WAKE COUNTY
County Offices
337 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh 919-856-6160
https://www.wakegov.com/
Chamber of Commerce
800 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh 919-664-7000
https://www.raleighchamber.org/
North Carolina offers a collection of progressive, prosperous communities that are nestled among the native long-leaf pines in the heart of the Tar Heel State. Raleigh and the surrounding area, known as the Triangle region, has been nationally praised as one of the best places in the nation to live, work, start a business, raise a family, and earn a world-class education.
Services
Wake County and the leading city of Raleigh play a central role in North Carolina’s famous Research Triangle Park, an international center of medical care and research with one of the nation’s highest concentrations of physicians and healthcare professionals. Three of the area’s hospitals have been recognized among America’s top 50 acute-care hospitals. Wake County is home to WakeMed Health & Hospitals, a comprehensive system that operates facilities in Raleigh, North Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Zebulon/Wendell, and Clayton. Headquartered in Raleigh, the system encompasses strategically located facilities including medical centers, ambulatory care centers, outpatient facilities, and other resources throughout Wake County. Rex Hospital in Raleigh is part of the UNC Health system, affiliated with the University of North Carolina and operating other facilities throughout Wake County to meet urgent and routine healthcare needs. Duke Raleigh Hospital is part of Duke Medicine, adding state-of-the-art advancements to a long history of compassionate care since 1914. Other highly respected hospitals nearby include Duke University Medical Center and UNC Hospitals, consistently ranking on U.S. News & World Report’s list of America’s best hospitals. Health services that are among the world’s finest are another outstanding facet of Wake County that draws record numbers of newcomers to the Triangle area.
Those who place a high priority on a quality education will find equally impressive opportunities for academic excellence. In fact, the quality of education is one frequently cited reason when naming the Triangle area as one of the best places to live in America. With so many newcomers relocating to the area from across the nation and around the world, high expectations drive continued excellence. The Wake County Public School System is consistently ranked among the finest in the nation, serving as a national role model for the percentage of students performing at or above grade level. Options for charter schools, a private education, and even international schools place Wake County in a class of its own for exceptional resources. Scores of charter schools and nearly 60 private schools provide alternative learning environments and specialized areas of focus. Raleigh and Wake County serve as centers of higher education for the entire region, home to North Carolina State University, Shaw University, St. Augustine’s College, Meredith College, William Peace University, and Wake Technical Community College. The surrounding Triangle region has 18 colleges, universities, and community colleges, including internationally renowned Duke University in Durham and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Lifestyle
Wake County provides a pleasing mix of vibrant urban centers and rural landscapes as well as mid-sized cities and charming small towns. Newcomers are easily drawn to the county’s unrivaled quality of life, from quiet neighborhoods to economic prosperity and attractive, abundant housing options. Home settings are diverse, ranging from elegant historic properties to enclaves of custom builds hidden by lush greenery, golf-course properties, downtown lofts, elegant condominiums, horse properties, or family oriented suburbs. Exciting collegiate sports events featuring championship teams combine with premier opportunities for outdoor adventure and recreation to please spectator sports fans as well as those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Golf courses are outstanding in an area that has sponsored the PGA Rex Hospital Open since 1994. Wake County features three breathtaking state parks: Falls Lake State Recreation Area, William B. Umstead State Park, and the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Wake County also offers more than 150 city parks, public swimming pools, and tennis facilities in addition to county parks and recreation centers.
Cultural attractions are diverse and first-rate, including the amphitheatre at Walnut Creek for outdoor concerts, the elegant venues at the Progress Energy Performing Arts Center, and numerous theatres. In addition to the leading city of Raleigh, Cary is an especially active suburb with its own amphitheatre, youth theatre, and community theatre. North Carolina State University adds Theatre in the Park and Stewart Theater, while Apex offers the Halle Cultural Arts Center and Garner is home to the Garner Historic Auditorium in Garner. Local colleges and universities add to the options available for viewing live performances. Permanent companies include the North Carolina Symphony, the Opera Company of North Carolina, the North Carolina Theatre, and Carolina Ballet. The North Carolina Museum of Art houses one of the premier public art collections located between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Around the four seasons and through each passing year, Wake County is truly a home that you will cherish as your own.
Apex
Town Offices
919-249-3400
https://www.apexnc.org/
Chamber of Commerce
919-362-6456
https://www.apexnc.org/
Nestled in western Wake County, historic Apex combines a relaxing small-town setting with easy access to world-class urban amenities. The town motto, “Apex, the Peak of Good Living,” reflects the historical significance of the town at the highest point of the railroad but also the divide of waters: The main Salem Street marks the place where water falls on one side into the Neuse River and into the Cape Fear River on the other side. The renovated downtown district displays the charm of yesterday, highlighted by the 1914 Apex Union Depot. Restored to its original glory, the depot now houses the chamber of commerce and a visitor’s center. The revitalization of the downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the best examples of an intact turn-of-the-century railroad town. Civic planners and residents are actively working to preserve the small-town character and charm of their town as growth and development continue. In addition to close proximity to cities like Raleigh, Cary, and Holly Springs, Apex offers abundant options for convenient shopping, affordable housing, good schools, a wonderful cultural center, and now a state-of-the-art library.
