At Oak City Properties, we spend every day on the front lines of the Raleigh-Durham real estate market. We see the leases being signed, the neighborhoods filling up, and the patterns that signal long-term growth long before they show up in national headlines. Heading into 2026, one thing is clear: the Triangle is not experiencing a temporary surge, it is undergoing a sustained transformation that is reshaping where people live, work, and invest.
Raleigh is now the third fastest-growing large city in the United States, welcoming an average of 66 new residents every single day. More than $7 billion is currently being invested in new developments across the region. For investors and homebuyers alike, this kind of growth creates opportunity, but only if you know where to look. Buying in the wrong area can limit appreciation and rental performance, while buying in the right suburb at the right time can set you up for years of strong returns and stable demand.
As a property management company deeply embedded in the Triangle, our role is not just to manage homes, but to help owners make smarter decisions that protect and grow their investments.
Why Raleigh’s Growth Is Built to Last
The engine behind Raleigh-Durham’s growth is Research Triangle Park, and unlike speculative booms seen in other cities, this one is powered by long-term employment, high salaries, and global investment. RTP continues to attract life sciences, pharmaceutical, and advanced technology companies that bring permanent infrastructure and highly paid workers who plan to stay.
Recent commitments reinforce this stability. Biogen is investing $2 billion into a new advanced therapy facility in RTP. Novo Nordisk is pouring $4.1 billion into drug production in nearby Johnston County. Pure Storage is opening an East Coast hub at Hub RTP, and Ralliant Corporation is relocating its headquarters to Wake County, bringing 180 jobs with an average salary close to $190,000.
From a property management perspective, this matters immensely. High-income, stable employment translates into qualified tenants, lower turnover, and sustained rental demand. With Wake County surpassing 1.2 million residents in 2024, housing demand is no longer optional, it is unavoidable. The question for investors is not whether people will continue moving here, but where they will choose to live.
Wendell: New Construction That Performs
Wendell has quickly become one of the most attractive markets for investors who want modern homes, strong tenant demand, and pricing that still allows for healthy margins. In just four years, the town’s population has grown by more than 70 percent, yet it remains only 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh.
Developments like Wendell Falls are driving this growth by offering thoughtfully planned communities with built-in amenities, schools, and commercial space. From our experience managing properties in Wendell, newer homes require less maintenance, attract long-term tenants, and lease quickly. With median home prices around $375,000, Wendell continues to offer an entry point that Raleigh itself no longer provides.
Wake Forest: Job Growth Meets Lifestyle Appeal
Wake Forest stands out for investors seeking balance. It offers economic expansion without sacrificing character, which is exactly what many tenants are looking for. Major healthcare and business developments are creating hundreds of new jobs, while retail expansion is turning Wake Forest into a true destination rather than a bedroom community.
We consistently see strong rental demand in Wake Forest from professionals, healthcare workers, and families who want access to amenities without Raleigh pricing. The potential addition of a Costco is especially noteworthy, as proximity to this type of anchor retail historically boosts nearby property values and rental desirability.
Rolesville: The Smart Value Play
For owners focused on maximizing square footage and minimizing acquisition cost, Rolesville continues to perform quietly and consistently. While smaller than its neighbors, it benefits directly from Wake Forest’s growth and offers newer housing stock at lower prices.
From a management standpoint, Rolesville is ideal for families and remote workers who value space and stability. As transit improvements continue and inventory remains limited, we expect rental demand to strengthen even further over the next several years.
West Cary: Long-Term Stability for Premium Rentals
Cary remains one of the most reliable markets in the Triangle. While entry prices are higher, west Cary has opened up significantly thanks to Loop 540, improving access to RTP, Raleigh, Durham, and RDU. This area attracts high-income tenants who stay longer, care for properties, and prioritize school districts and quality of life.
For investors seeking lower volatility and strong appreciation rather than rapid growth, west Cary remains a cornerstone market.
Apex: A Transformation That Investors Can’t Ignore
Apex is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in the state. The $3 billion Veridea development is reshaping the area with residential communities, retail, office space, education, and healthcare infrastructure. The arrival of the Carolinas’ only freestanding children’s hospital will bring thousands of jobs and generate long-term housing demand.
We see Apex as a market where timing is critical. Buyers who enter now are positioning themselves ahead of job growth and population increases that will define the next decade.
Infrastructure Is the Final Catalyst
What ties all of these suburbs together is the Complete 540 project, a $2.3 billion highway expansion scheduled for completion in 2028. From a property management perspective, infrastructure changes everything. Shorter commute times expand tenant pools, reduce vacancy, and drive appreciation in areas that were previously overlooked.
Our Advice as Triangle Property Management Experts
At Oak City Properties, we advise investors to look beyond headlines and focus on fundamentals: job growth, infrastructure, affordability, and livability. Raleigh-Durham checks every box, but the strongest returns come from choosing the right suburb and having the right management partner in place.
The Triangle is entering a new phase of growth, and 2026 represents a strategic window to invest before prices fully reflect what is coming next. Whether you are purchasing your first rental property or expanding a growing portfolio, informed decisions today can define your success for years to come.
If you want guidance grounded in real market data and day-to-day management experience, Oak City Properties is here to help you navigate Raleigh-Durham’s future with confidence.
Oak City Properties is Here to Help
At Oak City Properties, we’re here to support your real estate journey, whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just starting. We provide custom solutions and competitive quotes that tailor our services to what you really need. Our full property management service will work with you each step of the way when renting and maintaining your property. We believe hiring a property management company should be a transparent process built on trust and doing our absolute best to take care of your investment.
Want to learn more about our commitment to effective real estate investing and property management? Contact us today via the form below or call (919) 232-9222.
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