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Living in Rolesville
Are you considering moving to Rolesville, NC? Here are the ten best things to know about living in Rolesville.
Rolesville should be on your radar if you're considering a move to the Raleigh area. This charming town, just 20 minutes northeast of downtown Raleigh, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience.
As one of the fastest-growing communities in Wake County, Rolesville has become a magnet for young families and professionals seeking quality of life without sacrificing career opportunities.
The town is the second oldest in Wake County and is considered one of the fastest-growing small towns in North Carolina. With a population of 11,297 people, Rolesville has seen an upward trend since 2013.
Named one of the best places to live near the greater Research Triangle area, Rolesville offers residents a small-town, suburban lifestyle.
With affordable homes for sale and a family-friendly environment, this small town is perfect for raising kids or young professionals starting their businesses.
Here is what you need to know about life in Rolesville, NC.
1. A Thriving Real Estate Market
Best known for its affordable housing, Rolesville is a great place to buy real estate. As of June 2025, the Rolesville real estate market had a median list price of $503,958, reflecting the area's desirability and continued growth.
Most Rolesville homes are owner-occupied, which shows that this community is where people put down roots and invest in their future. With a somewhat competitive housing market, most homes receive multiple offers and spend an average of 53 days on the market.
The housing market here features everything from starter homes to luxury estates, with many new construction developments offering modern amenities and energy-efficient designs.
The strong property values make Rolesville an excellent investment for homebuyers looking for long-term appreciation potential. There are plenty of housing types to choose from in one of Rolesville's safe and top-rated neighborhoods.
2. Convenient Location and Accessibility
One of Rolesville's most significant advantages is its strategic location. Situated just 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh, residents enjoy easy access to world-class museums, professional sports teams, diverse dining scenes, and major employers throughout the Research Triangle.
Considered a hidden gem of Wake County, residents of Rolesville can enjoy easy access to fun events and popular amenities throughout the year. Only half an hour away from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, living in Rolesville means having the best of Raleigh at your fingertips.
The town provides the perfect launching point for exploring all that the greater Raleigh area offers, from NC State University and Duke University to the numerous parks, lakes, and recreational opportunities throughout Wake County.
3. Outstanding Safety Record
Is safety a top priority for you and your family? Rolesville is a safe and ideal destination if you want a secure place to call home. With a fast-responding police force, you can take your dog on a walk or bring your kids to the park without looking over your shoulder.
The town boasts crime rates 48% lower than the national average and violent crime rates 53% lower than the national average. Even more encouraging, crime in Rolesville has decreased by 5% in recent years.
Rolesville maintains a property crime rate of 654 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average. This exceptional safety record makes it a peaceful, family-friendly town known for its well-maintained parks and strong community spirit.
4. Small Town Character
Rolesville is more than just a place to live. Growing more than 60% over the past few years, the area prides itself on its welcoming community and southern charm.
With an average resident age of 38.9, Rolesville is younger than the state average. The town provides residents with a superb quality of life and is taking action to create a community where families can flourish.
With access to quality healthcare through WakeMed, UNC Healthcare, and Duke Health, Rolesville is working on creating a place where residents can work, shop, and celebrate without traveling far from home.
While Rolesville maintains its small-town charm, it's rapidly evolving to meet modern needs. The Rolesville Downtown Development Association is developing a new walkable and bikeable downtown district.
This planned downtown area will provide residents with local shopping, dining, and entertainment options while preserving the community's friendly, neighborly atmosphere that current residents cherish.
5. Affordable Cost of Living in Rolesville
Compared to similar areas in North Carolina and the United States, Rolesville has an affordable cost of living. With a cost of living that is 6% lower than the national average, living in Rolesville will mean more bang for your buck.
Housing prices are 5% lower than the national average, utilities are 6% lower, and transportation expenses are 8% lower.
| Cost of Living Item | Average Price in Rolesville, NC |
| Energy Bill | $187.87/month |
| Phone Bill | $181.73/month |
| Doctor's Visit | $156.89 |
| Dentist Visit | $129.01 |
| Veterinary Visit | $68.01 |
| Loaf of Bread | $4.00 |
| Gallon of Milk | $4.71 |
*Data Sourced from PayScale.
One of Rolesville's most impressive statistics is its affluent resident base. According to recent data, the median household income in Rolesville is $148,250, with some sources indicating even higher figures in recent years.
This prosperity stems mainly from the town's proximity to the Research Triangle, where many residents work in technology, healthcare, and other high-paying industries.
Most working residents commute to tech jobs or upper-level positions in the greater Raleigh area, making Rolesville an ideal bedroom community for professionals who want suburban tranquility with urban career opportunities.
6. Top-Tier Educational Opportunities
When moving to Rolesville, you will find phenomenal schools for your children. Wake County Public Schools, consistently ranked among the top school districts in North Carolina, serves the town.
The emphasis on education is evident throughout the community, with many residents holding advanced degrees and actively participating in school activities and fundraising efforts.
