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Living in Garner
Are you considering a move to Garner, NC? Make sure you know these seven things about living in Garner!
Garner is a charming suburban town in Wake County, just southeast of Raleigh, North Carolina. With its perfect blend of small-town charm and proximity to a central metropolitan area, Garner offers residents a unique and appealing lifestyle that combines convenience, affordability, and community spirit.
Recognized as a suburb of Raleigh, many families are moving to Garner for its affordability, low cost of living, small-town charm, diversity, and prime real estate. The combination of location and affordability is unbeatable, so Garner is considered one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Did you know Amazon moved to Garner in 2020 and opened one of its largest distribution warehouses? People are seeking out Garner not only because of its terrific location in Raleigh but also because of its job opportunities.
With a growing population of over 35,000 people and a median age of 36, Garner is predominantly a family-oriented community and a growing suburban area with strong local roots.
Here are seven things to know about living in Garner
1. History of Garner
Garner is a town in Wake County, North Carolina area and is a southern suburb of Raleigh, NC. Garner has a rich history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. The town's origins can be traced to the construction of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad in the 1830s, which played a crucial role in the area's development.
The town was officially incorporated in 1905, named after Samuel Garner, a prominent local landowner. Throughout the 20th century, Garner experienced steady growth, particularly after World War II, when many residents began commuting to Raleigh for work.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 17 square miles and the incorporated area of the town is located entirely within Wake County, with partial unincorporated portions extending into northern Johnston County.
The town of Garner is one of the many fast-growing areas surrounding Raleigh, with the most populated nearby cities being Durham and Cary. Offering a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, new residents will appreciate the strong sense of community, numerous parks, and family-friendly atmosphere.
A few notable people who are from the town of Garner, NC, include Scotty McCreery, John Wall, Anthony Blaylock, and Chris Culliver.
2. Cost of Living
Garner offers an attractive cost of living that is more affordable compared to many other areas in the Research Triangle region. The town provides a balance of affordability and quality of life that makes it an appealing destination for families, professionals, and retirees.
With a cost of living that is 8% lower than the national average, many families and young professionals are moving to Garner for its affordability in multiple categories.
Housing expenses in Garner are 25% lower than the national average, utility prices are 6% lower, and transportation expenses are 8% lower. On the other hand, grocery prices are 1% higher and healthcare is 12% higher compared to the national average.
| Cost of Living Item | Average Price |
| Energy Bill | $187.87/month |
| Phone Bill | $181.73/month |
| Median Rent | $1,131/month |
| Doctor's Visit | $156.89 |
| Dentist Visit | $129.01 |
| Veterinary Visit | $68.01 |
*Data sourced from PayScale.
Many people moving to the Triangle area choose to call Garner home because it's more affordable compared to the higher cost of living in Raleigh and Durham.
The tax rates in Garner, NC are as follows:
- State Income Tax: 5.25%
- Sales Tax: 7.25%
- Property Tax Rate: 0.86%
- Annual Property Taxes: $3,000 - $4,500
3. Real Estate
Located in one of the Fastest-Growing areas in the United States, buying real estate in Garner is a great decision. If you're looking to buy a home in Garner, NC, let us know, and we will be happy to learn more about what you are looking for specifically and match up the right areas, schools, and homes that match your priorities.
Garner's real estate market represents an attractive blend of affordability, growth, and opportunity. As a suburban community just outside of Raleigh, the town offers diverse housing options with strong investment potential.
With a housing market that is somewhat competitive, most homes get multiple offers and sell within 25 to 35 days on the market. The median price of homes range between $350,000 and $425,000 and the buyer demand is strong and consistent.
Whether you are searching for single-family homes for sale or townhomes for sale, there is no shortage of great places to live in Garner.
One of the first questions many people moving to Garner, NC, ask us is, what are the best neighborhoods in Garner? A great question for those who plan to relocate to the area and are looking for more information on the best places to live in Garner.
Some of the top neighborhoods for real estate investment in Garner include Garner Station, White Oak, and the Lake Benson Area. Offering diverse housing options, a mixture of older and newer homes, a family-friendly environment, and access to a good school district, the real estate in Garner is unmatched.
4. Crime Rate
Not only is Raleigh a safe place to live, but so is Garner. Garner is consistently ranked as one of the safer communities in Wake County, with crime rates that are generally lower than the national average.
With regular neighborhood patrols and advanced crime prevention programs, the town's commitment to community policing and proactive safety measures contributes to its reputation as a secure place to live for families.
Considered to be safer than 2% of other cities in the United States, here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Garner vs. the rest of North Carolina:
| Crime Type | Garner | North Carolina |
| Violent Crime | one in 189 | one in 256 |
| Property Crime | one in 22 | one in 48 |
Here is the total number of crimes that happen annually in Garner:
| Garner Annual Crime | Violent | Property | Overall Total |
| Total Number of Crimes | 187 | 1,602 | 1,163 |
| Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents | 4.30 | 45.43 | 50.73 |
*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout.
Violent Crime Breakdown
- Aggravated Assault: Lowest proportion of violent crimes
- Simple Assault: Most common violent crime type
- Robbery: Very low occurrence rates
Property Crime Breakdown
- Theft: Most common property crime
- Burglary: Declining trend in recent years
- Vehicle Theft: Relatively low rates
- Vandalism: Minimal reported incidents
5. The Community of Garner
Garner is an idyllic community that is located in a region that is consistently ranked as one of America's best places to live, work, play, raise a family, and earn a quality education.
