With a charming downtown fit for a Hallmark movie and regular events to bring residents together, Wendell is a small town that’s growing into a bustling community. Located about twenty miles east of Raleigh, North Carolina, Wendell is known for its pastoral environment and acres of green space while still being within commuting distance of urban centers.
“For a long time, it’s been a relatively small community,” says Roger Peterson, Executive Director of the Wendell Chamber of Commerce. In 2010, according to data from the US Census Bureau, the town had a population just shy of 6,000 people. By 2022, that number had more than doubled, to 12,440. “The trick is for us to keep that small town charm and appeal even as we grow. It’s not easy, because we’re spread out in a lot of different areas, but downtown there’s retail that has been there for literally 100 years.”
This fire pit and chairs is a good example of super useful common areas
Get your jumbo cookies, apple strudel desserts, and more at Carter's Baking Company.
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“There’s stuff going on all the time.”
Peterson says that one of the Chamber’s initiatives is to bring the new residents and legacy residents together as a part of the community spirit. He recalls one Friday night when the community theater, Big Charm Players, put on a live performance at the same time that one of the local churches had a “Dancing with the Stars” inspired fundraiser for orphans in Belarus. The theater performance sold out, while the fundraiser had more than 450 people attend. “That feeling that you’re part of the town, that’s important,” Peterson said.
On the events calendar, visitors can take in the wide array of events going on across the town on any given night, including live music, horseback riding lessons, artisan markets, holiday celebrations and more. Yearly events like the Winter Wonderland, Harvest Festival and the International Food and Music Festival showcase local merchants and bring residents together.
Kat Taylor shares the mic with her grandad at Wendell's Whistlestop Bottleshop.
Wendell's Farmers & Merchants features live music like Kevin Kelly on weekend evenings.
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The beers and the bees
Downtown Wendell is lined with locally-owned businesses that give the town its distinct character. Bearded Bee Brewing Company features a rotating tap of beers in a space that used to be used as an old livery stable, and still features the original wooden beams, signage and brickwork. The brewery utilizes some of its profits to support local beekeepers. Farmers & Merchants restaurant, which gets its name from the building’s history as the town bank, serves cheesesteaks and features live music on the weekends.
Downtown Wendell also features boutique stores like Electric Boots Vintage and the Arrow Tree Boutique. For groceries and household staples, residents can head to Wendell Boulevard for the Food Lion and Interfood Plaza supermarkets.
Enjoy one of a wide selection of locally brewed craft beer at the Bearded Bee Brewing Company.
The Bearded Bee Brewing Company in Wendell produces craft beer in a micro-brew system.
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Homes under $400,000
One of the advantages of Wendell is that the home prices are lower than in areas closer to Raleigh. Single-level brick homes built in the 1960s can still be purchased for around $250,000, while bungalows and Colonials from the 1980s can still be found for $315,000 to $360,000. However, for home buyers looking for modern amenities, new homes built since 2020 are still available for around $400,000. The urban residential streets near downtown Wendell feature mature trees, small lots, and wide front porches while the newer developments like Wendell Falls are characterized by wide streets, sidewalks, and picturesque landscaping.
New homes in Wendell come in a variety of styles and sizes.
You'll find homes with large porches, some that wrap around, in Wendell.
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Highly ranked Wake County schools
Students in Wendell may attend Wendell Elementary School, which has a B rating from Niche and offers student clubs ranging from Amazing Artists to Dance and Yoga. Wendell Middle School is rated No. 373 out of 851 public middle schools in North Carolina and has a B grade. East Wake High School, which has a B-minus rating, offers an array of student-led clubs and organizations for older students in the community to participate in. All these schools are part of the Wake County Public Schools district.
Wendell Middle School serves grades 6-9.
Wendell Elementary School serves grades K-5.
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Wendell Town Park is for the dogs
Wendell Town Park is a popular outdoor spot for residents, with extensive walking trails, athletic fields and a dog park. To the southwest, the members-only Wendell Country Club has 18-hole golf course and swimming pool. For more expansive outdoor adventures, nature preserves like Sandy Pines Preserve offer miles of hiking trails, while Lu-Tom Acres Lake in the heart of the town is a quiet fishing and boating spot.
Wendell Town Park features an off leash dog park for Brentwood residents' furry friends.
Wendell Park is a centrally located outdoor space with something for everyone.
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Midway between Raleigh and Rocky Mount
“You can jump onto the highway and be in downtown Raleigh in 20 min, 30 in rush hour,” Peterson says. Wendell is also convenient to Rocky Mount, making it an ideal midpoint for families who work in both cities. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is about 34 miles to the west via I-540, and the WakeMed Raleigh campus is 15 minutes away.
Wendell is a small town with a big charm.
Just 20 minutes from Downtown Raleigh, Wendell is full of small town charm.
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Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Bob Fortner
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tracy Benton,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Wendell, NC sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Wendell, NC over the last 12 months is $389,150, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous move in ready home! Enjoy the active community connections. This charming three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom, two-story home, two-car garage sits on nearly half an acre and offers both space and modern comfort.The main level features a formal dining room with tray ceiling and a spacious living area complete with a fireplace and gas logs. The first-floor primary suite boasts tray
Located in the heart of Archer Lodge on a small secluded street. Built in the summer of 2021 with loads of upgrades and storage options. Conveniently located to highways, schools, and shopping areas. We welcome you to this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath + large bonus room home nestled on over 1/2 an acre. Step inside to find a spacious first-floor layout featuring a formal dining room, a large open
TO BE BUILT: Welcome to Ryan Homes at The Meadows at Hollybrook in Wendell. The Dominica Spring single-family home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and 1,694 square feet of thoughtfully designed space. Step into an open floor plan featuring a spacious great room that flows into the kitchen with granite countertops, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a central island.
Welcome home to this beautifully landscaped gem in the highly sought-after Goodwin Chase community of Wendell! This move-in ready home offers 3 spacious bedrooms plus a versatile flex room, perfect for a home office, playroom, or guest space.Step inside to find luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the first level and an open-concept design that makes everyday living and entertaining a
HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT!!! Now listed BELOW last month's private appraisal and below tax appraisal value! Amazing opportunity to own in Wendell Falls! Seller also offering additional $5,000 buyer credit toward expenses. Upgraded 4BR Home in Wendell Falls!Spacious 4-bed, 3-bath home with nearly 3,000 sq ft in the heart of Wendell Falls. Main floor features hardwoods, a
Charming Ranch Home on a cul-de-sac with private neighborhood feel, but only steps to adorable Downtown Wendell. Custom kitchen features shaker cabinets, granite counters, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Wide plank LVP flooring throughout main living areas, PLUSH carpet and new designer interior/exterior paint. Large flat Private lot. Staged photos for illustration only, to
Prices, specials and availability are subject to change, contact beforehand. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Mention The Apartment Brothers. INSPIRED LIVING AT OUR HOUSES FOR RENT IN WENDELLSummerwell Harmony offers a sense of home beyond traditional apartment living. Our homes for rent offer maintenance and lawn care
13 month lease price. Prices, specials and availability are subject to change, contact beforehand. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Mention The Apartment Brothers. INSPIRED LIVING AT OUR HOUSES FOR RENT IN WENDELLSummerwell Harmony offers a sense of home beyond traditional apartment living. Our homes for rent offer maintenance
Prices, specials and availability are subject to change, contact beforehand. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Mention The Apartment Brothers. INSPIRED LIVING AT OUR HOUSES FOR RENT IN WENDELLSummerwell Harmony offers a sense of home beyond traditional apartment living. Our homes for rent offer maintenance and lawn care
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