Why homebuyers want the Lake Royale lifestyle
Life revolves around the water in Lake Royale. This private, gated community, less than 40 miles outside Raleigh in Franklin County, features more than 1,000 homes set around a 345-acre lake. It appeals to families, retirees and vacation home buyers for its resort-style amenities, which range from a lakeside clubhouse and public docks to sports courts and an outdoor pool. Of course, boating and fishing are popular pastimes, but residents also value the sense of community here, which is supported by a property owners association that organizes weekly activities and seasonal events.
From small inland cottages to custom waterfront mansions
Along the community’s peaceful streets, you’ll find a wide variety of single-family homes from the 1970s through today. “It’s not a community where you see the same types of homes. People buy lots and build on them,” says Eva Padilla, a resident and a Realtor with Allen Tate/Lake Royale. Cottages, ranch-style homes and New Traditionals sit between many custom builds. New construction is adding Craftsman-inspired transitionals and modern designs to the mix. Dense tree cover surrounds these homes, which rest on roomy lots of about a third of an acre or more. Many properties have lake views, and those on the waterfront feature private boat slips. “There are multi-use properties where people have campers and build-overs. There are different areas where that is allowed,” Padilla adds. As for pricing, most inland homes cost between the lower $100,000s and the lower $500,000s. Waterfront properties start in the lower $500,000s and can exceed $1 million. There are also manufactured homes ranging from under $100,000 to the lower $400,000s.
A gated community with security, a police department and a POA
The community is managed by the Lake Royal Property Owners Association. Homeowners pay annual dues of over $1,000, which fund community maintenance and aesthetics, social events and security. “It has security at the gate 24/7, so everyone who comes in needs to show an ID or an invitation and an address, if they’re a guest,” Padilla says. Lake Royale also has its own police department. “We love that. You just feel a little more secure,” Padilla says.
A laundry list of resort-style amenities to enjoy
The enclave offers many amenities that make it easy to stay active year-round. During your free time here, you may:
- Go boating, kayaking, swimming or fishing on the lake
- Tee off at the River Golf Club or play minigolf by the beach
- Play tennis, pickleball, basketball or volleyball
- Romp around the community playground
- Enjoy an outdoor workout at the fitness park
“For people who don’t live on the water, there are docks around the lake that you can rent so they have some place to store their boats,” Padilla says.
A close-knit community with a packed social calendar
If you move to Lake Royale, you’ll find a friendly and social community. “People here know each other. It’s not a small place, but there’s a sense of community and belonging that a lot of people look for, especially if they have families far away or are retirees. That’s a strong pull for this community,” Padilla says. The clubhouse anchors much of the action, from bingo nights and casual barbecues to seasonal events like Trunk or Treat and the Witches and Warlocks Paddle, two October favorites. “There’s also a pavilion where they host live music in the summer,” Padilla says.
Highly rated public and charter schools serve Lake Royale
Lake Royale is within the Franklin County Schools district. Students can go to the highly rated Edward Best Elementary School, Bunn Middle School and Bunn High School. Students interested in earning an associate’s degree along with their diploma can apply to the highly rated Franklin County Early College High School. The district also offers school reassignment with acceptance, subject to space availability. Alternatively, East Wake Academy is a highly rated public charter school, about 15 miles away in Zebulon.
Raleigh and several small towns are within 40 miles
The community is primarily residential, so residents have to drive elsewhere to shop and dine. “There are options, but you’re not going to find the big stores around here. You have to drive at least 25 minutes to Walmart,” Padilla says. Popular destinations include:
- Bunn, which is less than 4 miles away (or 5 to 7 minutes)
- Louisburg, which is about 13 miles away (or 18 to 22 minutes)
- Wake Forest, which is around 19 miles away (or 26 to 45 minutes)
- Raleigh, which is roughly 37 miles away (or 40 to 55 minutes)
