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
Ezio Mariani,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wendell, NC sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Wendell, NC over the last 12 months is $451,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Chadwick, a thoughtfully designed two-story home in Cayden Cove, offering 1,924 sq. ft. of stylish and functional living space. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home features an inviting open-concept main level, perfect for modern living. The great room flows seamlessly into the kitchen and casual dining area, creating a comfortable space for entertaining. Upstairs, the owner's suite includes a
New Homes in Wendell -- Cayden Cove by Lennar. Wendell's newest master-planned community features three single-family home collections and resort-style amenities, including a community pool with cabana, playground, and open play areas. Surrounded by serene mature woods, Cayden Cove is just minutes from downtown Wendell and Knightdale, with easy access to HWY 264 for commuting throughout the
New Homes in Wendell -- Cayden Cove by Lennar. Welcome to Wendell's newest master-planned community, Cayden Cove, offering three unique collections of single-story and two-story homes set among serene, mature wooded surroundings. This thoughtfully designed neighborhood features resort-style amenities, including a community pool with cabana, playground, and expansive recreational spaces, providing
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
Make sure to SAVE this one, as we watch it transform. Stunning 3,706 sq. ft. home situated on a spacious .75-acre lot. Featuring 4 bedrooms & 4.5 baths, with Primary Suite and a private Guest Suite on the MAIN level. Upstairs offers an abundance of flexible living space with 2 additional bedrooms, 2 full baths, a Private Office, Media Room, Recreation Room, generous closets, and walk-in storage.
3,379 SQ FT + FIRST-FLOOR PRIMARY + SECOND MAIN-LEVEL BEDROOM + .69 ACRE! If you need space, flexibility, and a hard-to-find main-level layout, 2908 Morning Ridge Ct deserves a look. This spacious home offers 3,379 square feet on a .69-acre lot, with a first-floor primary suite plus a second main-level bedroom—ideal for guests, a home office, or multigenerational living. Lives like a 4-bedroom
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.
Gorgeous 3 bed plus office with 1 car garage on 1 acre! Features a stunning custom kitchen with quartz counters, shaker cabinets, tile backsplash, HUGE island and stainless steel appliances. Wide plank LVP flooring though out main living areas - kitchen open to living space with fireplace. HUGE Bonus/Den space. Designer inspired interior/exterior paint. Stunning primary with double vanity and
New Custom Build on Over Half an Acre in Sought-After Stewarts Ridge! Expertly crafted by award-winning ECI Custom Homes, this to-be-built residence offers the perfect blend of timeless character and modern elegance, highlighted by thoughtfully selected finishes and meticulous attention to detail. The versatile floor plan features 4 bedrooms and two full baths on the main level, with a fourth
New Custom Plan That Truly Checks Every Box! Set on a generous 1.33-acre homesite with a private backyard, this beautifully designed custom home is built by award-winning ECI Custom Homes, Inc. and offers 10-foot ceilings on the main level, 4 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms, including both a luxurious primary suite and a guest suite on the first floor. Thoughtful functionality continues upstairs with
Discover comfort, style, and privacy in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath single-family home in Wendell, NC. The inviting open-concept floor plan creates a seamless flow between the main living areas, making the space well suited for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a convenient island, ample preparation space, and plenty of storage. Upstairs,
New Custom Home in the heart of Wendell, with each custom detail designed with luxury In mind. The Beautiful wood front door welcomes you into an open concept dream layout. Quartz counter tops throughout. Butlers pantry. Luxury hardwood style flooring. Owner's suite w/ tray ceiling & closet connecting to laundry. Spacious secondary bedrooms, plus bonus room. Tall roof peaks set this design apart.
Welcome home to 6617 Osprey Landing Drive in Edgemont Landing, Wendell. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2,924-square-foot home was built in 2019 by D.R. Horton and offers an open-concept main level with a private office, formal dining room, and spacious kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs, the primary suite includes a family room and dual walk-in closets,
Welcome to this beautifully updated home in an established Wendell neighborhood, offering approximately 2,289 square feet of versatile living space. Thoughtful improvements throughout include new flooring, fresh interior paint, updated bathrooms, and a fully renovated kitchen featuring new cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless-steel appliances.Up to $2500 buyer credit from
Calling All Farmhouse Lovers! POOL READY LOT—This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath home with 2,515 sq. ft. offers everything you've been dreaming of—starting with a coveted open island kitchen featuring a stainless steel appliance package, perfect for entertaining and everyday living. Gather in the inviting family room with its shiplap fireplace and floating accent shelves, or enjoy the flexibility of
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
Welcome to LEO at Wendell, where you can enjoy the space, privacy, and comfort of a single-family home with the convenience of renting. Located in Wendell, North Carolina, this brand-new community offers thoughtfully designed rental homes created for modern living.Choose from spacious floorplans designed with everyday comfort in mind, featuring open-concept living areas, modern
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,
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,
Brand-New Energy-Efficient 4BR Home in Marshburn Landing with Loft, Gourmet Kitchen, Covered Patio, Dog Park, Community Pool & Resort-Style Amenities Welcome to this brand-new, energy-efficient home in the sought-after Marshburn Landing community in Wendell. Designed for modern living, this thoughtfully crafted home offers spacious interiors, stylish finishes, and innovative features that provide
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.
Welcome to ABODE at Wendell Falls — two, three, and four-bedroom townhomes for lease in Wendell, NC, set inside one of the Triangle's most walkable and connected master-planned communities.Picture Saturday morning: coffee in hand, porch door open, no to-do list in sight. Your garage is right downstairs. The trail is a two-minute walk. Publix is around the corner. Raleigh is 15 minutes
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
Brand new townhouse for rent located in McKenzie Park in Wendell! Cable and internet are included, plus it's a smart home! 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom unit with laminate wood floor on the 1st level and carpet on the 2nd. Granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms. Upgrades include tile showers and other flooring. 1 car garage and patio space in back to grill or relax! It's a must see and right
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