10 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Wendell, NC

Living in Wendell

Are you considering a move to Wendell, North Carolina? Follow along as we explore what life is like in Wendell. 

Wendell is an up-and-coming community with family-friendly neighborhoods, local eateries, vintage buildings, and beautiful parks. This charming town east of Raleigh offers a unique blend of small-town charm and growing opportunities that more and more homebuyers are discovering. 

Located near Raleigh and Durham, two hot spots for economic opportunity, it is no wonder that many people want to live here. Top that off with Research Triangle Park, which is anchored by Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and you're entering one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. 

Wendell is a small but growing community that offers a suburban feel while being surrounded by the larger cities and towns of Raleigh, Clayton, and Knightdale. New homes, including the master-planned community of Wendell Falls, are constantly being built on farmland to accommodate the growing population.

However, it still maintains a cozy and close-knit community. Due to its calm atmosphere, it's the perfect place to have or start a family. Residents can quickly reach a wide variety of shops and eateries. For young professionals and families looking for excitement and city nightlife, Wendell is just a short drive from Raleigh restaurants and unique things to do. 

With a population of over 14,400, Wendell is considered a satellite town of Raleigh. In eastern Wake County, Wendell is an up-and-coming area with easy access to Downtown Raleigh and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. 

At Raleigh Realty, we've helped countless families find their perfect home in Wendell, and we're excited to share what makes this community so unique.

Here is what you should know about life in Wendell

1. History of Wendell

Wendell's story began in the 1850s when farmers settled in the area that would later become this vibrant town. Originally called "Wendell's Depot," the town was incorporated in 1903 and named after poet Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Downtown Wendell features beautiful, lovingly preserved historic buildings along Main Street, earning the entire downtown a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district showcases classic architectural styles from the early 20th century, giving the town center a distinctive character you won't find in newer developments.

2. Real Estate in Wendell 

Wendell's real estate market offers something increasingly rare in the Triangle area: affordable homes with character in a community-focused setting. Home prices in Wendell remain more accessible than in many parts of Raleigh and Wake County, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers and those looking to get more homes for their money.

Offering its residents a sparse suburban feel, Wendell offers beautiful neighborhoods and various communities to choose from when searching for your dream home. From single-family homes to townhomes for sale in Wendell, there is no shortage of great places for you and your family to live. 

Wendell Falls is located just 15 minutes from Downtown Raleigh and is a top-rated community in Wendell that features beautiful new homes and townhomes. Designed with the community in mind, this neighborhood is young and full of opportunities to work, socialize, and play. The median list price is $547,714, and the average price per square foot is $229. 

New developments like Wendell Falls have brought contemporary housing options to the area. They feature energy-efficient designs and community amenities like pools, walking trails, and community centers. This planned community has been a significant driver of growth in recent years.

Edgemont Landing is another great community in Wendell that offers reasonably priced midsize homes for sale in various sizes and beautiful styles. The median list home price in Edgemont Landing is $430,000, with an average price per square foot of $150. 

The average home price in Wendell remains below the Wake County average, though values have been steadily increasing as more people discover this hidden gem. For investors, Wendell presents an opportunity to enter a market with strong growth potential as the Triangle region expands. 

Featuring many diverse home styles, sizes, and prices, homebuyers can expect to find new construction communities, rural properties, historic homes in the downtown area, and established neighborhoods with spacious yards in Wendell. 

3. The Wendell Community 

What truly sets Wendell apart is its strong sense of community. Despite growth in recent years, Wendell has maintained its small-town feel where neighbors know each other by name.

The Wendell Community Center serves as a hub for recreation programs, classes, and community gatherings. The town's parks department maintains several beautiful green spaces, including Wendell Town Park, with its playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.

If you are moving from a larger city to the region, expect it to be a very peaceful and relaxing place to call home. You will not find the abundant stores and shops you may have grown accustomed to, but Wendell has its own fair share of local businesses. 

Perfect for younger families, Wendell hosts many community events and festivals throughout the year to bring the community together further, including the Wendell Farmers Market, the Harvest Festival in the fall, and a Christmas celebration. 

4. Cost of Living in Wendell

The cost of living in Wendell is 14% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to call home. Housing expenses in Wendell are 37% lower than the national average, making it a cheaper option than living in Downtown Raleigh. In comparison, grocery prices are 8% lower, transportation expenses are 5% lower, and utility costs are 2% higher. 

Cost of Living Item	Average Price in Wendell
Energy Bill	$180.36/month
Phone Bill	$194.02/month
Loaf of Bread	$3.55
Gallon of Milk	$2.23
Doctor's Visit	$128.16
Dentist Visit	$110.57
Veterinary Visit	$56.75

*Data Sourced from PayScale. 

