Living in Wake Forest, NC

Are you moving to Wake Forest, NC? Here are seven essential things to know about living in Wake Forest! 

Living in Wake Forest is wonderful. The town of Wake Forest, North Carolina is a northern Raleigh suburb with a location that allows easy access around the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area). Many folks are moving to Wake Forest, NC, because of the town's location, beautiful real estate, affordability, and high quality of life.

Those who live in Wake Forest, NC, know how great of a place it is. Downtown Wake Forest is yo ur quintessential downtown in a great North Carolina community. Located in Franklin, Granville, and Wake Counties, this great place to live in North Carolina offers its residents a sparse suburban feel that is perfect for families. 

If you are considering a move to Wake Forest or intend on purchasing a home, contact us so we can connect you with one of our Wake Forest Realtors to help you make a great investment. 

Here is what you need to know about life in Wake Forest 

The Affordability of Wake Forest, NC

One of the biggest reasons folks make the move to Wake Forest is thanks in large part to the affordability of the town. Moreso than the affordability, though, is the value. Your money goes further in Wake Forest while providing a high standard for your quality of life as well.

With a cost of living that is 1% lower than the national average, it is no wonder that so many people want to call Wake Forest home. Groceries in Wake Forest are 8% lower than the national average while transportation is 5% lower. Folks from California, New York, and other places move to the Raleigh area to escape the expensive and congested cities, and Wake Forest is a perfect Raleigh suburb to consider. 

Here is the average price in Wake Forest for common items: 

*Data Sourced from Payscale. 

Real Estate 

Even though housing prices are 11% higher than the national average in Wake Forest, the real estate in this Raleigh suburb is highly sought-after and desirable. With a real estate market that is somewhat competitive, most homes for sale receive multiple offers. 

The median home price in Wake Forest is $718,225 and an average price per square foot of $231. Most homes for sale in Wake Forest spend an average of 72 days on the market. 

Check out all the homes for sale in Wake Forest and just how far your money will go in this great town. The town is loaded with great new construction neighborhoods as well if you decide that's the route you want to go, be sure to contact one of our professional Wake Forest Realtors for all of your help relocating.

Things To Do in Wake Forest, NC

There are several things to do in the town of Wake Forest, whether it's by yourself, with friends, or with your family and children. Check out all the attractions here. You'll likely find yourself spending a lot of time at the events that happen in Wake Forest, from live music to holiday parades, to just heading downtown for a day of shopping.

Aside from the number of things to do in Wake Forest alone, you have some larger neighboring cities with lots to offer as well, including both Raleigh and Durham. Go for a hike, head to the beach, or check out some of the best restaurants nearby that have received international recognition!

The nearby areas of Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs all have great events happening as well, so if you are making friends around the triangle, you'll likely find yourself all over the area. OR maybe you want to spend some additional time in Wake Forest enjoying everything the town offers, where there is no shortage of great restaurants and breweries. 

Crime Rate 

Since Raleigh is a safe place to live, it is no surprise that Wake Forest is also. Wake Forest is a safe place to live, with an average crime rate of 11 per 1,000 residents. Considered to be safer than 46% of other cities in the United States that are of similar size, Wake Forest is a great place to live for families. 

Here are Wake Forest's annual crime rates: 

Here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Wake Forest vs. the rest of North Carolina: 

*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

Restaurants and Breweries in Wake Forest, NC

Check out these local favorite restaurants and breweries in Wake Forest: 

Brigs at The Forest Restaurant - This restaurant is your breakfast, brunch, and lunch go-to if you live in the Wake Forest area. If you are anything like my family, breakfast/brunch is one of your favorite meals of the day, and a trip to Brigs can be a weekly dining affair! When visiting Wake Forest, be sure to stop in and enjoy some of the best breakfast/lunch favorites Wake Forest offers at Brigs.

Over the Falls - A great Downtown Wake Forest staple, Over the Falls serves your favorite sandwiches, pizza, and wings with all sorts of daily specials that will keep you coming back for more. They are an equally great take-out option as they are dine-in. For lunch or dinner in Downtown Wake Forest, Over the Falls is one of the restaurants you must try.

Backfins Crabhouse - Another one of Wake Forest's best restaurants is Backfins Crabhouse. For your seafood lovers, this will be one of your favorite spots to dine, and there is something on the menu for the entire family, even if seafood isn't your thing.

