Where should you live in the Triangle? Our City Guides are our best attempt to give you a snapshot of each of the many Triangle communities. You’ll discover things to do and places to visit in each. As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We would love to help you find your perfect place!
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Raleigh
Raleigh, known as the City of Oaks, (there are a lot of oak trees!) is the primary city of the Triangle Region of North Carolina. The current population is about 470,000 in the city proper and around 1.4 million in the MSA. It is the state capital and home to many state museums and art venues. It is home to NC State University as well as several colleges, including two HBCUs. The median home value is around $455K in 2024.
Durham
Durham, the City of Medicine, is the second city pillar of the Triangle. Population is around 285,000. It is home to Duke University, NC Central University, the Durham Bulls, and a very cool revitalized downtown. Durham is known to be a bit quirkier than Raleigh. The Durham Performing Arts Center is the premier entertainment venue in the Triangle. The median home value is around $430K in 2024.
Apex
Apex, “the Peak of Good Living,” is popular suburb in western Wake County. Apex is best known for its iconic downtown and its parks and recreational activities. The population of Apex is around 63,000, and the median home price is $615K.
Cary
Cary is known for its extensive greenway system, the incredible parks, and the public art that dominates the town. Cary is home to EPIC Games, SAS, and the new Fenton development. The population of Cary is around 177,000 and the median home price is $650K.
Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is known as the “crunchiest” town of the Triangle. It is home to UNC Chapel Hill, the UNC Medical Center, and Morehead Planetarium. If you love a town dominated by a collegiate vibe, Chapel Hill is for you. Population is 61,000: Median price $667K.
Clayton
Clayton is a fast growing town southeast of Raleigh. It is about a 25 minute drive from Clayton to Raleigh. Clayton has a charming downtown and the Riverwood Golf Club and the Neuse Country Club, along with access to the Neuse River Trail are right outside the town. Population is 28,000 and median price is $370K.
Fuquay-Varina
Fuquay-Varina came into existence when the two towns of Fuquay Springs and Varina merged. Fuquay was an old vacation town due to the reputed healing properties of its spring. Fuquay is growing fast and is dotted with breweries. Fuquay is on the southwest side of the Triangle with 36,000 residents and a median price of $475K.
North Carolina Mountains
Most areas of the Triangle are only about 3 hours from Boone and the Mountains! You can watch one of our visits to the North Carolina Mountains here.
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Garner
Garner is a Raleigh bedroom community that shares a border with southeast Raleigh. Garner is home to the White Oak Shopping. White Deer Park and Lake Benson Park are popular large recreation areas. Garner’s population is 32,000. Median Price is $410K.
Hillsborough
Hillsborough sits west of Durham and Chapel Hill at the intersection of I-85 and I-40. It has a thriving historic downtown. Hillsborough is known for its river walk, the Occoneechee Mountain area, shops and dinning. Population: 9,700. Median Price: $470K.
Holly Springs
Holly Springs is another fast growing town in Western Wake County. It is home to 12 Oaks and Sunset Lake master-planned communities. Holly Springs has attracted many life-science companies to the town. Population is 43,000 and median home price is $687K.
Knightdale
Knightdale sits just east of Raleigh. Up-and-coming, it is known for Knightdale Station Park and the Mingo Creek greenway that connects to the Neuse River. Knightdale recently approved a large mixed development in the center of town. This is one to keep an eye on! Current population is 20,000 and the median home price is $419K.
Louisburg
Louisburg is a small town in Franklin County just north of Wake Forest. Louisburg is home to Louisburg College. The Tar River runs through downtown Louisburg. Close access to shopping in Wake Forest makes living in a small town possible without giving up convenience. Louisburg’s population is only 3,000 and the median price is $335K.
Morrisville
Morrisville is sandwiched between Cary and RTP. Commuters rejoice. Morrisville has the highest attached housing percentage in the Triangle. If you want a short commute to the new Apple campus, Morrisville is for you! Population: 31,000. Median Price: $501K.
Pittsboro
Pittsboro is the county seat of Chatham County. The historic downtown is fabulous. Pittsboro is home to the new massive development of Chatham Park. This live-work-play development will be unlike anything else in the Triangle. Population: 4,600 Median Price: $575K
Rolesville
Developers have turned this once small town into a growing suburbia. Rolesville is convenient to all Wake Forest shopping. Granite Falls subdivision and the under-construction Cobblestone Town Center are major town developments. Population: 10,000. Median Price: $470K.
North Carolina Coast
The beach is even closer! It’s about 2 hours to the closest beach (Wrightsville Beach), but 3 hours will get you to many other quaint coastal towns like Beaufort or Manteo. Check out our visit to Beaufort and the wild horses here.
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Sanford
Sanford is the county seat of Lee County, about a 45 minute drive from Raleigh. Sanford is a hidden gem if small town life is what you crave. The historic downtown is substantial. It’s filled with restaurants, boutiques, and antiques. You’ll also find lots of local pottery. Walking around Sanford is like taking a trip back in time (in a good way). The Temple Theater is not to be missed. Concerts are regularly held at Depot Park. We love Sanford! Population: 30,000 and Median Price: $325K.
Wake Forest
Wake Forest is a large suburb northeast of Raleigh. Wake Forest is home to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a thriving downtown. Golf is big in this part of the Triangle. Six golf courses surround Wake Forest. Wake Forest is known for its close proximity to Falls Lake and for the E. Carroll Joyner Park. New shopping developments are plentiful. It is the largest of the eastern Wake suburbs. Population is about 50,000 and the median home price is $515K.
Wendell
Wendell was a sleepy small town on the east side of Raleigh until Newland Communities decided to build Wendell Falls on the edge of town. This master-planned community changed the course of Wendell and gave its historic downtown new life. The Population of Wendell is around 11,500 is and the median price is $391K.
Zebulon
Zebulon used to be known for the Whitley Furniture Gallery before the family retired the business. Now the land around this small town is being developed into new affordable communities. The downtown is coming back to life. There’s even a world-renowned bagpipe maker in Zebulon now. Population: around 8,000 Median Home Price: $343K.
Mebane
Mebane enjoys a prime location, situated between the Triangle and the Triad, providing easy access to the Triangle region’s economic and cultural opportunities. It’s also conveniently located along the I-85/I-40 corridor, making it a great base for exploring the entire state. Population: 18,400. Median price: $375K.
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