Living in Knightdale Contents

Knightdale’s Personality

Knightdale is a really friendly town.

I know people say that about a lot of towns, but just go to the Town of Knightdale website and look at all the video. It’s seriously friendly.

And there’s a reason it’s so friendly. Back in the 40’s a lot of the downtown was burned in a fire. So there isn’t as much of a historic district as many other nearby towns. In 2013, Knightdale Station Park opened adjacent to downtown. We’ll talk more about the park further down, but for now, just know that it sits just behind Oak City Brewing, which is a really popular, family and pet friendly brewery that opens up onto the playing fields of the park.

This large outdoor and commercial area creates a really unique gathering place where people of the town spend a lot of time. And it’s a great thing for building relationships. Knightdale is a really friendly town. 

Living in Knightdale, NC: Location

Knightdale is located just east of Raleigh, about 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh and 15 minutes from North Hills.

It’s got incredible highway access, bordering on I-540 and I-87/64.

Knightdale is about 28 miles to Research Triangle Park, and with traffic can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes to get there during rush hour.  It’s about the same to Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) 

Being on the east side of the Triangle, Knightdale is a little bit closer to the beach and a little bit further from the mountains.

Wrightsville Beach is a flat 2 hours drive and Boone, the closest mountain town is 3 hours west. Roanoke, Virginia is a larger city in the mountains and is pretty fun to visit at just under 3 hours. The drive is also a lot prettier than the drive to Boone, which is all highway. 

As part of the Triangle, you’re also not far from:

• Charlotte NC (2.5 hours)
• Washington DC (4.5 hours)
• Baltimore (4.5 hours)
• Charleston SC (4 hours)
• and if you’re really brave, and want to avoid a flight, New York City (8.5 hours).

This is just a small selection but there is a TON of day trips available from Knightdale. 

Moving to Knightdale, NC: Cost of Living

Check out Homes Currently For Sale in Knightdale here.

Knightdale is pretty affordable for Wake County.

The median home price is around $375,000 and it is one of the least expensive in Wake County. 

According to Bestplaces.net, overall cost of living in Knightdale is about 6% higher than the US average and 16% higher than North Carolina.

Generally speaking, the Triangle is more expensive than most of North Carolina, but you get quite a bit for your money here. Groceries, healthcare, transportation and housing are all cheaper than the US average. The majority of disparity in cost, tended to be in “miscellaneous” expenses, which includes clothing, restaurants, repairs and entertainment.

I’ve also heard people who relocate to the Triangle say that services like hairstylists and other services are more expensive here. My mom complains that the produce is more expensive here. And she’s probably right. 

Healthcare in Knightdale

Interestingly, healthcare is cheaper than the national average, but it’s also significantly cheaper than healthcare throughout the state of North Carolina.

That’s probably because we have really good doctors and healthcare systems here with all our university healthcare systems.

There are 4 major healthcare systems in the Triangle: Duke Health, UNC Health, Rex Hospital System and Wakemed. All have really good reputations and offer cutting edge healthcare. Knightdale is 8 miles drive to the closest hospital, Wakemed Raleigh. 

Want to Compare Wendell to Knightdale? Check out our comparison here.

Jobs & Economy in Knightdale, NC

In 2022, the median household income in Knightdale was $79,000, according to the US Census Bureau.

While Knightdale is primarily a bedroom community for people commuting to downtown Raleigh or Research Triangle Park.

Most professionals commute into Raleigh or RTP for work. Some local companies are: 

• Wake Stone Corporation: Involved in the mining and production of stone products, Wake Stone is headquartered in Knightdale.
• PCX Corporation: PCX recently opened a new manufacturing facility in Knightdale, focusing on modular electrical solutions. This facility is significant for the local job market, especially in manufacturing and engineering sectors.
• Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina: The specific number of employees at their Knightdale clinic is not readily available, but they are a significant healthcare provider in the area.

Also, Knightdale is actively recruiting companies in several different industries including: Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Automation, Robotics, Cleantech/Smart Grid Technology, Life Sciences, Clinical Research Organizations, Research & Development, Healthcare Creatives, & Artisans

Living in Knightdale: Culture and Community 

Downtown Knightdale

On February 7, 1940, a devastating fire swept through downtown Knightdale.

This disaster destroyed several businesses and homes, including the central Robertson’s store, deeply impacting the community.

The entire town fought the fire, using buckets, but they were unsuccessful and many buildings were burned down. The downtown never fully was rebuilt, and lacks the connected main street vibe of many surrounding towns in the Triangle. 

But the connected spirit of the people remained, and now the town is finally regaining years of lost ground with the development of the “town square” Knightdale Station Park. 

Knightdale Festivals

This park acts as the backdrop for dozens of annual activities and events in Knightdale. Spring Fling, Movies in the Park, Latin American Festival, African American Festival, and Fall on First.

