Remote work remains on the rise for many companies across the country. In fact, research from Ladders shows that 25 percent of North America’s high-paying professional jobs will largely be remote by 2023. Across the Triangle, the region’s tech companies have already begun to set the pace for remote work. With so many options available for employees across Raleigh-Durham, it’s becoming even easier to choose a home that’s better suited to your needs.
Remote work means you’ll be spending more time in your home. And when proximity to work suddenly becomes less of a concern, it opens opportunities to broaden your home search.
Sales prices are still on the rise across the Triangle— and the median price in Wake County is around $450,000—it’s a smart move to consider the up-and-coming communities surrounding the Triangle. In smaller communities, you’ll have access to more land, more space for your needs, and a lower overall cost of living.
Here are some locations to consider if you’re thinking about expanding your search.
Johnston County
Census data from 2020 showed that Johnston County is the fastest-growing county in the Triangle. This county grew by almost 28 percent from 2010 to 2020. Yet housing prices are still significantly lower in Johnston County than in the rest of the Triangle. A median price is just under $348,000.
Cities like Clayton and Smithfield are in Johnston County, and they’re just two of the communities that are now home to spacious homes, perfect for work-from-home settings. Clayton, a former farming community, grew from 16,000 in 2010 to more than 26,000 people living there in 2020. Clayton is less than a 20-mile drive to downtown Raleigh, and once the Southeast Extension of I-540 is complete, it will make a commute into the Research Triangle Park and Durham even easier.
Explore some of our amazing communities in Clayton.
Franklin County
Franklin County, which encompasses communities like Youngsville, Franklinton, and Louisburg is extending the possibilities for homeowners to enjoy spacious single-family homes with numerous amenities at a price not far off from the median in Wake County. While Louisburg is a 40-minute commute into Raleigh, the city itself offers a thriving downtown and numerous events that make it a wonderful place to live.
Youngsville is a smaller community of just 2,000, but it’s a quick drive to Wake Forest and just 20 minutes into Raleigh, which makes it an outstanding spot for those who need a quick commute into the city on in-office days.
Explore our communities in Youngsville, Franklinton, and Lousiburg.
Pittsboro
Pittsboro, located just south of Chapel Hill and a 40-minute drive to the Research Triangle Park, is booming. While this community was just 5,000 people in the 2020 census, it’s on pace to grow significantly thanks to the town’s new master-planned communities popping up. Chatham Park alone is planned to bring 60,000 new residents to Pittsboro. These mixed-use communities will bring new spaces to live, play, and work.
Many of the homes in spots like Chatham Park are currently on par with what buyers are finding in the Raleigh area. However, they have significantly more space and bedrooms than Raleigh homes and the amenities that will make them incredible places to live. Pittsboro will also be the place for luxury estate homes if that’s in your price range.
Explore our communities in Pittsboro.
Mebane
The city of Mebane, centrally located between Durham and Greensboro, is known for its historic business district and idyllic small-town living. It’s also growing as new townhome communities, and single-family homes give homeowners a chance to enjoy small-town living and convenience to the Triangle and Piedmont areas.
The homes in this community provide access to spacious living and 4-bedroom homes that offer office space to work from home. While prices are in a similar range to those within the cities surrounding it, you’ll find they also give you access to a community pool and clubhouse, parks, trails, and the amenities that make it a spot to consider.
Explore our communities in Mebane.
If you’re ready to begin broadening your home search, get in touch. Our agents can help you find the right home for your budget, and one that meets your remote work needs.
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