Founded in 1906, Zebulon is Wake County’s easternmost town, fostered by an attitude of independence and community pride, embodying their motto of The Town of Friendly People. “Everyone treats you with genuine compassion here,” says Shannon Baxter, Zebulon’s town commissioner. “A lot of folks say it reminds them of a small town they grew up in – it’s nice that for so many people, our sweet little town is nostalgic. It’s a great place to be from and a great place to be at.” According to the United States Census Bureau, it’s estimated that Zebulon had a population of about 9,400 in 2023, a 36% increase from 2020, when the population was around 6,900. “We’re almost growing faster than the town can keep up with,” says Erica Adams, a Zebulon resident and realtor with eXp Realty. “Especially in terms of housing.”
Lots of comfortable outdoor seating in Downtown Zebulon
There are historic buildings in downtown Zebulon.
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A long-standing town celebrating the contemporary
Properties around the downtown Zebulon area tend to be older, featuring classic styles like minimal traditional and ranch-style homes, while more recent developments have been constructed in the outer areas. These newer subdivisions tend to be contemporary, featuring new traditional and bi-level homes, with townhouses dotting themselves into the landscape. “In Zebulon, we could afford to get a detached single-family house,” Adams says. “On our same budget, closer to Raleigh, we may not have been able to get a house or could only get one that needed a lot more work. Our money went a lot further and we had more options here.” Those options may include having more land. The median price for a single-family home is around $330,000. “That $300,000 to $500,000 range is where a lot of first-time home buyers’ price point may be,” Adam says. “Zebulon is one of the best places to come for that, and they can’t hardly build them fast enough.”
There are new townhouse neighborhoods in Zebulon.
There are colonial styled homes on large lots in Zebulon.
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Exploring the local business of downtown Zebulon
Downtown Zebulon has a variety of unique shops and restaurants, such as the bespoke artisan TK MacLellan & Co. Bagpipe Makers. “We’re actively revitalizing downtown, and it’s working. Businesses are coming, and it’s starting to thrive again,” Baxter says. “I’m a beekeeper, and I started a collaboration with the owner of Olde Raleigh Distillery for barrel-aged honey bourbon. He’s won a ton of awards, and it’s so popular – but that’s just an example of the kind of interconnectedness you can get here.” The town also has a few fast-food chains and grocery options, but residents may choose to travel to neighboring towns for retail. “I grocery shop in the town over, Wendell, at the Publix,” Adams says. “Or Wegmans in Wake Forest. Week to Week, I travel 15-20 minutes to do my grocery run.”
There are many stores and restaurants in downtown Zebulon.
There is indoor and outdoor seating at Olde Raleigh Distillery in Zebulon.
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Candy Cane Lane and summer concerts
When it comes to events, Zebulon always has something going on. “We’ve got daily, weekly and annual events, all run throughout the community by several organizations. For big events, we try to do something each quarter,” Baxter says. “Candy Cane Lane in the winter, concert series in the summer. We’ll do movies outdoors in the park and food trucks will come in and trunk-or-treat at the community center. We want things to be going on year-round.”
Part of A-rated Wake County Schools
Wake County Schools earns an A overall on Niche and serves most of the town, but school zones vary. “In some parts of the borders of Zebulon, you can be zoned for Johnston County Schools,” Adams says of the B-plus-rated school district. Students can apply to attend other schools in Wake County Schools, like the public charter school B-rated East Wake Academy from kindergarten through 12th grade. “East Wake High is a magnet school, and they’re trying to turn the school around and improve it,” Adams says. “But it’s just not all the way there yet. Same thing with Zebulon Middle School.”
Zebulon Middle School offers a Gifted and Talented program in Zebulon.
There is a large soccer field at Zebulon Middle School in Zebulon.
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Indoor and outdoor fun at Zebulon Community Park
Zebulon has four well-maintained parks and the Beaverdam Creek Greenway. At 47 acres, Zebulon Community Park is the largest, featuring sports fields, playgrounds, a walking trail and an 18-hole disc golf course. The park is also home to the Zebulon Community Center, which offers classes and programs for all ages in anything from sports and foreign languages to watercolor painting and martial arts. “If you’re not necessarily near the parks, you may be in a subdivision that provides those amenities,” Adams says. “That’s a plus for families in some of the larger master-planned communities.” Zebulon was the former home of the Carolina Mudcats minor league baseball team. The team will be based in nearby Wilson starting in the 2026 season, and the fate of Zebulon’s Five County Stadium is currently up in the air.
