Town Highlight: Zebulon

If you love the Triangle area but are wishing for a smaller community to call home, Zebulon might be the perfect spot to start looking. Located just 25 minutes east of downtown Raleigh, Zebulon is a small town — less than 5,000 people — with a huge allure. Filled with historic homes and southern charm, Zebulon is expected to grow as more residents flock to the Triangle area. However, the Town of Zebulon’s current strategic plan is dedicated to maintaining what makes residents loving living there by revitalizing its downtown and preserving its small-town community focus, which will continue to make it an ideal place to call home.

Though initially home to nothing more than a couple of farms and a one-room schoolhouse, Zebulon was incorporated in 1907 after the Raleigh and Pamlico Sound Railroad Company built on the land. It didn’t take long before Zebulon began to grow due to a boom in the tobacco market through the 1920s. Today, major employers include GlaxoSmithKline and U.S. Food Services. 

In fact, its size is deceiving because the town is packed with opportunities for the entire family. Zebulon is home to a minor-league baseball team, the Carolina Mudcats, which offers classic spring- and summertime enjoyment at Five County Stadium. Hit a round of 18 holes at some of Zebulon’s most popular hot spots. Both golf and disc golf are popular pastimes of Zebulon residents. If you’re a foodie, Zebulon offers a breadth of cuisine, from southern-style dining to traditional steakhouses and everything in-between. The town also features a distillery — with a tasting room and event space — with spirits handcrafted by a certified Executive Bourbon Steward and Whiskey Sommelier.

Downtown Zebulon is also filled with family-owned businesses, like Whitley Furniture and Debnam Ace Hardware, where locals and visitors alike come for the experience. Pop by Zebulon Town Hall, located in the historic Wakelon School, which displays the work of local artists. With a town library, a farmer’s market, and so much more to offer, Zebulon feels like a bigger community without sacrificing its close-knit appeal.

Though Zebulon is experiencing massive growth, the town’s leaders have a plan in place to maintain its growth in a way that is manageable and strategic. New construction will help the community expand and as that happens, housing rates may start to increase but are still much more affordable than the communities closer to the city. Even a trip to the RTP is a quick jump onto I-87 and a 40-minute drive away. It’s a perfect spot for young families, retirees, or anyone looking to live a simpler life without sacrificing amenities.

Thinking about buying a home in Zebulon? Check out this list of local professionals with the Jim Allen Group. 

The Jim Allen Group is a nationally-recognized and award-winning real estate team in Raleigh, North Carolina – ranked the #1 Coldwell Banker HPW Sales Team in the nation