Regarding median home prices, Wendell has a median home price of $430,078 and an average price per square foot of $208. Most homes spend an average of 66 days on the market, and some get multiple offers. Considered to be a somewhat competitive housing market, hot homes generally sell for around the listing price. 

5. Raising a Family in Wendell

Wendell is the perfect, quiet, and fun spot to raise a family. The town is part of the Wake County Public School District, which is considered one of the most acclaimed educational institutions in North Carolina.

Check out these top-rated schools in Wendell, NC: 

Elementary Schools in Wendell	Middle Schools in Wendell	High Schools in Wendell
Lake Myra Elementary School	Archer Lodge Middle School	East Wake High School
Wendell Elementary School	Wendell Middle School	Corinth-Holders High School

*Data Sourced from GreatSchools.

For those searching for higher-education opportunities, plenty of colleges and universities are located near Wendell, including Shaw University, Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Wake Technical Community College - Northern Wake Campus, and Strayer University.

6. Weather in Wendell

The best times to visit Wendell and engage in outdoor recreation activities are in the late spring, from mid-May to mid-June, and in the early fall, around late August and early October. While winters are short here, they tend to be very cold.

Summers can be hot and muggy, so finding shade and a terrific spot is recommended. Also, carry a spare umbrella or store one in the car, as it is usually rainy and partly cloudy year-round.

7. Economy & Job Market in Wendell

As of 2021, Wendell had a per capita income of $34,285 and a median household income of $67,321. The region's economy is robust due to many big businesses, and Wake County has a good mixture of blue-collar and white-collar workers.

Think of the town as living at the edge of significant business opportunities. Many large corporations have made a home in Wake County, including IBM, Cisco, and Microsoft. So you can find various job opportunities within the town or when traveling to larger cities.

Interestingly enough, Wendell also has about 18% of its workforce working from home, which ranks about the highest in the country. The resilient job market allows for more continuing growth and business development in the region.

8. Restaurants in Wendell

Restaurants vary greatly when looking for a bite to eat. Go for pizza with the kids at Boulevard Pizza or Bravos Pizzeria. If you are in the mood for Chinese or Pan-Asian cuisine, check out Everest Kitchen or Great Wok.

Get some delectable foods for good old-fashioned American meals at Aubrey's and Peedie's Grill, Farmers & Merchants, or the Farmhouse Cafe. Wendell also has the Agave Mexican Bar and Grill for Mexican cuisine and bakery goodies at Carter's Baking Company.

9. Things to Do in Wendell

Wendell is a small town, yet there are year-round activities for people of all ages. History buffs can check out the historic downtown district and vintage buildings designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

Community events may include the International Food Festival, Spring in the Arts, the Harvest Festival, and the Wendell Wonderland. For vehicle enthusiasts, the town hosts the ProTown BMX event and the Big Truck Day.

For more relaxing recreation, Wendell has many parks and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, such as Wendell Park and the Hugh T. Moody Nature Trail. You can have fun at the disc golf course or sign up for one of the athletic sports teams.

10. Landmarks in and Near Wendell

Many of the historic landmarks in Wendell consist of vintage buildings that still exist today. Three historic landmarks include the Halles-Tunnell-Bunn House, M.C. and Martha Todd House, and the R.B. Whitley House.

The Wendell Historical Society has created a Historic Trail map that visitors and family members can use to locate the town's many landmarks and history. A landmark near the city is the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, about a 23-minute trip from Wendell.

Pros and Cons of Living in Wendell, NC 

Pros: 

• Low cost of living 
• Affordable housing 
• Beautiful neighborhoods 
• Fun things to do 
• Excellent education 
• Historical landmarks 
• Tight-knit community 
• Delicious restaurants 
• Family-friendly 
• Economic opportunity  

Cons: 

• 30 minutes from Raleigh 
• Lots of new construction 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about moving to Wendell. 

Is Wendell, NC, a good place to live? 

As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Wendell is a safe, fun, and quiet spot to raise a family outside Raleigh. 

Is Wendell, NC, expensive to live in? 

Best known for its low cost of living and affordable housing prices, Wendell is not an expensive place to live in the Triangle area. 

Final Thoughts on Living in Wendell

Many people are moving to Wendell because of its affordability, economic opportunity, and great weather. Combine that with little road traffic and many fun things to do, and Wendell is a great spot to live. If you're considering a move to the area, check out our guides below and contact us with any questions so we can assist you.