For a full list of festivals and events in Knightdale, Click Here.

There are some popular businesses that live in downtown Knightdale, most notable Oak City Brewing Company, Rewind Retrobar and Depot on First. Recent plans approved to develop a significant commercial district in the downtown area are an exciting addition to this growing community.  

Living in Knightdale: Parks & Activities

Knightdale Station Park: This centrally-located park features a beautiful playground, over two miles of paved walking trails, athletic fields, and an amphitheater. There is a splash pad and disc golf course as well. They often have outdoor concerts, food truck events, movie nights many annual festivals take place at Knightdale Station

Mingo Creek Park & Trail: This park connects to the Neuse River Trail and offers a combination of boardwalk and paved sections, ideal for runners and walkers. The scenic views along the trail make it a favorite for nature lovers.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area: Located a short drive from Knightdale, this park offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities as well as water sports. It’s one of only two lakes that allows motorized watercraft, so jet skis, water skiing and tubing are all possible! 

Pope’s Strawberry Farm: Don’t miss Pope’s Strawberry Farm During strawberry season!! That’s April and May in North Carolina. 

Religion in Knightdale

Knightdale, North Carolina, is a community that embraces a diverse range of religious beliefs and practices, reflecting the town’s inclusive and welcoming spirit.

The town is home to various places of worship, including churches of different Christian denominations, such as Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, and non-denominational congregations. These religious institutions are not just places for spiritual gatherings; they also serve as centers for community events, outreach programs, and social services, playing a vital role in the town’s social fabric.

In addition to Christian churches, Knightdale’s proximity to the larger Raleigh metropolitan area means residents have access to a broader religious landscape, including synagogues, mosques, and temples, catering to Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and other faith communities.

There is a Buddhist temple in Knightdale as well. This diversity in religious offerings reflects the town’s growing multicultural population and its commitment to fostering an environment of tolerance and respect for different cultures and beliefs.

Living in Knightdale, NC: Weather 

Knightdale has a moderate climate with mild winters and warm, humid summers.

Rainfall comes in at about 46 inches of rain each year, more than the national average of 30 inches.

We only get 3 inches of snow and we cherish every minute of it, by declaring it a vacation day.

Truthfully, if you want to see snow you have to go to the mountains. Snow rarely happens, maybe every few years or so we will see it. The national average is 28 inches of snow.

And Knightdale also has 217 sunshine days per year, much higher than the national average of 205 days.  

Education in Knightdale

Public Schools in Knightdale

Knightdale is part of the Wake County Public School System. Here is more information about how the school system works in Wake County. Public schools that serve Knightdale:

• Forestville Elementary
• Lockhard Elementary
• Knightdale Elementary
• Hodge Road Magnet Elementary
• Neuse River Middle School
• River Oaks Middle School
• Knightdale High School

Hodge Road Elementary School is notable for its dual language program. The program has been praised for its effectiveness and the caring, supportive environment provided by the teachers. It offers an immersive bilingual education, which is a unique and valuable feature in the Knightdale school system.

Private & Charter Schools in Knightdale:

(Charter schools are publicly funded schools, run similar to the way a private school is run.) 

Thales Academy Knightdale: Thales Academy in Knightdale is popular local network of schools known for its classical education approach. It serves students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, offering a curriculum that emphasizes foundational knowledge, character development, and critical thinking skills.

Crime in Knightdale NC

A lot of people want to know if Knightdale NC is a safe place to live.

Knightdale, North Carolina’s crime rate for violent crime is 60% less than the US average (9.0 to 22.7 on a 100-point scale). 

Property crime in Knightdale NC, is about the same as the national average, rated as 38 compared to the national average of 35.4.

Comparing the numbers to Raleigh proper, we see that, once again, Knightdale’s crime is less than what is seen in Raleigh. 

• Knightdale’s violent crime = 9.6; Raleigh’s violent crime = 20.3
• Knightdale’s property crime = 38.4; Raleigh’s property crime = 44.4. 

In summary, Knightdale is a safe place to live! 

Sports & Recreation

The town of Knightdale offers the following sports and recreation opportunities: 

Adults Recreation in Knightdale

• Basketball
• Kickball
• Pickleball 
• Zumba/Line Dancing 
• Bootcamp Workout
• Day Trips for 55+

Youth Recreation in Knightdale

• Baseball
• Softball
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Tennis 
• Soccer (hosted by the Neuse River Futbal Alliance) 

Additionally, Knightdale has a community pool and a children’s splash pad. 

Living in Knightdale: Food & Shopping

Knightdale has all your big box stores at the Shoppes at Midtown Commons, including Target, Michaels, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, and pretty much anything you could need. 

