Living in Angier, NC
Are you considering moving to Angier, NC? Follow along as we explore the best things about living in Angier.
Angier is a beautiful town in Harnett County, North Carolina. Located just 30 minutes southwest of Raleigh, this growing community offers an appealing blend of rural character and convenient access to urban amenities.
Although most of the town is in Harnett County, a small portion of the North is in Wake County. This area is known for its beautiful homes for sale and small-town charm.
NC Highway 55 makes commuting to other areas easy and convenient. You can reach Fuquay-Varina in seven miles through the town's center. When traveling on NC-55 and U.S. Route 401, you can reach Raleigh in 22 miles.
There is plenty to do in Angier for people of all ages, including various dining options, entertainment, parks, and recreation. Mainly recognized for its culture, Angier hosts the annual Crepe Myrtle Celebration, which draws more than 20,000 visitors.
With a livability score above average, Angier offers residents access to excellent education, low crime rates, an affordable cost of living, and prime real estate.
In this guide, we'll explore what makes Angier unique and everything you need to know before making your move to one of Angier's best neighborhoods.
1. History of Angier
Angier's history dates back to the late 19th century, with its formal founding in 1901. The town was established around a railroad stop on the Cape Fear and Northern Railway (later Durham and Southern Railway). It was named after Major Jonathan Angier, a Civil War veteran who was a prominent businessman in the area and an investor in the railroad.
Before becoming an incorporated town, the area was primarily agricultural, with farmers growing cotton, tobacco, and various food crops. The railroad's arrival was transformative, allowing local farmers to ship their products to larger markets and bringing new commerce to the region.
The town was officially chartered on March 7, 1901, by the North Carolina General Assembly. In its early days, Angier developed as a trading center for the surrounding agricultural community, particularly for tobacco farming. The tobacco industry played a crucial role in the area's economy, and Angier had its tobacco market where farmers would bring their crops to sell.
By the 1910s and 1920s, Angier had grown to include several general stores, a bank, a hotel, and various other businesses serving the local community. The town's historic downtown area still reflects some of this early architectural heritage.
The creation of Research Triangle Park in the late 1950s and the growth of the Raleigh-Durham area eventually began to influence Angier's development. As Raleigh expanded, Angier gradually transformed from a primarily agricultural community to becoming part of the greater Raleigh metropolitan area.
Angier has experienced renewed growth in recent decades as people seeking more affordable housing options and a quieter lifestyle have discovered its charms.
Today, Angier embraces its historical roots and evolving identity as a growing community in the Triangle region. The town's motto, "A Town of Progress," reflects this balance between honoring its past and looking toward the future.
2. The Community of Angier
The community of Angier is committed to providing public service to its citizens through excellence, responsibility, effectiveness, cooperation, growth and development, and state of affairs.
Today, Angier is a vibrant yet growing town with a strong sense of community. While they take pride in the town's value and history, they work hard to continue its growth and embrace change.
Angier has begun to implement community and economic development programs and projects that will:
- Attract new businesses and support new development
- Market and promote Angier businesses
- Promotion of town events and showcasing the downtown area
- Recommend activities and projects for both economic and community development
By marketing and promoting Angier businesses, the town can keep its sense of community and continue to grow. Programs have been developed that support local business retention and assist business owners with promotions to help bring in more customers, increase sales, and spread awareness.
Angier's population is 7,283 and continues to grow massively. Between 2020 and 2021, Angier experienced an 8% population increase and is projected to grow faster than Harnett County and the rest of the state.
With a median age of 40, the town has many families and young professionals. Home to top-rated daycares and schools, this is a great place to raise kids.
3. Housing and Cost of Living in Angier
With a cost of living that is 13.8% lower than the national average and 5.3% lower than the state average, living in Angier is highly affordable for most residents.
The cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and other necessities in Angier is cheaper than in different areas, making it a popular suburb of Raleigh.
With a median list price of $394,590 and an average price per square footage of $183, the Angier housing market is attractive for homeowners and investors.
Angier offers considerable value compared to Raleigh proper:
- Median home prices approximately 20-25% lower than Raleigh
- Mix of newer subdivisions and established neighborhoods
- Larger lot sizes than typically found in suburban Raleigh
- Growing inventory of new construction homes
- Opportunities for custom builds on acreage
4. Education in Angier
Angier, NC, has a sound education system and various schools to attend. McGee's Crossroads Elementary, Harnett Central High, and Harnett Central Middle are the top three ranking schools. Rankings in Angier are based on the school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
The Harnett County School System has ten preschools, 16 elementary schools, eight middle schools, and seven high schools part of the district. The district serves over 20,000 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to one.
