EVERYTHING You Need to Know about Living in Wake Forest NC
Wanting to know more about living in Wake Forest, NC? I’m Alison Wojnarowski, local broker and owner of the W Real Estate Group, and I’m going to give you everything you need to know about living in Wake Forest, NC!
Basic Facts
Wake Forest is an up and coming suburb of Raleigh as it has exploded in popularity over the past 10-15 years, and has some of the best neighborhoods in the greater Raleigh area.
Wake Forest is in Wake County and is located about 30 minutes north of downtown Raleigh, but just minutes north of the amenities of North Raleigh. So, you feel fairly connected as the area is fully developed between Wake Forest and Raleigh.
The main roadways used for traveling are US-1 running south into Raleigh, Hwy 98 running west towards Durham, and then I-540 to connect you to other suburbs in the area.
Traffic can be a challenge on some of the highways during rush hour; however, the one benefit of living in Wake Forest is there are multiple back roads that can be utilized to cut down on your commute.
The population of Wake Forest is estimated to be just over 53,000, which makes it the third largest suburb of Raleigh, and it’s average annual household income is around $110k.
It has a beautiful, historic downtown area with a historic district of homes nearby, and the town lives up to its’ name as many times it feels like you are living in the middle of a forest with all of the trees!
Wake Forest doesn’t have major businesses within town limits, as most people living in Wake Forest NC commute into Raleigh, Durham, and the Research Triangle Park.
Lifestyle
Wake Forest has quite a few major shopping centers and has some some great commercial spaces that provide everything you need within minutes, and is continually expanding.
Wake Forest is part of the Wake County Public School system, and has some excellent public schools in the area, but make sure you do your own research on the schools. There are a ton of charter and private schools that are close-by as well.
For those who love sports, the town relies on Wake Forest High School sports for local entertainment, as the football teams regularly compete for state championships. It’s about 35 minutes to see the Carolina Hurricanes play, and 30 minutes to see the Triple AAA baseball’s Durham Bulls.
Food wise, Wake Forest has some very popular, local restaurants like Over the Falls, Shuckers, Farm Table, and more, as well as plenty of chain restaurants that are familiar to all.
And while most Raleigh suburbs don’t have lively nightlife, Wake Forest does have some great breweries in White Street Brewing and the Norse Brewing Company. Also, its’ Friday Night on White music series in the summer time draws a great crowd!
Weather wise, Wake Forest is consistent with the Raleigh area in general as it experiences all four seasons with mild winters with average highs in the 50s, summers in the 80s to 90s with high humidity, and beautiful spring and fall weather.
Since its’ one of Raleigh’s most northern suburbs, many times Wake Forest will see a little more snow than other portions of the Raleigh area.
Wake Forest has a great park system as well, with Joyner Park headlining its’ best outdoor spaces. There are acres of open space with beautiful oak trees, miles of paved trails, and a unique playground and recreation center.
You’re also close to Forest Ridge Park, a newly built park that has a fun playground, walking trails next to Falls Lake, and mountain bike trails, as well as minutes from one of the best greenways in the area in the Neuse River Trail.
For those who love boating, Falls Lake is one of the largest lakes in the area, and the Wake Forest Reservoir is great for kayaking.
Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC
Wake Forest would be described as suburban living, and has some of the best selections of neighborhoods in the Raleigh area when considering luxury options, larger lots, as well as master planned communities.
If you want a new construction home with around an acre of property, Wake Forest has plenty of neighborhoods that have recently completed or are under construction that fit this description.
Home prices in these types of neighborhoods can start as low as $700ks, but average more closely to $1M to $2M with 3500 to over 5000 SF. And, the homes comes with the latest design trends.
Wake Forest also has some more master planned communities in Traditions, Holding Village, and Heritage.
Traditions and Holding Village are newer construction communities with great amenities. Home prices are usually around $400k to $800k, with 2500 to 4000 SF, and around 1/4 acre or less lot sizes.
