Best Places to Live for Families

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Wake Forest has four historic districts—three listed on the National Register of Historic Places—that are easy to explore on foot. The Calvin Jones House (shown here) was built in 1820.
Wake Forest has four historic districts—three listed on the National Register of Historic Places—that are easy to explore on foot. The Calvin Jones House (shown here) was built in 1820.Courtesy of The Town of Wake Forest
  • State
    North Carolina
  • County
    Wake
  • Population
    51,275

Located about 19 miles from Raleigh and 23 miles from Durham, Wake Forest is one of the fastest-growing towns in the state: The population increased by more than 300% over the past dozen-plus years. This North Carolina beauty is a “small big town,” if you will, popular for its low crime, good schools, and 220 sunny days a year.

 

As more high-earners move to the area—the typical household earns six figures—the town is prioritizing affordable housing and transportation upgrades. Last fall, it passed the Wake Forest Housing Affordability plan to help support first-time and fixed-income buyers. Homeowners already enjoy low property taxes.

 

Wake Forest is ripe with green spaces—there are more than 500 acres of parks and 50 miles of greenway trails. Nearby is the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, a hot spot for camping and mountain biking. The town’s recreation programs include youth athletic leagues and at its senior center for those over age 55, activities like knitting and line dancing.

 

Downtown Wake Forest delivers small-town vibes, a walkable area with consignment shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is a hub for all things arts and culture, hosting everything from concerts to exhibits as well as the annual Wake Forest Film Festival. 

Town Information

Median sale price for single family residences (2022)$488,381
Median household income$109,114
Racial and ethnic makeup of current residentsAsian: 3.5%, Black: 15.4%, Hispanic: 8.1%, White: 70%
Racial and ethnic makeup of U.S.Asian: 5.9%, Black: 12.3%, Hispanic: 19.7%, White: 61.2%
High school district graduation rate (averages of districts were applied when necessary)89.73%
Number of hospitals within 25 miles recommended by over 50% of patients8
Number of above-average nursing homes within 50 miles, per 100,000 households20
Sharecare Community Well-Being Index Score (out of 100)66
Financial Well-Being Index Score (out of 100)63
Sources: ATTOM, U.S Census Bureau, Healthgrades, Caring.com, Sharecare, National Center for Education Statistics, Kaiser Family Foundation