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 beautiful town in Wake County, North Carolina, that is found just south of Downtown Raleigh. 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. 

Did you know that Amazon moved to Garner in 2020 and opened one of its largest distribution warehouses in the country? People are seeking out Garner not only for its great location in Raleigh but for its job opportunities. You really can't beat the combination of location and affordability, which is why Garner is considered one of the best places to live in North Carolina.

One of the first questions many folks 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.

Now that we have answered what is likely your first question, it's time to give you more information on the top seven things you should know before moving to the area.

Here are seven things to know about living in Garner 

History of Garner  

Garner is a town in the Wake County, North Carolina area and is a southern suburb of Raleigh, NC. In 2018, the population of Garner was estimated to be 28,858, and it is a great community within the Research Triangle region of North Carolina.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 13.8 square miles and the incorporated area of the town is located entirely within Wake County, with partial unincorporated portions extending into northern Johnston County.

From 2000 to 2018, Garner's population grew from 17,757 people to 28,858. On the Town of Garner website today, there are 34,000 residents listed. This is one of the many fast-growing areas surrounding Raleigh, with the most populated nearby cities being Durham and Cary.

Land near the town of Garner was first settled in 1751. The North Carolina Railroad was built in the 1850s, and the town of Garner became a wood-and-water stop that was established in what is present-day Downtown Garner. The Downtown Garner Historic District, Meadowbrook Country Club, and Edenwood are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

With Amazon coming to the area in 2019, it became Garner's largest employer and is set to employ over 1,500. The Amazon distribution warehouse is one of the largest warehouses Amazon operates.

A few notable people who are from the town of Garner, NC, include Scotty McCreery, John Wall, David West, Chris Culliver, and more. 

Cost of Living 

With a cost of living that is 10% lower than the national average, many families and young professionals are moving to Garner for its affordability. Even though the cost of utilities is 2% higher than the national average, groceries are 8% lower, and transportation is 5% lower. 

Cost of Living Item	Average Price
Energy Bill	$180.36/month
Phone Bill	$194.02/month
Doctor's Visit	$128.16
Dentist Visit	$110.57
Veterinary Visit	$56.75
Loaf of Bread	$3.55

*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. 

One of the best aspects of Garner is the city's current value. Here in 2023, Garner offers folks a great location with some serious affordability for what you can buy compared to neighboring towns.

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. 

With a housing market that is somewhat competitive, most homes get multiple offers and sell within 55 days on the market. As of August 2023, the median list price for homes for sale in Garner is $447,773, and the average price per square foot is $195. 

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. 

Crime Rate 

Not only is Raleigh a safe place to live, but so is Garner. With a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average, Garner is the perfect place to live for families. 

Considered to be safer than 7% of neighborhoods 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 217	one in 232
Property Crime	one in 31	one in 45

Here is the total number of crimes that happen annually in Garner: 

Garner Annual Crime	Violent	Property	Overall Total
Total Number of Crimes	147	1,016	1,163
Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents	4.60	31.81	36.42

*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

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 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 temperate climate with all four seasons and a far more mild winter than folks who are relocating from the North. Garner offers easy access to education, technology, and health care, making it a sought-after place to live in the Triangle. 

There are so many things to do in Ganer, 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.

Check out these top things to do in Garner: 

RushHour Karting: Reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour at the fastest indoor go-karting facility in North Carolina. 

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. 

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. 

The Location of Garner

Garner's location relative to Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, shopping, and more 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.

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. 

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. 

The Growth of Garner

The city of Garner has exploded with growth with the White Oak Shopping Center, the new Amazon Distribution Center, new neighborhoods, and tons of new construction that is popping up in Garner. 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.

Pros and Cons of Relocating to Garner 

Pros: 

• Affordable housing
• Low cost of living
• Great location 
• Family-friendly 
• Tight-knit community 
• Small-town charm
• Rich history 
• Low crime rate 
• Expected growth 

Cons: 

• Increased construction 
• Traffic 
• High humidity 
• Seasonal allergies 

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 the town. The town of Garner is in a great location and offers proximity to the city of Raleigh, which is why so many people who may work or want to play in Raleigh will end up moving to Garner to live.

Many of the folks currently living in Garner enjoy it, and you likely will, too. It is a great idea to travel to Garner before moving here.

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 folks 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. 

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