When it comes to buying a new home in Raleigh, it’s a good idea to look just past the city limits and consider some of the popular suburbs and commuter towns. Raleigh is fast-growing, and with low inventory and rising prices, in-town real estate is at a premium. Look just 20 or 30 minutes out, however, and you’ll get more options— including new construction, more space, and more community amenities — at a better value. Plus, if you work in Research Triangle Park, your commute may be the same whether you’re coming from Raleigh or one of its suburbs.
Here’s the distance of three of Raleigh’s top suburbs to downtown Raleigh and to RTP:
Selma: 30.4 miles to downtown Raleigh and 49 miles to RTP
Apex: 16.3 miles to downtown and 17.6 miles to RTP
Fuquay-Varina: 18.7 miles to downtown and 28.6 miles to RTP
Top Raleigh Suburbs to Buy a New Home
Selma, NC
If you work from home or don’t have to go into the office too much, Selma, NC is a great town to look for a new home. Just 30 miles from downtown Raleigh and accessible by daily passenger train, Selma offers a relaxed pace of life with walkable streets and quaint coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. It is also 26% less expensive to live in Selma than in Raleigh, which is why many young professionals are moving here. New townhomes in Selma are a smart housing option if you want to enjoy all the area has to offer without being tied down to home maintenance and yard work. Just lock and leave and enjoy charming and historic Selma, venture into Raleigh for arts and entertainment, or head south to enjoy North Carolina’s natural beauty at Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center or Cliffs of the Neuse State Park.
For new home options in Selma, NC, check out Woodberry Forest, townhomes with first-floor guest suites, and home offices from the $200s.
Apex, NC
Perfectly situated for a quick and easy commute to RTP, Apex, NC is a fast-growing suburb southwest of Raleigh where residents take advantage of great public schools, a thriving local economy, and safe neighborhoods. In Apex, it’s easy to separate work from personal life when you come home to a quaint historic downtown, fantastic local restaurants, the beautiful Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, and miles of public greenway ideal for walking, running, and biking. This commuter town with its distinct community feel has developed into a destination of its own with several popular outdoor festivals that attract people from all over the region. You’ll love the quality of life and convenience that Apex offers.
For estate-style living in Apex, NC, learn about Olde Farm, an exclusive community of just three expansive homesites near Jordan Lake.
Fuquay-Varina, NC
Just 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh and 36 minutes from RTP, Fuquay-Varina is a top option for many people considering a home in the Triangle. It was ranked a “best U.S. suburb to move to in 2021,” is part of the excellent Wake County Public School System, and offers plenty of amenities and family-friendly attractions. The population has grown dramatically, seeing an 82% increase since the last census in 2020. From a burgeoning local food and brew scene to a plethora of festivals and events, Fuquay-Varina has solidified its place as one of America’s most sought-after suburbs.
For new single-family homes in the heart of Fuquay-Varina, NC, join the VIP list for The Oaks at Kenneth Creek, located just two miles from N. Main Street in the downtown area and attractively priced from the $400s.