Zebulon Community Park offers great outdoor sport activities in Zebulon.
There are playgrounds for children at Zebulon Community Park in Zebulon.
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Exploring nearby Raleigh and the East Coast
Zebulon sits about 22 miles east of Raleigh, about a 25-minute drive, right on the edge of Wake County. Nearby roadways like Highway 264 make for a direct route into the city, and Interstate 95 for travel up and down the East Coast. With a lack of public transportation, residents need a car to get around most of Zebulon, but there is a walkable downtown area. “I can walk to downtown,” Adams says. “I feel safe walking at 6 p.m., going to a local bar and walking home.”
Lower than average CAP Index crime score
Zebulon has a CAP Index score of 3 compared to the national average of 4. In 2023, the Zebulon Police Department created the Community Advocacy & Resource Enhancement unit to help juveniles impacted by crime and violence. The program is the first of its kind in North Carolina. Like the majority of the state, Zebulon experiences all four seasons.
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On average, homes in Zebulon, NC sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Zebulon, NC over the last 12 months is $355,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is the home you've been waiting for; modern layout, flexible living areas, large lot, and low taxes! A perfect combination of space, functionality, and privacy on nearly 1 acre with NO city taxes in Zebulon. This 2,495 sq ft home built in 2015 features a highly desirable open floor plan with 3 bedrooms on the main level, ideal for one-level living. The spacious living area flows seamlessly
Experience the quality of this custom-built new construction home! Designed with flexibility in mind, this ranch also has a large bonus & huge walk-in storage on the 2nd floor! Screened-in porch & patio ideal for relaxing or entertaining! 9' ceilings on main level and upstairs bonus. A generous .71-acre lot which can accommodate a pool!! Additional features include 30 year Architectural shingles,
Custom-built new construction home for sale on a quiet cul-de-sac with a flexible story-and-a-half floor plan, a large .86-acre lot, and the kind of layout buyers are asking for. This home lives like a 4-bedroom, offering 3 spacious bedrooms, a dedicated office that can easily serve as a 4th bedroom, and a large bonus room for added flexibility. The open-concept design creates easy flow for
Welcome to your energy smart oasis in the heart of Weavers Pond. Beautifully maintained, energy efficient home with solar panels that delivers amazingly low utility costs without sacrificing comfort or style. Thoughtfully designed and perfectly sited on a premium wooded lot, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence offers peace and space for everyday living and entertaining. Step inside to discover a
Stunning pond views. Outdoor kitchen. Viking appliances. First-floor primary suite. And now priced at just $625,000 - an immaculate value for a custom-built home in the heart of Zebulon. Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on one of the community's premier pond-view lots, 1015 Black River Drive offers 3,059 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space that feels more like a resort than a
Welcome to your private retreat in Zebulon! Nestled on approximately 2.5 picturesque acres in the desirable Pilot Ridge subdivision, this beautifully built 2023 home offers the perfect blend of modern design, comfort, and peaceful countryside living. Step inside to discover a bright, open floor plan designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The spacious main living area flows
Welcome home to 4005 Kingcraig in Zebulon, where thoughtful design, meaningful upgrades, and everyday comfort come together in a home that truly feels better than new. Tucked on a quiet cul-de-sac in Rosinburg Glen, this home offers both privacy and peace, with protected green space behind you and no rear neighbors. Sitting on a spacious 2 acre lot with half acre fully fenced the backyard creates
Our brand new Fontana plan! This 3 bedroom floorplan offers plenty of room and options to suit your needs. Enter through the front porch and into the foyer, where you are greeted by the sizeable family room, open to the kitchen. Choose to upgrade to a gourmet kitchen, which features a large island, kitchen backsplash, and large pantry, perfect for any chef. Opt for an optional deck or screened
This is the home you've been waiting for; modern layout, flexible living areas, large lot, and low taxes! A perfect combination of space, functionality, and privacy on nearly 1 acre with NO city taxes in Zebulon. This 2,495 sq ft home built in 2015 features a highly desirable open floor plan with 3 bedrooms on the main level, ideal for one-level living. The spacious living area flows seamlessly
Prime Zebulon NC acreage offering with scale, flexibility, and long-term upside for builders, developers, and land investors. This ±54.8-acre tract in Franklin County is zoned R-30, supporting single-family residential use with potential for estate lots, rural subdivision, or phased development strategies. The property offers convenient access to Downtown Raleigh while maintaining a private,
