Welcome to Wendell, a charming town in eastern Wake County of North Carolina that is growing in popularity each year. If you’re considering moving to Wendell, you’re likely looking for a place with small-town charm, a sense of community, and proximity to larger cities like nearby Raleigh. It’s one of North Carolina’s fastest growing areas for those reasons!
After spending time exploring Wendell in-depth, we’ve been very impressed with the quality of life, the strong sense of community, and the growing number of cool places to eat and drink.
To help you get to know if it’s the right place for you to call home, we’ve created this comprehensive guide sharing a snapshot of the Wendell real estate market, the different neighborhoods in Wendell, why people love living in Wendell, favorite places to eat and drink and the top things to do!
This content was made possible thanks to our sponsor, Hilldrup. Serving the Triangle area since 1996, Hilldrup is a full-service moving and storage company who takes care of the heavy lifting so you can concentrate on more important aspects of your move – like settling in and making fun memories in your new home and community. Schedule a free quote!
About Wendell, NC
Wendell, NC started in the 1850s when failed tobacco farmers from Granville County came looking for fertile land for their crops. As the area grew, a village formed and was soon given the name Wendell by a local schoolteacher, after her beloved poet Oliver Wendell Holmes. After its incorporation in 1903 many more businesses and people moved into Wendell, and it grew into a close-knit community.
It now has a population of around 11,000 people and despite its explosion of growth in recent years – 44.2% between 2020 and summer 2023 – community connection is still strong. The town of Wendell has different neighborhoods, with the two main ones, Downtown Wendell and Wendell Falls about a five-minute driving distance apart.
Where is Wendell?
Ask any local, no matter where they live in Wake County how long it takes to get anywhere and they’ll say, “Oh, about 20 minutes.” It’s one reason we love living in Raleigh and happily share so many cool places outside of the Raleigh borders, like Wendell. This town is no different to the rest of the area. It takes about 20-minutes to get anywhere. But let’s look at those commute times from Wendell a little closer:
- Downtown Raleigh: 16.1 miles / 20 minutes
- North Hills: 15.2 mils/ 19 mins
- Research Triangle Park (RTP): 34.5 miles / 36 mins
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU): 32.9 miles / 35 mins
- Knightdale: 6.1 miles / 13 mins
- I-540: 5.9 miles / 8mins
- I-94: 26.8 miles / 41 mins
- Walnut Creek (Coastal Credit Union Music Park): 13.5 miles/ 25 mins
Reasons to live in Wendell
Let’s quickly look at some of the top reasons people love living in Wendell (as shared to us by the locals themselves).
Small town community feel
Wendell offers a quiet, relaxed lifestyle while still providing easy access to the amenities of a larger city (Raleigh). One walk through Wendell Falls with their planned communal spaces will show this is a place that encourages neighborly interaction.
In downtown Wendell, you’ll find quiet streets amongst historic homes where ambling and stopping to talk to neighbors is welcome. Shop owners and patrons take the time to talk to hear each other’s stories.
Apart from the individual neighborhoods bringing residents together, the town of Wendell puts on engaging community events year-round including the annual Wendell Harvest Festival to July 4th celebrations, monthly Meet on Main live music events, monthly markets, and the Lake Myra Christmas lights.
Close to Big Amenities
Wendell is developing quickly with plenty of great local restaurants, cafes, and services. If you need big box shopping, Knightdale – the fastest growing municipality in North Carolina – is only 10 minutes away.
I like how in Wendell, you don’t have those big-name brands closing in on you, but you can easily access it when needed. You’re also right near the I-540 which can get you to North Hills in 15-minutes.
An Opportunity on the Horizon
Our trusted realtor partner, Chuck Belden, lives in Wendell himself and believes it’s a great opportunity for buying in Wake County. There are a lot of exciting things planned for the municipality including more housing and retail development and the planned 224-acre Lake Myra County Park development, which will include an amphitheater, sporting fields, park, hiking trails, and a playground.
There are murmurings about luring tech companies into the area. Wendell could be the Cary of twenty years ago. If only we all bought there then!
Greater affordability
It’s a town on the rise, but it’s still more affordable than many other areas in Wake County. Remember, it’s only 20-minutes away from downtown Raleigh – similar drive time to towns like Cary and Apex – but at a lower price point with more inventory. No matter your budget, you’ll find a home to match in Wendell from condos, to townhomes, and single-family homes of all sizes.
