Wake County Property Tax Bills Released Amid Steady Growth

TL/DR –

Property values in Wake County, North Carolina, have increased for 53% of residents according to a report released in January. Despite the county lowering the tax rate, increased property valuations mean that many homeowners will have to pay more in property taxes for 2024. The areas experiencing the largest increase are in fast-growing parts of Wake County, such as Wendell and Knightdale.

Wake County Property Tax Increase Amid Real Estate Boom

Residents of Wake County might have noticed a rise in property values, with 53% experiencing an increase this January. Despite a reduced tax rate, the increased property valuation means higher property taxes for 2024 for many homeowners.

Check the change in your property tax bill here. Areas with the most significant increases are in rapidly developing parts of Wake County, such as Wendell and Knightdale.

Olaf Piesche, a Wendell business owner, confirmed the rapid growth. “Towns like Wendell are growing at a crazy rate. That has to come with the appropriate infrastructure and that has to be paid for one way or another,” he said. As a part-owner of Whistlestop Bottle Shop, Piesche has witnessed the growth firsthand and sees an influx of new faces regularly. He believes that while the high cost of living in large cities is a factor, the appeal of the Wendell way of life also plays a significant role.

“People are looking for a small-town vibe where you still know your neighbors, where it’s still relatively quiet,” Piesche said. Sam Laughery, who moved to Wendell 17 years ago attracted by this small-town spirit, also noticed the growth causing budget issues as the town grapples with infrastructure and public safety demands.

“Scrambling to try and make ends meet to keep the town safe was difficult,” he said. Bradley Congleton, a part-time bartender at Whistle Stop and a Realtor, has noticed the growth. “I’ve lived in Wendell my whole life, and just within the past five or six years, there’s been tremendous growth,” he said.

Despite higher property taxes, residents seem to agree that as long as the funds are used responsibly for the town’s growing needs, they don’t mind paying more.

—
Read More US News; North Carolina News