Date Archives: July 2020

As we head into the first weekend of August, we want to, once again, remind everyone that the safety and well-being of our agents and clients remains our top priority. We are constantly working to ensure that all possible safety measures and precautions are being taken as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to maintaining reliable service to our clients while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19.

In order to protect both our clients and agents, we are asking everyone to take precautionary measures:

Our HPW agents will be hosting open houses this weekend while using all of the safety measures and precautions mentioned above. If you prefer to browse homes from the comfort of your couch, then be sure to check out the virtual tours we have so you can still see some of the amazing listings our agents have on the market right now.

Featured Open Houses

1113 Greenlea Drive, Apex, NC 27523

$620,000

Sq Ft: 3,314 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, August 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

103 Park Bluff Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

$799,900

Sq Ft: 4,536 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, August 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

618 Glenmere Drive, Knightdale, NC 27545

$435,000

Sq Ft: 2,662 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, August 1 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, August 2 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

9112 Sanctuary Court, Raleigh, NC 27617

$589,900

Sq Ft: 3,475 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, August 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and

Sunday, August 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

190 Chardonney Drive, Clayton, NC 27520

$385,000

Sq Ft: 7,200 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, August 1 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, August 2 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

1813 Oatlands Court, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$1,150,000

Sq Ft: 7,200 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 6 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, August 1 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, August 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

10657 Cardington Lane, Raleigh, NC 27614

$540,000

Sq Ft: 7,200 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, August 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

If you're shopping for a home in the best cities for growing your tech career or launching your own startup, then there are only a few American cities that make the cut... and most of them have a cost of living that will stretch even a robust personal budget to the max. Only one city can claim to be a true tech hub, while still offering a cost of living close to the national average. Raleigh, NC has one of the best tech scenes in the eastern half of the country, and an affordable cost of living to match. Our real estate agents know Raleigh, so let's take a closer look at why the city is the perfect place to launch or grow your tech career.

Raleigh, NC: A Hub for Tech Centered Careers

• One of the Nation's Largest Tech Hubs
  When you shop for Raleigh homes for sale, you're buying into one of the top tech hubs in the entire country. Raleigh is consistently ranked in the top 3 of nationwide tech cities and regularly ranks as the top tech city in the eastern United States. Raleigh's population makes it the second-largest city by population size in North Carolina, and the 41st largest city nationwide. The population size means that you get all of the benefits of a major metro area, without the extreme population density of many other tech hubs.

• An Affordable Cost of Living
  In tech hubs like Austin and San Francisco, the availability of high-paying tech careers is often offset by a cost of living that is well above the national average. This impacts both the cost of homes in those cities and all of the day-to-day expenses of living in the city. The cost of living in Raleigh consistently checks in at or below the national average, with the cost of transportation, healthcare, and utilities far more affordable than the average city.

• A Vibrant Community of Research Universities
  So, how has the second-largest city in North Carolina become a tech powerhouse that can compete with the biggest hubs in the country? It starts with an excellent collection of high-quality research universities, which groom their students to become the next generation of tech innovators. While there are three major schools that make up the Research Triangle, North Carolina State University is the closest to Raleigh. Tech companies have been attracted to the area in part because there is a qualified workforce ready to take the next steps in their careers.

• World-Class Attractions, Dining, and Entertainment
  After a busy weekend of work, the last thing you want is to spend your weekend in a city that lacks entertainment options. Fortunately, that will never be a problem when you live in Raleigh. The city is loaded with museums, historic entertainment venues, great shopping, outdoor attractions, and a dining scene that's a foodie's dream.

When you're ready to find your place in the vibrant, ever-growing tech scene of Raleigh, you can count on our team. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Raleigh, NC area.

As we head into the final weekend of July, we want to remind everyone that the safety and well-being of our agents and clients remain our top priority. We are constantly working to ensure that all possible safety measures and precautions are being taken as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to maintaining reliable service to our clients while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19.

