When people ask me why I love living and working in Wake County, I never know where to begin! It’s a place where old Southern charm meets big innovation, and where quiet cul-de-sacs are just minutes from buzzing downtowns and beautiful hiking trails.
I’ve rounded up eight Wake County fun facts to give you a fresh look at what makes this place so special, from a local realtor’s point of view.
1. Wake County is named after a woman (and she was pretty bold)
We owe our county’s name to Margaret Wake Tryon, wife of colonial governor William Tryon. Margaret wasn’t your typical 1700s aristocrat. She had a sharp interest in military strategy, which was rare and controversial for women at the time. Wake County was founded in 1771 and remains one of only three North Carolina counties named after women, along with Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and Virginia Dare.
2. You can trace property records back to 1785
If you loved that tidbit and fancy yourself a bit of a history buff, you may also be excited to learn that property records in Wake County go all the way back to July 1785, and they’re accessible online.
One of the first records is Raleigh’s oldest residence, Mordecai House, which was built in 1785 and still stands on its original foundation. It’s located in Mordecai Historic Park, which is also the site of the birthplace and childhood home of President Andrew Johnson.
3. Home values are up more than 50% since 2020
Now, back to the present day, where home prices here have climbed fast. Between 2020 and 2024, property values in Wake County rose by over 50%, the biggest jump in any four-year revaluation cycle to date. This trend reflects strong demand, fueled by job growth, schools, and quality of life.
All-Transactions House Price Index
- 2020: 177.49
- 2021: 201.99
- 2022: 249.87
- 2023: 264.21
- 2024: 276.16
You may also be interested in: 5 North Carolina Housing Market Trends to Watch in 2025
4. There’s a home style for every life stage
Wake County really offers a “choose your own adventure” style when it comes to housing.
Want walkable urban living? Head downtown Raleigh.
Prefer the family-friendly suburb vibe? Look at Cary or Apex.
Dreaming of more land or a quiet escape? Parts of Wake Forest and Rolesville might be calling your name.
The variety here makes it easy to find a home that fits both your lifestyle and long-term goals.
5. More inventory means more choices
After a few years of low supply, we’re finally seeing more options for buyers. The number of homes for sale across the Triangle, including Wake County, has jumped nearly 30% over the past year. That means you don’t have to settle, rush, or waive every contingency just to compete.
6. We’ve got a tech hub in our backyard
A portion (about 25%) of the famed Research Triangle is in Wake County (the rest is in neighboring Durham), and it’s considered the largest research park in the country.
Quick facts about the Research Triangle Park (RTP):
- Spans 7,000 acres
- Is strategically located between three Tier-1 research universities: Duke University, NC State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill
- Employs more than 55,000 people in tech, life sciences, and academia
- Hosts over 300 research, technology, and ag-bio companies
7. Property tax revaluations are happening more often
This one’s not as fun and flashy, but it is important: Wake County recently moved from an eight-year to a four-year property revaluation cycle, and plans to go even shorter. The new system allows for smoother adjustments and fewer surprises when your tax bill arrives.
8. We’re outdoorsy
Between greenways, parks, and protected land, Wake County is an outdoor lover’s dream. We’ve got over 250 miles of greenways, including the Neuse River Trail, the longest in North Carolina at 34.5 miles. There’s also William B. Umstead State Park, a nearly 5,600-acre escape green space between Raleigh and the airport.
Want to learn more about life (and real estate) in Wake County?
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving into a 55+ community, upsizing, or looking for a fresh start, you can see why Wake County has a lot to offer. If you’re curious what it’s like to live here or ready to learn more about the current real estate market, let’s talk. I’m a proud local, and I’d love to share what I know with you.
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