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
Petra Thomas,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wendell, NC sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Wendell, NC over the last 12 months is $465,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located at 1248 Pavo Path in Anderson Farm, this Wilmington floorplan offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 2,824 square feet of living space designed for gathering, entertaining, and everyday living. A dedicated home office and formal dining room provide flexibility for both work and special occasions. At the center of the home, the open-concept kitchen overlooks the family room
Pack Your Bags, Your New Home In READY!!!!! This Castle in Brooklyn with the Dirty Martini interior package is crisp, bold, slightly chaotic, and way too attractive to stay on the market long. This home feels like someone with excellent taste ordered a luxury cocktail, dimmed the lights, put on vinyl, and said, ''What if we made this a floor plan?'' The Dirty Martini design package delivers moody
Brand New Townhome--Move-In Ready!This beautifully appointed home features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main level and a bright, modern kitchen with white cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a spacious eat-in island.Upstairs, the primary suite offers two walk-in closets and a sleek en suite bath, along with two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and convenient
Welcome to this beautifully updated Stewart floorplan by Mattamy Homes, nestled in the heart of Wendell Falls! Situated in an established, no-construction zone of the community, you'll enjoy the peace and quiet of a finished neighborhood while still being just steps from everything that makes Wendell Falls so special... including the beloved Treelight Square and the iconic Farmhouse restaurant
Enjoy this End Unit Townhome with extra windows for natural light. An open concept floor plan, garage, with a private backyard, patio, and pond to enjoy the outdoors. Minutes from downtown Wendell, and only a short drive to Raleigh. HOA provided Spectrum TV, High Speed Internet, Lawn Care, and Pest Control. Extra amenities include a Community Pool, Cubhouse, Playgrounds, Volleyball, and Dog Park.
Welcome to 1704 Drift Falls Lane! An exceptional 2016 Parade Home by Homes by Dickerson, featuring the sought-after Emerson floor plan in one of the most established and desirable sections of Wendell Falls. Perfectly positioned on one of the largest lots in the neighborhood, this home offers rare privacy with no rear neighbors and generous space between surrounding homes which creates a peaceful,
Seller is motivated!!!!!! Welcome to this beautifully updated move-in ready ranch home in the desirable Holly Pointe community of Wendell! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers incredible value, comfort, and convenience with thoughtful upgrades already completed for the next owner. Step inside to find a bright open layout filled with natural light and stylish modern updates throughout. The
Discover this like-new home in the heart of Wendell Falls, ideally situated on the established side of the community with easy access to the neighborhood's exceptional amenities. Built in 2020 and refreshed with new interior paint and carpet, this home offers modern style, thoughtful upgrades, and everyday convenience. The open-concept main level features an airy design with a beautifully
Welcome to 1701 Chestnut Falls Road - a freshly updated basement home with incredible space in Wendell Falls! This impressive 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers over 2,800 sq ft of versatile living space on a desirable corner lot in the original side of the neighborhood. It's the popular ''Southern Charm'' floorplan by Garman Homes, and the fresh paint and new carpet throughout give this home a
Indulge yourself with the sweet smell of fresh air and listen to the comforting chorus of crickets and chirping birds. Set on a level 0.58-acre lot, this inviting single story home offers a split bedroom set up along with an upstairs bonus room. Once you enter, you'll find modern features that meet your every expectation: white shaker cabinets, yards of granite countertops, easy care and durable
Ready to get away from the sights and sounds of urban dwelling? This immaculate home, tucked away on a cul-de-sac offers just that. Situated between Clayton and Wendell it provides easy access to both but offers the spectacle of star-filled skies and the melodies that only nature can provide. Step in and you'll find an open floorplan, three main-level bedrooms and an open kitchen/dining living
2908 Morning Ridge Court is ready to welcome you home to a spacious and versatile home designed to fit the way we all want to live. Offering 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 3,379 square feet, this home lives like a 5-bedroom with multiple flex spaces ideal for a home office, guest rooms, media room, playroom, home gym, or multi-generational living. Home is a true 4 bedroom with septic permit for 3
Luxury, Lifestyle, and Exceptional Value—welcome to this beautifully maintained, like-new ranch in the desirable McKenzie Meadows subdivision. Offering 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and an attached two-car garage, this elegant home is thoughtfully designed for effortless one-level living and is offered below tax value. From the moment you enter, you'll appreciate the bright, open-concept
Exceptional land opportunity in Wake County, North Carolina. Comprised of two parcels totaling 30.74 acres, this offering presents a rare opportunity to acquire a sizable tract in the growing Wendell area, just minutes from Wendell Falls. Zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC), the property allows for a wide variety of permitted uses, offering flexibility for future development or investment.
