Not all Suburbs are Created Equal
Best and Worst Suburbs to Live Near Raleigh, NC
Most people moving to Raleigh think all suburbs are basically the same - just pick one close to work, right?
But what if I told you that choosing the wrong Raleigh suburb could get you stuck with a 45-minute commute every single day, a house that costs way more than it should, and it has nothing walkable around you? Meanwhile there are other hidden gems here where you could live like royalty for half the price.
So I'm breaking down 9 major suburbs around Raleigh, ranking them from worst to best. I'll give you the real scoop on things like prices and lifestyle. Oh, and most importantly, who exactly each suburb is perfect for. Let’s go!
#9 - LOUISBURG + FRANKLINTON
Starting with our most challenging options. I want to be clear, these aren't bad places to live, but they come with some trade-offs that you need to know about.
In Louisburg the median home price is around $335K, and you're looking at a 44-minute commute to Raleigh. The population is about 3,400 people, so it's genuinely small town living. In Franklinton median home prices are around $415K. There is active new construction happening with several communities being built, so this may be a better option in the near future.
Reality check for both areas: Commute times are manageable, but you're still 32 miles from Raleigh to Louisburg and 27 miles from Franklinton. Amenities are also limited to mostly chain restaurants, a few shopping options, and some local parks and recreation facilities.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers looking for newer construction, Remote workers who don't need to commute, or Retirees who want that quiet rural lifestyle with minimal amenity needs.
#8 - JOHNSTON COUNTY
Moving up in price and convenience, we have the commuter county that's growing like crazy, but there's a hidden cost here.
Johnston County is the fastest-growing county in the state over the last 5 years. There has been massive residential growth with master-planned communities and new subdivisions everywhere. The median home price here is around $350K with the average commute time being just over 30 minutes. Staggeringly, 51.8% of residents work outside the county, which means if you move here you probably will be one of the many commuters too. Major communities include Clayton, Smithfield, and Four Oaks. Though you may have to commute for work, there is a growing restaurant scene in Clayton and Smithfield. Community parks and recreation centers are expanding, and there are several new shopping centers and retail developments as well.
Reality check: Despite all this rapid growth, you're still looking at longer commutes to major job centers. Major highways like I-95 and I-40 provide regional access, but daily commuting to Raleigh or RTP can be taxing.
Best for: Families who want newer construction, larger lots, and a small-town feel but are willing to commute.
#7 - KNIGHTDALE
Speaking of better commutes, let's talk about our number 7 spot. Easy downtown access, but here's the catch: the quality varies dramatically by neighborhood.
Knightdale is only a 15 minute commute to downtown Raleigh, or a 25 minute commute to RTP. Major neighborhoods include Hedingham and Knightdale Station with median home prices around $400k. Hedingham is a golf course community of over 2500 homes with resort amenities and a clubhouse. Or if you’re looking for something a little more low key, Knightdale Station is a master-planned community of over 600 planned homes. Knightdale is a lovely place to live with multiple community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. There are also several shopping centers with major retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Starbucks.
Reality check: While some neighborhoods, like Hedingham, provide excellent value with premium finishes, other areas in Knightdale don't feel as polished. New construction quality varies vastly throughout the area, and the dining scene is mostly dominated by chain restaurants.
Best for: First-time buyers, Families wanting larger homes for less money, Golf enthusiasts, or those working in downtown Raleigh.
#6 - WENDELL
Just a bit further east, things get interesting in Wendell. This is the fastest-growing town in North Carolina, but can the infrastructure keep up?
Since 2020, Wendell has seen a population growth of 71.2%. This is probably because it’s only 18-30 minutes from downtown Raleigh, and 35-45 minutes to RTP. It’s also in part because of the $350 million Commerce Center mixed-use development creating lots of local jobs. Median home prices here are around $370K, such as in Wendell Falls, a master-planned community that is driving growth. There are many amenities like Farmhouse Cafe, fitness centers, and many parks with youth sports leagues and community programs. For shopping, there’s Wendell Commons, a new grocery-anchored retail center with Lowe's Foods. Treelight Square also has modern shopping and dining destinations with multiple restaurants.
Reality check: Rapid growth is straining infrastructure and creating traffic issues. When you're running late, you might not find that quick parking spot for your groceries.
Best for: Families, Young professionals wanting that new community feel, or those looking for appreciation potential.
#5 - GARNER
Now we're getting into the real value plays. This is the sleeper hit with exceptional value and major upside potential.
Garner is only 15-20 minutes to downtown Raleigh, which makes sense for why it’s the 10th fastest-growing town nationally for cities over 20,000 people. Median home prices in Garner are around $425K, under the median price in Raleigh, which is around $470K. There are multiple new residential developments throughout the area, new retail and dining options, as well as a new recreational facility that is under construction - White Deer Park. Lake Benson Park is an excellent spot to go boating or fishing too.
