HomeBlog Home
Life in Raleigh
Moving to

7 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Wake Forest, NC

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Mar 22, 2025 9 min read
Share to X
Share to Facebook
Share to Linkedin
Copy Link
7 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Wake Forest, NC
Chapters
01
The Affordability of Wake Forest, NC
02
Real Estate in Wake Forest
03
Things To Do in Wake Forest, NC
04
Crime Rate 
05
Restaurants and Breweries in Wake Forest, NC
06
How Far is Wake Forest To Raleigh?
07
How Far is Wake Forest To Durham?

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 terrific. 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, for its convenient location, beautiful real estate, affordability, sought-after amenities, and high quality of life.

Those who live in Wake Forest, NC, know how great of a place it is. Downtown Wake Forest is your 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 

1. The Affordability of Wake Forest, NC

One of the biggest reasons so many people 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% higher than the national average, it is no wonder that so many people want to call Wake Forest home. Groceries in Wake Forest are 1% higher than the national average while transportation is 8% lower and utility prices are 6% lower. 

People from California, New York, and other places from the northeast and the west coast 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: 

Cost of Living Item  Average Price in Wake Forest, NC 
Energy Bill  $187.87/month
Phone Bill  $181.73/month
Gas  $3.13/gallon 
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

2. Real Estate in Wake Forest

Even though housing prices are 8% 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 and sell quickly. 

The median home price in Wake Forest is $655,040 and an average price per square foot of $231. Most homes for sale in Wake Forest spend an average of 63 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. Wake Forest 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.

beautiful orange sunset over a quiet neighborhood in the fall with trees turning colors

3. 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. 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.

Even though Wake Forest offers a small-town atmosphere, there is always something fun going on in Wake Forest that brings the whole community together. 

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. 

bench and tall pecan trees in Joyner Park located in Wake Forest, NC

4. 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 17 per 1,000 residents.

Considered to be safer than 25% of other cities in the United States that are of similar size, Wake Forest is a great place to live for families. Generally considered to have a lower crime rate than other areas in North Carolina, it is no wonder that so many people want to live here. 

Here are Wake Forest's annual crime rates: 

  Violent Crime  Property Crime  Total Crime 
Number of Crimes 85 839 924
Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents  1.56  15.44 17.00

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

Crime Type  Wake Forest  North Carolina 
Violent Crime  one in 639 one in 256 
Property Crime  one in 65 one in 48

*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout

While the rate of crime compared to the rest of the state is on the lower side, it is still important to always pay attention to your surroundings and make sure to buy a home in a notoriously safe neighborhood. The most common crimes that occur here are robbery and theft. 

5. Restaurants and Breweries in Wake Forest, NC

Wake Forest is home to many top-rated restaurants and breweries. Offering many different cuisines and atmospheres, enjoy a variety of casual eateries and fine dining experiences.

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. 

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. 

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. 

group of friends at a brewery laughing and enjoying beer together

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.

6. 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.

city view of Downtown Raleigh with its tall buildings in the background and trees and lush green grass in the foreground

7. 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

city view of Downtown Durham brick buildings

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 

Methodology

To determine the best things to know about living in Wake Forest, NC, factors such as affordability of homes, the cost of living, crime rate, things to do, local amenities, and distance to nearby cities were considered. Information about the cost of living was sourced from Payscale and information about the safety rating was sourced from NeighborhoodScout

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. 

How far is Wake Forest, NC to the beach? 

Wake Forest, NC, is about a two to three hour drive to the nearest beach. Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are considered the closest to Wake Forest and make a great day or weekend trip. 

Moving to Wake Forest, NC - Final Thoughts

Moving to Wake Forest, NC, is oftentimes a difficult decision since picking up and moving a family is not easy, especially if you are moving cross country to a city that is not as known. The few homebuyers I have spoken with who have made the move already have told me their only regret is not having made the move sooner.

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.

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
The Affordability of Wake Forest, NC
02
Real Estate in Wake Forest
03
Things To Do in Wake Forest, NC
04
Crime Rate 
05
Restaurants and Breweries in Wake Forest, NC
06
How Far is Wake Forest To Raleigh?
07
How Far is Wake Forest To Durham?

Related Blogs

17 Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC [2025 Guide]
Apr 24, 2025 12 min read
17 Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC [2025 Guide]

Moving to Raleigh is a popular decision these days. The city has grown recently — so how can you choose from the best neighborhoods in Raleigh? Raleigh is a hub for various technology companies, the finest academic institutions, and the leading agriculture industry, so jobs are plentiful across multiple career paths. Vacation planning is easy, considering it is only a couple of hours to some of t

15 Things To Know BEFORE Moving to Raleigh NC {2025 Guide}
Apr 14, 2025 15 min read
15 Things To Know BEFORE Moving to Raleigh NC {2025 Guide}

Anyone moving to or considering moving to Raleigh, NC, should read this article first. People love living in Raleigh, and if you're curious about it, you'll probably want to check out the homes for sale.If you're considering moving to Raleigh, contact us so we can help with your relocation.Once you finish this article, you may still have questions - please join our moving to Raleigh Facebook grou

7 Best Neighborhoods in Wake Forest, NC
Apr 4, 2025 8 min read
7 Best Neighborhoods in Wake Forest, NC

Are you searching for the best neighborhoods in Wake Forest, NC? Here are seven great places to live in Wake Forest! Wake Forest is a town northeast of Raleigh that has been exploding with growth over the past few years. One of the best parts of living in Wake Forest is the lively downtown area, which is filled with local shops, restaurants, breweries, and a small-town charm that will surely deli

Is Raleigh, NC a Safe Place to Live? (Crime Statistics)
Jun 19, 2025 11 min read
Is Raleigh, NC a Safe Place to Live? (Crime Statistics)

Is Raleigh, NC, a safe place to live? Here is what you need to know about Raleigh crime statistics, the safe neighborhoods in Raleigh, and how to stay safe in Raleigh. Raleigh is not only the capital of North Carolina but also a beautiful city known for its top-rated universities, historic attractions and museums, southern charm, numerous job opportunities, pleasant climate, and affordable housin

Related Properties

What's your home worth?
Have a top local Realtor give you a FREE Comparative Market Analysis