Wendell

A short 21-miles to the east of Raleigh is the town of Wendell. One of the first things to learn about this satellite community is how to pronounce the name. And yes, the town was named for American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes. Wendell is pronounced 'WIN-DELL', not windle, as in the male name.

The next thing to know about Wendell is growth. Lots of growth! Between years 2000 and 2010, Wendell grew by 36% and there is more to come. Ambitious and exciting new communities are on the drawing board, with almost 2,400 total home sites planned. The forecast is that Wendell will expand with excellent amenities to serve the almost +28% growth expected by 2013.

The Town refers to its community as a Quiet Southern charm, just 15 minutes from Raleigh, NC. This confident and charming phrase of todays Wendell is founded on an equally charming beginning, as told on the Town of Wendell website:

"The Town of Wendell started in the 1850s when tobacco farmers in Granville County were hit with what came to be known as the Granville County Wilt. The tobacco crop failed and farmers from Granville County moved into eastern Wake County looking for fertile land to plant their crops.

"Ambrose Rhodes donated land for a school to be built. The school would be called the Rhodes School. It was located at the same site as Wendell's present magnet school on Wendell Boulevard. The school continued to grow and in 1891, the name of the school was changed to Wendell Academy.

"As this area grew, a small village was forming. The people in this area needed a name for their little town. They asked their schoolteacher, M.A. Griffin, to come up with a name for this area. Mr. Griffin loved the poet Oliver Wendell Holmes. He suggested that they call their town Wendell after the poet. However, the pronunciation of the town is different from the way one normally pronounces Oliver Wendell Holmes. After the train came to town, the porters on the train would call out 'WENDELL'.

"Wendell is starting to experience increased growth and expansion due to the town’s close proximity to the City of Raleigh and Research Triangle Park via Highway US-64. The municipal property tax in Wendell is competitive with other Wake County communities at 49 cents / $100. There are a wide range of housing opportunities within Town, making Wendell the ideal location for families relocating to the region especially those seeking a more laid-back pace of life than found in and around downtown Raleigh."

"There are a wide range of housing opportunities within Town, making Wendell the ideal location for families relocating to the region especially those seeking a more laid-back pace of life than found in and around downtown Raleigh.

"Within Wendell one can find a wide range of amenities, services, activities, and programs. Whether you enjoy taking an evening stroll, participating in youth and adult recreational leagues, or picking up fresh produce at the local farmer’s market, it is available within Wendell. The community is very active, and the citizens within town work diligently to provide services and programs that appeal to all walks of life."

So here you are. You have made your choice to move to North Carolina, specifically to the Greater Research Triangle area. Good choice! Many people have decided that living here will provide the very best lifestyle available, including buying a home in Wendell, landing the best employment and even finding the best schools and/or or higher education. Thousands of people have made the decision to relocate to the Research Triangle, just like you. A newcomer will find why the Greater Research Triangle has ranked as one of the best regions in North Carolina to live or work, to buy the best real estate, to start a business, to raise a family, or even to retire.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WENDELL

Exploring life in Wendell is a good decision, and here are fun things to know:

*Downtown - Wendell is a picturesque and historical business district, centrally located within the Town's corporate limits. In 1998, this area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique heritage and historic qualities. Downtown Wendell is home to a wide variety of businesses ranging from restaurants and retail to light manufacturing and service-based businesses. The citizens of Wendell truly value the quality of life that Downtown Wendell brings to their community, and have taken great strides over the years to protect the integrity of this hidden gem.

*Wendell Farmer's Market - operates within the central business district on Saturday mornings from 9 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers Market showcases local produce, arts, and crafts.

*Fourth of July - The Wendell Historical Society hosts an annual Independence Day celebration filled with red, white and blue fun. The event and activities are held downtown on Main Street and at J. Ashley Wall Town Square. The event is free to the public and is a great day filled with family fun.

*Christmas Candlelight Tour - you guessed it - in December! *Harvest Festival - is held each October.

*International Food Festival - is an annual event held in Wendell in September .

