Today we’re going to give you all the details on five underrated, under-the-radar cities around Raleigh, North Carolina, one of which may end up to be the ideal place for you.
First up, we have Wake Forest, North Carolina, which is one of my favorite cities, mainly because I live there. Wake Forest, for a long time, has been very underrated because it’s in a different part of the area than the more popular and well-known cities like Cary, Raleigh, and Apex. Wake Forest is in the northern part of the Triangle area. So, why has Wake Forest been so underrated? Well, again, many people have been gravitating towards the Raleigh and Cary areas that it’s been overlooked. For people who work in the Research Triangle Park area or maybe on the western side of the Triangle, Wake Forest has not always been a great option for them because travel time in the past was quite long. However, in the last five years, there has been a lot of dramatic growth in Wake Forest, with new neighborhoods and shopping destinations like Wegmans opening up. This growth has made Wake Forest a more attractive option for many.
What’s always been great about Wake Forest is its beauty, historic charm, and treelined streets. As it’s grown, it’s become even nicer, with a vibrant downtown area featuring restaurants, shopping, and coffee shops. Wake Forest has a variety of beautiful neighborhoods, including Heritage at Wake Forest, known for its golf course, swimming, tennis, and diverse housing options. Other prominent neighborhoods in Wake Forest include Traditions, Hasentree, and Waterstone Reserve. Wake Forest’s proximity to Youngsville, Rolesville, and Raleigh makes it a convenient location to live.
Next up, we have Holly Springs, North Carolina. Holly Springs has always been overshadowed by Apex and Cary, which are the two cities closest to it. However, as Cary has been built out and very little new construction is going on there, and the same thing is happening in Apex, people are now looking towards Holly Springs as the next best alternative. Holly Springs is seeing rapid growth with new neighborhoods, restaurants, and shopping popping up all the time. Its location near Research Triangle Park and popular amenities like Costco make it an attractive option for many. Notable neighborhoods in Holly Springs include 12 Oaks, Sunset Lake Village, Braxton Village, and Westcott.
Rolesville, North Carolina, is a forgotten suburb close to Raleigh. It’s been overlooked because it’s next door to Wake Forest, which gets most of the attention for people interested in moving to the northern part of the Triangle. However, Rolesville is rapidly transforming, with new developments like Cobblestone Village bringing in more amenities. Its proximity to Wake Forest and easy access to Raleigh make it an appealing option for those looking for a suburban lifestyle.
Wendell, North Carolina, has always been underrated and overlooked due to its small size. However, the new Windell Falls neighborhood has brought attention to the area, with new shops and restaurants springing up. Wendell’s downtown area has also seen a resurgence in recent years, making it a charming destination. Improved infrastructure, including Interstate 87, has made it easier to travel to and from Windell, making it a more desirable place to live. Top neighborhoods in Wendell include Wendell Falls, Anderson Farm, Pepper Pointe, and Edgemont Landing.
Lastly, Knightdale, North Carolina, is an area that many people don’t know about or ignore. It’s had a reputation for not having much going on, but recent growth has changed that. New construction and developments like Knightdale Station have brought more amenities to the area, including restaurants and shops. Knightdale’s proximity to Raleigh and its improving infrastructure make it an up-and-coming suburb. Notable neighborhoods in Knightdale include Knightdale Station, Langston Ridge, Princeton Manor, and Haywood Glenn.
If any of these cities interest you, be sure to contact us for more information. We would love to help you.