According to U.S. News and World Report, here are the test score prophecies for elementary, middle, and high school students in Harnett County:
Reading Score | Math Score | |
Elementary School Students | 39% | 38% |
Middle School Students | 38% | 30% |
High School Students | 60% | 34% |
The closest college to Angier is Campbell University, approximately seven miles away. Campbell is ranked the 5th best private university in North Carolina.
Campbell's most popular major is Business Administration, although it offers over 100 majors. Attending the university costs around $63,711, including tuition, books and supplies, miscellaneous fees, and room and board.
Other popular colleges within 50 miles of Angier are North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Wake Tech Community College, Meredith College, and William Peace University.
5. Fun Things To Do in Angier
Angier, NC, has various things to do for people of all ages. While Angier is small, it offers essential amenities. Top attractions in the town include:
Dr. Young's Pond Berry Farm
Dr. Young's Pond Berry Farm is a special place to visit and pick your berries. It is family-friendly, family-owned & operated, and has been around since the late eighties.
They are only open during berry season, so check them out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from early June to early August. Products at the farm include blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, Japanese persimmons, garden vegetables, and blueberry plants.
Jack Marley Park
Jack Marley Park is a jack of all trades. When visiting the park, you can enjoy the baseball and softball fields, the basketball and tennis courts, and stroll on the greenways trails. It's a beautiful place to exercise or enjoy a calm, sunny day.
Gregory Vineyard
Visit Gregory Vineyard for an excellent meal, a delicious wine tasting, or to enjoy the beautiful vineyard scenery. The vineyard is composed of over 20 acres and uses locally grown grapes to create some of the finest wines in North Carolina.
Black River Paintball
Great for private parties or outings with friends, Black River Paintball features fun and unique paintball fields. Offering a family-friendly environment, training is provided for new players if needed.
6. Angier Crime Rate
Raleigh is a safe place to live, so it is no surprise that Angier is, too. With a crime rate 23.89 per every 1,000 residents, Angier is considered safer than 15% of other cities in the United States. The crime rate is higher in the southeast parts of Angier.
Here are the annual crime rates in Angier, NC:
Violent Crime | Property Crime | Total Crime | |
Number of Crimes | 18 | 156 | 174 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 2.47 | 21.42 | 23.89 |
Here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Angier vs. the rest of North Carolina:
Crime Type | Angier | North Carolina |
Violent Crime | one in 45 | one in 256 |
Property Crime | one in 47 | one in 48 |
*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout.
7. Weather in Angier
The weather in Angier is consistent with that of most of North Carolina. The summers are hot and humid, and the winters are short and cold. The year-round temperature ranges from 33 degrees Fahrenheit to 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best time of year to visit is late April to mid-June and August to mid-October. During these months, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery, the various parks, and wineries.
Methodology
To determine the best things to know about living in Angier, NC, factors such as the cost of living, housing market, community, education, crime rate, things to do, and weather were considered. Data and information were collected from U.S. News and World Report, NeighborhoodScout, the Town of Angier, and Great Schools.
FAQs
What is it like to live in Angier, NC?
Located south of Fuquay-Varina, Angier is a great place to live outside Raleigh. Offering small-town charm and a tight-knit community feel, Angier is a relaxing and peaceful place to call home. It also has affordable housing and a growing downtown area.
What is the closest airport to Angier, NC?
The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the closest airport to Angier, NC. Located about 45 minutes away, travel is easy when living in Angier.
Does Angier, NC, have a downtown?
Yes, Downtown Angier is a vibrant area that is considered the heart of the town. It prides itself on its strong sense of community, hosting many family-friendly events throughout the year and featuring a mixture of local businesses and restaurants.
Moving to Angier - Final Thoughts
It is safe to say that Angier is a community built on history and bright plans for the future. The town's ability to strategize has continuously aided its growth and success. People who live in Angier love the suburban yet rural feel of the city, along with the welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Angier's main attraction is Depot Square, where you can feel the history yet embrace the future and new developments. The homes are affordable, the history is rich, the town is beautiful, and the community thrives.
Angier might be your ideal destination if you are moving to the Raleigh area. It offers more houses and land for your money, a slower pace of life with less congestion, and a reasonable commute to Raleigh job centers.
At Raleigh Realty, we specialize in helping clients discover the perfect community for their lifestyle and budget. Our team has extensive knowledge of Angier and the surrounding areas, and we'd be delighted to show you available properties and help you explore this charming town.
Please contact us today to schedule a tour of Angier and find your dream home in this growing community. It offers the best of small-town living with big-city convenience.