Cary
Town Offices
919-469-4000
https://www.townofcary.org/
Chamber of Commerce
919-467-1016
https://www.carychamber.com/
Cary is one of the premier destinations in the Triangle area, strategically located between Raleigh and the renowned Research Triangle Park. Money magazine named Cary the Hottest Town in the East and one of the six Hottest Towns in America. The magazine also listed Cary among the Best Small Cities in America and ranked it among the Best Places to Live. This thriving community boasts one of the highest median household incomes in North Carolina and is less than 20 minutes from the major research universities of Duke University, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina. Little wonder that Cary is also known as the Technology Town of North Carolina. One of the hallmarks of Cary is the pristine cityscape and meticulous landscaping. Because the population of the city has grown explosively in recent years, nearly every building is contemporary with clean, neat lines. Shopping is abundant and schools are excellent. The popularity of Cary is reflected in higher real estate prices than can be found in communities like Apex or Holly Springs, but the value is solid and enduring. Great golf courses, lush parks, recreational facilities, and the Lazy Daze Arts Crafts Festival are just a few of the leisure and entertainment highlights.
Fuquay-Varina
Town Offices
919-552-1400
https://www.fuquay-varina.org/
Chamber of Commerce
919-552-4947
https://fuquay-varina.com/
The unusual hyphenated name of Fuquay-Varina reflects the romantic tale of a marriage that brought together two communities. Today, this thriving town in close proximity to Raleigh and Cary is home to a lively business community that blends family-owned shops with international corporations. As a vital part of the Triangle area, Fuquay-Varina is ranked among the nation’s best places to live, secure an education, raise a family, and earn a living. Many are drawn to the town for the abundance of housing choices including options for larger lots or even acreage. Fuquay-Varina is located at a greater distance than some of the Wake County communities from Raleigh, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and Research Triangle Park. However, many newcomers discover that the trade-off in affordable housing or “more custom home for the dollar” is worth the commute. Golf course communities are especially popular, providing a wide variety of home choices in every price range. Plans for a revitalized downtown district and carefully controlled growth will ensure that Fuquay-Varina retains its charming “village character” in spite of inevitable growth.
Garner
Town Offices
919-772-4688
https://www.garnernc.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
919-772-6440
https://www.garnerchamber.com/
Located just south of Raleigh, the town of Garner offers a unique community atmosphere that blends the best of yesterday with progressive innovation. Garner is distinctive among North Carolina communities for its harmony of family-oriented tradition with new technology and revolutionary ideas. The appeal of this synergy has drawn thousands of new residents to Garner during the last two decades, as workers and managers alike seek out an affordable, traditional hometown for their families. Garner’s strategic location near Raleigh and several major highways ensures easy commutes and convenient access to regional destinations. Along with residential growth, Garner has seen significant commercial expansion in the form of new shopping and retail centers. Many have looked to Garner for more attractive prices on new and resale homes, ensuring Garner’s steady growth. As the pace of new residents quickens, Garner is prepared by planning for essential facilities and services such as the Garner Senior Center or the newly developed Lake Benson Park.
Holly Springs
Town Offices
919-552-6221
https://www.hollyspringsnc.us/
Chamber of Commerce
919-567-1796
https://www.hollyspringschamber.org/
Holly Springs, like many of the communities near Raleigh, has experienced explosive growth in the last decade of the 20th century and the opening years of the new millennium. Holly Springs claimed less than 1,000 residents in 1990 and had 9,000 in 2000. That number has more than doubled in the opening years of the new millennium. Civic leaders have been determined to control the quality and placement of new developments while preserving open space and creating attractive public areas. Commercial expansion in downtown Holly Springs has been a major area of focus, enabling residents and visitors to shop, dine, and mingle. The new Town Hall on Main Street is a reflection of that desire, constructed in the 19th century architectural style of the town’s founding. Today, the Town Hall complex with its signature towering clock and outdoor plaza is a center of constant community activity. Weeks seldom pass without a town-sponsored family activity in the local park or downtown district. Holly Springs is managing to balance commercial and residential development with small-town charm, reasonable land prices, and close proximity to urban centers for the best of all worlds.
Knightdale
Town Offices
919-217-2225
https://www.knightdalenc.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
919-266-4603
https://www.knightdalechamber.com/
The influx of new residents in Knightdale has been accelerated by the opening of the Highway 64 By-Pass and Interstate 540, making the town with the motto “Living at Its Best” even more accessible for commuters. Knightdale has transformed itself from a sleepy small town to a thriving community and attractive place to live, work, play, shop, learn, raise a family, or visit. Located just six miles from downtown Raleigh, Knightdale provides access to major sports events, fine museums, world-class performing arts, and recreation areas including lakes for boating. Newcomers blend with generational residents in Knightly, where well-kept older properties contrast with vibrant new subdivisions. The active Parks and Recreation Department provides sports programs for area youth as well as lush parks and recreation facilities for the entire community. The Knightdale Environmental Park offers a trail system near the 100,000-volume Wake County East Wake Regional Library. Residents and planners are united in preserving the friendly atmosphere of their small town in the face of brisk growth.
