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
Michelle Stephenson,
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 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Wake Forest, NC over the last 12 months is $458,490, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to one of Heritage's most distinctive opportunities, where timeless craftsmanship, exceptional outdoor living, and future expansion potential come together in one of the Triangle's most sought-after master-planned communities. Perfectly positioned on a private homesite with mature landscaping and wooded views, this beautifully maintained home offers an ideal blend of luxury, flexibility,
Stunning 6-bedroom, 5.5-bath Aspen model in Sage on North Main! This impressive 4,266 sq ft home features a rare 3rd floor media room, gourmet kitchen with island, and covered back patio. The luxurious primary suite boasts a spa shower and expansive walk-in closet. Completion set for August 26. Step into the welcoming foyer with dedicated study, then flow into the spacious gathering area with
MOVE IN READY! Stunning primary on main, 4-bedroom, 3-bath Birch II E featuring 2,748 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space in the desirable Sage on North Main community. This impressive home boasts a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, cozy fireplace, and luxurious first-floor primary suite with spa shower and expansive closet. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the kitchen's
Experience exceptional living in this move-in ready, 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhome. Perfectly designed for comfort, this residence features a private ground-floor guest suite with a full bath—ideal for visitors, multi-generational living, or a quiet home office. The main level showcases a bright, open-concept floor plan flooded with natural light, seamlessly connecting the gourmet kitchen to a
Previous model home, loaded with upgrades, conveniently located near Joyner Park in Wake Forest! This open floor plan features a dining room, spacious family room with a brick gas fireplace and built-in shelves, and a large kitchen with an eat-at island, tons of cabinets, a pantry, a gas range, and stainless steel appliances. The first-floor primary suite offers a huge walk-in closet, while the
CARPET ALLOWANCE OFFERED! Spacious turn key townhouse on the edge of Heritage in Wake Forest. This move in ready 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home has fresh paint and updated lighting and blinds. Lawn maintenance, roof and siding covered by HOA. Outside of the Property was painted in 2021 with the roof replaced in 2024. Inside, you'll find tile flooring in the foyer and kitchen. Refrigerator conveys. A
Lower price!! Freshly painted!! And, NEW Photos - with digital staging! 5-Year Warranty on a like-new home with 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths in a vibrant, amenity-rich community. The main level includes a guest bedroom and full bath--ideal for visitors or multi-generational living. An open floor plan makes everyday living and entertaining effortless, featuring both an eat-in kitchen and a formal
Like-new RANCH + BONUS with 1/2 bath in an unbeatable Wake Forest location! This highly sought-after split-bedroom floor plan offers the flexibility buyers are looking for, with a spacious second-floor bonus suite perfect for guests, a home office, or recreation. The gourmet kitchen features a large center island, premium granite countertops, abundant cabinetry with pull-out drawers, and a newly
Skip the construction delays and move right into a home that already has the upgrades, space, and value today's buyers are searching for. Now offered at an incredible new price, this beautifully designed home delivers the style of newer construction without the extra costs, months of waiting, or endless design-center decisions. At the heart of the home, the chef's kitchen is designed to bring
4 Bed | 5 Bath | Finished Basement | 3-Car Garage Designed with luxury, flexibility, and everyday functionality in mind, this beautifully appointed home offers an exceptional layout with a first-floor primary suite, private study, finished basement, and extensive indoor and outdoor living spaces. Hardwood floors run throughout the main living areas, leading into a stunning chef's kitchen
Welcome to 2800 Pompeii Place in the sought-after Porto Fino neighborhood. This exceptional custom-built home offers over 3,100 square feet of beautifully designed living space. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence blends timeless craftsmanship with thoughtful updates, making it ideal for multigenerational living, working from home, and effortless entertaining. Designed with flexibility in
Positioned at the end of a cul-de-sac on approximately 0.75 acres in the Deerchase community, this three-level home was designed to bring indoor and outdoor living together. The backyard becomes a natural extension of the home with a pool, pond, covered patio, brick grilling area, garden space, and a distinctive octagon screened porch featuring a vaulted tongue-and-groove wood ceiling and private
Give yourself the luxury of owning a beautiful FOUR bedroom THREE AND ONE HALF bath townhome in the highly desireable Traditions neighborhood. With a main floor bedroom and bath, this home offers flexibility for guests or multi-generational living. Enjoy the open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, making it ideal for entertaining. Thoughtful features
PRICE IMPROVEMENT IN WAKE FOREST! Looking for space, character, and an incredible opportunity to build equity in Wake Forest? Welcome to 1015 Wait Avenue! We've just had a price improvement, making this classic home an even bigger value for buyers looking to put down roots near the heart of town. Property Highlights: • 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,671 Sq Ft • Expansive 0.8-acre lot with endless
