Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and the seat of Wake County. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees. It is the second most populous city in North Carolina after Charlotte. The estimated population on July 1, 2008 was 380,173.
Since 2006, Raleigh's municipal population has surpassed those of Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis, and it is the 15th fastest growing city in the United States. Its population has grown by more than 100,000 since 2000, an increase of nearly 40%.
Morrisville is a town in Wake County. A small portion of the town extends into Durham County. The population was 5,208 at the 2000 census. In 2006 the population had risen to 13,501, a 260% increase. Morrisville is part of the Research Triangle metropolitan region. The regional name originated after the 1959 creation of the Research Triangle Park, located midway between the cities of Raleigh and Durham.
Cary is a thriving community in the heart of the Triangle area of North Carolina, between Raleigh and renowned Research Triangle Park. The Triangle area repeatedly has ranked among the top regions in the country to live or work, to find a home or start a business, to raise a family or retire.
Apex is a town in Wake County, a western suburb of Raleigh. The population was 20,212 at the 2000 census and estimated to be 31,453 in 2007. The town motto is "The Peak of Good Living." It is convenient to Highways 55 & 64.
Holly Springs is a town in Wake County, just west of Raleigh and south of Apex. As of 2006, the town population was estimated at 17,425. Because of the easy access to Hwy 55 and Route 1, Holly Springs is gaining the title of "The fastest growing town in North Carolina".
Fuquay-Varina is the southern most town in Wake County. The population was 7,898 at the 2000 census. In 2006, the population was estimated to be 13,669. The town is a 30 minute drive south of Raleigh. Economically, the town initially grew due to tobacco trade and agriculture, but has seen recent population growth and real estate development due to its location between Research Triangle Park and Fayetteville.
Willow Spring (or Willow Springs) is an unincorporated community in southeastern Wake County. As of 2007, the population was 11,576. The Frank and Mary Smith House and Turner and Amelia Smith House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are located in Willow Spring. There is no town center and part of Willow Spring is located in Johnston County.
Garner is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, United States and a suburb of Raleigh. The population was 17,757 at the 2000 census and was 25,184 in 2008.
Knightdale is a town in Wake County. The population was 5,958 at the 2000 census, and estimated at 9,843 in January 2008. With the population boom experienced in the North Carolina Research Triangle area in the past two decades, Knightdale is a suburb of Raleigh, bordering that city at the Neuse River.
Wendell is an eastern town in Wake County. It is a satellite town of Raleigh just east of Knightdale. The new Highway 64 bypass and connection to the outer beltline I540 makes Wendell convenient all around Raleigh. The population was 4,247 at the 2000 census.
Zebulon is the eastern-most town in Wake County. In 2006, the population was estimated to be 4,329. Five County Stadium, home to the Carolina Mudcats minor league baseball team, is located in Zebulon.
Wake Forest is a town in Wake and Franklin counties, located just north of Raleigh. It is the home of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The population was 12,588 at the 2000 census. In 2007, the estimated population was 22,324. 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. Wake Forest was the original home of Wake Forest University for 112 years before it moved to Winston-Salem in 1956.
Johnston County is a county located east of Raleigh. The western side of Johnston County is referred to as the "bedroom community" to Raleigh. Clayton and the Cleveland area have the fastest growing populations. In July 2007, the estimated population was 157,437 (a 29.2% increase since 2000) making it the 89th fastest growing U.S. county with a population of 10,000 or more. Its county seat is Smithfield. The Cleveland area, also known to locals as the 4042 area, is an unincorporated part of western Johnston County. There are five zip codes covering the Cleveland Township, or Cleveland area, which include 27529, 27520, 27592, 27577, and 27502.
Franklin County is a county located north of Raleigh. As of 2000, the population was 47,260. Its county seat is Louisburg
Granville County is a county located Northeast of Raleigh above Wake Forest. As of 2000, the population was 48,498. Its county seat is Oxford.