Wake Forest is in northern Wake County, and its history is tied to the college that gave the town its name. It has a historic downtown along White Street and a large greenway network.
Where Wake Forest Is and Getting Around
Wake Forest is north of Raleigh. U.S. 1 (Capital Boulevard) is the main route toward Raleigh, and N.C. 98 runs east and west through town. I-540 is to the south. Commute times depend heavily on traffic along Capital Boulevard, so test your drive.
A Short History of Wake Forest
The town began in 1832 when the North Carolina Baptist Convention bought Dr. Calvin Jones’s plantation to start Wake Forest Institute, which opened in 1834 and became Wake Forest College in 1838. The community was incorporated in 1880 as the Town of Wake Forest College and was rechartered as the Town of Wake Forest in 1909, according to the Town of Wake Forest. The college moved to Winston-Salem in 1956, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary now occupies the original campus, per the town’s history page.
Parks and Outdoor Space
The town manages more than 500 acres of parks, open space and trails, including Flaherty Park, a dog park, a pool, and more than 50 miles of developed and undeveloped greenway trails, per Wake Forest Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources.
Downtown and Things to Do
The Downtown Wake Forest Historic District along White Street was listed on the National Register in 2002, with buildings from about 1890 to 1949, per the town’s historic districts page. Today it is home to local shops, restaurants and community events.
Official Wake Forest and Wake County Links
- Town of Wake Forest: Official town website
- Wake County government: Wake County website
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, for current population and housing data: Census Bureau QuickFacts
Schools
Public schools here are part of the Wake County Public School System. Attendance zones can change, so I always suggest confirming a specific address with the district’s own address lookup tool before you make a decision.
Buying or Selling in Wake Forest
If a historic downtown along White Street and miles of greenway trails appeal to you, I would love to help you explore Wake Forest. I will also help you test your commute along Capital Boulevard so you can buy or sell with a clear picture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wake Forest
Where can I find official town information?
See the official links above. The town and county websites are the best source for permits, utilities, zoning and current projects.
Thinking about a move to Wake Forest? Let’s talk.
Where Memories Begin and Futures Grow