Neighborhoods in Wendell
Wendell has several neighborhoods and residential areas, each with its own character and charm, and an attractive diversity of housing choices available to young professionals, growing families, and retirees. Here’s a look at some of the key Wendell neighborhoods:
Wendell Falls
Wendell Falls is one of the town’s most popular and fastest-growing communities. It’s a master-planned neighborhood with a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to townhouses. I often hear of potential relocators to Raleigh concerned about cookie cutter homes in newer residential neighborhoods. Not so in the Wendell Falls neighborhood. Home designs may be similar, but they have unique touches that make them their own style.
Wendell Falls even has Encore, a collection of low-maintenance, one and two-story homes for residents who are 55+. Residents get their lawn work taken care of plus a private clubhouse and pool.
What I love about this neighborhood is the community amenities like a salt-water, zero-entry swimming pool with waterslide, communal fire pits, playgrounds, and The Grove, a space that includes a hammock forest, a fitpod, and a mini-amphitheater for live entertainment.
The neighborhood also has its own commercial area, Treelight Square, with popular shops, cafes, and restaurants with more being built as we speak.
Real Estate Snapshot for Wendell Falls
Wendell Falls truly has something for everyone, from starter homes to dream homes and everything in between. The market has been steadily appreciating since the neighborhood started in 2015 but experienced massive growth from 2020 until today.
With multiple builders still building new homes in the neighborhood, inventory is steady and offers home buyers options from custom designing their own home to choosing a move-in ready home. New construction often comes at a premium so if that’s not in your budget no problem! There are plenty of resale opportunities as well.
As the neighborhood continues to develop and approach completion, I would expect home prices to continue to rise so now is the time to find the best deals.
Currently homes take slightly longer than the Triangle area average to sell which can give buyers time to make their decisions but not too much time because Wendell Falls is a highly sought after neighborhood to call home.
Home values appreciate about 8-10% per year on average since the neighborhood began. Homes range from about 1,500 sf to over 4,500 sf, and prices range from the low $300s to over $1M.
Downtown Wendell
In the heart of the municipality, downtown Wendell is spread across a couple of blocks. Here you’ll find a mix of historic buildings, local stores, and restaurants. Something new is popping up all the time Living here offers easy access to local events and a small-town atmosphere. The homes in this area are generally older, with a mix of styles from different eras.
Real Estate Snapshot for Downtown Wendell
The promising real estate market in downtown Wendell continues to gain speed with more people looking for a walkable neighborhood with the charm of a small town that is close to amenities…and no HOA. If you find something that catches your eye you better be prepared to move quickly on it as homes don’t last for long on the market downtown.
Most of the homes in downtown Wendell are older, but full of character, and on nice sized tree filled lots. As more new construction neighborhoods and more commercial development comes to Wendell, this community will increase in desirability and price point. Think of Apex about 10-15 years ago. Homes sell in the low $200s to over $900 and include a mix of newer homes, new construction and historic homes over 100 years old.
Olde Wendell
Olde Wendell is a new construction community from about 10 years ago. You’ll find larger homes here on bigger lots.
Real Estate Snapshot for Olde Wendell
Olde Wendell is a great no-HOA community for those looking for newer homes with a little space between neighbors. There aren’t a lot of amenities which means pricing will likely appreciate at a slower pace than some other neighborhoods, but they still appear to be a solid investment. Homes sell on average in the high $400s to low $500s and are around 2,500-3,000 sq ft in size!
Other neighborhoods: Real Estate Snapshot
- Anderson Farm: new construction in a master planned community ranging from 1,901 to 2,824 sq. ft
- Goodwin Chase: bigger lots, new construction,
- The Grove at Gin Branch: new construction, single family homes with a country feel.
- Harpers Glen: new construction single-family and townhomes, lots of amenities like a pool, playground, pocket parks, a dog park, pickleball, and more. Low starting price.
- Maggie Way: is between Wendell and Archers Lodge and a perfect match for those seeking big city life without the overwhelm, who cherish clean air and clear blue skies, and want to work, play, and live their best lives in their own backyard – this is a good place to be!
- Parc Townes: luxury townhomes on the Wendell Country club golf course.
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Video: Living in Wendell + Neighborhood Snapshot
Here are the essential things to know before moving to Raleigh.
Top Places to Eat & Drink in Wendell
Wendell has a growing selection of places to eat and drink, from classic Southern fare to international cuisine. We haven’t been everywhere… yet. That’s where we’d like for you to leave your suggestions in the comments below for future readers of this post. For now, here are some places we’ve enjoyed.
Farmhouse Cafe, Wendell Falls
Perched on a small hill overlooking the Wendell Falls neighborhood, lake, community pool and playground, is the Farmhouse Cafe, a beloved gathering space for residents. This café serves breakfast and lunch, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
In the evenings, they switch to a social menu with shareable small plates, perfect for pairing with a glass of wine or a craft beer.