From Chicken Tenders to Chicken sandwiches to hot dogs, anyone can find something they like on this menu, and for those of you who love some incredible seafood, you'll be returning time and time again. 

Shuckers Grill & Oyster Bar - A popular, seafood-inspired restaurant located in Wake Forest is Shuckers Grill & Oyster Bar. Shuckers have been a Raleigh and Wake Forest area staple for quite some time and are a fan favorite among many of the local folks who live in the area. You will find a variety of dishes on the menu ranging from seafood-inspired dishes to BBQ ribs to sandwiches and more for the kids!

Farm Table - Wake Forest has no shortage of great restaurants, and Farm Table is one of the best. Any restaurant that serves bacon, mac, and cheese is bound to show up on my list of favorite restaurants and recommended dishes. 

What makes Farm Table a bit different than other Wake Forest restaurants is that they serve dishes inspired by all culinary arts, from Carnitas Enchiladas to Asian Sticky Glazed Ribs to Seared Scallops. The wide variety of menu options truly gives you many great options when dining at Farm Table. 

White Street Brewing Company - White Street Brewing Company is the most popular Wake Forest Brewery, and for good reason. You will notice in the video above they sponsor some truly great events downtown for the folks in the Wake Forest community.

If you love great beer, you will love the White Street Brewery in Wake Forest. One of the best parts about the Raleigh area is all the great breweries nearby. From Wake Forest to Raleigh, to Durham, all the way out to Aviator in Fuquay-Varina, the craft beer scene is popular. 

Norse Brewing Company - Norse Brewing Company is new to the Wake Forest brewery scene, and they are only bringing out the best in all the Wake Forest breweries with some great new beer options. New on the scene and ready to make a large impact in the Wake Forest community, their downtown location provides great craft beers with some pretty great food as well.

Lonerider Brewing Company - Lonerider Brewing Company has a great location in Wake Forest called the hideout. Opening their doors originally in Raleigh, NC, back in 2009, Lonerider has expanded into the town of Wake Forest with their hideout location.

Offering a great atmosphere with some truly great craft beers and food, it's hard to beat the hideout location in Wake Forest for a great time out with friends and family.

How Far is Wake Forest To Raleigh?

Wake Forest is a neighboring town to Raleigh, NC meaning it is very close. Some parts of Wake Forest can be less than five minutes to Raleigh, though to Downtown Raleigh, it will likely be a 20-35 minute drive depending on your location and traffic.

How Far is Wake Forest To Durham?

Durham is located to the direct West of Wake Forest and is anywhere from 25-45 minutes, depending on your location and where you are heading to in Durham. Downtown Wake Forest to Downtown Durham is an approximate 35-minute drive for anyone who is commuting to work in Durham or possibly wants to check out a Durham Bulls baseball game, the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), or even check out some of the best restaurants in Durham. 

Moving to Wake Forest, NC Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

• Low cost of living 
• Affordable housing 
• Great quality of life 
• Excellent education 
• Prime location 
• Highly rated restaurants and breweries 
• Low crime rate 
• Safe neighborhoods

Cons: 

• Traffic 
• High humidity 
• Long commute times 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about moving to Wake Forest, NC. 

Is Wake Forest, NC, a good place to live? 

Wake Forest is a great place to live in North Carolina that is best known for its moderate weather, affordable homes for sale, family-friendly atmosphere, great location, and outdoor recreation activities.

What is living in Wake Forest like? 

Wake Forest offers small-town life in the middle of the Research Triangle area. Surrounded by plenty of natural beauty, Wake Forest is a top-rated place to live, with a rich history and diverse culture. 

Moving to Wake Forest, NC - Final Thoughts

Moving to Wake Forest, NC, is oftentimes a difficult decision for folks because picking up and moving a family is not easy, especially when you're moving to somewhere that may not be known. The few folks I have spoken with who have made the move already have told me their only regret is not having made the move sooner.

One way in which Raleigh Realty is trying to help folks relocate to the Raleigh area is through our Facebook group called Raleigh Life, where you can connect with like-minded individuals who are also planning the move from all over the country. This community is a great place to ask questions, learn more, make friends, and give back to those who may have the same questions you had before you made your move. We hope you will join us, and remember, our Realtors are always here to help answer your questions and make your move a smooth one.

If you intend to relocate to the area of Wake Forest or planning on purchasing a home contact us so we can connect you with one of the best Wake Forest Realtors to help you make a great investment.