11 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Wendell, NC

Living in Wendell

Are you thinking about moving to Wendell, NC? Find out what it's like living in Wendell! 

Wendell is an up-and-coming community with private homes, local eateries, vintage buildings, and parks. The town itself gives off the vibe of having all the big city charm found in larger metropolises yet still retaining its small-town atmosphere with beautiful homes for sale. 

Raleigh and Durham are two hot spots for economic opportunity. Top that off with the Research Triangle Park, which is anchored by the major research universities of 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. Nestled within the enclave of it all lies the town of Wendell.

Best known for its small-town and big charm, Wendell is the perfect option for families, couples, and young professionals who are moving to the area. Located in Wake County, Wendell is an up-and-coming satellite town of Raleigh with a growing population of over 12,440. If you are considering a relocation to Wendell, then this guide is for you. 

Here is what you should know about life in Wendell

History of Wendell

Wendell has a rich history since the town was founded by tobacco farmers back in the 1850s. These farmers had left the nearby Granville County due to their fields being hit by crop wilt.

Moving southeast, they came upon an area with more fertile land for their crops. As more people moved to the area, they built a school on donated land called Rhodes School as the townspeople asked the schoolteacher, M. A. Griffin, what to name their town.

M. A. Griffin came up with the name Wendell after his favorite poet, Oliver Wendell Homes. The town became incorporated in 1903 as Main Street was laid out with a very wide plow. This is why even today, Main Street is wider than all other streets in the city.

What Is It Like Living in Wendell?

Wendell is a small but growing community. It has more of a suburban feel while surrounded by the larger cities and towns of Raleigh, Clayton, and Knightdale. New homes in Wendell are constantly being built on farmland to accommodate the growing population, including the master-planned community of Wendell Falls, as you see in the photo below.

However, it still maintains a cozy and close-knit community. It's the perfect place to have or start a family due to its calm atmosphere. It has a wide variety of shops and eateries that can easily be reached by the residents. Yet for people looking for more excitement and city nightlife, the larger cities offer these attractions, entertainment, and restaurants within a short drive away, making it a perfect location.

What Are the Best Places to Live in Wendell?

There are more than 80 neighborhoods in Wendell which is part of what makes it such a great place to live near Raleigh. Offering its residents a sparse suburban feel, Wendell offers beautiful neighborhoods and various communities to choose from when searching for your dream home. Whether you are searching for single-family homes or townhomes for sale in Wendell, there is no shortage of great places to live for you and your family. 

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 from the mid $300,000s to upwards of $900,000. Designed with the community in mind, this neighborhood is young and full of opportunities to work, socialize, and play. 

Edgemont Landing is another great community in Wendell that offers reasonably priced midsize homes for sale that come in various sizes and beautiful styles. The median list home price in Edgemont Landing is $391,200, with an average price per square foot of $151. 

What to Know About Moving to Wendell?

Wendell is still a growing community. It currently has a population of 12,440 people, yet development is ongoing to make more residential places and local businesses. Think of the town as living at the edge of big business opportunities. Many large corporations have made a home in Wake County, including IBM, Cisco, WakeMed Health & Hospitals, and many others. So you can find a range of job opportunities within the town itself or when traveling to the larger cities.

If you are moving from a larger city to the region, expect it to be a calmer and more peaceful place than what you are used to. You won't find the abundant amount of stores and shops that you may have grown accustomed to, yet they have their own fair share to place in the community. It's a great place for younger families, while older families may make the occasional trip to the larger cities to find suitable entertainment that aligns more with their age bracket.

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. A cheaper option than living in Downtown Raleigh, the housing expenses in Wendell are 37% lower than the national average while grocery prices are 8% lower, transportation expenses are 5% lower, and utility costs are 2% higher. 

*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 homes get multiple offers. Considered to be a somewhat competitive housing market, hot homes generally sell for around the listing price. 

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: 

*Data Sourced from GreatSchools.

For those searching for higher-education opportunities, there are plenty of colleges and universities 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.

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 some shade and a cool spot is recommended. Also, make sure to carry a spare umbrella or store one in the car, as it is usually rainy and partly cloudy year-round.

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 economy is robust in the region due to many big businesses in the area, as Wake County has a good mixture of blue-collar and white-collar workers.

Interestingly enough, Wendell also has about 18% of its workforce consisting of people who work 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.

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.

For some good old-fashioned American meals, get some delectable foods 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.

Things to Do in Wendell

Wendell is indeed 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 with a National Register of Historic Places designation.

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.

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 all of the many landmarks and history that still lie within the town. A landmark near the city is the North Carolina Museum of History, located in Raleigh, which is 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 just 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

Moving to Wendell is something many people are doing because of the affordability, economic opportunity, and great weather. Combine that with little road traffic and a lot of fun things to do and it makes Wendell 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 may assist you.

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