The Hidden Heroes Behind Raleigh’s Affordable Housing Fame
Raleigh, North Carolina, is a city celebrated by WalletHub’s Author, Adam McCann as the 4th best affordable market for first-time home buyers. But here’s a little secret: Raleigh couldn’t have done it alone!
Meet the unsung heroes – the neighboring bedroom communities of Clayton, Garner, Smithfield, Wendell, and Zebulon. Without their charm and affordability, Raleigh’s rise would have been a mere fantasy.
Why Raleigh’s Neighbors Deserve a Standing Ovation
It’s easy to overlook the importance of smaller towns when discussing big city accolades. But let’s get real, Raleigh’s appeal isn’t just about its own merits. it’s about the great neighbors surrounding it. These communities offer affordable living options, charming neighborhoods, and a welcoming atmosphere that make the entire Raleigh area one of the best for new homeowners.
The Real Story Behind Raleigh’s Ranking
According to this WalletHub article, Raleigh is a hotspot for affordability for first-time homebuyers. But if you’ve been house-hunting in Raleigh proper, you are no doubt scratching your head. YES, the city’s core is bustling, vibrant, but affordable? Not really. Especially for first-time home buyers.
Let’s take a look at the surrounding communities like Clayton, Garner, Smithfield, Wendell, and Zebulon. These areas offer more budget-friendly options while still being close enough to enjoy all Raleigh has to offer.
Clayton: A Small Town with Big Opportunities
Clayton is where affordability meets possibility. With a growing number of new developments and neighborhoods like Ashcroft, and O’Neil Overlook, this town provides a range of options for new buyers.
Residents love Clayton for its friendly atmosphere and the sense of community that makes newcomers feel right at home.
Clayton events bring local residents together developing a real sense of community that’s unique to the town.
Plus, the town is just a short drive from Raleigh, making it perfect for those who want suburban tranquility with city access.
New developments are coming to the town of Clayton
🍔 New Clayton dives include an Outback Steakhouse, and the recently opened Triangle Coffee Shop located in downtown.
🏠 New residential developments associated with Clayton include the expansion of the Ashcroft new home community as well as the Cattail development located just outside of Clayton.
🏙️ Future commercial developments include an Aldi’s Grocery store and the Grit and Chime Gift Shop
🛝 The newly renovated Clayton Community Park and Community Center Renovation project include new tennis and pickleball courts, bocce and shuffleboard courts, expanded parking, infrastructure upgrades, and more!
Your Clayton First Home Search Starts Here
5-Star Review from a Clayton First-Time Home Buyer
Stephanie Leonard went above and beyond every step of our journey to buy our first (Clayton) home! Not only was she organized and thorough, keeping us informed throughout the process, but she also stepped in when our schedules didn’t allow us to attend key events.
– Melissa Whalen
Garner: A Blend of Comfort and Convenience
Garner is a gem for first-time buyers looking for value without sacrificing convenience. It offers a selection of move-in ready homes that are budget-friendly and feature all the modern amenities you need. Garner’s close-knit community is complemented by its proximity to Raleigh’s amenities, making it an attractive option for those who want it all.
New developments are coming to Garner
🏠 Garner is experiencing significant population growth, with the population exceeding 41,000 people, a 30% increase since 2020.
🏙️ The Metro 201 Project will bring 7,000-10,000 square feet of commercial space and 24 residential units to Downtown Garner. This project marks the first new commercial space built downtown since the 1980s. The Metro 201 project is part of a broader effort to revitalize downtown Garner and create a destination for local businesses and entertainment.
🛝 Phase 1 of the Yeargan Park development, including construction began in January 2025.
Discover Garner Homes Best Suited for First-Time Home Buyers!
Garner First-Time Home Buyer 5-Star Review
Lacey McGee was great to work with and helped me find the perfect home in Garner! Because this was my first-time buying a home, she helped me through every step of the home buying process and made sure that every step went as smoothly as possible.
– Matthew
Smithfield: No Longer Lives in the Shadow of Clayton
Smithfield is where Southern charm comes to live. No longer the step-sister to Clayton, Smithfield has seen a surge of people who love calling it home. Scenic Neuse River views combine with its rich history to produce a vibrant culture.
Smithfield, NC, is experiencing significant commercial and residential growth. Desirable location, higher affordability, and easy access to transportation all make Smithfield ideal for new businesses and new residents.
