Corner lots allow for extended landscaping on homes in Wendell.
Small town charm with contemporary homes
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.”
Kat Taylor shares the mic with her grandad at Wendell's Whistlestop Bottleshop.
“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.
Enjoy one of a wide selection of locally brewed craft beer at the Bearded Bee Brewing Company.
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.
New homes in Wendell come in a variety of styles and sizes.
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.
Wendell Middle School serves grades 6-9.
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 Town Park features an off leash dog park for Brentwood residents' furry friends.
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.
Just 20 minutes from Downtown Raleigh, Wendell is full of small town charm.
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.
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Kris Bates
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wendell, NC sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Wendell, NC over the last 12 months is $389,350, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Home in the Heart of Wendell Falls!Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home tucked away on a quiet street in the highly sought-after Wendell Falls community. Perfectly situated near schools, shopping, and just minutes from Raleigh, this home offers both convenience and lifestyle.Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully designed open floor plan with luxury laminate
Welcome to 289 Douglas Falls Drive—a charming 2-story Garman-built Rock B home on a corner lot in the heart of Wendell Falls, one of Eastern Wake County's most exciting and walkable master-planned communities!This 2 bed, 2.5 bath detached home is filled with thoughtful upgrades and warm natural light, thanks to added windows in the family room that brighten the entire main living space.
Welcome to Wendell Falls—Where Life Isn't Just Lived, It's Thrived! This vibrant, amenity-rich community offers more than just a place to live — it's a lifestyle. With endless activities, parks, trails, and gathering spaces, there's truly something for everyone here. Curb appeal is everything with a rare, oversized front yard and expansive front porch. Step inside to a charming home with an open
Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after Wendell Falls community! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Located in one of the Triangle's most desirable neighborhoods, you'll enjoy access to an array of resort-style amenities including a clubhouse, pool, parks, trails, fitness center, and on-site dining and
Bring your vision to life on this beautiful 4.9-acre tract in Wendell. Tucked away on Old Quarry Road, this property offers the perfect balance of privacy and convenience. With nearly 5 acres of gently rolling land, you'll have space to build your dream home, establish a hobby farm, or simply enjoy the quiet setting of eastern Wake County. The land is zoned RA, giving you flexibility for
This 2020-built home at 257 Douglas Falls Dr. combines thoughtful design with easy living. A detached garage provides extra storage and curb appeal, while the cozy backyard is ideal for grilling or relaxing with friends. Just steps from Wendell Falls' vibrant amenities, including restaurants, parks, trails, and neighborhood events.
Beautiful 4 bedroom double garage luxuries end unit townhome in Wendell Falls. Walking distance from Shopping and dining. Kitchen with white cabinets, SS appliances, quartz countertop, backsplash, and recess can lights. Bedroom on the 1st floor. Bonus room/ study on the main floor. Balcony. High ceiling. Master with walk-in closet, dual vanity, and standing shower. Refrigerator, washer, dryer,
BRAND NEW 4BD/3.5BA Townhome minutes from downtown Raleigh! The first floor includes a guest suite, and a two-car garage. The second floor features a modern well equipped kitchen with a generous eat-at island positioned between the dining area and a large living room that opens to the outdoors. The third floor features a private primary suite complete with a luxurious spa-like bath and a walk-in
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