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.
Friday Night On White is a lively monthly event in Spring and Summer in Wake Forest.
1/2
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.
Large yards are typical of subdivisions at Falls Lake
1/2
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.
Fishing piers and boat launches are widely available at Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
1/2
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.
Wake Forest's small town charm appeals to a wide array of residents.
1/2
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.
Duke University is less than 5 miles away the Hope Valley neighborhood.
1/2
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.
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 Wake Forest offers a variety of shops and restaurants in a small town setting.
1/2
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Bob Fortner
Video By
Tony Simonetti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelli Kaspar,
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 Wake Forest, NC sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Wake Forest, NC over the last 12 months is $501,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE 6/14 11 AM - 2 PM Located in the highly sought-after Hasentree community, this stunning Luxury home offers flexible living spaces with separate suites ideal for extended households or long term guests. With a gorgeous 2,476 sq ft Finished Luxury Daylight Basement sitting on a beautiful, quiet corner lot tucked just behind the 6th tee box of the Tom Fazio-designed golf course, offering
Welcome to the popular community of Bowling Green! Charleston-style home with open floor plan featuring LVP floor on main floor and large kitchen with plenty of storage. Private courtyard in the rear with covered patio, leads directly to a detached 2-car garage. Upstairs, a large owner suite with generous sized owner bath. 2 additional bedrooms offering plenty of natural light. Need storage? Be
Discover your dream home at 1304 Trailing Rose Court, nestled in the sought-after ThornRose community of vibrant Wake Forest. This 5 bed, 2.5 bath home with bonus room, offers spacious living & modern charm. Step into a grand foyer w/a sweeping staircase, flanked by elegant dining & living areas. The kitchen boasts solid-surface countertops, a center island, tile backsplash, stainless appliances,
GORGEOUS Ranch Home on 1 ACRE lot with upgrades galore! Features a bright floor plan and upgrades galore including a stunning custom kitchen with granite countertops, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Wide plank hardwood like flooring through main living areas; PLUSH carpet and designer interior paint. Awesome Owners Suite with double vanity, walk in shower and garden tub.
This 5 bedroom, 3 full bath home with over 3400 feet is located in popular Wake Forest! HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HOME, large custom oak island, main-floor guest suite, massive master suite upstairs with huge walk-in closet, Even the laundry room is oversized! LARGE, LANDSCAPED, FENCED YARD offers PRIVACY with no neighbors behind. The neighborhood offers a community pool! Located
Welcome to 1013 Poppy Fields Lane, a meticulously maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home nestled in the highly sought-after Traditions neighborhood of Wake Forest. This spacious 3277sq ft residence offers a blend of comfort and style, perfect for modern living. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed floor plan featuring a welcoming foyer, a cozy fireplace in the living area, and ample
**Discover Luxury Living at The Palisades of Wake Forest!** Escape the hustle and bustle and experience the perfect blend of **luxury and tranquility** at **The Palisades of Wake Forest**—where upscale living meets small-town charm. Conveniently located near **Downtown Raleigh and Research Triangle Park**, our community offers easy access to **top dining, shopping, and outdoor
Brand New energy-efficient Family home in The Preserve at Kitchin Farms! Stunning 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom with office/flex space. Open kitchen floor plan with Stainless Steel Appliances, Quartz countertops, white cabinets, Huge island and a Walk-In Pantry. Primary Suit with spacious walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms, a full bath with dual vanity sinks, and a laundry room complete the second
Now Offering 2 Months Free on Select Homes until June 2025. Restrictions apply; inquire for more details. Appointments Encouraged. Walk-Ins Welcome! We are ready to help you find your new home.Call now to connect with a Team Member and schedule a tour in-person or virtually!
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.