Heritage is one of Wake Forest’s most popular neighborhood, which is massive and has been built out over the past 20 years, and surrounds its’ own golf course.
Home prices are around $400k to $1M with between 2000-4000 SF, and roughly 1/4 acre lots.
And, located on the west side of Wake Forest is Hasentree, a luxury living golf course community with incredible amenities, and large homes typically over $1M.
Cost of Living in Wake Forest NC
Another benefit of living in Wake Forest NC is its’ cost of living is quite a bit lower than many of the other popular Raleigh suburbs, mostly due to its’ home prices.
While home prices everywhere are on the rise, Wake Forest remains fairly affordable with average prices per square foot around $210, which is lower than Cary, Apex and Holly Springs.
The tax rate is one of the higher in the area though, at $1.11 per $100 of property value, and do be aware that North Carolina has a 4.99% income tax, and all goods and services have a 7.25% sales tax.
But all other goods and services are very affordable, and overall, your money goes further in Wake Forest than some other popular areas of Raleigh.
That’s everything you need to know about living in Wake Forest NC! For more information on Wake Forest NC, see our blogs on the pros and cons of Wake Forest NC, best neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC, and best luxury neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC!
Please reach out if you have any real estate needs, as our team here at the W Real Estate Group would love to help you!
Please reach out via our contact information below:
Phone: 919-504-5265
Email: Alison@thewgroupraleigh.com
Website: www.thewgroupraleigh.com
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#apexnc is one of those charming small towns that really feels like home. Located just outside of #raleighnc it does have that perfect mix of Southern hospitality and a community vibe.
Would you live in Apex, NC?
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#apexnc is one of those charming small towns that really feels like home. Located just outside of #raleighnc it does have that perfect mix of Southern hospitality and a community vibe.
Would you live in Apex, NC?
But every area has its pros and cons- comment “Apex” and I’ll send you the full list of things people love- and don’t love- about Apex.
#apexnc #raleighnc #carync #movingtoraleigh #northcarolina #thingstodoinraleigh
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📈 Since 2020, I successfully grew a Facebook group to 12,000 engaged members by consistently providing valuable content, fostering community interaction, and sharing local insights.
✅ This approach not only established me as a trusted expert in my area but also created a strong platform for networking and lead generation.
By nurturing relationships within the group and positioning myself as a go-to resource for real estate advice, I was able to convert buyer leads effectively, 💵 resulting in over $250 million in real estate sales.
This journey has transformed my business and solidified my reputation in the local market.
Want to learn more about how I did this? ➡️ Join my EXCLUSIVE Facebook Community.
Send me a DM for the link.
#realestateagent #realestatecoach #socialmediamarketing #socialmediamarketing #realestatecoaching
@postinowinecafe in the @shopvillagedistrict of #raleigh is a vibrant wine café that has quickly become a beloved spot.
Known for its inviting atmosphere and eclectic decor, @postinowinecafe offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern flair.
The menu showcases a selection of wines, complemented by a variety of artisanal bruschetta and shareable plates, making it a perfect place for social gatherings or cozy date nights!
With its outdoor seating and community-focused events, Postino captures the essence of the neighborhood, creating a welcoming environment where people can unwind and enjoy good food and great company.
Add @postinowinecafe on your to do list. It’s a must-visit destination in #raleighnc
@postinowinecafe in the @shopvillagedistrict of #raleigh is a vibrant wine café that has quickly become a beloved spot.
Known for its inviting atmosphere and eclectic decor, @postinowinecafe offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern flair.
The menu showcases a selection of wines, complemented by a variety of artisanal bruschetta and shareable plates, making it a perfect place for social gatherings or cozy date nights!
With its outdoor seating and community-focused events, Postino captures the essence of the neighborhood, creating a welcoming environment where people can unwind and enjoy good food and great company.