*Parks and Recreation - Wendell maintains a very active and comprehensive parks and recreation program. The Wendell Parks and Recreation Department strives to provide activities for citizens of all ages and walks of life. Within Wendell there are several facilities that provide passive and active recreational activities including: Wendell Park, the Wendell Community Center, the Hugh T. Moody Nature Trail, the J Ashley Wall Town Square, and the Carver Elementary School Fields.

*Historic Wendell - contains four buildings and one district that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are the Dr. Thomas H. Avera House, Harmony Plantation, Riley Hill School, Sunnyside, and the Wendell Commercial Historic District.

*Southeastern Free Will Baptist College - Wendell is home to one institution of higher learning. It was begun in Virginia Beach, Virginia at Gateway FWB Church and was moved to Wendell, NC approximately 30-years ago in order for the college to maintain a more central location. Southeastern offers bachelor degrees in Christian Education, Music Education, Sacred Music, Religious

Arts, Missions, and Bible. A three-year certificate in Biblical Studies and a two year associates in business are also available.

WENDELL'S GOOD LIFE

It has become almost routine for Wendell to be praised as a wonderful place to live. Residents' testimonials, articles and various organizations bestow glowing reviews and accolades about living here. With these superlatives publicized for so long, the Research Triangle area's fame as a great place to live has been a magnet attracting people, like you, to explore and relocate.

This sense of the Wendell good life is expressed on the website of the Town of Wendell:

"Opportunities abound in the Town of Wendell, one of the best-kept secrets in the Carolinas. Bordering the bustling US 64 corridor just a few minutes from downtown Raleigh, the town shares the Triangle region's vision of sustainable economic development and the region's wide range of advantages for prospective businesses and homeowners, yet continues to radiate small town charm. Wendell is profiting from its regional partnerships while preserving its unique community character.

"Businesses seeking to relocate in or adjacent to Wendell will find a wide variety of available economic incentives, as well as an accessible and expanding water and sewer infrastructure and a convenient transportation network. There is an abundance of affordable land available for new development as well as redevelopment. For homebuyers, the town offers an attractive diversity of housing choices available to young professionals, growing families, and retirees.

"Wendell actively promotes managed growth and has adopted several recent planning initiatives to preserve community appeal and provide ample opportunities for responsible industrial, commercial, and residential development. The town offers many community amenities, including carefully maintained parks and recreational facilities.

"Wendell is a great place to take a stroll. Visitors to Wendell have the opportunity to explore an accessible, traditional downtown that is unique in the region. The Wendell central business district is the location of the Cotton Exchange, a nationally renowned sportswear manufacturer, and offers a multitude of redevelopment options for prospective retailers, restaurateurs, and mixed-use development. Discover Wendell!"

WENDELL'S NEIGHBORS

Wendell is one of 32 sister communities in the Greater Research Triangle region:

Angier

Apex

Benson

Butner

Carrboro

Cary

Chapel Hill

Clayton

Creedmoor

Durham

Franklinton

Fuquay-Varina

Garner

Henderson

Hillsborough

Holly Springs

Knightdale

Louisburg

Mebane

Morrisville

Oxford

Pittsboro

Raleigh

Rolesville

Roxboro

Selma

Siler City

Smithfield

Wake Forest

Wendell

Youngsville

Zebulon

WHY MOVE TO WENDELL?

Wendell and her neighboring communities share several common benefits. The first great reason to live in the Greater Research Triangle is a wonderful climate. Spring and summer are filled with a bouquet of blossoms that flood the visual and olfactory senses. Parks and beautiful homes treat citizens and visitors alike with colors as if from the palette of a great landscape painter. The fall blazes with glorious colors so awesome that it almost takes your breath away. The winters are mild, and every now and then, the students get a day off for a light snow. It rarely gets below freezing. How could anyone not like the weather and climate in Wendell, North Carolina?

