Wake Forest

Wake Forest Market Stats

Wake Forest got its start as the original home of Wake Forest University back in the 1830s, before the school picked up and moved to Winston-Salem in 1956 (you can read more about the town's schools here). What's stuck around since then is the small-town feel, historic downtown, and Southern charm, even as the population has grown past 40,000 in recent years. Main Street stays lively year round, with a farmers market on Saturday mornings and a sip-and-walk license that lets you wander between downtown businesses drink in hand on Saturday evenings. Black & White Coffee Roasters is a local treasure too, roasting some of the best beans in the whole Triangle, and spots like Broadsides & Brews keep the nights going with live jazz, karaoke, and other entertainment throughout the week. With easy access to US-1 and I-540, you're about 30 minutes from Raleigh and the job market at Research Triangle Park. Wake Forest keeps that hometown feel intact, all while staying close enough to Raleigh and RTP for an easy commute.

A Snapshot of the Area

70

Parks/Walking Trails

90ºF / 65ºF

Summer Climate

51ºF / 30ºF

Winter Climate

Selling Your Home?

The Wake Forest real estate market can be competitive—which is why it's crucial to have a local professional on your side. When you work with us, we'll make sure your home is priced accurately, marketed thoroughly, and staged for success. Feel free to browse a few of our resources, and give us a call when you'd like to get started!

Wake Forest at a Glance

Want to know even more about charming suburb filled with stunning homes, friendly faces, and big opportunities? Let us be your guide! As your Triangle experts, we know all the insider details—feel free to contact us with any other questions you might have.

Quick Facts

Population: 40,159
County: Wake
Median household income: $85,155
Median home value: $285,000

Travel & Commute

Raleigh: 30 min
Durham: 35 min
RTP: 35 min
Major Roads: US-1, US-401, I-540

Explore the Area

Everything You'll Love in Wake Forest

Local shopping & dining

Downtown Wake Forest rewards a slow visit. The historic storefronts along Main Street hold a mix of local restaurants, boutiques, and antique shops, the kind of place where it's easy to duck in for one thing and leave an hour later with three. On Saturday mornings, the Wake Forest Farmers Market sets up at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, a good spot to grab fresh produce or just enjoy the buzz of a small town on the weekend.

For everyday errands, you don't have to go far. Capital Plaza, Wake Forest Crossing, Gateway Commons, Wakefield Commons, and The Factory cover the big-box basics, so daily life stays easy even with all that small-town charm just down the road. The Factory has become a destination of its own too, home to Gonza Tacos y Tequila for tacos and margaritas and Two Roosters Ice Cream for a sweet treat. Right next door, Lily Mae's is the spot for trending jewelry and cute blouses that keep locals (and plenty of visitors) coming back again and again, with First Watch just steps away for weekend breakfast and brunch.

Scenic outdoor recreation

With more than 500 acres of public parkland and 50 miles of trails (not including those at Falls Lake State Recreation Area), Wake Forest offers adventures for all ages. Joyner Park hosts the annual Six Sundays in Spring concert series on the grassy lawn of the amphitheater. On hot summer days, Holding Park Aquatic Center and the Taylor Street Park sprayground are perfect places to cool down.

An active community calendar

Wake Forest offers no shortage of fun events to keep the community connected. Meet in the Street kicks off the summer with a full day of food and live music. Art After Hours is a great way to enjoy the local art scene, Friday Night on White highlights bands from around the region, and the Lighting of Wake Forest ushers in the holiday season in style. There is always something happening in Downtown Wake Forest, too, whether that's local live music, a quiet farmers market, or a major city-wide event.

A thriving job market

Since Wake Forest offers easy access to the rest of the Triangle area—including Raleigh, Durham, and the Research Triangle Park—you'll find that there are plenty of employment options available. Within Wake County, the largest employers include Duke University and Health System, the State of North Carolina, Wake County Public Schools, Wal-Mart, and IBM Corporation. Around Wake Forest, you'll also find major employers such as CenturyLink, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Rex Healthcare, Ultra Electronics, Franklin Academy, and Southern Coastal Solutions.


Ready to Find Your Home?

Modern residential developments, including the master-planned Heritage community, have blossomed in recent decades with the area's continual growth. For those searching for new construction, there are plenty of options available. However, Wake Forest also features plenty of established subdivisions.

No matter what you're looking for in a home, we can help you find the perfect property. Contact us today to learn more about Wake Forest real estate.

Selling a home in Wake Forest? We'd love to help you out with that, too!