Social doesn’t stop with food and wine. They have regular social events such as live music, patio BBQs, crawfish boils, and craft beer events
Parkside Restaurant, Wendell Falls
One of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh, Parkside Restaurant, has opened a location in Wendell Falls. It’s bright and spacious with a lovely outdoor patio perfect for parents who want to keep an eye on their kids as they run around in the grassy area out front.
Parkside has an extensive menu of serving traditional Southern and American comfort food from shrimp and grits to mouth-watering burgers.
We recommend the Prime Rib burger with caramelized onions, brie cheese and bacon jam – definitely high on the list of best burgers in Wake County. Made even more so by their addictive tater tots.
The beef stroganoff is also a local’s favorite and for a salty sweet starter order a serving of the bacon wrapped dates. Pair it with a mandarin margarita.
Don Beto’s Tacos & Tequila’s, Wendell Falls
The focus on the Wendell location of this local chain, Don Beto’s is tacos and tequilas. Inside you’ll find a vibrant space with colorful murals and artistic photos covering the brightly colored walls. There’s a mosaic tailed bar area if you’re looking for a quiet drink, booths and tables for inside seating, plus a lovely outdoor patio with views of the splash pad.
I was jealous I did not order the birria tacos after tasting Craig’s, but my taco salad bowl with chicken was delicious and perfect for a lighter lunch.
Don Betos has a margarita-heavy drink menu with a range of tequilas to choose from. One look at the menu and I was ordering my favorite mezcal margarita.
Bearded Bee Brewery, Downtown Wendell
I was not expecting to see what I did when I walked into the old livery stable of Bearded Bee Brewing Company. I had heard about their good brews, food trucks, live music, and community atmosphere, but I had no idea a brewery could have such a sophisticated Queen Bee aura!
I don’t think I’ve seen a more aesthetically pleasing brewery in Wake County. Many can be dull and harsh, but this one invites you to soften into the comfy couches and stay awhile.
The old livery’s charm has been revitalized, showcasing elements like the hay lofts above, wooden beams, and brick exterior. Modern touches, such as beehive lanterns, portraits of men with bee beards, and a gigantic beehive chandelier that draws your eye to the honey-colored bar, blend seamlessly with the historic features.
The pieces of the honeycomb fit together, once I met Keri, the co-founder of the brewery (with her husband), and learned she has a background in architectural interior design!
Bearded Bee began about a decade ago, when Keri’s bee-keeper husband, Derek, began creating mead with his surplus honey. Well, that led to brewing beer (with honey influences) winning homebrew awards, and then starting a brewery. Isn’t that where all great stories start?
You’ll find a range of small-batch beers from lagers to hoppy and sours – staples as well as seasonal rotations. They also make their own seltzer – on our visit it was refreshing Fizzbee Cara Cara Orange. And they have guest taps for cider and Ginger’s Revenge.
Even if you’re not considering moving to Wendell, it’s worth coming here for an afternoon relaxing at Bearded Bee Brewery with friends.
Parallax Coffee Lab, Downtown Wendell
I think Fount Coffee in Morrisville has found their competition for best coffee in Wake County. Luckily there on opposite ends of the county to satisfy west and east coffee addicts. As soon as I walked into the inviting modern, artistic space of Parallax Coffee Lab, I knew we’d walked into a place that understood, not just good coffee, but community and conversation that, in its art form, coffee creates.
We were lucky enough to meet the owner, Kenneth, when we stopped in for a latte and flat white. I just wish most baristas in the USA would understand how much of a difference a well-crafted artisan coffee makes to your taste buds and your day. Kenneth has a traveler’s heart like our own, having visited scores of countries and learned the art of community and conversation over coffee.
That is the intention he and his (graphic designer) wife and business partners have with Parallax – an astrological term meaning that objects appear differently when you change your perspective.
It’s no surprise they’re drawing in a diverse mix of people – many international – who come here not just for the great coffee, aesthetically pleasing design, facilitative remote workspaces, but for a deeper sense of belonging. I’m jealous that the people of Wendell have this in the center of their community. It would be my daily stop if I lived here.
It’s only new to the downtown space. And along with Bearded Bee, was a promising sign to me that Wendell is an up-and-coming region with a strong artistic flair shining through.
Sonder Coffee, Wendell Falls
Relatively new in Wendell Falls is Sonder Coffee, a light and airy cafe welcoming patrons to chat with friends over coffee, read books quietly, or complete work and school assignments on their computer. Wendell has a way with intentional naming, as Sonder means “the feeling one has on realizing that every other individual one sees has a life as full and real as one’s own.”
