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Welcome to
Wendell
Wendell offers the perfect mix of countryside calm and suburban convenience.
Median List Price (2026): ~$389,900 (Redfin/MLS, April 2026)
Population: ~12,000
County: Wake County
Distance to Raleigh: ~20 miles east via US-64 (~25–30 min)
School District: Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS)
Wendell is one of the Triangle's best-kept secrets — a small, tight-knit town in eastern Wake County that has maintained authentic small-town character while becoming one of the region's most attractive options for buyers seeking value without leaving Wake County. At a median list price around $389,900 — one of the most affordable in Wake County — Wendell delivers significantly more home and land per dollar than communities closer to Raleigh's core.
The town was named for Oliver Wendell Holmes and incorporated in 1903 as a railroad depot community. That agricultural heritage is still visible in its landscape, community identity, and the annual Wendell Harvest Festival that draws residents together each fall. Community events including the International Food & Music Festival, Wendell Wonderland, and the Spring Fling reflect a town comfortable with and proud of its identity.
Q: Is Wendell, NC a good place to live?
A: Wendell is an excellent choice for buyers who prioritize community character, affordability, and space over proximity to Raleigh's urban core. The town offers some of the most affordable Wake County homes (~$389,900 median), a genuinely welcoming small-town atmosphere, excellent Wake County schools, and a 25–30 minute commute to downtown Raleigh.
Q: How far is Wendell from Raleigh?
A: Wendell is approximately 20 miles east of downtown Raleigh via US-64, translating to a 25–30 minute commute in normal traffic. The commute to North Raleigh and RTP is comparable via I-540.
Q: Is Wendell growing?
A: Yes — Wendell is one of the more actively growing communities in eastern Wake County, with new construction communities including Two Thirty One by Herring Homes attracting buyers seeking half-acre to one-acre lots at prices well below equivalent Wake County properties closer to Raleigh.
Explore the area
26,745 people live in Wendell, where the median age is 40.2 and the average individual income is $36,214. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Wendell, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Delicias Mexicanas Yolis, Pope's Strawberries, and Olde Raleigh.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 2.26 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.39 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.81 miles | 42 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.81 miles | 25 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
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Wendell has 9,587 households, with an average household size of 2.78. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Wendell do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 26,745 people call Wendell home. The population density is 401 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
