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Living in Knightdale
Are you considering a move to Knightdale, NC? Here are the top ten things to know about 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. In Wake County, Knightdale is a sought-after place to live just outside of Raleigh and is one of the best places to call home in North Carolina.
The benefits of living in Knightdale extend far beyond the affordability of the homes for sale, and we will 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 modern with its beautiful parks and walking trails, top-rated restaurants, small craft breweries, and fun things to do.
As Raleigh's eastern neighbor continues to bloom, more homebuyers are discovering what locals have known for years: Knightdale offers an appealing mix of small-town charm and modern conveniences with proximity to major Triangle amenities.
If you're considering a move to this rapidly developing Wake County town, here's what you should know about living in Knightdale, NC.
Here are some of the reasons people are moving to Knightdale, North Carolina
1. 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.
2. Real Estate in Knightdale
Knightdale's housing market has been one of the Triangle's hottest in recent years, offering excellent value compared to some neighboring communities. With a median list price of $482,880, most homes typically sell within 15 to 25 days once listed on the market.
Offering diverse housing options which further reflect its growth, Knightdale has emerged as an attracitvre option for homebuyers and real estate investors. Perfect for first time homebuyers or relocating professionals, Knightdale offers relative affordability compared to western Wake County.
Featuring a mixture of home styles, Knightdale offers new construction communities, established neighborhoods, townhomes and condos, and rural properties which are available on the outskirts of town. The new communities in the area typically range between 1,800 and 3,500 square feet in size and are primarly craftsman and traditional style homes.
3. Cost of Living in Knightdale
Overall, the cost of living in Knightdale, NC, is 7% lower than the national average. Even though healthcare prices are 12% higher than the national average, housing prices are 24% lower, utilites are 6% lower, grocery expenses are 1% higher, and transportation expenses are 8% lower. Compared to living in Raleigh, Knightdale is considered more affordable.
| Cost of Living Item | Average Price in Knightdale, NC |
| Median Rent | $1,152/month |
| Energy Bill | $187.87/month |
| Phone Bill | $181.73/month |
| Loaf of Bread | $4.00 |
| Gallon of Milk | $4.71 |
| Doctor's Visit | $156.89 |
| Dentist Visit | $129.01 |
| Veterinary Visit | $68.01 |
*Data Sourced from PayScale.
4. 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. Considered a safe place to live, 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.
5. 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 list price of $529,000 and an average price per square foot of $201.
Knightdale Station is another top-rated community in Knightdale, and is a great place to call home for families. This master-planned community offers diverse housing options including single-family homes and townhomes. The homes for sale in Mingo Creek have a median list price of $561,200 and an average price per square foot of $207.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
Approximately 75-80% of Knightdale residents commute outside the town for work. The most common commute destinations include Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, Wake Forest, and Garner. The average commute time for most residents is between 22 and 25 minutes which happens to be below the national average.
The town has an even mix of blue-collar and white-collar workers, as the income per capita is about $41,086, and the household income is about $91,638. The largest industries in Knightdale are Retail and Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Education, Manufacturing, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.
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9. 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:
10. Things to Do in Knightdale
There is definitely a long list of things to do in Knightdale. Going outdoors is a must, as Knightdale has the Knightdale Environmental 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. This beloved local park also features:
- 1.5+ miles of paved walking trails
- Large playground with multiple age-appropriate sections
- Splash pad (operational May-September)
- Amphitheater hosting concerts and community events
- 2-acre dog park with separate small/large dog areas
- Athletic fields and open green spaces
- Farmers Market pavilion (seasonal weekend markets)
For couples, consider taking a stroll along the Mingo Creek Park & Trail that connects to the Neuse River Trail. Perfect for walking, running or cycling, this greenway connects to the Neuse River Greenway Trail System and offers beautiful views of surrounding area.
Anderson Park is another great park that the whole family will enjoy since it features a wildlife habitat, a historic homestead, an amphitheater, a playground, green spaces, a kayak and canoe area, and lots of available parking.
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.
Is Knightdale, NC, growing?
Knightdale has experienced massive growth in recent years as more and more people discover its charm and affordability. Recognized as the 10th fastest growing municipality in North Carolina, Knightdale has grown by 153% since 2000. With a current population of over 20,275, the number is expected to keep increasing.
Final Thoughts on Living in Knightdale
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a growing family looking for more space, or someone wanting to downsize while staying near the action, Knightdale deserves a spot on your shortlist of Triangle communities to consider.
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, contact Raleigh Realty today for personalized guidance on finding your perfect home in this growing market.