Morrisville
Town Offices
919-463-6200
https://www.townofmorrisville.org/
Chamber of Commerce
919-463-7150
https://www.morrisvillechamber.org/
Located in central Wake County, Morrisville is halfway between Raleigh and Durham and enjoys easy access to Interstates 50 and 450 as well as US Highway 1. The town is also adjacent to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Research Triangle Park, placing the community in a prime position for business and industry. Morrisville continues to welcome newcomers for many reasons beyond its strategic location, including excellent schools, a thriving local economy, quiet neighborhoods, a wonderful four-season climate, and the celebrated quality of life for which the Triangle region is nationally and internationally known. Because of the town’s proximity to Research Triangle Park and the airport, much of the area has an open, industrial feeling. Still, Morrisville offers many cozy neighborhoods and wonderful residential options from which to choose. The town is already a major employment center, with residential development on the rise. Morrisville invites new residents to be a part of its exciting growth, and enjoy living in the “Heart of the Triangle” where they can live, work, and play.
Rolesville
Town Offices
919-556-3506
https://www.rolesvillenc.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
919-562-7069
https://rolesvillechamber.org/
The historic community of Rolesville is the second oldest town in Wake County, originally incorporated in 1837. Today, this small town with a bright future is dedicated to preserving its close-knit spirit and rural character by controlling growth and effectively planning for business and commercial expansion. The current growth rates are the highest in the town’s history, and civic planners are determined to make Rolesville a premier place to live, play, work, and raise a family. Situated northeast of Raleigh, the town is located at the intersection of US Highway 401 North and Rolesville Road. Recent years have seen expansion of the services and commercial conveniences, including shopping centers, dining options, and parks and recreation facilities. Several residential subdivisions have sprung up in Rolesville, including the Olde Towne, Brandiwood, Wall Creek, Al’s Acres, and Watkins Farm. Many other new residential villages are quickly being “built out,” another indication of the town’s growing popularity. Planned transportation enhancements will further position Rolesville for accelerated growth and development.
Wake Forest
Town Offices
919-435-9400
https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
919-556-1519
https://wakeforestchamber.org/
The charming historic community of Wake Forest in northern Wake County is home to a vibrant downtown district where more than 100 businesses create a convenient lifestyle. Specialty shops and several outstanding restaurants enliven the downtown corridor, which is an officially registered historic district. Proud of its long history as a leader in education, the town is currently home to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Southeastern College at Wake Forest. The community continues to emerge as an important part of the growth of the Triangle region while retaining its small-town flavor, warmth, and appeal. The completion of the 540 outer loop opened new doors of accessibility for Wake Forest, providing ease of access for commuters and visitors. The completion of this transportation enhancement coincided with the opening of two of the Triangle area’s most popular planned communities: Wakefield Plantation and Heritage at Wake Forest. Both of these prestigious residential communities offer breathtaking natural beauty and premier amenities including golf, tennis, swimming, playgrounds, and clubhouse activities.
Wendell
Town Offices
919-365-4450
https://www.townofwendell.com/
Chamber of Commerce
919-365-6318
https://www.wendellchamber.com/
Newcomers are drawn to the small town of Wendell for its combination of urban convenience with country living. Proud of its agricultural past, the town was formed when tobacco farmers suffered a devastating loss and began searching for fertile land for new crops. Today, the town offers a close-knit community spirit where school and church activities play a major role in daily life. The Wendell Commercial Historic District is on the national register, along with the Dr. Thomas H. Avera House, Harmony Plantation, Riley Hill School, and Sunnyside. The preservation of historic architecture lends a quaint appeal to the community and reflects the deep roots of many of its generational residents. Wendell is home to the Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, a small, private, Christian institution of higher education with a family-like atmosphere that reflects the warmth of the entire community. The major thoroughfare that connects Wendell with the Triangle area and points beyond is US Highway 64, which also leads to the Atlantic coastline. Residents enjoy the open space and sports facilities in Wendell Park, Wendell Community Center, and the J. Ashley Wall Town Square.
Zebulon
Town Offices
919-269-7455
https://www.townofzebulon.org/
Chamber of Commerce
919-269-6320
http://zebulonchamber.org/
The most eastern of Wake County’s communities, Zebulon offers a small-town atmosphere within the dynamic Triangle region. One of the calling cards of Zebulon is Five County Stadium, home of the Caroline Mudcats minor league baseball team. Recent decades have seen significant growth in this community, which was little more than a sleepy rural village until the 1970s. Nearly a century after its incorporation in 1997, Zebulon welcomed the neighboring community of Wakefield into its town limits. While Zebulon continues to prosper and grow, this close-knit community is determined to retain the spirit that inspired the slogan, “The Town of Friendly People.” Several major employers are located in Zebulon, and the town is the location of the WakeMed Zebulon/Wendell Outpatient and Skilled Nursing Facility. Agriculture is still important to this picturesque rural area, which features the natural recreation site of Little River Park. Several other municipal parks offer green space and a variety of sports and playground facilities.
