Wake Forest is a growing bedroom community in northeastern Wake County, around 10 miles north of Raleigh. With more than 22,000 residents in its 13 square miles, the town has seen its population grow fourfold in less than two decades as the Raleigh suburbs have moved north up U.S. 1. The town's largest employer is the stone-walled Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. A nearby historic district showcases elegant Victorian homes.

What are the local attractions?

The Wake Forest College Birthplace was opened in 1979 after years of work by local groups, including the Wake Forest Garden Club, to restore the Calvin Jones House. The Factory is an entertainment and sports complex on South Main Street for adults and children. The town has its own Wake County branch library

What's the history?

Incorporated in 1880 as "The Town of Wake Forest College," the town was originally home to Wake Forest College, before the school moved to Winston-Salem in 1956. After the college left, the seminary took over the campus. Here's more on the town's history.

Who runs the town?

Wake Forest is governed by a mayor and town board of commissioners of five members. The day-to-day operations of the town are run by the town manager, who has his own blog. Unique to most Wake County towns, Wake Forest owns its own power company. Wake Forest contracts with Raleigh for its water service and has its own solid waste disposal division. Newcomers can find a list of town services here.

Who lives here?

The median age in Wake Forest was 31.5 as of the 2000 census. The racial breakdown is 79.6 percent white, 15.8 percent black, and 2.0 percent Asian. Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 2.1 percent of the population. Bachelors degrees or higher are held by 43 percent of the population over 25.

 

What about public safety?

Police services are provided by the Wake Forest Police Department. Here are the crime statistics for 2006 (source: SBI):

Murder: 0

Rape: 3

Robbery: 7

Aggravated Assault: 30

Burglary: 171

Larcenies: 504

Motor Vehicle Theft: 14