The second reason to live in Wendell is that it is a great place to buy a home. Wendell real estate is affordable. Newcomers can choose between well- established homes for sale or new homes in outstanding new home communities. You can choose a lot and build a custom home. Simply select a homebuilder from the many in Greater Research Triangle. A qualified REALTOR®, real estate agent, mortgage broker or loan officer can assist in the home purchase process and can guide you through the process of finding and buying real estate in Wendell.

Schools are another reason Greater Research Triangle is a wonderful place to live. Oh yeah - families especially love the schools in Wendell. In fact, some of the best schools in Greater Research Triangle are found in Wendell. The Wake County Public School System, nationally recognized for several outstanding programs, services Wendell. Wendell schools are considered safe places for students.

EDUCATION IN WENDELL

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

To better help you select the best schools in Wendell, North Carolina, read what the Wake County Public School System says on its website:

"WCPSS is North Carolina's largest school district. In recent years, Wake County's school population has grown by thousands of new students each year. As a result, WCPSS is constantly opening new schools and it has had a direct impact on where many children attend school. In the past, student assignment was a yearly decision aimed at filling new schools, reducing crowding at existing schools, minimizing bus rides and promoting diversity goals. This year for the first time, the Board of Education approved a three-year assignment plan for 2009-2012. By using better technology to predict growth and information from our school construction program, this new plan will provide families with more advanced notice of school assignments for their students.

"WCPSS offers a wide variety of magnet school programs offering innovative approaches to learning (Creative Arts and Sciences, Gifted and Talented, Active Learning & Technology, International Baccalaureate, Leadership, Montessori, Museums, and Year-Round programs, for example). Entry into these programs is by lottery. You should familiarize yourself with the available programs to determine if there's one particularly suited to your child."

-Wake County Public School System

LIST OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH A WENDELL ADDRESS

Elementary Schools in Wendell:

Carver Elementary School Lake Myra Elementary School

Wendell Elementary School

Middle Schools in Wendell:

Archer Lodge Middle School

Wendell Middle School

High Schools in Wendell:

Corinth-Holder High School

East Wake High School

CHARTER SCHOOLS IN NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina charter schools are independent public schools that exist to offer Wendell students, parents and educators choices in teaching, learning methods and environments. An emphasis is placed on innovation and accountability with improved student achievement the common goal.

There are now nearly 5,000 public charter schools in 39 states and the District of Columbia, educating more than 1.6 million public charter school students. North Carolina public charter schools are intended to improve North Carolina's traditional public school system.

Any Wendell charter school, while independently operated, must meet four requirements, like any other North Carolina public school:
*Tuition-free and open to every student who wishes to enroll; *Non-sectarian, and do not discriminate on any basis;

*Publicly funded by local, state and federal tax dollars like other public schools; *Held accountable to state and federal academic standards.

List of Charter Schools in Wendell:

There are no charter schools with a Wendell address.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH A WENDELL ADDRESS

Private schools, also known as independent schools or non-state schools, are not administered by Wendell, North Carolina, or the Federal government; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students tuition, rather than relying on public funding. Wendell students can get a scholarship into a private school, which makes the cost cheaper, depending on a talent the student may have, such as a sport scholarship, art scholarship, academic scholarship.

List of Private Schools in Wendell:

Trinity Primary Christian Academy, grades K-5

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES IN AND NEAR WENDELL

Higher education in the Greater Research Triangle region is another great reason to live in Wendell, North Carolina. The local colleges and universities contribute more than just classrooms, by also bringing the best in sports and cultural offerings to the Research Triangle communities at large. If your life calls for upper level learning, choose from the following list of universities, colleges and community colleges:

Duke University

Wendell Technical Community College

Johnston Community College

Wendell College

Meredith College

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina State University

Southeastern Baptist Theological

Seminary St. Augustine’s College

Shaw University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Vance-Granville Community College

Wake Technical Community College

William Peace College

So, whether you are researching the Greater Research Triangle region and getting a feel for living here, or if you are learning about your education options, or if you have definitely decided to purchase a home in Wendell, even if only from across town- congratulations, and...

Welcome HERE to Wendell, North Carolina