There’s no better way to realize that than over a delicious cup of coffee crafted with care – one look at the coffee art will tell you that. It’s a place we’ve returned to three times now on our two visits to Wendell Falls.
They have light bites – sandwiches and flatbread and pastries with several gluten free options. Their smashed avo toast is worth an order!
41 North Coffee, Downtown Wendell
Wendell’s first modern coffee shop, 41 North Coffee, is always busy with patrons meeting friends, having meetings, or working in solitude on their computers. I prefer the coffee at Parallax, but I liked the atmosphere and Ioved their gluten-free roasted pepper and goat cheese quiche. They also have a range of baked goods including gluten free options!
A couple of other places recommended to us that we will be returning to Wendell to experience were Farmers & Merchants Chocolates by Whitney, Carolina Ale House in downtown Wendell, and Falls Local in Wendell Falls.
Things to Do in Wendell
While Wendell is a small town, there’s plenty to do, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities and community events. Here’s a look at some of the things to do in Wendell and places just a short drive away:
Robertson Millpond Preserve
We’re jealous of anyone living in Wendell for their close proximity to one of our favorite hidden gems in Wake County, the Robertson Millpond Preserve. This 85-acre preserve offers a serene paddling experience through a blackwater cypress-gum swamp (don’t worry, there are no alligators here, even though it looks like their favorite home).
What makes Robertson Millpond unique is the variety of plants and fauna here, from the cypress trees to the coastal fetterbush, swamp titi, and more. The 1.5-mile paddling one way loop route (kayak or stand-up paddle boards) is marked by 70 buoy markers. It’s definitely a unique thing to do in the Raleigh area. Read our full guide to Robertson Millpond here.
Follow the Wendell Mural Trail
As you’re wandering the streets of Wendell, pay attention to the cool murals around town. Downtown Wendell is getting behind local artists and with interactive murals painted on its buildings. Here is a digital guide for you. We only got to see two murals on our adventures as I did not know there was a trail until researching for this post after our visit. We make all the mistakes to help you avoid them!
“Simply Blush Murals” by Betsy Peters Rascoe from Wilson, NC. Such a happy, pretty mural with a positive message (2 & 4 N. Main St).
“Pollinators” by Matthew Willey at Bearded Bee – blends beautifully into their branding and outside seating space.
Hiking Trails
One thing we saw a lot of as we were exploring Wendell were people (and dogs) out walking and biking.
There are 10-miles of hiking trails winding through the forest surroundings of the Wendell falls neighborhood. It is anticipated that these trails will eventually connect to the Neuse River Greenway section of the Mountains-to-Sea trail (for now a 10-minute drive from Wendell Falls). There are also 3-miles of easy trails at the Turnipseed Nature Preserve.
Wendell Community Park
This is the town’s main park, with sports fields, well-equipped playgrounds, scenic walking trails, a disc golf course, tennis courts, a dog park, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to spend time outdoors with family and friends.
Lake Pavilion, Wendell Falls
Located in the Wendell Falls neighborhood, this lakeside pavilion offers fishing, kayaking, and a beautiful setting for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
Wendell Country Club
Golfers will be happy to know you have a 3 par golf course on your doorstep with water features on 12 of the 18 holes. Wendell Country Club is said to provide the best golf value in Wake County.
Downtown Wendell Events
While we were exploring downtown Wendell, they were setting up for a live music event on Main Street for that evening. Held nearly every month in the warmer season it’s an event, similar to White on White in Wake Forest. Meet on Main features live music and food trucks, and since it[s a social district, you can pop into the breweries and bars to get a drink and walk around with it.
The town hosts a variety of other events throughout the year, including the Wendell Harvest Festival, the Wendell Wonderland holiday celebration, and the Wendell Spring Fling. See all events here.
These events bring the community together and are a great way to meet your neighbors. And making our list of Christmas events in Wake County each year is the Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell.
Small Town Charm, Big Community Spirit
Wendell, North Carolina, is a charming town with a sprinkling of urban sophistication, a strong sense of community, and a wide variety of housing options. Its proximity to Raleigh makes it an attractive choice for those who want a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing access to urban amenities.
With a growing selection of places to eat and drink, and plenty of outdoor activities and events, Wendell has something for everyone.
If you’re considering moving to Wendell, this guide should give you a good sense of what it’s like to live here and help you decide if it’s the right place for you.
Let us help you with your upcoming move. We can connect you with our trusted realtor partner, Chuck, who can help you find the ideal neighborhood and home for you. We can also connect you with Hildrup, our recommended moving company, who will do all of the heavy lifting for you – from packing the old to unpacking into the new – so you can concentrate on the more important matters of your relocation!
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