes are plentiful around Fuquay-Varina.
Fuquay-Varina offers neighborhoods with larger two-story homes.
1/3
A-rated schools with a supportive community
While the southwestern outskirts of Fuquay-Varina are zoned for Harnett County Schools, most of the town is in the Wake County Schools system. Fuquay-Varina Elementary is right by Main Street and offers before-and-after-school programs for younger students. Fuquay-Varina Middle and Fuquay-Varina High offer many special-interest groups, such as drama and 4-H clubs. The high school’s band program is supported by a very active nonprofit, Band Boosters of Fuquay-Varina Inc., a group of passionate parents who fundraise and volunteer. All three schools boast A-minus ratings from Niche. Nearby private options include Southern Wake Academy, offering instruction for sixth through 12th grade, and Hilltop Christian School, a kindergarten through 12th grade school.
Nearly 2300 Bengal Tigers attend Fuquay-Varina High School.
Younger kids can get their start at Fuquay-Varina Elementary School.
Buckhorn Elementary School is one of Fuquay-Varina's newer schools.
1/3
Twenty green spaces for different activities
The town’s claim to fame is its historic Fuquay Mineral Spring Park. In the early 20th century, thousands visited the spring to drink the mineral water believed to cure various ailments. Today, visitors can stroll around the tree-shaded spring on smooth walking paths. The park is also the site of the town’s annual Ice Cream Social, fittingly celebrated on National Ice Cream Day each July. Residents love the expansive Fleming Loop Recreational Park for its colorful playground featuring three slides and plenty of climbing obstacles. Youth sports teams hold practices on its many fields. Nearby, Fuquay-Varina Dog Park provides a large, forested space for dogs to run around off-leash. For a quiet time in nature, residents visit the 28-acre Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park for walks on a 2-mile trail through the woods. Golfers can join the private Bentwinds Country Club to play a challenging, tree-dotted 18-hole course.
See the place that started it all, the spring in Fuquay Mineral Spring Park in downtown.
Sitting on 28 acres, Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park has many trails to see.
Come for a book, stay for a history lesson at Ashworth Park right behind the library.
Re-opening in 2020, Flemming Loop Park now has 7 mulit-purpose fields and a playground.
1/4
U.S. Route 401 takes residents to Raleigh
While the downtown districts and subdivisions are very walkable, most drive to get around. U.S. Route 401 is close for trips to Raleigh, an 18-mile drive, and Durham, a 34-mile drive. Potential residents should note that traffic is heavy during peak times. “The one bit of feedback I hear is that the traffic is awful because of the way that the city is laid out. With the growth that has taken place quickly over the last 20 years, you can have gridlock,” Toy explains. “They have built some parkways, which has given some relief to that main stretch,” she continues. Instead of driving, residents can board a GoRaleigh express bus at the Fuquay-Varina South Park-and-Ride to reach downtown Raleigh. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 28 miles away.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
Photography Contributed By
Lawrence Hiatt
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anthony Fink,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Fuquay-Varina, NC sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Fuquay-Varina, NC over the last 12 months is $439,900, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Location, Location, Location! Discover this beautiful ranch home in a prime location! What a deal- list price less than tax value. Nestled in the highly sought-after PARTIN PLACE community, this gorgeous home offers a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Built in 2020, this one story home offers a bright and spacious open-concept kitchen and family room, perfect for gatherings.
JANUARY CLOSE!!! NEW TRIM, LIGHTING, PLUMBING & HARDWARE PACKAGES!!!! Get ready to fall In love with this ranch home! This hidden treasure boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms across 1,634 square feet. Upon entering you will quickly find this thoughtfully designed floor plan that enhances both style and functionality with the laminate flooring in the main living areas. Adore the modern kitchen
January Close!! NEW TRIM, LIGHTING, PLUMBING, DOOR & HARDWARE PACKAGES!!!! This home is currently under construction. Home at last! From the moment you arrive, the covered front porch and welcoming entry foyer set the tone for what's inside this charming two story home! Spanning across 3,231 square feet this home features 4 bedrooms and two and a half baths. Take a step inside to the bright and
Beautiful 4 bedroom with Primary on the first floor immaculately cared for home! NO HOA. Slow down in the quite area with a 3 car garage and fully fenced yard. Great for all the play near all the fun. 4 Beds and a bonus/ office space with some unique custom walls and tile features. The screened porch leads to additional space for entertaining. Location centered between Holly Springs and Fuquay
If you've been scrolling through listings thinking too tight, too outdated, too blah - take a breath, because this is the one worth stopping for. Edgecroft is that rare mix of space, comfort, charm, and location magic, sitting right on the edge of Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina, giving you access to the best restaurants, parks, shopping, and small-town vibes both communities offer. Double the
Wonderful 3-year-old ranch house just minutes from Downtown Fuquay-Varina and HWY55. Home offers 2230 headed sq ft, 3 bedrooms on main level, a 4th bedroom with full bath and nice size 2nd bonus room area on 2nd floor, 3 full baths total, screened porch, patio and 2 car garage. LVP flooring in the foyer, family room, kitchen, and eating area. Granite countertops in bathrooms. Washer, dryer and
Currently offering 1 month free on select homes and a waived application fee! Daily pricing. Contact beforehand as prices, specials, promotions and availability is subject to change. Skymor Geneva unique homes for lease in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina are taking the lead in building a modern, authentic living experience. Driven by details and thoughtful design, our 3, 4, and 5-bedroom rental
Brand New 3-Bedroom Townhouse in Fuquay-Varina! Step into modern comfort with this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse featuring a 1-car garage and an open-concept floor plan. Perfect for entertaining or relaxing, the home offers:Gourmet Kitchen: Granite countertops, tile backsplash, walk-in pantry, and brand-new appliances including refrigerator, washer, and
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