Add @postinowinecafe on your to do list. It’s a must-visit destination in #raleighnc
Spending an afternoon in Raleigh? Start with a delicious coffee from one of our local roasters, then take a stroll through Nash or Moore Square to soak up the City of Oaks feel. Next, take your pick of several popular museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History, both conveniently located along Fayetteville Street. You’ll also find the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh and Marbles Kids Museum, which offers interactive exhibits for families. Grab an afternoon bite at City Market (Vic’s Ristorante is one of the best spots in town for pizza) or head up to Beasley’s for southern fare. Walk by the historic State Capitol. Cap it all off by catching a breathtaking skyline view at The Dillon or 10th and Terrace and then winding down the evening with craft cocktails at the hidden speakeasy, The Greenlight.
Spending an afternoon in Raleigh? Start with a delicious coffee from one of our local roasters, then take a stroll through Nash or Moore Square to soak up the City of Oaks feel. Next, take your pick of several popular museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History, both conveniently located along Fayetteville Street. You’ll also find the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh and Marbles Kids Museum, which offers interactive exhibits for families. Grab an afternoon bite at City Market (Vic’s Ristorante is one of the best spots in town for pizza) or head up to Beasley’s for southern fare. Walk by the historic State Capitol. Cap it all off by catching a breathtaking skyline view at The Dillon or 10th and Terrace and then winding down the evening with craft cocktails at the hidden speakeasy, The Greenlight.
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Comment “diner” and I’ll send you more information about this unique spot in #raleigh
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Comment “diner” and I’ll send you more information about this unique spot in #raleigh
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
Plan your next date night at @viderichocolate in Raleigh’s Warehouse District. 💕This bean-to-bar destination offers a unique peek into the chocolate-making process, from roasting and grinding to molding. Enjoy in their organic, handcrafted chocolates on your next date night for a truly sweet experience. 🍫
Plan your next date night at @viderichocolate in Raleigh’s Warehouse District. 💕This bean-to-bar destination offers a unique peek into the chocolate-making process, from roasting and grinding to molding. Enjoy in their organic, handcrafted chocolates on your next date night for a truly sweet experience. 🍫
🌟 Are you of pouring hours into content with little to show for it? 😩
Are you feeling drained by:
❌ Low Views
❌ Zero Engagement
❌ and a Silent Inbox … you’re not alone!
Many agents struggle with this. 💬 But what if you could flip the script?
👉 Now, imagine this:
✅ You wake up to messages from real leads reaching out, ready to work with you.
✅ You’ve built a thriving Facebook group that acts like a 24/7 lead funnel, connecting you with buyers and sellers who already trust you.
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Instead of chasing leads, they come to you.
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👉 Are you ready to stop posting aimlessly and start creating a strategy that actually gets you results?
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⬇️ Comment “Facebook” below and I’ll share information on a step by step guide on how I went from 0 sales to over $250 million in the last 5 years from this strategy ALONE!
#realestate #realestatemoms #realestateagent #realestatelife #realtor #coaching #realestatecoach #socialmediamarketing #socialmediaqueen
🌟 Are you of pouring hours into content with little to show for it? 😩
Are you feeling drained by:
❌ Low Views
❌ Zero Engagement
❌ and a Silent Inbox … you’re not alone!
Many agents struggle with this. 💬 But what if you could flip the script?
👉 Now, imagine this:
✅ You wake up to messages from real leads reaching out, ready to work with you.
✅ You’ve built a thriving Facebook group that acts like a 24/7 lead funnel, connecting you with buyers and sellers who already trust you.
✅ No more guessing what to post or wasting hours on content that doesn’t deliver.
Instead of chasing leads, they come to you.
🎯 It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things.
💡 Let me help you turn your social media frustration into a system that brings in leads consistently and grows your business.
👉 Are you ready to stop posting aimlessly and start creating a strategy that actually gets you results?
🔥🔥 Let’s make it happen.
⬇️ Comment “Facebook” below and I’ll share information on a step by step guide on how I went from 0 sales to over $250 million in the last 5 years from this strategy ALONE!
#realestate #realestatemoms #realestateagent #realestatelife #realtor #coaching #realestatecoach #socialmediamarketing #socialmediaqueen