In order to protect both our clients and agents, we are asking everyone to take precautionary measures:

Our HPW agents will be hosting open houses this weekend while using all of the safety measures and precautions mentioned above. If you prefer to browse homes from the comfort of your couch, then be sure to check out the virtual tours we have so you can still some of the amazing listings our agents have on the market right now.

Featured Open Houses

475 Cliffdale Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

$615,000

Sq Ft: 3,195 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

18 Litchford Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

$800,000

Sq Ft: 4,833 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, July 25 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

5147 Corner Rock Drive, Rolesville, NC 27571

$399,900

Sq Ft: 3,138 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, July 25 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

1301 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,295,000

Sq Ft: 4,950 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 25 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and

Sunday, July 26 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

116 Patrons Court, Middlesex, NC 27557

$260,000

Sq Ft: 1,836 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 25 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and

Sunday, July 26 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

117 Keythorpe Lane, Cary, NC 27519

$540,000

Sq Ft: 3,131 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, July 26 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

110 Loch Haven Lane, Cary, NC 27518

$525,000

Sq Ft: 3,131 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, July 26 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Taking care of regular maintenance is an important part of being a homeowner. This ensures that your home stays in good repair and that smaller issues don't turn into larger, more expensive ones. While some projects can be delayed, others require immediate attention.

Our real estate agents point out the following home maintenance issues you shouldn't wait to fix:

1. Leaky Plumbing
   You might have a plumbing leak if you've noticed things like unusually high water bills, low water pressure, or stains on your walls or ceilings. Even a small leak with get worse over time, and you could be faced with much more expensive and extensive repairs for warped floors, swollen drywall, and mold growth.
   
   
2. Roofing Problems
   Your roof helps keep your home and belongings safe from rain and other elements, so it needs to be well maintained. Look for signs of a problem such as missing shingles, loose flashing, or leaks on the inside of your home and have them fixed as quickly as possible.
   
   
3. Loose Caulk
   Over time, caulk can start to become loose and peel away from around bathtubs, sinks, backsplashes, windows, and doors. If it's allowed to continue, peeling caulk not only mars the appearance of your home but also allows water to make its way inside your home where it can cause rotting or mold.
   
   
4. Pests
   A variety of pests - including termites, carpenter ants, or roaches - can work their way into your home. Pest control treatments are essential to get rid of the creatures before they can wreak havoc on your home.
   
   
5. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
   Gutters and downspouts help funnel water away from your roof and home. When they become clogged with leaves and other debris, your yard, as well as the exterior of your home and even its foundation, can suffer damage.
   
   
6. A Rotting Deck
   If you have a deck that's made of wood, it may develop rotten boards over the years. This is especially true if your deck doesn't receive much sunlight. Once you notice signs of rot, have the boards repaired or replaced quickly since the situation can be dangerous for anyone who uses your deck.
   
   
7. Electrical Problems
   Electrical issues can be very serious and jeopardize the safety of your family as well as your home. Look for signs of problems such as fraying wires, circuit breakers that trip repeatedly, flickering lights, or buzzing sockets. These problems should be taken care of quickly by a professional.
   
   
8. Dirty AC Filter
   A dirty AC filter makes your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. If it's not checked monthly, it could cause your air conditioning unit to work less efficiently than it normally would. This can result in higher power bills, a less comfortable home, and an air conditioner that needs repairs or stops working before it should.
   
   
9. Chimney Maintenance
   If your home has a chimney, it should be inspected and cleaned annually. This will help ensure it operates safely and that excess build up inside the chimney and bird or bug nests don't become a fire hazard.

Have more home improvement questions? Our team is here to help! 

Contact us today to learn about the best ways to improve your home before listing it among the other Raleigh homes for sale. 

Where do you want to live? What type of home do you like? Stepping up or moving down?

Whether you're a renter ready to take the homeownership plunge, a seasoned homeowner searching for new digs, or simply want to expand your investment property portfolio, our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston agents have the homes you seek.

From townhomes to beautiful ranches to executive estates, our agents will be hosting open houses this Saturday and Sunday all over Central North Carolina. So, while you're making your weekend to-do list today, be sure to add in your house hunt then check out the list of open houses our agents will be hosting so you can plan accordingly. Prefer to stay home and view homes online? We have numerous virtual tours for you to take a look at from the comfort of your couch.

