Knightdale

Located in eastern Wake County, Shotwell is a neighborhood with roots stretching all the way back to the 1800s. And while this established community is big on vintage charm and classic style, it also offers residents a chance to be close to all the action in Raleigh—without being too close. “Shotwell lets you get out of Raleigh and its busy environment,” says Dale Suggs, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Platinum and longtime resident of the area. “Even then, though, you can easily be back in Raleigh in no time.” With its mix of access and natural beauty, Shotwell offers residents a slice of urban living with a heaping dose of serenity and suburban charm. Homes in the Shotwell neighborhood reflect its more vintage style and character—while also demonstrating the rapid growth and popularity of the region. A mix of traditional designs call the area home, though ranch styles, cottages, and Cape Cods are the most common established builds. Modern contemporary homes are also quite common in the neighborhood, with a great deal of newer construction reflecting this. “While it’s certainly an established neighborhood, it’s also been sort of ‘discovered’ in the last few years,” says Suggs. “So, you’re getting a lot of new people and new construction, which is really exciting.” Townhouses are also located throughout Shotwell, with these homes typically reflecting modern contemporary designs too. Prices typically range from $225,000 to $1 million—with ranch styles, cottages, and townhouses on the lower end of the range and large, modern contemporary estates towards the upper end. While proximity to Raleigh is a huge benefit to life in Shotwell, residents won’t need to make the commute simply for shopping or dining needs. Shoppers can head to nearby White Oak Crossing, which features well-known retailers such as Target and Best Buy, along with a handful of chain restaurants. Those looking to take a night off from cooking can do so at the Carolina Alehouse, which also makes for a great spot for after-work drinks with friends. Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken is a healthy fast-food alternative that features several locations around the Raleigh-Durham area, including one in Knightdale. Just south of Knightdale, residents of Shotwell have the chance to take part in many local events and festivals, with Knightdale Station Park serving as home to several of the celebrations. Knightdale’s annual Arts and Education Festival—also known as K-Fest—features live music, food trucks, and more, all with the goal to connect members of the community with local art and education opportunities. Because of its proximity to Raleigh, residents can also take part in the city’s large 4th of July and Christmas celebrations. Students in Shotwell begin their learning at Lake Myra Elementary, before moving on to Wendell Middle School and finishing up at East Wake High School. Lake Myra Elementary is designated as a Leader in Me Lighthouse program, which fosters leadership skills in young minds. According to Niche, these schools earned ratings of B, B, and B-minus. Those looking to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty will have plenty of opportunity to do so, with the Neuse River Greenway Trail tracing along the eastern edge of the neighborhood. Featuring nearly 30 miles of paved walking trails and a scenic view of the Neuse River, the Greenway is an excellent spot for days spent outdoors. Anderson Point Park, located in the northwest corner of Shotwell, features 90 acres of athletic fields, wildlife habitats, and even an amphitheater. Bailey and Sarah Williamson Nature Preserve offers an additional 7 miles of walking and biking trails, making the area ideal for active types and those who enjoy peaceful strolls alike. “Even outside the designated trails, there’s tons of walking paths and pocket parks,” says Suggs. “You can even take part in some smaller boating and water activities.” Due west of Raleigh, residents of Shotwell can take Interstate 87 to get where they need to go quickly. Typically, commuters to Raleigh are looking at a 15-mile drive—averaging out to about 20 minutes spent in the car, barring traffic. Research Triangle Park, a significant employer in the area featuring the offices of companies such as IBM and Epic Games, sits just over 30 miles away. Residents are also close to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and North Carolina State University.