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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Carla Sevilla,
an experienced agent in this area.
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