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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Duke University is less than 5 miles away the Hope Valley neighborhood.
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The WFPD and Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry host their Annual Turkey Drive in Wake Forest.
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.
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.
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Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Bob Fortner
Video By
Drew Webster
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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.
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On average, homes in Wake Forest, NC sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Wake Forest, NC over the last 12 months is $475,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful End-Unit Townhome in great Location Near Capital Blvd! 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath end-unit townhouse offers. Freshly updated, it features new interior paint (including front and rear doors), refinished hardwood floors in the kitchen and foyer. Stainless steel appliances. NEW flooring in the dining and family rooms, and brand-new carpet upstairs. Enjoy the gas fireplace in the spacious family
Selling Sunsets and more! READY NOW! Preferred lender RATE BUY DOWN! This cul de sac home sits on a prized lot with wide open views, jaw dropping sunsets and a floor plan most everyone wants! Open and spacious with first floor guest bedroom. Bright kitchen offers eating island, SS appliances and quartz counter tops. Luxury vinyl flooring runs throughout for a clean, modern look. Upstairs offers a
Hard to find Dunwoody model with full second floor. Freshly painted home on one of the largest lots (.30 acre) in Traditions Del Webb. This home is a fabulous, open floor plan with huge kitchen island, walk in pantry, gas fireplace, granite counters, tile backsplash, electric cooktop plus wall oven/microwave. The large primary bedroom is tucked away toward the back of the home overlooking the
Gorgeous Ranch minutes to Charming Downtown Wake Forest with 1 car Garage! Features a stunning kitchen with granite countertops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Bright floor plan with wide plank laminate hardwood flooring throughout main living areas; PLUSH carpet in bedrooms and new interior paint. Spacious deck overlooking treelined backyard. Move in and enjoy! Staged photos for
This location offers the best of Wake Forest living. Perfectly positioned within minutes of boutique shopping, local restaurants, and convenient commuter routes, this home puts everything you need right at your fingertips including the gym! You'll love how close you are to favorite local spots while still enjoying the peace of a quiet neighborhood.Inside, the open-concept main floor makes
Introducing an Exquisite Custom Home by Cantiere Builders with room in backyard for in ground pool. Step into the epitome of luxury living with this gorgeous custom-built home, where every detail whispers elegance and comfort. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a coveted Wake Forest address while benefitting from Granville County taxes—an exceptional opportunity for homeowners! Imagine a
Be in for the Holidays! Like-new 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath rental in downtown Wake Forest . Open floor plan, plenty of light and windows. Large kitchen island, gas stove, SS appliances. Washer and dryer included. Pet-friendly. Super over sized one car garage.
BRAND NEW TOWNHOME! This house offers a 3 bedroom/2.5 bath and a single car garage. The house offers you an open floor plan with foyer flowing into beautiful kitchen, a cozy living room with dining, a half bath on the main level and opens to a nice backyard. The kitchen is beautiful with white cabinets, quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash and a pantry. Beautiful LVP floors on the main
Delight in the charm and comfort of this cozy 3-bedroom home nestled in the heart of Wake Forest, NC, at 316 West Chestnut Avenue. With its perfect blend of warmth and functionality, this 937 sq ft residence offers an inviting space that feels like home from the moment you step inside. The open layout seamlessly connects the living areas, creating a bright and airy atmosphere ideal for both
With a variety of home options and nearby access to state parks, waterfront recreation, and a central location great for commuting, Falls Lake is perfect for any homebuyer looking to split their time between the office and the outdoors. <br><br>Instead of a larger cohesive neighborhood, the area is made up of many dozens of subdivisions and smaller communities like Stony Hill and Wakefield. Properties around Falls Lake tend to be listed higher than homes in the greater Raleigh area, with prices increasing closer to the lake, but the large area offers a wide array of styles and prices. Homes range anywhere from the mid-$200,000s for townhomes, to well into the multimillions for sprawling custom estates. Styles include New Traditional, Millennium, and classic ranch homes.<br><br>Falls Lake was named for its location at the falls of the Neuse River. Dammed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1981, it now serves as flood protection and a reservoir, supplying water to the nearby counties. Along the shores of the lake, you’ll find the Lake Falls State Recreation Area, a North Carolina state park that encompasses more than 5,000 acres of the surrounding wilderness. Enjoy more than 25 miles of hiking trails across the park, as well as an additional 14 miles of mountain biking trails and more than 300 campsites. Visitors can also spend a day on the water, with boat launches and swimming beaches available across the lake. With more than 12,000 acres of calm surface and 175 miles of shoreline, Falls Lake is perfect for boating and fishing, with a variety of native species that call the peaceful waters home. <br><br>The trails within the park contain a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a massive trail system that stretches for more than 1,000 miles across North Carolina. True to its name, this state-sponsored trail connects the mountains of western North Carolina to the Outer Banks on the coast. Even more trail sections are under construction or planned for future development. <br><br>Students in Falls Lake attend Wake County public schools, like nearby Brassfield Elementary or Wakefield Elementary, Middle and High schools, the latter of which both earned an A- overall score on Niche. At Wakefield High, students can start their weekend with Saturday Academy, a tutoring session with both teachers and other students offering help to prepare for classes or upcoming standardized tests like the ACT. <br><br>The neighborhood sits between the nearby cities of Wake Forest and Durham, making for easy access to shopping, dining, groceries and other amenities. Grab a bite to eat in nearby downtown Wake Forest, offering a quaint small-town vibe, and pop by White Street Brewing or Bodega Tapas, Wine and Rum, both on White Street.<br><br>With its proximity to both Durham and Raleigh, Falls Lake sits just outside Research Triangle Park, the renowned research and business hub that serves as a major economic driver for the surrounding area. Both cities are points in the Triangle, with the last one being Chapel Hill. Each city hosts a major research university, which gives the area its moniker. Residents looking to commute into Raleigh are looking at a roughly 20-mile drive straight south, with roadways like State Highway 50 making for a direct route into downtown.
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
$79,601
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.
