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Wake Forest

Wake Forest

Located in Wake County

$671,636 Average Value
$220 Average Price per Sq Ft
144 Homes For Sale

Wake County city focused on community

Between the Blue Ridge Mountains and North Carolina coastal beaches, Wake Forest is a growing town of just over 54,000 residents with plenty of outdoor recreation, well-established schools and annual celebrations. “We have a very impressive community spirit, and people who visit recognize that pretty quickly,” says Bill Crabtree, Wake Forest Communications and Public Affairs Director.

Downtown Wake Forest, set in the city center, features multiple shops and cafes along its narrow two-way street, and locals like gathering there for live music and art festivals. Longleaf pine-wooded parks and trails are scattered within the city, and the Wake Forest Greenway system connects to the city’s northern, eastern and southern borders. Residents here live in well-kept subdivisions lined with sidewalks, and even with heavy traffic from Raleigh 18 miles south, Crabtree says residents enjoy the city’s slow-paced, rural atmosphere.

Wake Forest can feel a bit secluded from the rest of The Research Triangle, which includes Raleigh, Durham and Chappell Hill. Still, it’s less than 30 miles from Research Triangle Park, home to major tech employers. The area is often referred to as the East Coast Silicon Valley. Those looking to be close to RTP while also wanting to live in a small southern town may be drawn to Wake Forest. “I love North Carolina. I love the people, the climate, and everything about it,” says Kelly Huffstetler, a realtor with Keller Williams Realty and current resident. “A lot of what I loved about North Carolina when I moved here 30 years ago still exists here in Wake Forest.”

Pride comes in many forms at The Wake Forest Pride Festival.
Pride comes in many forms at The Wake Forest Pride Festival.
Friday Night On White is a lively monthly event in Spring and Summer in Wake Forest.
Friday Night On White is a lively monthly event in Spring and Summer in Wake Forest.
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Growing population despite higher-priced housing

In both 2022 and 2023, the median home sale price in Wake Forest was around $525,000. Despite the higher price tag compared to Durham's median price of $425,000 and Raleigh’s $440,000 median price, Monique Wilkins, Economic Development Manager for Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership, says people are still flocking to the area. “The median household income here’s about 70% higher than the state’s, so people are coming left and right,” she says.

In the northern and middle parts of the city, New Traditional homes built between the early to mid-2000s sit in hilly cul-de-sacs and average $385,000. Larger two-story New Traditional houses built in the 2010s ranging between $650,000 and $900,000 can be found closer to the southern border, near golf courses and water reservoirs. Three of Wake Forest’s four historic districts are on the National Register of Historic Places; during the winter holidays, people take self-guided tours along Main Street near downtown to see decorated Federal- and Victorian-style homes from the 19th century.

Heritage is a master-planned neighborhood with a variety of homes, including townhouses, with country club amenities. “It’s almost like its own little mini town,” Huffstetler says. “It has some commercial development all around it. You could be at the grocery store, but it’s still part of Heritage.”

According to its 2023 Community Plan, the city will start building housing units in undeveloped areas along the eastern border and near major highways like US Route 1 and NC Highway 98 by the mid-to-late 2020s. These proposed subdivisions will include single and multi-family properties, along with residential care facilities to address senior housing needs. "Wake Forest is still building, but not as much as it was five years ago,” Huffstetler says. “There’s more new home construction in Wake Forest than in other parts of The Triangle, but it’s slower down.”

Planned neighborhoods with lots of common areas can be found throughout Wake Forest.
Planned neighborhoods with lots of common areas can be found throughout Wake Forest.
Large yards are typical of subdivisions at Falls Lake
Large yards are typical of subdivisions at Falls Lake
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Miles of greenway trails with plans to expand

With 17 parks to choose from, Wake Forest residents can enjoy baseball fields, playgrounds and nearly 15 miles of paved greenway trails that travel the city and connect to parts of Raleigh. Falls Lake State Recreation Area has a 12,410-acre lake for boating, kayaking and canoeing. The Neuse River Greenway goes from the Falls Lake dam to the town of Clayton. By 2026, the city plans to expand the Dunn Creek Greenway near Smith Creek Soccer Center and the Smith Creek Greenway, which includes a 558-foot bridge over the Neuse River.

The popular Joyner Park includes forested walking trails, a pecan grove and several lush, grassy spaces to explore. Between April and June, locals like spreading out blankets on the park’s amphitheater lawn to watch regional bands play at the annual concert series, Six Sundays in Spring. In March of 2024, the city’s first all-inclusive playground opened in Holding Park, featuring wheelchair-friendly ramps and sensory-friendly play panels.

The pecan grove walking path at Carroll Joyner Park is a popular destination in Wake Forest.
The pecan grove walking path at Carroll Joyner Park is a popular destination in Wake Forest.
Fishing piers and boat launches are widely available at Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
Fishing piers and boat launches are widely available at Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
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Local art and history in Wake Forest’s downtown

The city’s walkable downtown is the community’s cultural hub, where folks check out art galleries, locally owned boutiques and multiple bistros. The Federal-style Wake Forest Historical Museum features city walking tours and rotating collections, and in January 2024 received a National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH) grant to add more exhibits.

Every April through September, residents get together for Friday Night on White to sip beer from nearby breweries and cheer on musical performers from across the county. One of Wake Forest Area Chamber’s biggest events is the Meet in the Street Festival, where over 100 local artisans set up shop along Owen Avenue to sell handmade crafts and food.