Charming ranch on a 0.67 acre lot with NO HOA, NO CITY TAXES, just 2 miles from downtown Wendell and about 30 minutes to Raleigh. Lovingly maintained and recently refreshed, this home offers a functional layout, covered carport, and detached outbuilding for storage or workshop space. Convenient to shops, dining, and Wendell Falls amenities just 10 minutes away. Great opportunity to personalize in
Surround yourself with the perfect blend of comfort and elegance at 2127 Big Falls Drive, nestled in the charming Wendell Falls community in Wendell, NC. This spacious 4-bedroom residence, boasting 2,561 square feet, offers a harmonious sanctuary for relaxation and entertainment. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed layout featuring three full bathrooms and one convenient half bath,
LIKE NEW END UNIT Townhome with 3 BD/2.5 BA and open floor plan ideal for daily living and entertaining w/family room and dining room flowing seamlessly to the central kitchen. Elegant kitchen features a eat-in breakfast bar, black quartz counters, white cabinets, and a spacious pantry. Easy maintenance Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring on the main floor. The primary suite on the upper level features a
Oaks at Wendell offers townhome-style rentals in Wendell, NC, combining the space and privacy of home living with the convenience of leasing. Located between Wendell Falls and Downtown Wendell, the community provides easy access to local dining, shopping, parks, and highly rated Wake County schools. Oaks at Wendell is ideal for professionals and renters seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle near
Brand New Single Family Home In Wendell Falls ! 1820 Sqft with 3 Beds/ 3 Baths /2 Car Garage offers a modern , Flexible floorplan designed for your comfort and lifestyle . The family and dinning areas flow seamlessly into the kitchen . LVP through out the entire main floor , isn't A huge giant island and A fireplace that everyone wants to ? Wendell Falls has some amazing amenities ? 2nd Floor
Live carefree every day at Gladwen at Wendell Falls where coming home feels like you’re on vacation. With lavish interior finishes and resort quality amenities all tucked away in historic Wendell, NC, Gladwen at Wendell Falls makes it possible to live beyond your expectations. With so much to do in the perfect location, a vibrant new lifestyle awaits.
This 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath is located in up and coming Wendell!! Front and back covered porches, desk/office area and large playroom upstairs. Kitchen features beautiful granite countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island. Owners suite has walk-in closet, marble vanity and large 5 ft. shower. Fireplace in the den area makes it cozy to sit and have a hot cup of cocoa.
Brea Wendell Falls delivers a fresh approach to luxury living with newly constructed apartment homes designed around spacious, open floor plans, designer kitchens with granite countertops, glass top ranges, custom soft close cabinetry, plank flooring, ceiling fans, large walk in closets, and full size in home washer and dryer. The amenity collection creates a true resort style experience,
Welcome to Affinity at Wendell – a brand-new rental home community, located in Wendell, North Carolina just outside of Raleigh. Affinity at Wendell offers spacious 3-bedroom townhomes and 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom single-family homes for rent that are meticulously designed for comfort and style. At Affinity at Wendell, we firmly believe your living experience extends well beyond your doorstep. Take a
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $1989.75. That covers your base rent, $1945.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Smart Home with video doorbell $40 and
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant.Coming soon! This home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Please respect their privacy and do not disturb. You can complete the application process and reserve
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