The Raleigh Suburbs Set to Explode in 2026: Where to Buy Before Prices Skyrocket
The Raleigh real estate market is booming. Everyday 66 new residents move to the Raleigh area, making it the third fastest-growing big city in the United States. Over $7 billion is being invested in new developments. If you are thinking about buying a home in Raleigh or investing in Raleigh real estate, I’m here to help you learn which suburbs are poised for growth so you can save thousands and be set up for long-term value.
Why Raleigh Is Growing So Fast
The Research Triangle Park (RTP) is the engine behind much of Raleigh’s growth. High-tech jobs, research, and development bring high salaries and attract thousands of new residents. Current expansions include:
Biogen investing $2 billion into RTP for an advanced therapy facility
Novo Nordisk putting $4.1 billion into Johnston County for drug production
Pure Storage opening an East Coast hub at Hub RTP for up to 80 employees
Ralliant Corporation relocating its headquarters to Wake County, creating 180 jobs with an average salary of $189,479
With Wake County surpassing 1.2 million residents in 2024, all these new jobs and residents need places to live. That means demand for homes in Raleigh and the surrounding areas is skyrocketing. There are so many options across the Triangle, but a few areas stand out for their affordability, access to jobs, and long-term value potential. Keep reading to learn more about the five Raleigh suburbs for growth that you should consider first when deciding where to settle in the greater Raleigh area.
Wendell: Affordable New Construction Near Downtown Raleigh
Let’s start with Wendell, a suburb that has been growing faster than just about anywhere else in North Carolina. Known for its affordable new construction and proximity to downtown Raleigh, Wendell offers a rare combination of value, convenience, and community amenities that make it a top choice for buyers and investors alike.
Wendell has grown 73 percent in four years, jumping from under 10,000 residents in 2020 to over 17,000 in 2024. It is only 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh, making it accessible while still maintaining a suburban feel.
Wendell Falls, an award-winning development by Brookfield Residential, includes:
Over 3,200 homes with projections exceeding 4,000 by 2025
Walking trails, parks, pools, dog parks, and playgrounds
A farmhouse café and K-8 charter school within the neighborhood
Shops, health clinics, and co-working spaces at Tree Light Square
Median home prices in Wendell are around $375,000, and homes typically close in 71 days. For buyers who want new construction without paying Raleigh prices, Wendell is hard to beat.
Wake Forest: Healthcare and Retail Boom
Next up is Wake Forest, a suburb that combines an established small-town feel with a surge of new developments. It is becoming a hub for healthcare, retail, and employment opportunities.
Key projects shaping Wake Forest include:
A proposed $462 million UNC Health hospital with 500+ jobs
Wake Forest Exchange Business Park, a 30-acre development creating 640 jobs and $40 million in annual payroll
Retail expansion with Wegmans, Grove 98, Torchy’s Tacos, Cava, Five Guys, Firebirds, Chopt, Sweathouz Wellness Studio, Whataburger, and Outback
There's a proposed Costco behind Lowe's at US 1 and Highway 98 Bypass. Studies show that Costco stores increase home values within five miles by almost 8%.
Historic downtown Wake Forest maintains charm with locally owned shops and restaurants, while new construction provides more affordable options compared to Raleigh or Cary. This makes it a strong pick for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a mix of culture and convenience.
Rolesville: Maximum Value for Families and Remote Workers
Rolesville is the hidden gem for buyers focused on value. While smaller and quieter than Wake Forest, it offers easy access to the Triangle and all the amenities of its neighboring suburbs.
Home prices average around $435,000, significantly lower than Raleigh proper
Multiple new build communities with larger homes and yards
Proximity to planned transit improvements, including the Complete 540 project
Rolesville is perfect for remote workers, families needing more space, or buyers who prioritize new construction over a central location. You can enjoy many of Wake Forest’s benefits while keeping your monthly payment lower.
Cary West Side: Established Suburb with Character
Cary is an established, desirable Raleigh suburb with higher average home values around $635,000, but its west side is opening up thanks to the recently completed Loop 540, making it more accessible than ever.
Downtown Cary investments and parks create a connected, walkable community
Extensive greenway system linking neighborhoods and parks
Central location with easy access to RTP, Raleigh, Durham, and RDU
While Cary is more expensive, it offers long-term stability, excellent schools, and a highly sought-after lifestyle. For buyers who want character, convenience, and a strong investment, west Cary still has opportunities.
Apex: The $3 Billion Transformation
Finally, Apex is the suburb with the biggest long-term growth potential. The $3 billion Veridea development is transforming the area with homes, retail, office space, and public amenities.
Highlights include:
Over 1,100 single-family homes and townhomes in phase one
3.5 million square feet of retail and hotels
12 million square feet of office and life sciences buildings
A 340,000-square-foot campus for Wake Tech Community College
The only freestanding children’s hospital in the Carolinas, bringing 8,000 jobs
Apex offers a mix of country-style living, historic neighborhoods, and modern amenities. Median home prices are around $545,000, and buyers who enter now are positioned to benefit from long-term growth as Veridea and the hospital create thousands of jobs and new residents.
The Complete 540: Why Timing Matters
All five suburbs—Wendell, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Cary, and Apex—are impacted by the Complete 540 highway project, a $2.3 billion investment finishing in 2028. It will:
Reduce commute times across the Triangle
Open previously inaccessible suburbs
Increase property values in all five suburbs
This infrastructure project is a major factor driving long-term demand and makes 2026 the perfect window to buy before prices rise.
Investment Timeline: The Smart Window to Buy
Here is how the major projects line up:
2027: Residents begin moving into Veridea Phase 1, Wake Forest Exchange jobs start, new construction neighborhoods finish
2028: Complete 540 finishes, UNC Health Rex Wake Forest Hospital (pending approval) opens
Early 2030s: NC Children’s Hospital in Apex opens, Veridea completes, home values increase
Buying now allows you to lock in lower prices before these developments drive demand higher.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps in Raleigh Real Estate
Wendell, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Cary, and Apex all offer unique opportunities for buyers in the Raleigh area. If you want to buy a home in Raleigh before prices skyrocket, now is the time to act.
If you are serious about finding the right home or investment in any of these suburbs, reach out today. I help buyers every day get in early on opportunities before projects like Complete 540, Veridea, and new hospitals drive prices higher.
📩 Email (alley.buscemi@compass.com) or text me at 630-721-7501 to start your Raleigh home search.
To see $4 billion in new developments reshaping Raleigh beyond the suburbs, check out my YouTube video. It covers the tallest residential tower in North Carolina, the new children’s hospital, and transit improvements that will change how we live and move around Raleigh in 2026 and beyond.
