Future rural and suburban growth in the Triangle

It’s no secret the Triangle is growing significantly. Raleigh-Durham is already ranked one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the country. And Woods & Poole Economics, Inc., an economic and demographic data firm, confirms the significant growth in the Triangle. As one of the fastest-growing locations in the United States, the region’s population will expand by nearly 80 percent by 2060.

With that kind of expected growth, it’s the area’s small towns and suburban communities that will provide the most opportunity for growth in the region. In fact, that’s already happening. According to data from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, many of the Triangle’s smaller communities rank among the fastest-growing municipalities in the nation. Garner grew by more than 10 percent between 2023 and 2024, gaining more than 3,500 new residents. And between 2020 and 2024, communities like Wendell, Angier, and Zebulon grew by 71.2 percent, 55 percent, and 51.9 percent, respectively.

However, several towns are appearing on the horizon as builders look for communities that will entice buyers eyeing the Triangle. If you’re thinking about a move, keep these locations on your radar.

Four Oaks is steeped in Civil War history. It’s also filled with natural areas for hiking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and more. It’s located just 33 miles from downtown Raleigh and is part of the booming Johnston County. Housing in Four Oaks is still modestly priced for the region. Commutes to the city will be easy when the North Carolina Department of Transportation completes the Southeast Extension of I-540. Johnston County is where the biggest bulk of growth is happening in the Triangle, thanks largely to Clayton. Clayton grew by 277 percent between 2000 and 2020.

The town of Benson is another up-and-coming community in Johnston County that newcomers love calling home. Despite its small size of over 4,500 people, it’s growing by nearly 3 percent each year. It’s home to outstanding dining, a distillery, a brewery, and vineyards, as well as distinct shops. It offers seasonal attractions like its annual Mule Days Festival, summer concerts, and strawberry. For all of these reasons, it’s an idyllic place to call home.

Just east of Raleigh, Wendell is a part of Wake County and is known for living up to its motto: Small Town, Big Charm. This town is pushing 10,000 people. Iit features an inspiring downtown with eateries and shopping, as well as regular festivals like an International Food and Music Festival, Wendell Wonderland, and more. It’s a great location for families and young professionals looking for something a bit more affordable.

The Jim Allen Group offers a few new construction communities in Wendell. Rockdell provides well-appointed homes in a prime location, and amenities the entire family will love. And Rosslar is a luxury community with only 50 homes available on expansive lots.

Franklinton, part of Franklin County, is north of Wake Forest and just 30 miles from Raleigh. As the Triangle continues to explain, Franklinton is experiencing massive growth. That’s because developers see this community as an up-and-coming location for new homes. This town of 2,500 has a small-town charm with convenience to Raleigh. In fact, Franklin County came in just behind Johnston County for population growth, at 3.3 percent annually. 

JAG currently has several major projects in Franklinton. Sutherland Station features spacious single-family homes from 2,325 square feet as well as community amenities like a fitness center and swimming pool. Bella Terra and Forest Hills offer high-end, modern living in a quiet rural setting from some of the region’s top builders. The Manors at Harvest View features luxury homes with spacious lots in a close-knit community setting. And Olivet offers spacious homes on 2/3-acre+ sites and modern living.

Youngsville in Franklin County is booming, not just because its population has grown by more than 17 percent between 2010 and 2020. Its prime proximity to Raleigh and vast land resources, means it offers big-city convenience with a small-town feel. It is home to fewer than 2,500 people. Yet it’s growing rapidly thanks to new communities and subdivisions that provide residents across the Triangle with enticing new home options.

Youngsville is bursting with possibilities for anyone looking for new construction from the area’s top builders. Stunning, spacious, and modern homes in close-knit neighborhoods like Abbington, Bartlett Manor, Calvin’s Mill, Golden Ridge, Maison Ridge, Preserve at Norris Creek, and Province Grande Olde Liberty provide room to grow at a comfortable price. And communities like East Woods of Patterson, Hidden Lake, Lily Meadows, and Sorrell Oaks provide luxury living in a serene setting.

Louisburg is another quiet town just outside of Raleigh that is growing significantly because of the many opportunities that are available there. This town of just over 3,000 residents is just starting to hit its massive growth phase. Home to a two-year residential college, numerous annual events that draw out-of-towners to the community, shops and restaurants that can’t be missed, a rich history, and more, Louisburg provides a welcoming atmosphere for every resident.

The Jim Allen Group offers a few Louisburg communities you don’t want to overlook. For example, Green Hill will offer 147 homes in a community with numerous amenities like a pool, ponds, a greenway trail, and homes priced from the mid-$200s. Grandiflora provides luxury homes at a comfortable price tag. Lake Royale is a gated community that’s home to a lake and spacious, well-priced homes that provide options for numerous types of buyers. And Tharrington Acres is perfect for first-time buyers and growing families looking for space and comfort.

Fuquay-Varina used to be a farming community, but this town is now nearly 50,000 people and will continue to grow massively. It’s home to two downtown locations, with numerous hot spots for eating, shopping, and exploring. Located in southern Wake County, it has a charm that’s undeniable. The community features numerous craft beer locations, a ton of history, and annual events like a spring and fall concert series, its Independence Day Celebration, and more. It’s also a quick drive to the Research Triangle Park and to downtown Raleigh.

The Preserves at Holland in Fuquay-Varina is a beautiful, close-knit community featuring expansive, customized luxury homes from an award-winning builder team.

Angier saw the most significant growth in the Triangle area, expanding by nearly 7 percent yearly. Now home to over 6,000 people, this Harnett County community is just 22 miles from Raleigh and 15 minutes from Fuquay-Varina. This town will likely continue to experience massive growth as developers continue to source land throughout this area.

There are numerous other communities that are already opening doors to welcome new residents. On the east side of Raleigh, Zebulon has a Minor League baseball team, outstanding cuisines, a distillery, and long-standing family businesses that add to its charm. Northeast of Raleigh, Rolesville is Wake County’s second oldest township behind Raleigh and is stepped in history and family-friendly tradition.

In proximity to Durham are several small communities that have experienced sudden growth as well. Mebane, located between Durham and Greensboro, has a focus on downtown revitalization to give its downtown businesses a chance to thrive. Hillsborough draws in writers and artists and has numerous agrotourism opportunities for Triangle residents. And Pittsboro, just south of Chapel Hill, offers unique restaurants, deep history and nostalgia, and proximity to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.

There are incredible opportunities for potential homeowners across the Triangle. It pays to be open-minded and to look for the places that are growing to find your perfect place in the Raleigh-Durham area. Now is the time to find a home and take advantage of these growing communities, which will be in even greater demand in the future.