So You Wanna Move to Southern Wake County? Great Choice and Here's Why!

Let's be real. You've seen the glossy brochures. You've heard your friends gush about "the Triangle." You've scrolled through Anthem's website and found a house that looks suspiciously large for the price. And now, you've decided to take the plunge and move to Southern Wake County, North Carolina.

First off, congratulations! You're about to embark on a journey filled with... well, a lot of things. You'll quickly fall in love with the atmosphere, the food, and the lifestyle. But you will probably grow to really dislike the traffic. But don't fret because this is a land of opportunity, where the sweet tea is sweeter, the accents are thicker (and more charming), and the people are diverse.

The Great Migration: From Everywhere Else, To Here

You'll quickly discover that you're not alone. Southern Wake County is a melting pot of people from all over. There are a few of us born-and-bred North Carolinia natives still left, your Yankees who've been here long enough to say "y'all" without an ironic smirk, and a healthy smattering of folks from… well, everywhere else. This is great news! It means you can find a decent bagel, but also that you'll be constantly explaining what a "hoagie" is. (Spoiler alert: it's a sub, and you're wrong).

WOW, The Housing Market

The Triangle is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation.  Our hot job market, multiple colleges and universities, the weather, and just general way of life attracts people from all over. And with that comes demand for housing. Whether you're buying or renting, you're going to run into competiton here. The Southern part of Wake County isn't as bad as the heart of Raleigh but it's definitely competitive. For buyers that means you'll pay close to asking price if not more. For sellers, you'll see multiple offers quickly so enjoy the bidding war.

The Traffic: A Love-Hate Relationship

Ah, traffic. The lifeblood of our daily commute. Now, you might be thinking, "I've dealt with city traffic. I can handle this." And to that, I say, "bless your heart." Now this isn't DC, or Boston, or LA traffic but you haven't truly lived until you've sat in a standstill on I-40 at 8 a.m., watching a single tractor-trailer navigate a three-lane highway like a NASCAR race. It's a special kind of zen. The key is to embrace it. Pack a snack. Listen to an entire podcast series. Maybe write a novel. You'll have the time.

The Seasons: All Two and 1/2 of Them

You're probably used to four distinct seasons. Here, we have two-ish: "Hot and Humid" and "Slightly Less Hot and Humid", then a week or two of very cold weather (that's like 40 degrees). We get a few weeks of what we charmingly refer to as "fall," where the leaves turn a slightly different shade of green before falling off and immediately being replaced by pollen. Then there's winter, which is a magical time when you might need a jacket for a few hours in the morning. Don't worry, by lunchtime, you'll be sweating again.

Your New Wardrobe: A Study in Casual Comfort

Forget everything you know about fashion. Your new uniform will consist of moisture-wicking fabrics, comfortable shorts, and a hat that's more for sun protection than style. The good news is, you can wear flip-flops almost year-round. The bad news? You'll probably buy a winter coat and wear it once over a five year span.

The Southern Charm: A Field Guide

People here are friendly. Incredibly friendly. So friendly, in fact, that you'll start to wonder if they all know something you don't. A simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a 20-minute conversation with a stranger about their cousin's dog's rash. Just go with it. Smile, say "y'all," and accept that "bless your heart" can either be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you, or a polite way of calling you an idiot. It's an art form, embrace it.

The Verdict: You're Gonna Love It

Despite the traffic, the humidity, and the occasional confusing colloquialism, you're going to fall in love with Southern Wake County. You'll find a community that feels like a small town, with all the big-city amenities just a short (and possibly traffic-filled) drive away. You'll get used to the sound of cicadas and the taste of sweet tea. And one day, you'll find yourself saying "y'all" without even thinking about it. And that's when you'll know you've officially made it. Welcome home.