5 Things You Should Know BEFORE Moving to Fuquay-Varina, NC (2025)

Living in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Are you moving to Fuquay-Varina, NC? Learn the reasons why so many people are deciding to live in Fuquay-Varina! 

Fuquay-Varina is one of the best places to live in Wake County, so it's no wonder everyone is moving here. Located south of Holly Springs and Southwest of Garner, it is best known for its prime real estate and fun things to do. 

With so many people moving to Fuquay-Varina, NC, the city is quickly becoming one of the best places to live in the Triangle. The Downtown Fuquay-Varina area has seen massive growth in the past few years. 

What was once a sleepy town that most folks would not consider moving to is rapidly becoming one of the Triangle's best secrets. Fuquay-Varina has a growing population of 43,817 and has nearly doubled in population growth in the last ten years. 

Fuquay-Varina is experiencing a lot of growth because of the spillover from the number of people moving to Raleigh. New Construction is rising in Fuquay-Varina, with many folks relocating and calling the Raleigh suburb home.

Here are five things you should know before moving to Fuquay-Varina 

1. Fuquay-Varina is a Safe Place to Live

Fuquay-Varina is a safe place to live and a great place to raise a family in Wake County. The residents who live in Fuquay-Varina will be the first to tell you just how proud they are of their town and how happy they are to call Fuquay-Varina home. 

Known for having a low crime rate similar to Raleigh's, here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Fuquay-Varina compared to the rest of North Carolina. 

Crime Types	Fuquay-Varina	North Carolina
Violent Crime	one in 1,511	one in 256
Property Crime	one in 160	one in 48

Property Crime in Fuquay-Varina	Burglary	Theft	Motor Vehicle Theft
Total	30	228	16
Rate per 1,000 people	0.68	5.20	0.37

Violent Crime in Fuquay-Varina	Murder	Robbery	Assault
Total	1	3	23
Rate per 1,000 people	0.02	0.07	0.52

*Data sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

Downtown Fuquay-Varina is exploding with growth, small businesses, and developments. This is primarily thanks to the families and individuals who decided to move here. If you are looking for a great place to live, Fuquay-Varina is one to look at in the Raleigh area. 

Fuquay-Varina has fantastic neighborhoods for families with access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Some of the neighborhoods in Fuquay-Varina that are known to be safe and family-friendly include:

Sunset Lake 

Sunset Lake is a popular place to live and is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Fuquay-Varina/Holly Springs. It is on the border of Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina, which means it is located conveniently near top-rated amenities and things to do for all ages. 

This neighborhood offers serene waterfront living around Sunset Lake. It provides beautiful suburban homes and new construction properties. With easy highway access, residents will have short commutes to work. 

South Lake 

One of the best neighborhoods we recommend clients check out in Fuquay-Varina is South Lake, especially for families looking for affordable homes near or on the water. South Lake has a lot to offer, with great homes, walking trails, and a peaceful way of life. 

Bentwinds

Located in northeast Fuquay-Varina, NC, the Bentwinds community is another one close to the lake views people are seeking. The Bentwinds community offers larger lots, bigger homes, and affordable prices, making it a great value. If you're looking for a top community in Fuquay-Varina, Bentwinds is one to check out. 

Phillips Pointe 

Phillips Pointe is an excellent neighborhood near Main Street with quick and easy access to downtown Fuquay-Varina. The proximity to downtown Fuquay-Varina is part of what separates Phillips Pointe from a few of the other great places to live in Fuquay-Varina.

The Phillips Pointe community allows people a quality lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Fuquay-Varina while being close enough to walk there. This is one Fuquay-Varina community you have to check out since it is located near local boutiques and restaurants. 

2. Affordability of Homes in Fuquay-Varina

The homes for sale in Fuquay-Varina offer great value when you compare their pricing, location, home type, and style. Most people moving to Fuquay-Varina, NC, seek a better quality of life outside the hustle and bustle of living in a city. Many Fuquay-Varina residents are originally from places in the northeast, southeast, west coast, and midwest. 

Fuquay-Varina is one of the top Raleigh suburbs, bringing such a large change to the town's population and growth. Offering an affordable cost of living and an abundance of housing options just outside of Raleigh, many people choose to buy a home in Fuquay-Varina. 

The Fuquay-Varina real estate market is healthy and should continue to grow rapidly as more and more people move to the area. With so many new construction neighborhoods developing in Fuquay-Varina, builders are betting on the town's continued growth.

Moving to Fuquay-Varina and the Raleigh area is generally a safe investment, thanks to the many people choosing to relocate here. The last time the economy took a downturn, our area saw a slight appreciation.

If you are moving to Raleigh or anywhere in Wake County, Fuquay-Varina is a town you should consider. 

3. The Weather in Fuquay-Varina

Experiencing a moderate subtropical climate, the weather in Fuquay-Varina is comfortable and mild. The chart below shows the monthly average temperatures, with January being the coldest month and July being the warmest. The months in between are excellent and comfortable, meaning you can golf almost year-round in Fuquay-Varina. 

Fuquay-Varina experiences precipitation for 105 days throughout the year. August has the highest chance of rain, with an average rainfall of 4.2 inches. There is around one snowfall per year, and if it does snow, it is generally around four inches on average, which is just enough snow to appreciate. 

4. Things to Do in Fuquay-Varina

One of the best parts about living in Fuquay-Varina is the many things to do around town. Its proximity to everything the Triangle offers makes it easy to find things to do throughout the year.

