Living in Knightdale 

Are you considering a move to Knightdale, NC? Here are 11 things to know before living in Knightdale!

Take a trip about eight minutes from Downtown Raleigh and head east towards the crossroads of I-540 and U.S. 264 to the upbeat and energetic town of Knightdale. Located in Wake County, Knightdale is a sought-after place to live just outside of Raleigh and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. 

The benefits of living in Knightdale extend far beyond the affordability of the homes for sale, and we are going to break down all the pros and cons in this article Knightdale has a long history dating back almost to the 1700s. However, while having historical roots, the town feels very modern with its beautiful parks and walking trails, top-rated restaurants, small craft breweries, and fun things to do. 

Here are some of the reasons people are moving to Knightdale, North Carolina

Knightdale is Full of History 

Unlike other towns in the region, Knightdale was incorporated later, around 1927. However, the discovery of the land occurred several centuries before that, in the 1700s. Back then, the Lord's Proprietor of the Colony wanted to know what lay within the interior land that was just called Carolina.

More people moved into the area in 1730 as the King of England began appropriating it for settlers. Settlers fought in both the American Revolution and later in the Civil War. After 1865, the land was put forward for the Norfolk and Southern Railroad Company to build a railroad, which brought in more people and businesses in 1904.

Unfortunately, a fire destroyed much of the downtown area in 1940 due to no municipal water system. Yet the townsfolk rebuilt the downtown business district as Knightdale continues to flourish today.

Knightdale is Family-Friendly 

When coming up with words to describe Knightdale, think of youthful exuberance. Many young individuals, couples, and families have made this place their forever home due to its proximity to Raleigh without dealing with the frenetic qualities associated with big city life. Durham and Chapel Hill are also close, though Knightdale is further east than most Raleigh suburbs. 

Consider Knightdale as a suburban hotspot that is often forgotten about by other cities and travelers passing through, making it into a sweet, peaceful, and quiet town that is still booming with potential growth. While still catering to older generations, Knightdale definitely has the youthful population vibe connected to career-minded and intellectual-stimulated residents.

Great Places to Live in Knightdale  

There are many great neighborhoods and communities in high demand located in Knightdale. Perfect for families and young professionals, there are plenty of excellent neighborhoods to choose from in Knightdale to fit your lifestyle. 

One of the best places to live in Knightdale is Langston Ridge which is a beautiful community full of new construction single-family homes. The residential community features homes with hardwood flooring, first-floor crown molding, stainless steel appliances, and professionally landscaped front yards. The homes for sale in Langston Ridge have a median home price of $463,940 and an average price per square foot of $178. 

Mingo Creek is another top-rated community in Knightdale, with an average resident age of 47 and a homeowner rate of 78%. A great place to call home for families, Mingo Creek comprises single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. The homes for sale in Mingo Creek have a median home price of $318,940 and an average price per square foot of $198. 

Population 

Knightdale is still considered a small suburban town even though it is larger in population than neighboring towns such as Wendell. As of 2022, Knightdale has a population of 19,703 people. There is constant residential and commercial construction taking place here. This sign could be a top indicator showing that the economy is thriving and building on itself economically.

It is also considered an affordable town when compared to other places, with the 2nd lowest housing prices in Wake County. This affordability calls to younger generations who are looking for great neighborhoods to meet contemporaries and start families while enjoying those perks centered on their lifestyles. One of the reasons for this affordability may simply be that it is only eight minutes from Raleigh, forcing the real estate market to be more competitive to bring in younger people who are more likely to flock to the large cities for housing and transportation.

Cost of Living in Knightdale

Overall, the cost of living in Knightdale, NC, is 9% lower than the national average. Even though utility prices are 2% higher than the national average, housing prices are 22% lower, grocery expenses are 8% lower, and transportation expenses are 5% lower. Living in Knightdale is 6.2% less expensive than living in Raleigh. 

*Data Sourced from PayScale. 

Education in Knightdale 

Since Knightdale welcomes a youthful culture in the region, it hosts a range of amenities for couples looking to start and raise a family. Knightdale is part of the Wake County Public School System as it offers traditional, magnet, year-round, and early college education programs.