Happy house hunting, everyone!

Featured Open Houses

912 Bonhurst Drive, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$334,900

Sq Ft: 2,377 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 18 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

7604 Kelmscot Way, Raleigh, NC 27615

$725,000

Sq Ft: 4,478 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

113 Mearleaf Place, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$513,000

Sq Ft: 3,215 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Saturday, July 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

1201 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,500,000

Sq Ft: 4,724 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, July 19 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

10733 Summerton Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

$450,000

Sq Ft: 3,245 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 18 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, July 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

410 Stephens Way, Youngsville, NC 27596

$307,000

Sq Ft: 1,863 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 18 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, July 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

30 Labradoodle Court, Garner, NC 27529

$259,900

Sq Ft: 2,104 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 18 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, July 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Who's ready for a vacation? Our real estate agents sure are! After the last few months, we agree that everyone could use a little time away from home to relax, recharge, and enjoy spending time with those they care about the most. If you'd like to get out of town without hopping on a plane or train, consider road tripping to one of those great getaway destinations close to Raleigh.

1. Winston-Salem, NC
   Distance from Raleigh by Car: Approximately 2hrs
   Head down to the Piedmont Triangle of North Carolina and enjoy a getaway tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winston-Salem has a host of historical sites, museums, wineries, and dining options that will keep you busy for hours. Some of the notable attractions include the Salem Glen Country Club, Yadkin Valley Wine Tours, the Crooked Tail Cat Café, and Kernersville Little Theatre. 
   
   
2. Wilmington, NC
   Distance from Raleigh by Car: Approximately 2.5hrs 
   Discover adventure and renewal in Wilmington. Their scenic Riverwalk, colorful island beaches, and charming historic district invite you to kick back and enjoy a long weekend away. Sip and watch the sunset over the Cape Fear River at Cloud 9. Munch on Southern comfort food at Fork n Cork. Relax in the shade at Airlie Gardens or splash around at Carolina Beach. Wilmington has everything your family needs to have a great time outdoors this summer.
   
   
3. Charlotte, NC
   Distance from Raleigh by Car: Approximately 3hrs
   Explore the CLT and live like a local on a mini getaway. Great attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, AvidXchange Music Factory, and 7th Street Public Market will keep you entertained from sunup to sundown. Even if you're just visiting for a quick weekend jaunt, you can experience everything the Queen City has to offer by checking out the NoDa arts district, catching a live show at the Evening Muse, touring the Duke Mansion, and sampling new beers at Legion Brewing. Better yet, get lost in one of Charlotte's 20+ neighborhoods and discover the many hidden gems few tourists know about.
   
   
4. Outer Banks, NC
   Distance from Raleigh by Car: Approximately 3.5hrs
   Leave your worries at home and spend a few days of seclusion and serenity in the Outer Banks. Go ghost crab hunting at night after you've spent the afternoon fishing off of Avalon Fishing Pier. Visit the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge or NC Aquarium to get an up-close-and-personal view of our state's wildlife. With a number of on- and off-water activities for the whole family, the OBX will become your favorite getaway destination on the East Coast.
   
   
5. Asheville, NC
   Distance from Raleigh by Car: Approximately 4hrs
   There are few towns in all of the South as charming and quaint as Asheville. Get reacquainted with nature as you hike through thousands of miles of trails within the Appalachian Mountains. Visit local farms, immerse yourself in mountain culture, or spend an evening munching on innovative food while listening to live music from local bands. Whether you want a quiet weekend tucked away in the woods or a lively vacation filled with craft beer and vibrant culture, Asheville has something for everyone!

Living in Raleigh lets you vacation throughout North Carolina without ever being far from home. Contact us today to browse our Raleigh homes for sale.

Have you decided to call the Triangle home? You've made a good choice. Now, let's find you a house.

With well-lauded local cities and towns, there are plenty of communities and neighborhoods to consider as you narrow down your list of wants and needs.

Urban Living

Raleigh and Durham offer burgeoning downtowns with developing cityscapes and urban convenience. 

