Move to Wake Forest
Relocating to Charming Wake Forest, North Carolina
Why Wake Forest is an Ideal Place to Live
Wake Forest beautifully blends small-town charm with big-city conveniences. Discover the top advantages of residing in this vibrant community
Convenient Location:
Wake Forest lies just north of Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. It is only a 30 minute drive to downtown Raleigh, with its museums, performing arts venues, professional sports teams, and other attractions. The town is also less than an hour’s drive from Durham and Chapel Hill, making the entire Triangle region easily accessible.
High-Ranking Schools:
The Wake County Public School system serves Wake Forest and is the largest district in North Carolina. Schools like Heritage Elementary earned a perfect 10/10 rating on Great Schools. The nearby universities also provide opportunities for higher education and cultural events.
Thriving Job Market:
Wake Forest enjoys economic prosperity, with major employers in sectors like healthcare, education, retail, and technology. The unemployment rate is under 5%. Many residents commute just a short distance to the job centers in Raleigh and Research Triangle Park.
Small Town Charm:
Wake Forest has a quaint historic downtown centered around South White Street, with indie shops, coffee houses, and restaurants housed in early 20th century buildings. The downtown hosts many community events.
Outdoor Recreation:
With 22 parks and greenway trails, Wake Forest offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Popular activities include hiking at Falls Lake State Recreation Area, golfing, water sports, and family activities.
Diverse Dining Scene:
Foodies will delight in Wake Forest’s array of dining options, from Southern comfort food to Indian, Thai, Mexican, pub fare, and more. it’s easy to find new favorite local spots.
The Cost of Living in Wake Forest
The cost of living in Wake Forest is moderately higher than the national average, but lower than many other parts of North Carolina. Here is a breakdown of the major costs:
Housing:
The median home price is around $516,000. This is high compared to the national average, but typical for North Carolina. Other options besides single-family homes are townhouses and apartments.
Utilities:
Electricity costs are a bit above average at 12.8 cents/kWh, while water bills are affordable at only $45/month on average.
Groceries:
Prices are on par with national averages. Grocery stores like Harris Teeter, Food Lion and Wegmans serve the town.
Healthcare:
Excellent medical facilities are available, and costs are lower than national averages. The average doctor’s visit copay is only $20.
Transportation:
The average household owns 2 cars. Gas prices are just below national averages. Commuters do face traffic congestion issues during rush hours.
With the median household income at $104,006, most families can enjoy a comfortable standard of living.
Finding a Place to Live in Wake Forest
Wake Forest offers diverse housing options to meet all needs and budgets:
- For families, suburban neighborhoods like Heritage provide spacious single family homes. New construction is also available.
- Downtown historic homes offer charm along with yard space and amenities.
- Apartment complexes like Wake Forest Apartments provide convenient rental options starting around $1000/month.
- Townhome communities are also available, like Ashley Oaks Townhomes, for more affordable owned housing.
When choosing a neighborhood, consider proximity to your workplace, commute times, school district, and amenities like parks and shopping. Working with a local real estate agent can help identify the ideal area and home for your needs.
Discovering What Wake Forest Has to Offer
Once settled into your new home, it’s time to get out and explore everything that charming Wake Forest has to offer its residents:
- Take a walking tour of the historic downtown, then stop at art galleries, shops, and cafes. Don’t miss the Wake Forest Coffee Company.
- Visit the Wake Forest Historical Museum to learn about local history and tour historic homes like the Calvin Jones House.
- Stroll through E. Carroll Joyner Park, which spans over 260 acres and features walking trails, sports fields, and a splash pad.
- Explore the outdoors at the Wake Forest Reservoir Park, where you can hike, boat, fish, picnic, and enjoy nature.
- Check the community calendar for upcoming festivals and events like Food Truck Rodeos, the Renaissance Fair, and summer concerts.
- Try out new restaurants and cuisines, from the empanadas at Fiesta Mexicana to Amalia’s Authentic Italian.
Wake Forest offers a wonderful quality of life where small town appeal meets modern amenities. It’s the perfect place to put down roots and join an inviting community.