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Wake Forest, NC

Frequently asked questions

Wake Forest, NC

Wake Forest is a town in Franklin and Wake counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina; located almost entirely in Wake County, it lies just north of the state capital, Raleigh. At the 2020 census, the population was 47,601, up from 30,117 in 2010. It is part of the Raleigh metropolitan area. Wake Forest was the original home of Wake Forest University for 122 years before it moved to Winston-Salem in 1956.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.2 square miles (39.4 km²), of which 15.1 square miles (39.1 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) (0.80%) is water.

Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest approximately three hours by car west of Atlantic Beach, and four hours east of the Great Smoky Mountains.

In 1832, Dr. Calvin Jones, originally from New England, bought 615 acres (2.49 km²) of forested land in Wake County, North Carolina. He built his plantation here. The sparsely populated area became known as the Forest of Wake or Wake Forest. Jones sold his farm to the North Carolina Baptist Convention for $2,000, who opened the Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute, later Wake Forest College, on the site. The Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, completed in 1840, established a depot in nearby Forestville that stimulated the school and surrounding village. College leaders convinced the railroad to move the depot even closer to the college in 1874, leading to more economic development. This community was incorporated as the "Town of Wake Forest College" in 1880. In 1909, the word "College" was removed from the name of the town. The college moved to the much larger city of Winston-Salem in 1956. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary began offering classes on the original campus of Wake Forest University in 1950 and occupied the entire campus when the university completed its move.

In 2007, the town was listed by Forbes magazine as the 20th fastest-growing suburb in America, with a 73.2 percent increase in population between 2000 and 2006.

The health and wellness of Wake Forest residents are a priority, evident in the services provided by the WakeMed Health & Hospitals facility. This healthcare institution offers comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgeries, and specialized medical treatments. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Wake Forest 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 GYM:30, Nourish Studio, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Wake Forest, such as the Shoreline Trail and New Light Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Wake Forest, NC are E. Carroll Joyner Park, Wake Forest Historical Museum, Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Population: 56,764 (2024). ZIP codes: 27587–27588. Area codes: 919, 984. Elevation: 295 ft (90 m). Area: 19.67 sq mi (50.95 km²).

FAQs

What is Wake Forest, NC is known for?

An average yearly temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit is one reason why the area is known as "the Great Outdoors." The success of The Greater Wake Forest Region lies in its cultural and ethnic diversity. The region's international flavor and rich heritage come to life in its cultural and historical attractions.

What is the ethnicity of Wake Forest, NC?

Wake Forest, NC is home to a population of 48k people, of which 97.6% are citizens. As of 2022, 7.08% of Wake Forest, NC residents were born outside of the country (3.4k people). In 2022, there were 3.77 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (32.4k people) in Wake Forest, NC than any other race or ethnicity. There were 8.6k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 2k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Wake Forest, NC a good place to live?

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

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Wake Forest

WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Wake Forest Parks and Recreation Department 

GYM:30

Nourish Studio 

Anytime Fitness

Shoreline Trail 

New Light Trail

E. Carroll Joyner Park

Wake Forest Historical Museum

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Data USA

Niche

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