ONE OF WAKE FOREST'S BEST VALUES! OVER 4,100 SQ FT IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE AUSTIN CREEK! Some homes simply check the boxes. This home creates a lifestyle. Now offered at $685,000, this exceptional 5-bedroom home offers over 4,100 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, combining luxury, flexibility, and everyday comfort in one of Wake Forest's most sought-after communities. Opportunities
BEAUTIFUL HIGH MEADOWS SUBDIVISION! COMPLETELY REMODELED, FRESH PAINT INSIDE, LAMINATE FLOORING, NEW CARPET AND PADDING, OVERSIZED DECK, BLACK GUTTERS, WHITE CABINETS, NEW TOILETS, SMOOTH CEILINGS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE, UPDATED HARDWARE, NEW LIGHTING, AND MUCH MORE! MUST SEE! CLOSE TO SHOPPING, DOWNTOWN, RDU, RTP, I-540, AND THE CAPITAL GREENWAY WITH ACCESS TO MORE
Immerse yourself in uncompromising luxury and comfort when you call Hawthorne at Traditions home in Wake Forest, NC. Choose from modern 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, each thoughtfully designed with your lifestyle in mind, and enjoy the convenience of elevator access throughout the community.Find yourself surrounded by resort-style amenities just steps away. Take advantage of easy access to
BEAUTIFUL 3 BEDROOM 2 BATHS IN GREAT LOCATION! OFFERING FRESH PAINT INSIDE AND OUT, NEW CABINETS, NEW LIGHTING,NEW FLOORING, NEW GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, SS APPLIANCES, GOOD SIZE BEDROOMS, CUL-DE-SAC LOT WITH LARGE OPEN BACKYARD, BATHROOMS COMPLETELY REMODELED, NEW HVAC, NEW ROOF, AND MUCH MORE! MUST SEE! CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN, RDU, RTP, ANDSHOPPING! ACCESS TO CAPITAL GREEN-WAY JUST ACROSS THE
Where modern living meets timeless style in the heart of North Raleigh, NC. Our brand-new one- and two-bedroom apartment homes are designed to elevate your lifestyle with open-concept layouts, high-end finishes, and exceptional community amenities. Located just minutes from shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation, Comet North Raleigh combines the comfort of home with the energy of city living —
Savor the charm and comfort of 1621 Crimson Leaf Ln, a captivating retreat nestled in the heart of Wake Forest, NC. This spacious four-bedroom home, boasting 2,464 square feet, offers an inviting sanctuary for those seeking a blend of elegance and warmth. The centerpiece of the living room is a cozy fireplace, perfect for gathering around on chilly evenings with loved ones. With two full baths
NOW LEASING! Hamlet Quail Crossing is a brand-new rental home and townhome community in Wake Forest designed for connection, comfort, and convenience. As one of the first residents, you’ll enjoy the perks of living in a home with modern finishes, spacious layouts, and thoughtfully designed interiors. Beyond your front door, the community invites you to gather and unwind with resort-style
Welcome to Palisades of Wake Forest – where luxury lives effortlessly. Located on Stone Monument Drive off Capital Blvd. in Wake Forest, NC, our community offers unmatched convenience with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment, and just a short drive to Downtown Raleigh.Choose from spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments with open-concept layouts. Select homes feature a patio,
Modern 3-Bedroom Townhouse with Loft, Gourmet Kitchen & 2-Car Garage Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom townhouse offering spacious, contemporary living with style and comfort. Featuring an open floor plan, this home is perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The expansive living area flows seamlessly into a gourmet kitchen, complete with high-end appliances, sleek countertops, and ample
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!
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN! Like New END UNIT Townhome with 2 car garage in Wake Forest. Rare opportunity to rent Former Model home, this 3 BD/3.5 BA home boasts of upgrades Like luxury hardwood style Flooring in main living areas, "New Caledonia" Granite Countertops, custom cabinets, 3x6 Arctic white tile backsplash, center island w/Breakfast bar, SS Appliances incl. smooth top range &
Wakefield Station Apartments in Raleigh, NC, offers modern studio, 1-, and 2-bedroom residences with luxury finishes and smart technology. Each unit features in-unit washer/dryer, keyless entry, and energy-efficient appliances. Community amenities include a resort-style pool, 24-hour fitness center, yoga room, pet spa, Amazon Hub lockers, and electric car charging stations. Conveniently located
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
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
153
Median Rent
$2,095
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,250
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,450
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,978
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,950
Median Condo Rent
$1,997
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,225
Demographics
Total Population
89,314
Median Age
42
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$130,091
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$158,473
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.3%
College Graduates
55.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.7%
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
Bikeability®
20/ 100
Somewhat walkable
Walkability®
20/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
