The Best of Both Worlds: Buy a Home in the Best Raleigh Suburb

Sometimes, living in the ‘burbs can get a bad rap. Does it bring to mind lawn maintenance, boring evenings, and feuds with your neighbors? We get it!

But Raleigh’s suburbs are different, and here’s why. The City of Oaks recently made the list of “most neighborly” cities in the U.S.—and that culture doesn’t end at city limits. Across the board, Raleigh suburbs offer welcoming communities and easy access to one of the strongest economies in the country.

What are some other benefits of living in a suburb? Check it out:

Looking to get the best of both city and country living? Get city amenities with a little extra peace and quiet by buying a home in one of Raleigh’s satellite towns.

Here are some of our favorites:

Youngsville is a small town in Franklin County, North Carolina with a population just over 2,000. The town is located a little over 20 miles northeast of Raleigh, and when traffic is good, it’s about a 30-40 minute drive.

What’s it like to live here? Youngsville is a quiet, residential community with a quaint Downtown and plenty of great amenities. Here, you’ll find friendly neighbors, small businesses, and tasty restaurants. Youngsville is also home to a number of parks and recreation areas, including Luddy Park and Mitchell Park.

If you are looking for a peaceful small town, Youngsville is a great place to consider.

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,887 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Shawn Wiseman • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2499010

4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,402 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Shawn Wiseman • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2489303

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,055 square feet
Listed by Caren Fried • Keller Williams Preferred Realty
TMLS #2502341

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,958 square feet
Listed by Sherrie Smith • NorthGroup Real Estate, Inc.
TMLS #2502278

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,683 square feet
Listed by Ali Faye Watts • Julie Wright Realty Group LLC
Listed by Donna Saldo • Julie Wright Realty Group LLC
TMLS #2502236

Wendell is a small town with a population of just over 11,000 people. It’s known for its historic commercial district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses, and since its founding in 1903, it maintains the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Wendell is ranked by Niche.com as one of the best places to live in North Carolina. In addition to its memorable downtown, this Raleigh suburb offers residents space to breathe with spread-out neighborhoods and plenty of parks and recreation areas. It’s about a 25-30 minute drive to Raleigh, too, so you’re never too far from the action.

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2,793 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Amanda Alves • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2495028

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,361 square feet
Listed by Linda Nuxoll • EXP Realty LLC
Listed by Aziza Griffin • EXP Realty LLC
TMLS #2500174

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,853 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Amanda Alves • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2492243

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,256 square feet
Listed by Anne Mason • Rich Realty Group
TMLS #2499352

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,542 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Amanda Alves • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2463573

Fuquay Varina is a town of around 37,000 located in southern Wake County. Sitting about 35 minutes outside Raleigh, it’s a great choice if you want city access without the city hustle and bustle. This vibrant town has something for everyone, from walkable downtown living to estates with acreage. Here, you’ll find a close-knit community with a lively events calendar, farmers markets, and many opportunities for work and play.

Fuquay Varina receives an overall grade of A from Niche.com, with especially high scores for diversity, jobs, and public schools. Reviews from residents frequently comment on the quaint, small-town feel and how dedicated the community is to the people who live there. Thinking of buying a home here? You’re in good company. Over 70% of Fuquay Varina residents own their properties.

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,114 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Devin Curlings • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2492396

4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,604 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Devin Curlings • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2493428

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,109 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Devin Curlings • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2490905

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,103 square feet
Listed by Kuttan Abu • Real Triangle Properties LLC
TMLS #2502059

4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,472 square feet
Listed by Mike Joseph • Keller Williams Legacy
TMLS #2501029

Holly Springs is a town located in Wake County about 17 miles southwest of Raleigh. The current population is about 44,000 people, making it the second most-populous suburb on our list.

Holly Springs is a rapidly growing town with a diverse population. Looking for work? Not only are you a quick commute from Raleigh, but Holly Springs is home to a number of active businesses and industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Holly Springs receives an overall A+ grade from Niche.com, with especially high scores for Public Schools, Jobs, and Housing. You’ll enjoy Holly Springs if you’re not quite looking for the small-town life, but the big city isn’t right for you either. Holly Springs is the ideal balance of peace and quiet with amenities and attractions.

4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 4,301 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Christian Beca • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2502251

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,097 square feet
Listed by Heather Donovan • Choice Residential Real Estate
TMLS #2501521

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,426 square feet
Listed by Cindy Szoczei • Keller Williams Legacy
TMLS #2498746

2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,147 square feet
Listed by Stan Partin • Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
TMLS #2492871

4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 3,904 square feet
Listed by Jeremy West • Fathom Realty NC, LLC
TMLS #2483345

Broadway, NC is the perfect choice for those who love very small towns. With a population of just under 1,300 people, this community is friendly and full of southern charm. Eat real North Carolina barbecue at Woodard’s Family BBQ & Grill, catch a game at the Gilbert Lett Family Ballpark, or relax lakeside at Watson Lake at Broadway Town Park.

Another great thing about Broadway? The median home price of $255,500 is significantly lower than the suburbs on our list. Many brand-new construction homes are also available, including those you can still customize to your specifications. Here are some now:

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,543 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Devin Curlings • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2502182

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,613 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Devin Curlings • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2485768

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,425 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Devin Curlings • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2498733

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,561 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Devin Curlings • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2469254

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,543 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
Listed by Devin Curlings • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2484634

Ranked the #2 best place to live in North Carolina, Cary is a city of approximately 177,000 people. It is the most-populous suburb on our list, and Niche.com gives it especially high rankings for Housing, Jobs, and Health & Fitness. Living here, you’ll enjoy everything the city has to offer as well as the benefits of living further afield. Visit Cary’s coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and thriving downtown, and then get outside to one of the city’s many parks and outdoor recreation areas

Surveyed residents called Cary “excellent,” and many reviews commented feeling peace and security while living here. Others recommended the seasonal community festivals that occur throughout the year. Sound like it’s the place for you? Check out these five homes available now.

6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4,306 square feet
Listed by Annette Holt • Compass -- Cary
Listed by Davis Holt • Compass -- Cary
TMLS #2502304

4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,843 square feet
Listed by Alison Wojnarowski • Keller Williams Realty
TMLS #2502366

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,878 square feet
Listed by Kimberly Pappalardo • Real Broker, LLC
TMLS #2502198

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,585 square feet
Listed by Debbie Van Horn • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2502062

5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,288 square feet
Listed by Ann Robinson • Compass -- Cary
Listed by Kathy Sims • Compass -- Cary
TMLS #2501991

Whether you want to live in one of Raleigh’s peaceful suburbs or smack in the middle of the Downtown action, our team has you covered. Our experience speaks for itself, and with our expertise, you’ll be living in your dream home in your dream location in no time. Fill out the form below to get started.

All listings provided courtesy of TMLS.

Last updated on 31 March 2023 at 10:53AM.