Acclaimed restaurants and bars and cultural and sports venues are located only sidewalks apart offering goings-on before and after dark.

You'll find an array of newly debuted luxury townhomes, light-filled condos, and historical and new construction homes to consider as your own.

Suburban Setting

From Hillsborough and Mebane in the West to Zebulon and even Goldsboro in the East, you can pick from a number of Triangle area suburbs perfectly situated near main thoroughfares offering small-town living and demanded commuter convenience.

Main Street towns like Apex, Cary, Morrisville and Wake Forest make for ideal places to plant roots and grow your family just beyond the hustle and bustle of bigger city life.

 You can select from golf-course communities, mature neighborhoods, new master-planned developments, contemporary townhomes and much more.

Start Your House Hunt

All of our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents are ready to help you find the home you seek. In fact, you can meet a few in person this weekend at our area open houses.

Featured Open Houses

23 Shelburne Drive, Clayton, NC 27527

$419,900

Sq Ft: 3,549 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, July 11 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

5217 Ginger Trail, Raleigh, NC 27614

$1,125,000

Sq Ft: 5,754 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 3 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

1436 Fairfax Woods Drive, Apex, NC 27502

$539,900

Sq Ft: 3,877 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

600 Montelban Court, Rolesville, NC 27571

$380,000

Sq Ft: 3,269 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

3327 Cheswick Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

$675,000

Sq Ft: 3,100 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

5601 Old Pearce Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$635,000

Sq Ft: 3,525 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, July 11 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, July 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

223 Meadowmont Lane, Unit B - 6, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

$725,000

Sq Ft: 2,689 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, July 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

A pool is a fantastic addition to your outside space, but it does add a little extra work to your to-do list. Fortunately, by staying on top of your pool maintenance, you'll cut down on the time and money that you devote to your pool.

Follow these maintenance tips to make sure your pool is sparkling and ready for swimming all summer. 

1. Skim Your Pool Daily
   A common mistake that homeowners make is only skimming their pool when they're planning to go for a swim. For optimal results, you need to skim the top of your pool every single day. Not only will you cut down on your total skimming time by doing a little each day, but you'll keep your pool's systems from being overloaded with debris.

2. Regularly Scrub the Sides of Your Pool
   It might seem odd that a space perpetually filled with water needs to be cleaned, but a good scrubbing will keep the sides of your pool free from algae growth. Every other week, give your pool a once over and scrub away any algae growth. Have a stubborn area that you can't seem to get clean? Fill an old sock with chlorine and put it over the spot for a few hours. The chlorine will eat away at the algae. 

3. Keep Your Filter's Pipes Clean
   Your pool filter is one of your most valuable tools for maintaining clear water. It removes the impurities from your water so that you're left with a pleasant, clean swimming space. Most pool owners know that they have to change or clean their pool's filter. However, you also need to make sure that the filter's pipes are free from obstructions. Clear out your filter's pipes by removing your filter's basket and setting the filter to backwash. You'll want to let the filter run until it's producing clear water. 

4. Check That Your Pool's Chemical Levels are Consistent
   Test your pool's water at least once a week; it's much easier to correct minor chemical fluctuations. Before focusing on correcting the chlorine levels, turn your attention to the alkalinity and pH levels. When these two components are in balance, you'll be able to maintain your pool's clear water with less chlorine. 

5. Don't Be Afraid to Shock Your Pool
   After a gathering, it's common for the bacteria levels in your pool to rise. This can lead to cloudy, murky looking water. Shocking your pool rapidly raises your water's chlorine levels to return the water's chemicals to healthy levels. It's permissible to shock your pool once or twice a week. Shocking shouldn't be a substitute for maintaining consistently suitable chemical levels. You might choose to shock your pool to ensure the water is crystal clear when adding your home to the inventory of Raleigh homes for sale. 

6. Monitor the Water Levels
   The water levels in your pool will fluctuate, but it's important to keep them within a recommended range. Otherwise, your skimmer won't effectively remove debris from the water. You also risk throwing your chemical levels off. 