There is something different for everyone to enjoy in Garner, and many historic homes and buildings are turning into wedding and event venues.
Garner is known for its historic downtown and southern hometown charm, and thanks to this foundation, it offers an excellent climate for folks moving here or expanding businesses like Amazon.
Garner offers a humid subtropical climate with all four seasons and a far more mild winter than folks who are relocating from the North. With average temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees in the summer and 40 and 50 degrees in the winter, the weather in Garner is mild and beautiful all year round.
Garner offers easy access to education, technology, and health care, making it a sought-after place to live in the Triangle. Located near Raleigh's major hospitals, multiple urgent care centers, Wake County health services, and the WakeMed Garner Medical Center, easy access to healthcare is an important part of living in Garner.
There are so many things to do in Garner, with tons of trails and parks connected to neighborhoods in Garner and world-class performing arts museums and cultural festivals only 15-20 minutes away in Raleigh.
Featuring local farmers markets, community concerts, local historical sites, and multiple community green spaces, there are more ways than one to get outdoors with the whole family.
Check out these top things to do in Garner:
ParTee Shack: This fun indoor entertainment venue is the perfect spot on a rainy day since it features three 18-hole indoor mini-golf courses, arcade games, virtual golf and multi-sport simulators, and food and drinks.
Lake Benson Park: Take a walk or go fishing and boating at this 64-acre park with plenty of open green space, picnic shelters, and a dog park.
White Deer Park Nature Center: Visit this park for its walking and biking trails, nature center, and picnic shelters.
Polar Ice Garner: This premier ice skating facility offers figure skating and hockey classes and public skating sessions.
Garner Performing Arts Center: Enjoy community theater, concerts, plays, and Broadway performances at this local performing arts center located in a former high school in Downtown Garner.
6. The Location of Garner
Garner's location relative to Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and Research Trignale Park makes it a great suburb to one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. Thanks to the city's location, there is always something to do, whether in the city of Garner itself or in one of the neighboring cities.
Located close to major interstate highways, there are multiple commute options available for residents including bus services and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Here are average commute times from Garner to nearby areas:
- To Raleigh: 15-20 minutes
- To Research Triangle Park: 25-30 minutes
- To RDU Airport: 20-25 minutes
Garner is a part of the high-rated Wake County Public School System, which is the largest county school system in the state of North Carolina. If you're moving to Garner, you should know you're moving to a place people love living in.
If you are moving to Garner with school-aged children, some of the best schools in the area are Fuller Elementary School, Cleveland Middle School, and South Garner High School. These schools are known for their strong academic and extracurricular programs.
For those searching for higher education opportunities, Garner is located near top-rated colleges and universities, including Wake Technical Community College, Meredith College, North Carolina State University, William Peace University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University.
7. The Growth of Garner
The city of Garner has exploded with growth due to the building of the White Oak Shopping Center, the new Amazon Distribution Center, and many new neighborhoods.
Overall, the Raleigh-Durham area is consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing regions and one of the best places to live. Thanks to this, the number of builders who are building new construction homes in the Garner area has grown.
If you're relocating to Garner for work or are in need of a job, you'll have plenty of options thanks to the number of jobs available in the area.
If you are moving without a job to Garner, you should be able to land a job pretty soon after you arrive. There are so many businesses that can't hire fast enough in the Raleigh-Garner area.
The major employers in the area include the Wake County Public School System, the local government, retail chains, and nearby Research Triangle Park companies. The key industries that are hiring area healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, and government services.
Pros and Cons of Relocating to Garner
Pros:
- Affordable housing
- Close to Raleigh
- Strong community spirit
- Lower cost of living
- Excellent schools
- Family-friendly environment
- Multiple recreational opportunities
Cons:
- Limited public transportation
- Some areas lack walkability
- Fewer entertainment options compared to Raleigh
- Growing pains from rapid development
Methodology
Data was collected from Payscale, the U.S. Census Bureau, and NeighborhoodScout to help determine the cost of living, the crime rate, and population in Garner, NC. Factors such as the housing market, job market, and local amenities were considered as important things to know before moving to Garner, NC.
FAQs
Is Garner, NC, an excellent place to live?
Garner, North Carolina, is a suburb of Raleigh and a great place to live that is best known for its job opportunities, sought-after amenities, and plenty of shopping and dining options.
Is Garner, NC, expensive?
Offering a low cost of living, Garner is an affordable place to live in the Triangle area to buy a home and raise a family.
Is Garner, NC, diverse?
Recognized as a culturally diverse community, Garner is home to various racial and ethnic groups, making it a welcoming and friendly place to live for all backgrounds.
Final Thoughts on Moving to Garner, NC
Whether you're moving to Garner for an education, a job change, or retirement, there is something for everyone in Garner. Known for its great location and proximity to the city of Raleigh, many people who may work or want to play in Raleigh will end up moving to Garner to live.
Providing small-town warmth and suburban convenience, Garner has a community that will welcome you with open arms and offer a quality of life that goes beyond typical expectations.
We invite you to contact us here at Raleigh Realty with any questions you may have, as we are expert Realtors in the area and seek to help as many homebuyers as possible. If we can help you in any way with your move, please let us know. We are happy to help you find your dream home in Garner and the Triangle area.
