Finding a home for your perfect commute

As the Triangle continues to grow, homebuyers are looking for homes that meet very specific needs. Families want a home that’s close to great schools and family activities. Some buyers may want a great home office and plenty of space to grow. Yet most people want to find a home that meets their needs for a great work/life balance.

As new communities spring up across the greater Raleigh-Durham area, you may be wondering where you can find the perfect home that also meets your workplace needs. Here is what to consider if you’re on the hunt for what suits your needs.

If you will be working within one of the major cities in the Triangle, you may want to choose living within those cities. Keep in mind that you may be looking at condos or townhomes for an affordable price point. However, if you’re interested in a luxury home in the Triangle, a single-family home in Raleigh may be the way to go.

There are communities throughout Raleigh, including Downtown Raleigh, which will put you in close proximity to the major employers throughout Wake County and the Research Triangle Park (RTP).

If city living is less appealing to you or you don’t mind a short commute to the office, you may want to choose one of the communities in the outskirts of the Triangle. Within a less than 30 mile radius from the Research Triangle Park are rapidly-growing communities that offer small town charm with an easy commute into the area’s top employers.

The Research Triangle Park is less than 30 miles from Pittsboro, a creative community filled with agritourism, which is also known for its wineries and distilleries. It’s also growing in appeal for buyers looking for a short commute and more spacious homes, as is Fearrington, which is halfway between Pittsboro and the RTP. Similarly, communities like Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina are welcoming towns that are within 30 miles of the RTP and a quick drive to Raleigh.

On the western side of the area, communities like Hillsborough and Mebane are 30 miles or less to the Research Triangle Park, but they offer vibrant small town life with a rich history. And on the eastern side of Raleigh, Rolesville is a great destination for families who love the outdoors, while remaining close to Raleigh and the RTP.

Do you have the option of working from home most days? Then you may want to consider looking for a home that’s just a bit further from the hustle and bustle of the city. The communities outside of a 30-mile radius of the RTP are growing within the Triangle, but they give you the ability to choose spacious homes on a friendlier budget.

To the south of Raleigh are some of the fastest-growing locations in North Carolina, including Angier, Clayton, and Smithfield. These communities are closest to Raleigh but provide options for a quiet commute time into the RTP. To the east and North of Raleigh, towns like Franklinton, Youngsville, and Zebulon are growing rapidly and can also provide an easy, but longer commute to the Research Triangle Park.

Be sure to talk to your Realtor about what your needs may be. If you want a larger home, a quainter way of life, and you don’t mind the commute, be sure to ask about the up-and-coming locations across the Triangle. But if you want a shorter commute, you’ll need to be prepared with your must-haves as far as location and the home itself.