If you’re interested in moving to Wake Forest, in the below post we are sharing helpful insights on the best neighborhoods in Wake Forest to consider calling home whether you are a family, a couple, or you live alone.
The charming town of Wake Forest offers a wonderful lifestyle and is considered one of the most popular Raleigh neighborhoods especially in the North Raleigh area.
This unique community is centered around a thriving and historical downtown Wake Forest where you stroll to clothing boutiques, cafes, restaurants, breweries, art galleries and specialty shops.
Although Wake Forest ranks as North Carolina’s 21st largest city with a population of just over 50,000, downtown is quaint and walkable and full of small-town appeal and the region has well-planned neighborhoods and homes in Wake Forest are well sought after.
And with about 220 sunny days a year, if you’re looking to escape the bleakness of other states, you could discover a brighter future here.
Where is Wake Forest?
The town of Wake Forest is in Wake County just 18-miles north of downtown Raleigh with direct access via US 1.
Nearby is Durham (home of Duke University) which is approximately a 40-minute drive to the west via NC-98, and Chapel Hill (home of University of North Carolina – UNC) is about a 55-minute drive further west via I-540 and I-40. And it’s approximately 250-miles south of Washington, DC.
Raleigh Durham Airport is approximately a 45-minute drive via US-1 and I-540. And for those thinking about commuting to Research Triangle Park, it’s about a 50-minute drive.
While traffic can be a little challenging during peak times, Wake Forest occupies a prime spot in North Raleigh and close to the popular North Hills area, and you’re not too far from the best the Triangle region has to offer via I-540 and US-1.
This is a prime location and centrally located between the North Carolina Mountains in the west and the best beaches in North Carolina in the east (just 2-hours away). Here you can get the best of both worlds.
The community offers good access to the Raleigh area’s first-class universities, the Research Triangle Park, college sports, museums, parks, and top-rated golf courses. You are never too far from North Carolina’s most popular vacation destinations.
Best Neighborhoods in Wake Forest
Heritage
Heritage is one of Wake Forest’s most sought-after neighborhoods sitting on an award-winning golf course with over 3,000 homes. It’s located about a 10-minute drive south of downtown Wake Forest.
- Downtown Raleigh is about a 35-minute drive
- Raleigh Durham Airport is about a 35-minute drive
- Research Triangle Park is about a 40-minute drive
Amenities at Heritage include a one-of-a-kind clubhouse restaurant open to the public and a private swim and tennis club with two swimming pool complexes.
Heritage has home prices ranging from $300K (for townhomes) up to $1million+ for single family homes. At Heritage you’ll find mature tree lined streets, beautiful landscaping, nearby shopping plazas and quality schools.
Schools currently zoned to the Heritage neighborhood include:
- Heritage Elementary
- Heritage Middle
- Heritage High
Stonewater
Located just south of the Heritage neighborhood, Stonewater is a newish but smaller community with about 250 homes, and is about a 15-minute drive south of downtown Wake Forest and close to Rolesville.
- Downtown Raleigh is about a 30 minute drive
- Raleigh Durham Airport is also about a 30 minute drive
- Research Triangle Park is about a 35 minute drive
Amenities at Stonewater include a community pool and playground. And here you’ll enjoy wide streets and sidewalks, generous property sizes, a beautiful community, and nearby award-winning golf courses.
Stonewater has home sizes ranging from 3500 – 3800 sq ft. And home prices ranging from $900K to $1 million.
Schools currently zoned to the Stonewater neighborhood include:
- Rolesville Elementary
- Wake Forest Middle
- Heritage High
St. Ives
St. Ives is an established neighborhood and lovely community with gorgeous homes, and is about an 8 minute drive west of downtown Wake Forest.
- Downtown Raleigh is about a 35 minute drive
- Raleigh Durham Airport is also about a 30 minute drive
- Research Triangle Park is also about a 30 minute drive
Amenities at St Ives include a private clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and community center.
This quaint community features brand new construction sprinkled in with more existing homesites. The properties are impeccably maintained, and some lots are up to 1 acre in size.
Here you are far enough away from the city life, but still close to shopping, dining, and everything that Wake Forest and downtown Raleigh has to offer with easy access via Capital Blvd US-1.
St Ives has home sizes averaging 3200 sq ft. And home prices from $600K upwards.
Schools currently zoned to the St Ives neighborhood include:
- Forest Pines Drive Elementary
- Wake Forest Middle
- Wake Forest High
Grand Highland
Grand Highland Estates is Wake Forest’s newest high-end luxury community, located about a 12 minute drive Northwest of downtown Wake Forest.
- Downtown Raleigh is about a 45 minute drive
- Raleigh Durham Airport is also about a 30 minute drive
- Research Triangle Park is also about a 35 minute drive
The Grand Highland Estates development features the areas top builders including AR Homes, Braswell, Raleigh Custom Homes, Speight Builders and more.
Here you will find larger homes on large lots. Home prices starting in the $1.8m+ range and upwards.
Schools currently zoned to the Grand Highland Estates neighborhood include:
- North Forest Pines Elementary
- Wakefield Middle
- Wakefield High
Tyler Run
Tyler Run is an older and more affordable neighborhood, and just a 4-minute drive southwest of downtown Wake Forest.
- Downtown Raleigh is about a 35 minute drive
- Raleigh Durham Airport is about a 30 minute drive
- Research Triangle Park is also about a 35 minute drive
Tyler Run offers midsize and reasonably priced homes and a well-established community. Home sizes range from 1200 – 2800 sq ft. With home prices under $500k.
Schools currently zoned to the Tyler Run neighborhood include:
- Wake Forest Magnet Elementary
- Wake Forest Middle
- Wake Forest High
Watch our video of Wake Forest neighborhoods
In Summary
Is Wake Forest a nice place to live?
Being a small town known for its historic charm, tree-lined streets, and a real sense of community, most people find it a pleasant and welcoming place to call home.
The area offers well-planned neighborhoods within 10-minutes of downtown Wake Forest, including a variety of housing options from historic homes to newer developments.
The cost of living in Wake Forest NC is generally lower than other bigger metropolitan areas, the climate offers four-seasons for those looking to escape long winters, and you are centrally located between the mountains and the beach.
Before deciding to live in Wake Forest, I’d recommend visiting the area in person and meeting with a trusted and experienced Wake Forest real estate agent who can consider your individual needs and preferences.
What is the closest major city to Wake Forest NC?
Raleigh, the state capital, is just a 30-minute drive south so you have easy access to bigger city amenities.
Is Wake Forest NC affluent?
Generally speaking it is considered to be an affluent community with a mix of residents including both middle-class and those more affluent. Any town’s affluence is reflected in various aspects such as the quality of schools, the housing options and the overall standard of living, of which Wake Forest ranks well.
But like any town or city, affluence can vary from one neighborhood to another. Some areas will have higher average incomes and average property values than others.
Does Wake Forest have a downtown?
Absolutely. And downtown Wake Forest is one of the most charming and historic downtowns in the Triangle region, if not North Carolina. It’s very walkable with ample shops and places to eat and drink.
There you have it. Some of the top neighborhoods to consider when you relocate to Wake Forest. If you are interested in homes for sale in Wake Forest NC, we can help you with that. Fill in the form on this page or you can email us at: [email protected].