Our real estate agents recommend being especially vigilant with your maintenance when selling your home; this will ensure it's ready for showings on short notice. Want to check out homes with more spaces for outdoor living? Contact us today to get started!

It's going to be a fun weekend celebrating America's birthday and enjoying all of the fireworks on display. Do you know what else could make this weekend just as exciting? You could find the home you've been dreaming of and make an offer. All you have to do is start your house hunt.

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston agents will be hosting open houses this Saturday and Sunday in the communities, neighborhoods and school districts you desire. Consider visiting them to see the homes they've listed and speaking with them about their local market expertise.

Featured Open Houses

1504 Margrave Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$615,000

Sq Ft: 3,575 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, July 5 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

1228 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,150,000

Sq Ft: 4,670 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, July 5 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

475 Cliffdale Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

$615,000

Sq Ft: 3,195 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, July 5 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

1004 Indian Trail Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

$499,900

Sq Ft: 2,010 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, July 5 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

11001 Selma Road, Middlesex, NC 27557

$214,900

Sq Ft: 2,010 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full)

Open House: Sunday, July 5 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

3327 Cheswick Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

$675,000

Sq Ft: 3,100 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, July 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

When our real estate agents get some precious downtime, they can't resist the stunning scenery and relaxing atmosphere of North Carolina's beaches. Since July 1-7 has been designated as Clean Beaches Week, celebrate with a trip to one of these delightful beaches within easy access of Raleigh homes for sale. 

1. Wrightsville Beach - 23 E. Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
   Wrightsville Beach is the closest location to Raleigh, clocking in at a relatively quick two-hour drive. Once you arrive, the crystal blue waters and vast expanses of sand on this four-mile island will make you feel worlds away from everyday life. National Geographic named Wrightsville Beach one of the world's top surfing spots, and stand-up paddleboards are a frequent sight on the water. 
   
   
2. Carolina Beach State Park - 1010 State Park Rd., Carolina Beach, NC 28428
   Spectacular views of Cape Fear River help make Carolina Beach State Park,  about two-and-a-half hours from Raleigh, one of the more popular sites in North Carolina. The park's limesink ponds are home to some unique plant life, including carnivorous forms such as the famous Venus flytrap. More than eight miles of easy hiking trails follow the river and loop through wetlands and forests. The boat ramp and marina are open, along with the wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily through September.
   
   
3. Kure Beach - 117 Settlers Lane, Kure Beach, NC 28449
   At a distance of less than three miles away, Kure Beach is something of a "sister" site to Carolina Beach. But the two beaches offer different experiences, making it worth a visit to compare. Family-friendly Kure Beach is smaller, in a tranquil setting marked by stretches of white sand, which many people feel creates a more laid-back vibe. The beach's main attraction is the 711-foot fishing pier, oldest on the Atlantic Coast. If fishing isn't your thing, just enjoy a leisurely stroll with miles of coastline on display. Kure Beach Pier is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
   
   
4. Atlantic Beach - 177 New Bern St., Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
   When you set eyes on Atlantic Beach after the two-and-a-half hour drive from Raleigh, you'll understand why it's part of the "Crystal Coast." Dubbed the "Family Playground of the South," Atlantic Beach is situated on a barrier island between Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Rent a jet ski, paddleboard or kayak to explore the waters or hike the AB Loop trails that range from one to three miles. Cast a line from the Oceanana, the only fishing pier on the beach, extending 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. 
   
   
5. Topsail Beach - 820 S. Anderson Blvd., Topsail Beach, NC 28445 
   Legend has it that Topsail Beach was named for the pirate ships that hid behind the island, and to this day the community works to maintain an unspoiled, natural ambiance. High-rise developments are forbidden and the environment is a main priority, with initiatives such as the Topsail Turtle Project. Activities such as a recent craft market give Topsail Beach a pleasant small-town charm. If you head that way, plan on a two-and-a-half hour drive from Raleigh.

With its balance between urban amenities and outdoor activities, Raleigh accommodates nearly every lifestyle. Contact us at Howard Perry and Walston for experienced help with your real estate needs.