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Fuquay-Varina, NC

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Fuquay-Varina, NC

Fuquay-Varina is a town in southern Wake County, North Carolina, United States, lying south of Holly Springs and southwest of Garner, north of the Harnett County town of Angier, and west of the unincorporated community of Willow Springs. The population was 17,937 at the 2010 census and was estimated at 36,736 as of July 2021. The hyphenated name attests to the town's history as two separate towns. Fuquay Springs and Varina merged in 1963 to create the modern town. Economically, the town initially grew due to tobacco trade and agriculture, but has seen recent population growth and real estate development due to its proximity to Research Triangle Park.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 12.2 square miles (31.5 km²), of which 12.1 square miles (31.3 km²) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.2 km²), or 0.51%, is water.

Fuquay-Varina is located in the northeast central region of North Carolina, where the North American Piedmont and Atlantic Coastal Plain regions meet. This area is known as the "Fall Line" because it marks the elevation inland at which waterfalls begin to appear in creeks and rivers. Its central Piedmont location situates Fuquay-Varina approximately three hours west of Atlantic Beach by car and four hours east of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Frenchman William Fuquay first settled in the small farming town of Sippihaw, named for the original Native American tribe that inhabited the area. Although there is no history of a tribe called Sippihaw, there are historical accounts in the area of a tribe called Susippihaw. Around 1858, while plowing the fields of the family tobacco farm, Stephen Fuquay, son of William, discovered a spring. Originally the spring was used solely for drinking water. Stephen soon concluded that the mineral water flowing from the springs had healing properties. As word spread, locals began to help the springs establish this reputation, which brought residents from neighboring communities and counties to its waters. The springs were eventually walled in to better serve the tourists coming to the area by road or rail. In 1860, Fuquay sold the springs to a group of local investors who formed the Chalybeate Springs Company to market the attraction and its waters.

At that time another Sippihaw resident, J. D. "Squire" Ballentine, was returning home from the Civil War. Ballentine had been the town's schoolmaster before going off to fight for the Confederate Army. During his tour of duty, he had received letters from one of many southern ladies who wrote to the troops to improve their morale. Originally signing her name "Varina", perhaps an homage to the wife of Jefferson Davis, Virginia Avery would later meet and fall in love with Ballentine. He continued to call her Varina throughout their life together. When he became the first postmaster at the new post office in town in 1880, he named it "Varina" in her honor. A community grew just south of the springs, near the post office and the couple's Varina Mercantile Company general store. In time, it adopted the same name. Ballentine's business success allowed him to construct the Ballentine Spence House in 1910, the first house to have plumbing and electricity in the area. This house, a local historic landmark, still stands today.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Fuquay-Varina. The town prioritizes the well-being of its residents, with multiple healthcare facilities serving the community. The WakeMed Health & Hospitals facility in nearby Raleigh provides comprehensive medical services, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Fuquay-Varina Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, ClubWorx Gym, and Original Strength Institute. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Fuquay-Varina, such as the East Loop Horse Trail and Raven Rock. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Fuquay-Varina, NC are Fuquay Mineral Spring Park, The Museums of Fuquay-Varina, and Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park.

Population: 43,817 (2023). ZIP code: 27526. Area codes: 919, 984. Elevation: 390 ft (120 m). Area: 18.73 sq mi (48.51 km²).

FAQs

Is Fuquay-Varina, NC a good place to live?

Fuquay-Varina is in Wake County and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Living in Fuquay-Varina offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Fuquay-Varina, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Fuquay-Varina and residents tend to have moderate political views.

What is Fuquay-Varina, NC known for?

Fuquay-Varina is one of North Carolina's fastest-growing communities that is well-positioned for investment, growth, and development. Strategically located near world-famous Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, Fuquay-Varina is a prime location for businesses that are looking to locate or expand, offering companies access to a skilled, qualified, and diverse talented workforce; affordable, flexible, and attractive real estate options; strategic access via a multi-modal transportation network; and excellent education options. With its strategic location, strong workforce base, and lower cost of business relative to the other communities in Wake County and the Triangle Region, Fuquay-Varina offers a wide range of flexible commercial real estate options, solid infrastructure, and business advantages for companies and investors to thrive.

How did Fuquay-Varina, NC got its name?

Founded and settled separately, Fuquay Springs (originally known as “Piney Woods”) gained fame in the mid-19th century with the discovery of the Fuquay Mineral Springs. The springs were named for the family of the Revolutionary War Veteran, Frenchman William Fuquay, who owned the land where the springs were discovered. The area south of the springs came to be known as “Varina” after the nickname the town’s postmaster, prominent business owner J.D. Ballentine, had for his wife. 

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Fuquay-Varina

WakeMed Health & Hospitals 

Fuquay-Varina Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

ClubWorx Gym 

Original Strength Institute

East Loop Horse Trail 

Raven Rock

Fuquay Mineral Spring Park

The Museums of Fuquay-Varina

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

Niche

American Home Smith

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