Zebulon

Less than 30 miles east of Raleigh, the O’Neals area comprises quiet country roads, vast farmland and unique recreational hubs. “This is a rural part of Raleigh. You can get a decent chunk of land, and there’s not much traffic,” says Deborah Deal, a Realtor with Allen Tate Realtors who has sold several homes in the area. “But people here have to drive a bit for any shopping or restaurants.” With Zebulon’s core and downtown Wendell both nearby, O’Neals has several small-town centers less than 10 miles away. O’Neals’ paved and gravel roads are dotted with various dwellings on 2-to-5-acre plots. Homebuyers will find bungalows with small front porches and ranch styles enclosed by wooden fences. Mature loblolly and oak trees cover manufactured homes and custom-built estates. Each house typically has a two-car garage or a private driveway. “There is a bunch of new construction happening here because there is so much empty land,” says Deal. “Houses in subdivisions usually sell a bit faster than anything else in the area.” Communities like Flowers Hill East or Archers Park have cul-de-sacs lined with three-to-four-bedroom New Traditional Craftsman-style homes and modern farmhouses. These dwellings may have suburban characteristics, but they still sit on half-acre to 1-acre lots. No matter the style, homes here typically cost between $150,000 and $300,000, a range slightly less than a Raleigh house’s average $350,000 selling price. Johnston County Public Schools serve the area. First, children can attend River Dell Elementary, which has a B grade from Niche. Next, they may go to Archer Lodge Middle. In addition to its B-grade, the school offers extracurriculars like cheerleading, creative writing club and marching band. Lastly, at Corinth Holders High School, students can join the Career Pathway Program. Lending to the school's B-grade, the program has various focuses, including architecture, business, health science and agriculture. The 25-acre Flower Hill Nature Preserve and its half-mile trail are located along Flower Hill Road. Despite the green spaces' 200-foot elevation, its winding, steep terrain is often referred to as mountain-like. Appalachian native flora like purple rhododendrons and galax are also along the path, increasing its alpine atmosphere. Sports fans may hear the crack of a bat throughout the summer as Five County Stadium is less than 7 miles away. It’s home to the Carolina Mudcats, a Minor League Baseball team associated with the Milwaukee Brewers. More outdoor adventure can be found 9 miles away at Zebulon Community Park. Its 47 acres are filled with two playgrounds and an 18-hole disc golf course. Hikers can wander gravel trails shaded by towering redwood trees, and bikers can ride paved paths. Athletes can shoot hoops on the basketball courts or score a goal on the soccer fields. Big Daddy’s Farm along Buck Road is known for its seasonal events, attracting O’Neal’s locals and people across the Raleigh area. For instance, fake cemeteries, hotels and cabins cover the property for the Darkside Haunted Estates Halloween celebration. During the holiday season, the aptly named Christmas Lights on The Farm spectacular includes a hayride or a walk around the 1-mile trail. Children can also meet Santa, roast marshmallows and listen to carolers. Residents will find a few essentials about 8 miles west in Flowers Crossroads. In addition to CVS and Petco, the shopping center has two grocery stores: Harris Teeter and Publix. O’Neals is also 8 miles south of Zebulon’s downtown district, which has severally locally owned businesses, including Armando’s Pizza. The quaint joint is known for its New York City-style pies served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh pecorino. Shoppers can browse a variety of boutiques, like Mona Pants Mintage, a vintage store with funky jewelry, bags and home décor. Residents can just as easily visit Wendell’s charming Main Street, only 10 miles away. Coffee lovers can get a latte from 41 North, and those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a soft-serve ice cream from Creative Cone. While The Zebulon Park-and-Ride bus stop is only about 8 miles from O’Neals, the area is still car-dependent. Several streets in O’Neals lead to Raleigh, but a 28-mile drive west along Lake Wendell Road is the quickest route.