Boutique Shopping

For more unique options, Knightdale has the Pink Magnolia Boutique. Knightdale is a bit limited in boutique shopping due to the fire that destroyed the downtown in the 1940s. However, the new Downtown North development, will provide plenty of unique shopping options in the future. Also, North Hills is about a 15 minute drive.

Grocery Stores

The main grocery stores in Knightdale are Lowes Foods, which is a North Carolina based store, SuperTarget and Food Lion. There are also several specialty grocers: Kwah La Asian Market, Mi Casa Mexican Market, and Oasis International African Market.

Costco, Wegmans and Trader Joes are 15 minutes away in North Raleigh and Whole Foods is about 20 minutes away.

Popular Restaurants 

• 101 Kitchen: This is breakfast like you’ve never seen it! A Latin American Gastronomic experience meets breakfast… truly unique! 
• iPho Sushi Kitchen: Vietnamese wine bar and Sushi Kitchen
• A’Nets Katch: Founder Anette grew up on the North Carolina coast, and missed the incredibly fresh seafood of her childhood. So she brought it here! Delicious fish and chips.They also have a proprietary line of batters, seasonings and sauces.
• Chick-fil-A: Possibly a strange addition to a restaurant list, but I’ve found that certain chains like Chick-fil-A and Chipotle have fan clubs. And their fans want to know. 
• Oak City Brewing Company: Okay City is the informal living room of Knightdale. They offer a selection of craft beers and a rotating menu of food trucks, withThis brewery and taproom not only offers a selection of craft beers but also features a rotating menu of food trucks, making it a popular spot for both drinks and diverse food options.

Popular Neighborhoods in Knightdale NC

Knightdale offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Two of the most popular neighborhoods in Knightdale are: 

Knightdale Station $$ – $$$$: Knightdale Station is a 300 acre master planned community, known for it’s planned activities and events, great amenities and proximity to the incredible Knightdale Station Park. Knightdale station offers a variety of different home styles and sizes, from moderately affordable to pricey. 

Planters Walk: $-$$ Planters Walk is over 300 acres and was established in the late 1980s. It’s known for its many community activities, and events. It has a pool, multiple playgrounds and is walking distance to a number of local shops and restaurants. 

Living with Knightdale’s Future 

Two significant developments are underway that will change the tone and feeling of Knightdale.

The town currently has a very small suburban town feel.

The historic fire that destroyed the downtown commercial buildings in the 1940’s seriously limited the amount of development that has happened in Knightdale, simply because there wasn’t the infrastructure for businesses to move into.

A town just minutes from downtown Raleigh likely would have seen much more development had that fire not happened. 

Downtown North

But all that is about to change. Downtown North, an upscale shopping, dining and entertainment district on First Street, has been approved by the town council. This development will create 

Knightdale River District

Also recently approved is the Knightdale River District. The River District project in Knightdale plans to turn the area around the Neuse River into a lively, community-centered spot.

They’re really focusing on making it a place where the community vibe is strong and where the natural beauty of the river isn’t just preserved, but actually becomes a key part of the whole scene.

You can access the full plan here, but a few key details include: 

• Creating a walkable community. The idea behind the plan is really about making the community super walkable. They’re focusing on making areas that are easy and enjoyable to walk around, and connecting these spots to shops and businesses. The goal is to mix together living spaces, places to shop, and fun recreational spots in a way that makes you want to stroll around more and not rely so much on driving everywhere
• There will be lots of trails and greenways throughout the area and along the river.
• The plan also talks about making it easier to get to the Neuse River. They’re thinking about adding stuff like boat ramps and other ways to get on the river. This would be awesome for things like kayaking and canoeing. But just a heads up, they haven’t ironed out all the details about these facilities yet in the part of the document I saw.”

Cons of Living in Knightdale

There’s a downside to everywhere. If there were anything that would bug me about living in Knightdale, it would be this:

It’s small, only 19,000 people. In my mind this is a good thing and it may be in yours. The bad part of it is that there isn’t very much housing inventory here. And it’s really hard to find more affordable homes. Given Knightdale’s fantastic location, a lot of what is being built is more expensive and with the planned growth of the downtown and the river district, this trend is likely going to continue. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Knightdale, NC a good place to live?

• Absolutely, especially for families and those seeking a community-oriented lifestyle.

Why live in Knightdale, NC?

• For its affordable housing, excellent schools, and strong sense of community.

What are the best neighborhoods in Knightdale, NC?

• Knightdale Station, Planters Walk, and Emerald Pointe are highly recommended.

What are the top-rated schools in Knightdale, NC?

• Knightdale boasts several top-rated schools, including Knightdale High School and Thales Academy.

If you’re still wondering: Is moving to Knightdale worth it? Then, you can check out my video where I compare Knightdale to Wendell.