What’s New Coming to Smithfield?
🍔 Chicken Salad Chick, Slim Chickens and a Panda Express are all new to Smithfield.
🏙️ A new commercial project called Market Street Plaza involves construction of offices, retail centers, healthcare buildings, and industrial spaces.
🏠 The Local 70 project will bring 600 homes and 75 acres will be devoted to commercial use.
Perfect First-Time Home Buyer Homes in Smithfield
5-Star Smithfield First-Time Home Buyer Review
As first-time homebuyers, my husband and I knew very little about the home buying process so we need that we needed knowledgeable and patient REALTOR®. Dakota Hogan was nothing short of exceptional!
– Kayla McSwain
Wendell: A Growing Community with Charm
Wendell is a town that balances growth with its charming small-town feel. The community is welcoming, and the housing market offers plenty of affordable options for first-time buyers. With beautiful parks and local events, Wendell creates a sense of belonging that many new homeowners crave.
Communities Surrounding Wendell and Wendell Falls continue to add best-fit opportunities for current and future home first-time home buyers!
🍔 The TBJ reported in late November of 2024 a Chick-fil-A (Date TBD) was coming to the TreeLight District in Wendell Falls joining Chipotle, City BBQ, Culver’s, Falls Local, Parkside Restaurant, Duck Donuts, Jersey Mike’s, and Don Beto’s Tacos & Tequila.
🏙️ The Collective at Wendell Falls – a major mixed-use development comprised of retail, office, and residential. (Currently under construction)
🛍️ Wendell Commons – a proposed grocery-anchored retail center at Wendell Falls Parkway and Eagle Rock Road, featuring a 50,887-square-foot grocery store, multiple retail suites, and restaurant spaces. (Date 2026)
View Curated Wendell First-Time Home Buyer Homes
Wendell First-Time Home Buyer 5-Star Review
I cannot recommend Megan Bland highly enough for any first-time homebuyers, especially those purchasing from out of state like myself. Navigating the home buying process from afar seemed daunting at first, but Megan made it seamless and stress-free.
– Rela Weng
Zebulon: It’s Zooming!
As the easternmost town in Wake County, Zebulon is an inviting gateway to both urban and rural adventures. Known for its affordability, Zebulon provides first-time buyers with the opportunity to own a home without breaking the bank. New homes tend to be more affordable than used homes.
New home prices start in the low $300’s for a single family detached home on a large lot!
The momentum in Zebulon is real! Check out what’s coming!
🏙️ $70M in new commercial development
🛍️ Grocery-anchored retail coming soon
🍔 New restaurants + a downtown revival
🌿 Smart growth plans to preserve green space
With easy access to Raleigh via I-87 and the tranquility of the countryside, it’s a perfect blend for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Discover first-time home buyer friendly homes for sale in Zebulon
First-Time Zebulon Home Buyer 5-Star Review
Rachel Leeworthy made buying our first home a breeze! When we reached out to her originally, she jumped in to help us right away. She was so responsive to all of our questions throughout the process, and she was there for us throughout the ups and downs of the home buying process.
– Gwyn Long
Discover Your Perfect First Home in the Raleigh Area
So, what does this mean for you as a potential homebuyer? If you’re set on living in Raleigh, you might want to expand your search to include its neighboring towns. Communities like Clayton, Garner , Smithfield, Wendell, and Zebulon offer fantastic opportunities to find a home that fits your budget.
Not only do these areas provide more affordable housing options, but they also boast their own unique charm and amenities.
Where to Start Your Home Search
Begin by exploring neighborhoods located just outside of Raleigh like Ashcroft, O’Neil Overlook, Harvest Meadows, Maggie Way, Marin Woods, and Riverside. These offer the best of both worlds: proximity to Raleigh and a more budget-friendly price tag. These communities are perfect for first-time buyers wanting to stay close to the city without breaking the bank.
What About New Homes as an Affordable Option?
Remember this, in many cases, new homes are actually more affordable than used homes! Besides, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh cut lumber?
We haven’t even mentioned the aggressive buyer incentives offered by new home builders. These promos make it hard to pass up a new home! Combined with a new home warranty, new homes represent incredible peace of mind and oftentimes, at lower upfront costs.
Not Sure Where to Start?
It never hurts to start with a quick conversation with one of our 5-Star buyer’s agents! As they say… “nothing ventured – nothing gained“! Contact our RiverWILD agent team today!