Some genuinely great restaurants, bars, and breweries in Downtown Fuquay-Varina offer live music and events that all ages will enjoy. 

A short commute to Raleigh, Durham, Cary, or Chapel Hill, you can be anywhere in the Triangle in 30-45 minutes. Whether you want to have dinner downtown, catch a Duke basketball game, or both, there is always something to do in Fuquay-Varina. 

Healthcare is huge in the Fuquay-Varina/Triangle area, with some of the best hospitals in the world, including Duke, UNC, and WakeMed, just a short drive away.

There are many things to do in Fuquay-Varina, from the hiking trails to the quick and easy commute to anywhere in the Triangle and the short and easy commutes to the beach or the mountains. 

Check out these fun things to do in Fuquay-Varina: 

Hilltop Needmore Town Park: What was once a golf course has since become a popular park and preserve perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. 

Fuquay-Varina Splash Pad: Bring your kids to this fun splash pad, which operates from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. It is the perfect spot to cool down on a hot day. 

Inner Beast Hatchet House: Meet your friends at this axe-throwing venue with digital axe-throwing games, a shuffleboard table, and a bar. 

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park: This 28-acre park is known for its two-mile walking trail, picnic shelters, and an amphitheater found in an accessible location. 

5. Restaurants and Breweries in Fuquay-Varina

Much like Raleigh's restaurants, Fuquay-Varina is home to some delicious eateries and dining establishments. Aside from the chain restaurants that can be found in most of the fast-growing areas around the country, the local spots are some of the fan favorites. 

No matter what you crave, Fuquay-Varina is bound to have a restaurant to satisfy your appetite. Check out these best restaurants in Fuquay-Varina: 

The Mason Jar Tavern 

One of the best local restaurants in Fuquay-Varina is The Mason Jar Tavern. The restaurants have become such a fan favorite that several are around the Triangle. A great place to grab a bite with the family or a drink with friends, the Mason Jar Tavern has the right menu and atmosphere for everyone. 

Zeera Indian Restaurant

Zeera Indian Restaurant is a fan favorite in Fuquay-Varina. It opens at 11 a.m. and offers a great lunch buffet with traditional fare and vegan options. Many folks love Zeera Indian Restaurant, which is part of the reason the restaurant has such rave reviews online. If you like Indian food, you'll love Zeera. 

Garibaldi Trattoria 

Garibaldi Trattoria is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Fuquay-Varina. It offers casual, traditional Italian dishes with an outdoor patio and New York-style pizza.

Garibaldi is a local favorite for great Italian and pizza. Their entrees are some of the reasons people keep coming back. Opening at 11 a.m., you can stop in for a lunchtime meal or call ahead to pick up a pizza on your way home. 

Aviator Smokehouse 

Aviator Smokehouse is a restaurant we have to add to the list because Aviator is synonymous with Fuquay-Varina. It is a laid-back spot for smoked wings, burgers, BBQ, and more, plus craft beers from its sister brewing company, also located in Fuquay-Varina. This restaurant is a must-try if you want to experience something local.

Vicious Fishes Taproom and Kitchen

Vicious Fishes Taproom and Kitchen is best known for its craft beer and tasty bar food. Serving burgers, salads, and other favorites, this is a great spot to eat with friends and family. 

Joyce and Family Restaurant

Joyce & Family Restaurant is a Fuquay-Varina staple offering a buffet of homestyle Southern eats and an a la carte menu in simple digs. You will love the atmosphere, the food, and the feeling that Joyce and Family Restaurant creates. Joyce Family Restaurant is the spot if you're looking for a laid-back place to eat some great Southern food. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Fuquay-Varina 

Pros: 

• Low cost of living 
• Affordable housing options 
• Low crime rate 
• Sought-after location 
• Job opportunities 
• Excellent education  
• Great restaurants and breweries 
• Family-friendly things to do 

Cons:

• High humidity 
• Construction traffic 

Methodology 

To determine what life is like in Fuquay-Varina, data and information were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Neighborhoodscout, Payscale, Weatherspark, and the Town of Fuquay-Varina. 

FAQs 

What is Fuquay-Varina, NC, known for? 

As one of the fastest-growing small towns in North Carolina, Fuquay-Varina is best known for its historic downtown area, lively community events, abundance of craft breweries, strategic location near Research Triangle Park, lower cost of living, charming way of life, and variety of homes for sale. 

How far is Fuquay-Varina from the beach? 

Fuquay-Varina is about a three—to four-hour drive to the nearest beach. Carolina Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Atlantic Beach, and the Outer Banks are some of the most popular beaches in the area, not far from Fuquay-Varina, and are great destinations for weekend trips. 

What is the cost of living in Fuquay-Varina, NC? 

The cost of living in Fuquay-Varina is 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live in North Carolina. Expenses such as housing, utilities, and gas are lower than average, which adds to the appeal of living here. 

Moving to Fuquay-Varina, NC - Final Thoughts 

There are many reasons why people love living in Fuquay-Varina, NC, and why it has become one of the best places to live in the Wake County area. From the lower cost of living in Fuquay-Varina to the popular real estate market and fun things to do, you will love living in Fuquay-Varina. 

Fuquay-Varina is attracting families from all over the country to move here, and thanks to the town's rapid growth, it is easy to make friends. 

If you have any questions about Fuquay-Varina, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer any questions about Fuquay-Varina or the Raleigh area. People are moving to North Carolina because they love living here.