Introducing our impressive two-story Roanoke plan! The large front porch leads to the foyer and study. The family room has a vaulted ceiling and fireplace and openly connects to the dining room and kitchen. The kitchen has a large island and walk-in pantry, with the upgraded gourmet kitchen. The laundry room is conveniently located on the first floor as well as the owner's suite. The primary
Beautifully maintained and ready for you to move right in - this spacious home on a 0.87 acre flat cul-de-sac lot has everything you've been looking for! You'll appreciate the first floor office/flex room, the formal dining space, and the open concept living area - featuring an electric fireplace, built in cabinets, and Plantation Shutters. The kitchen features a large island, subway tiles,
This immaculately-maintained home is ready for summer pool parties and cookouts! Sitting on a beautifully landscaped 1.16 acre lot featuring a saltwater pool, a separate building /workshop with its own driveway. SOLAR PANELS. Rocking-chair front porch, Sun Room Main-floor Primary Suite features a large walk-in closet, spacious en suite Bathroom with soaking tub, shower, water closet. Also on the
The Badin is a four-bedroom floor plan with the option to add an In-Law suite downstairs. Enjoy gathering with family and friends in this open-concept home which features a large great room that flows right into the kitchen. A 9-foot island and plenty of counter space will please the chef and a formal dining room is perfect for serving up family meals. Upstairs, the large owner's suite offers an
Prime Zebulon NC acreage offering with scale, flexibility, and long-term upside for builders, developers, and land investors. This ±39.8-acre tract in Franklin County is zoned R-30, supporting single-family residential use with potential for estate lots, rural subdivision, or phased development strategies. Positioned just minutes from US 64/264, the property offers convenient access to Downtown
Welcome to Shepard Greene, an affordable and high-quality apartment community exclusively for those 55 years and older. Located in the heart of Zebulon, NC, our community offers a range of amenities to enhance your living experience. From our on-site maintenance and laundry facilities to our fitness center and media room, we have everything you need to live comfortably. Plus, with housing
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and elegance in this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home nestled in the charming Johnston County side of Zebulon. The main level welcomes you with an inviting open floor plan and wood floors that flow seamlessly through the primary living spaces. A well-appointed kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances open to a spacious living
Take a look at this beautiful home featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 1,832 square feet. Enjoy the freedom of a virtually maintenance free lifestyle while residing in a great community. This home is professionally managed and maintained by Tricon homes.
Coming soon - this home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Pre-lease this home now with Tricon Pre-Lease Guarantee. This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.0 bathrooms, and approximately 1,255 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living,
This Stunning home has the open floor plan you desire! The spacious kitchen offers plenty of room to move around and high-end finishes such as a complete suite of energy-efficient Whirlpool appliances, beautiful granite countertops, real wood cabinetry with crown molding, and more. Upstairs, an incredible loft space offers an ideal flex space for your family to use as an office or fame room! The
This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 2,146 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a Tricon resident, you'll enjoy access to Tricon Vantage — a program designed to support your rental
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
Take a look at this beautiful home featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 2,368 square feet. Enjoy the freedom of a virtually maintenance free lifestyle while residing in a great community. This home is professionally managed and maintained by Tricon homes.
Property Id: 920551SINGLE FAMILY HOME with 5 Bedrooms/2.5 Bath, 2 Car Garage in Autumn Lakes, Zebulon. AVAILABLE FOR RENT FROM February 1st, 2023. The rent is $2285. Nearby, Zebulon GT Magnet Middle School, Zebulon Elementary School, restaurants, shopping such as Zebulon commons (FAST MED URGENT CARE, NC eye Associates, Walmart supercenter, PAPA Johns Pizza), McDonald, KFC & Food
Brand new townhouse in the country. No HOA!! 3 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms, patio, garage, and lots of parking space. Kitchen has granite counter tops, island, lots of cabinets and includes stainless appliances. Including a side-by-side refrigerator. All windows have 2'' faux blinds, LVP on the downstairs and upstairs hallway. Laundry closet on the 2nd floor has brand new washer and dryer. Lawn
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