Reality Check: While amenities are currently limited, you've got massive growth momentum and downtown revitalization projects that show you strong upside potential. The retail scene is expanding with all those new establishments opening. And you get that excellent downtown Raleigh access.
Best for: Value-conscious buyers, Young professionals, or Families who prefer urban access over suburban amenities.
#4 - DURHAM
This is an independent city with a serious personality, if you can handle the commute trade-offs. I'm talking about Durham.
Durham is an excellent option if you work in RTP since the commute is only 8-15 minutes. This is of course challenging if you work in Raleigh. The Durham home market is somewhat competitive with median home prices around $440k. The food scene in Durham though is one of the best in North Carolina. Durham Food Hall features 8 chef-driven restaurants, a coffee shop, bar, and event space. Top restaurants include Counting House, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, Pizzeria Toro & M Sushi. There are multiple breweries and taprooms throughout the city, plus cultural attractions like the 21c Museum Hotel and the Durham Performing Arts Center. Then there’s American Tobacco Campus, an entertainment complex that has restaurants, events, and baseball. For neighborhoods, there are plenty of options to suit different lifestyles. Hope Valley has prestigious historic homes, while Brightleaf at the Park is a modern development near shopping and amenities.Trinity Park is also a lovely historic neighborhood near downtown and Duke University.
Reality Check: Durham functions as its own city with a distinct personality and cultural diversity. It works exceptionally well for RTP employees, but you need to commit to a Durham-centric lifestyle.
Best for: RTP professionals, Food enthusiasts, or those wanting urban diversity & cultural amenities.
#3 - MORRISVILLE
Now for ultimate convenience. Morrisville is the convenience champion, but you'll pay premium prices for cookie-cutter living. I'll show you exactly why.
Morrisville is central to the entire Triangle region with easy highway access. It’s only 5-10 minutes from RTP or 10 minutes to the airport. Median home prices are around $600K. There are multiple golf communities, including Preston and other upscale developments. Meanwhile the restaurant scene here continues to grow with diverse international cuisine options. There is a well-maintained trail system with 3.5 miles of greenways, Multiple playgrounds, community pools, and youth programs. Plus Morrisville is really close to several major shopping centers.
Reality Check: Delivers unmatched convenience but lacks personality. Housing is a bit expensive, and you're looking at mostly cookie-cutter developments without distinctive character. The area basically serves as a bedroom community for high-income tech professionals.
Best for: High-income professionals, RTP employees, Families, or those prioritizing convenience and modern amenities over character.
#2 - CARY
So, for the established premium option, we're going with Cary. This is the gold standard everyone talks about, but is the premium price worth it?
If you’re looking at moving to Cary, you can expect to find Median home prices around $700K, which is the highest in our ranking! The market here is very competitive, in part because of the thriving business district and a strong local economy. Cary is known for its top-rated schools, which consistently rank among the best in Wake County. It’s also known for its beautiful new 7-acre Downtown Park. There are Community programs for all ages, as well as tons of local events that give Cary its strong sense of community.
Best for: High-income families who prioritize top schools and amenities or Professionals wanting that established community feel.
The thing about Cary is that the premium pricing reflects the premium quality of life. You do get top-rated schools, great amenities, and that established community feel that's hard to find elsewhere.
But our number 1 spot delivers 80% of what Cary provides for less money. I hope that got you curious.
#1 - WAKE FOREST
This brings us to the ultimate sweet spot. This is the perfect balance, everything you want without the compromises. This is Wake Forest.
Wake Forest has developed its own business district, reducing dependence on commuting. Median home prices are around $495,000, meaning you can get a similar quality house to one in cary for like $100,000 less. If you do need to commute, it’s only 20-25 minutes from downtown Raleigh or 30-45 minutes from RTP. Historic downtown is adorable and walkable with art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The restaurant scene here is amazing with favorites like Over the Falls, Real McCoy’s and Amalia’s Authentic Italian. White Street Brewing Company is an excellent option for local craft beer, and there’s also a food hall opening in late 2025. For recreation, there’s E. Carroll Joyner Park with a community center, walking trails, playground, and amphitheater.The town hosts Family Movie Nights with free outdoor movies there as well. If you’re looking for a place rich in community events, this is the place. Annual events include farmers' markets, festivals, and community celebrations.
Best for: Families looking for a balance of amenities, character, and value; Professionals willing to trade some commute time for quality of life; or people who want an authentic small-town feel with access to amenities and job opportunities.
Wake Forest really does combine authentic small-town character with modern amenities, reasonable pricing relative to quality, and a growing local economy.
The 2025 developments will add significant job opportunities and amenities while preserving the community's charm.
From budget-friendly rural options to premium established communities, each suburb serves different priorities. But Morrisville, Cary, and Wake Forest deliver the most complete package at the best values.
So now that you know exactly which Raleigh neighborhood matches your lifestyle, If you are considering making a move here in Raleigh go ahead and reach out to me and let’s talk about your real estate goals!