Elementary schools in the area include Knightdale Elementary, Hodge Road Elementary, Lockhart Elementary, and Forestville Road Elementary. Students can also attend East Wake Middle School and Knightdale High School of Collaborative Design. There are also several charter schools and private schools in the region.

For those searching for higher-education opportunities, there are several universities along the Research Triangle and other locations. College-bound students may attend North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, University of Carolina-Chapel Hill, Campbell University, William Peace University, Duke University, Meredith College, and St. Augustine University.

Weather in Knightdale

Like most of North Carolina, Knightdale experiences the usual amounts of rain and partly cloudy days. Summers are hot and muggy, while winters are cold but often short. The times to best enjoy the city are from May to mid-June before the summer heat rolls in and in late August to mid-October, right before the colder weather drives you indoors.

July is the hottest month during the year, while January is the coldest. Enjoying a moderate climate year-round, Knightdale receives an average of 217 sunny days throughout the year and an average of 46 inches of rain per year.

Economy and Job Market in Knightdale

Since Knightdale is in such close proximity to Downtown Raleigh, it makes for an easy commute to work in the big city and then comes home to the quiet suburb. The town has an even mix of blue-collar and white-collar workers, as the income per capita is about $36,973, and the household income is roughly $72,118. The largest industries in Knightdale are Health Care and Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. 

Highly-Rated Restaurants 

Are you looking for a great place to eat? Look no further than Knightdale since you will find a variety of delicious eateries, casual restaurants, and fine dining establishments. From mouthwatering ribs to diner-style settings, Knightdale has all the typical chain American restaurants and local favorites.

Check out these local favorite restaurants in Knightdale, NC: 

• Prime Barbeque 
• El Señor Mexican Resaurant 
• New York Diner
• Craften Neighborhood Food and Drink
• iPho Sushi Kitchen and Bar 

Things to Do 

There is definitely a long list of things to do in Knightdale. Going outdoors is a must, as Knightdale has the Environmental Education Park that is certified by the National Wildlife Foundation as a Backyard Habitat. So you can take your kids on explorations through the woods or just get involved in a pickup football game at the park.

If you are looking for a night out with your adult friends, you can visit the Oak City Brewing Company for a pint while visiting the beer garden and touring the facility. Families with small children will love Knightdale Station Park, which has an amphitheater to hold outdoor events, an athletic field, and a playground with walking trails. For couples, consider taking a stroll along the Mingo Creek Park & Trail that connects to the Neuse River Trail.

Landmarks in or Near Knightdale

Due to the fire that occurred in the Downtown Knightdale area, there are not many historical landmarks within the town. However, you can find a few scattered landmarks around the region. The North Carolina State University Memorial Belltower in Raleigh was dedicated to honoring alumni who fought in WWI.

There is also the Reedy Creek Pedestrian Bridge located at the North Carolina Museum of Art that stretches along the greenway. This structure was more recently built, completed in 2005, as it extends the House Creek Greenway trail to Meredith College. It is considered the longest pedestrian bridge in the state. Make sure to visit it at night, as the bridge is beautifully illuminated with white lights.

Pros and Cons of Living in Knightdale, NC 

Pros: 

• Suburban feel 
• Family-friendly atmosphere 
• Affordable housing 
• Low cost of living 
• Great neighborhoods 
• Fun things to do 
• Excellent education 
• Job opportunities 
• Comfortable weather 

Cons: 

• Not very trendy 
• Not very commuter-friendly 
• Lots of new construction 

FAQS 

Here are some common questions about moving to Knightdale, NC. 

Is Knightdale, NC, a good place to live? 

Knightdale is one of the best suburbs of Raleigh and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for its dense suburban feel, beautiful single-family homes, and family-friendly amenities. 

Why live in Knightdale, NC? 

Due to its proximity to Raleigh and other popular areas of the Triangle, Knightdale is a great place to call home. 

Final Thoughts on Living in Knightdale

Moving to Knightdale is something many people are doing because of the affordability, economic opportunity, and great weather - making Knightdale a great place to live! If you're considering a move to the area, check out our guides below and contact us with any questions so we may assist you.

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