Living in Garner NC: Contents

Living in Garner NC: History and Culture

Garner’s history as a key stop on the railroad line played a significant role in the town’s development. The Garner Station Historical Museum is housed in a former train depot that dates back to the early 1900s.The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Garner’s past, including its agricultural roots and the evolution of the community over the years. 

Many historic schools have beautiful architecture but become obsolete with population growth. Similar to the Town of Cary, Garner had a historic high school in its historic downtown. They turned it into The Garner Performing Arts Center and it has become a hub for musical theater, shows featuring nationally acclaimed Broadway artists, magic shows and family friendly movie series. There is also an exhibit area for local artists and numerous educational programs, performing arts classes and workshops.

Living in Garner NC: Cost of Living

One of Garner’s most appealing aspects is its affordability. The cost of living here is slightly below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life without the high price tag. Housing, utilities, and groceries are all reasonably priced, contributing to the town’s growing popularity.  Check out Garner homes for sale here.

Living in Garner NC: Education

Garner is part of the Wake County School District, known for its high standards. There are several magnet schools location in Garner. 

Magnet Schools in Garner, NC:

• East Garner Magnet Middle School
  • Location: Garner, NC
  • Magnet Theme: International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
  • Grades: 6-8
• Garner Magnet High School
  • Location: Garner, NC
  • Magnet Theme: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
  • Grades: 9-12
• Aversboro Elementary School
  • Location: Garner, NC
  • Magnet Theme: Leadership and Technology
  • Grades: K-5

Living in Garner NC: Amenities and Recreational Activities

Garner is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities. And while I couldn’t find a specific record of how many acres of parks or miles of greenway trails the city has, I was able to estimate from records of individual trails and parks that Garner has close to 5 miles of maintained trails in the city and includes about 300 acres of green space. 

A popular park is Lake Benson Park. Lake Benson has 2 miles of nature trails. It’s stocked lake makes it a popular spot for fishing. There is a boat house where you can rent canoes, kayaks and jon boats. There are picnic shelter, a playground and a dog park. Other popular parks are White Deer Park, Centennial Park and Garner Recreational Park.

The town regularly hosts special events and festivals, fostering a strong sense of community. Some of the notable events include the Garner Independence Day Celebration, which features fireworks and live music; the Light Up Main, a festive event during the holiday season; and the Garner Strawberry Festival, which celebrates local agriculture and community. 

Living in Garner NC: Neighborhoods

Garner is known for it’s affordable homes. You can find very affordable homes, like in Cleveland Springs where you can get a single family home in the low 300’s or a more affordable executive style home, like in Chadbourne, where you can find a luxury 3000 Square Foot or larger home on over an acre, with great amenities in a planned community.  Three popular neighborhood in Garner are: 

• Cleveland Springs: (Affordable $) This subdivision is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a range of amenities, including a community pool, clubhouse, and playgrounds at a very affordable price point. The homes in Cleveland Springs are typically two stories and include both single family and townhomes, with a variety of floor plans, appealing to a wide range of buyers. A typical home is around 2000 square feet, and a little smaller for townhomes. Its proximity to schools, shopping centers, and major highways makes it a convenient and desirable location for many families at an affordable price.
• Chadbourne: (Pricey $$$, but much cheaper than surrounding areas for what you get.) Chadbourne is a well-established subdivision in Garner that has been popular due to its beautiful executive style homes, spacious lots, and mature landscaping. The community often features traditional-style homes with modern amenities, including pool and tennis in the neighborhood.Most homes were built in the early 2000’s and have easy access to local amenities and downtown Raleigh.
• Adams Point: Adams Point is somewhere in between Cleveland Springs and Chadbourne, with moderately priced homes on large lots, most over half an acre. Adams Point offers a range of amenities, including a community pool and clubhouse and playground. 

Living in Garner NC: Real Estate Market

Garner’s real estate market is dynamic and offers a range of options for prospective homeowners. The average home price is competitive, but the benefit to Garner is that you get a lot of convenience to downtown Raleigh and other amenities of the city, at a lower price tag than its western Wake County counterparts. For an up to date understanding of the Garner real estate market, including property value growth, and offer competitiveness, check out the most recent Harmony housing market update. 

Living in Garner NC: Transportation and Commuting

Transportation in Garner is convenient, with easy access to I-40, Highway 70 and Highway 401 makes it easy to get into the city quickly. Garner is about 25 minutes to both the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the Research Triangle Park (RTP).  The town also offers public transportation options, adding some flexible commuting options into the city.

Local Business and Job Opportunities

Garner is primarily a bedroom community for surrounding economic hubs. Most people commute into Raleigh, Cary or Research Triangle Park for work. The Triangle area in general has a diverse economic structure with tech, pharmaceuticals, higher education, state government and healthcare.

Pros and Cons of Living in Garner NC

Living in Garner comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages. The town’s affordable cost of living, strong sense of community, and convenient location are significant pluses. 

However, one of Garner’s biggest downsides in my opinion is an underdeveloped city government that hasn’t created a strong brand and development plan for a city with such incredible proximity to downtown Raleigh. 

The majority of shopping is chain stores and the area lacks the diversity of retail in surrounding areas. There are few to no locally owned boutiques, restaurants and shops. There is rumor of a new development in Garner that is supposed to be similar to the Fenton development in Cary, but we will see what happens with that. 

Conclusion

Garner, North Carolina, is a town that offers a perfect blend of affordability, community spirit, and convenience. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking for a peaceful place to retire, Garner has something to offer. Its rich history, cultural amenities, and strong educational infrastructure make it an ideal place to call home.

People Also Ask questions:

• Is Garner, NC a safe place to live?

Garner, North Carolina, is generally considered a safe place to live. The town has a lower crime rate compared to national averages, which contributes to its appeal as a family-friendly community. Like any community, it has areas that are safer than others, and it’s always advisable for residents to take standard precautions and stay informed about their neighborhood. The Garner Police Department is active in community engagement and works diligently to maintain safety and security.

• What are some popular events and festivals in Garner, NC?

Garner hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year that cater to a wide range of interests. Some of the notable events include the Garner Independence Day Celebration, which features fireworks and live music; the Light Up Main, a festive event during the holiday season; and the Garner Strawberry Festival, which celebrates local agriculture and community. Additionally, the town often hosts cultural events, outdoor concerts, and community gatherings, making it a lively place to live and visit.

• Are there good job opportunities in Garner, NC?

Garner, NC, offers a robust job market, particularly due to its proximity to major employment centers like Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park. The area is known for a diverse range of job opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, and retail. The town’s growing economy and development also support a variety of local businesses and startups, providing employment opportunities within the community itself. Additionally, Garner’s convenient location makes it feasible for residents to commute to nearby cities for work.

• What are the top-rated schools in Garner, NC?

Garner is served by the Wake County Public School System, known for its high-quality education. Some of the top-rated schools in Garner include Vandora Springs Elementary, Aversboro Elementary, and Garner Magnet High School. These schools are recognized for their strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and active community involvement. For families considering private education, there are also several well-regarded private schools in and around Garner. Additionally, the proximity to Raleigh provides access to more educational options and higher education institutions.