While it’s common for residents to gather within neighborhoods and communities, the town does come together for larger events, especially surrounding the holidays. “We’re a patriotic town,” Huffstetler says. “We do know our place, though. We do our 4th of July fireworks on July 3rd so as not to compete with Raleigh’s.”

Residents can check out the Wake Forest Farmers Market for pasture-raised beef and fresh produce or drive a few miles to well-known grocery chains. Retail stores and fast-food chains are found at Wake Forest Crossing right off US-1.

Live music set the scene at Friday Night On White.
Live music set the scene at Friday Night On White.
Wake Forest's small town charm appeals to a wide array of residents.
Wake Forest's small town charm appeals to a wide array of residents.
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High marks for Wake County Public Schools

The city is served by Wake County Public Schools, which scores an overall A from Niche; in January 2024, Magnet Schools of America honored 47 of the district’s magnet schools with National Merit Awards. Students applying to magnet and charter schools are selected in a lottery system. Wake Forest High, one of the largest schools in the city, is known for its Academy for Construction and Design Careers program; students learn carpentry and drafting skills through their first three years of school and then complete an internship with a local business during their senior year. Wake Forest is also within 35 miles of universities like Duke, University of North Carolina and North Carolina State.

Wake Forest High School provides a public education for its students.
Wake Forest High School provides a public education for its students.
Duke University is less than 5 miles away the Hope Valley neighborhood.
Duke University is less than 5 miles away the Hope Valley neighborhood.
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A community with unique police programs

Crabtree, who’s worked in the city for almost 20 years, says Wake Forest typically ranks among the safest cities in the state. FBI Crime Data for 2019 shows Wake Forest has a violent crime rate of 0.05% and a property crime rate of 0.85%. Raleigh has a violent crime rate of 0.26% and a property crime rate of 1.78%. To create stronger communal bonds, the Wake Forest Police Department encourages residents to form Neighborhood Watch groups and enroll in programs like Take Me Home, where police and residents help wandering adults and children with disabilities get back to their loved ones.

The WFPD and Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry host their Annual Turkey Drive in Wake Forest.
The WFPD and Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry host their Annual Turkey Drive in Wake Forest.

Multiple routes to the state’s capital

Downtown Raleigh is about an 18-mile drive south via US-1, also known as Capital Boulevard, which can get congested during rush hour due to the town’s rapid growth. However, Wake Forst is closer to North Raleigh. Downtown Durham is 25 miles west via NC-98. GoRaleigh buses travel near downtown Wake Forest and Raleigh. Duke Health Heritage Hospital is a few miles south of downtown, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 24 miles west. In December of 2023, the N.C. Department of Transportation received a $1.1 billion federal grant to build the S-Line high-speed rail from Wake Forest to Raleigh and other southern cities, a project set to be completed in 2030. Wilkins says residents have differing reactions to the rail news; some don’t like the idea of added train noise, but many are excited about the future reduction in car traffic.

Downtown Raleigh Skyline
Downtown Raleigh Skyline
Downtown Wake Forest offers a variety of shops and restaurants in a small town setting.
Downtown Wake Forest offers a variety of shops and restaurants in a small town setting.
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Joyelle Ronan
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Bob Fortner
Photography Contributed By
Bob Fortner
Tony Simonetti
Video By
Tony Simonetti

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joel Sivertsen, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Wake Forest Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$539,900
Median Sale Price
$540,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$593,689
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$364,990
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$349,490
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
2,466
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$220

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
23,046
Number of Homes for Sale
144
Median Year Built
2005
Months of Supply
0.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,041
Significantly above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,946
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,567
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Open Houses

  • Friday, Aug 1
    4 - 6pm

    5916 Two Pines Trail, Wake Forest, NC 27587

    $845,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,723 Sq Ft
    • 5916 Two Pines Trail

    Luxury, Privacy, and Space in One of Wake Forest's Most Sought-After CommunitiesTucked away on over an acre in one of Wake Forest's premier neighborhoods, this beautifully maintained home offers a rare combination of privacy, peaceful surroundings, and expansive outdoor living. With over 3,700 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, this home features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a

    Agent Photo
    Stephanie Santiago
    Coldwell Banker Advantage
    (919) 324-3334
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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    2 - 4pm

    1034 Snapdragon Dr, Wake Forest, NC 27587

    $565,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,634 Sq Ft
    • 1034 Snapdragon Dr
    • New 9 days ago

    OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, August 3rd, 2 - 4 pmLocated in the desirable neighborhood of Chesleigh, minutes from shopping, medical, and commuter lots. One Owner Home meticulously maintained. Light and bright open floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors, living room with gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling. Main level has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Primary bedroom has tray ceiling, large walk-in closet,

    Kay Burleson NorthGroup Real Estate, Inc.

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    2 - 4pm

    1816 Birdhouse Ln, Wake Forest, NC 27587

    $430,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,021 Sq Ft
    • 1816 Birdhouse Ln
    • New 4 days ago

    Come see this beautifully bright and airy home with an open layout designed for modern living! The spacious kitchen features stainess appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet and counter space. Duable LVP flooring runs throughout the main level. Upstairs, you'll find 3 generously sized bedrooms plus a verstaile loft - ideal for home office, pay area, gym or flex space. A 2 car

    Lisa Hickey Coldwell Banker HPW

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Wake Forest Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
55,700
Median Age
40
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,806
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$127,571

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
55.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

33 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

22 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

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.
Wake Forest