For those seeking higher education, North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are nearby. The Wake Technical Community College Northern Campus is only ten minutes away.
Check out these top-rated schools in Rolesville, NC:
| Elementary School | Middle School | High School |
| Rolesville Elementary School | Rolesville Charter Academy | Rolesville High School |
| Rolesville Charter Academy | Rolesville Middle School | Thales Academy |
*Data Sourced from GreatSchools.
7. Abundant Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Rolesville is known for its well-maintained parks that provide excellent recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. The town prioritizes green space and outdoor activities, with facilities for sports, walking trails, playgrounds, and community gatherings.
The area's proximity to Falls Lake, Neuse River, and numerous state parks means outdoor enthusiasts have easy access to boating, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. Whether you prefer organized sports or peaceful nature walks, Rolesville offers something for every outdoor preference.
Main Street Park, located in the heart of Downtown Rolesville, is a popular hometown park with three play areas, rentable shelters, open fields, and miles of greenway trails perfect for running or riding your bike.
For more of a hiking experience, check out the Mill Bridge Nature Park. This beautiful park is surrounded by flowing streams, a small waterfall, and trails that connect to Wake Forest Parks and Recreation greenways.
If you want a little bit more of an adventure, head to Fantasy Lake Scuba Park. Known as the largest scuba diving park on the East Coast, learn to scuba in water that reaches depths of 80 feet. With campsites and glass-bottom boats, this scenic area is more than just an ordinary park.
8. Local Events and Traditions
Annual events and community celebrations bring the small town of Rolesville together. Join other residents and partake in unique events. Perfect for your family and friends, Rolesville knows how to have fun.
From seasonal festivals to farmers markets and youth sports leagues to community service projects, there are numerous ways for new residents to get involved and build lasting friendships with their neighbors.
Make sure to check out some of these annual local favorite events and celebrations in Rolesville, NC:
Movies at the Middle: From August to October, head to Rolesville Middle School and enjoy movies under the stars on an outdoor big screen. Admission is free.
BBQ and Bands Festival: Featuring BBQ, local vendors, entertainment, and live music in September.
Rolesville Fall Funfest: Taking place in late October, this is the perfect way to start holiday shopping early. Featuring food, live music, costume contests, and vendors selling anything from candles to skincare products.
9. Growing Dining Scene
Family-owned eateries and neighborhood restaurants are part of Rolesville's charm. While Rolesville may not yet have the extensive restaurant scene of larger cities, the community is experiencing steady growth in local dining options.
From family-friendly establishments to takeout favorites, residents have increasingly diverse choices close to home.
For more extensive dining and entertainment options, the short drive to Raleigh opens up hundreds of restaurants, bars, music venues, and cultural attractions, making it easy to enjoy quiet suburban evenings and exciting urban nightlife.
Check out these local favorite restaurants in Rolesville:
Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant: This hometown atmosphere is the best place to get your fix of fresh-caught seafood, oysters, and shrimp.
Rolesville Diner: This diner serves huge portions at fantastic prices. Order pancakes, omelets, and other popular diner food.
Pie-Zano's Pizzeria: Dine on an authentic Italian pizza, pasta, calzones, and sub sandwiches baked in the oven.
10. A Community Built for Families
Everything about Rolesville seems designed with families in mind. With plenty of large homes and picturesque properties, it's no wonder that young families and professionals are deciding to call Rolesville home.
Excellent schools, low crime rates, community events, and family-friendly amenities create an environment where children can thrive.
The high homeownership rate in predominantly single-family properties contributes to neighborhood stability and long-term community investment.
Parents appreciate the safe streets, quality schools, and numerous opportunities for children to participate in sports, arts, and community activities.
Pros and Cons of Living in Rolesville, NC
Pros:
- Affordable real estate
- Strong economy
- High safety rating
- Rich history
- Ideal location
- Great quality of life
- Educational opportunities
- Top-rated restaurants
- Tight-knit community
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Cons:
- Hot and humid summers
- Traffic
- Long commute times
Methodology
Data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and Payscale to determine the best things to know about living in Rolesville, NC, including the cost of living, population size, and median household income.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about moving to Rolesville, NC.
Is Rolesville, NC, a good place to live?
Rolesville is a great place to live in North Carolina. It is best known for its historic sites, family-friendly community, and small-town southern charm just outside Raleigh.
What is the median household income in Rolesville, NC?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Rolesville, NC, is $148,250.
Moving to Rolesville, NC - The Bottom Line
With plenty of large homes and picturesque properties, it is no wonder many people are calling Rolesville home. Rolesville represents the best of suburban living with its low crime rate, strong schools, growing amenities, and easy access to major employment centers.
Whether you're a young professional, a growing family seeking the ideal place to raise children, or someone looking for a peaceful community with modern conveniences, Rolesville offers an exceptional quality of life.
If you're ready to explore what Rolesville offers, contact Raleigh Realty today. From new construction developments to established neighborhoods, we'll help you discover why so many people are choosing to call Rolesville home.
