North Carolina Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Holly Springs, North Carolina

Population: 22,500

Located in Wake County

Money Magazine named Holly Springs, North Carolina as one of the best places to live in the country, ranking it 22nd among 100 Great American Towns, and among three cities in North Carolina on the list.For years, town leaders have been positioning Holly Springs for takeoff,propelled by the economic engine of Research Triangle Park. Nearly nine years ago, the Town began marketing a 400-acre business park for technology manufacturing companies. Holly Springs Economic Development Department initiated a quiet, but ambitious, program to bring major biotechnology firms
to Holly Springs. In summer 2006, those efforts paid off when Gov. Mike Easley announced that
Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics would build a cell-based influenza
vaccines manufacturing facility in the United States. Currently under
construction, the flu vaccine manufacturing facility has put Holly Springs
on the front lines of a nationwide response to the threat of a flu pandemic.
 
This region is filled with new industries that have moved in because of the
proximity of Raleigh. With a wide range of products including apparel and
fabrics, electrical components, injection-molded plastic parts, office
furniture, foods and more, employment prospects are good for a person in any
trade.
 
The Town of Holly Springs in southwest Wake County had its beginnings as a
crossroads near springs of fresh water at a spot where holly trees were
numerous. Travelers along the road from Raleigh to the Cape Fear River and
on to Fayetteville or those traveling from Hillsborough to Smithfield
stopped by the springs to quench their thirst.
 
The town remained fairly small, until the 1990's when commuters to nearby
Raleigh saw the potential to live in an area that was lovely, and
convenient. Holly Springs is only 15 miles to Raleigh and 6 miles to Cary.
Today, 14,000 people call Holly Springs home and that number is projected to
grow to about 25,000 in the next four to five years.
 
Holly Springs is part of the Triangle region, home to some of the nation¹s
top universities, including N.C. State University, the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University. Census 2000 figures showed that
more than half of Holly Springs adults had a four-year college degree, and
more than 12 percent had earned a graduate or professional degree. K ­ 12
schools in Holly Springs are part of the Wake County Public School System,
the second largest in North Carolina. Average SAT scores for the Wake County
system exceed state and national averages.
 
Dense groves of pine trees, interspersed with dogwoods, azaleas and other
flowering plants, dominate many of the area's handsome home sites. A variety
of appealing architectural styles, and new and old homes, also border parks,
lakes and golf courses, or are aligned along quiet city streets.
 
With many of the homes nestled into the mountainsides, views are
spectacular, and land is plentiful. New home construction continues in Holly
Springs, along with new shopping centers and other construction. Last year,
approximately 606 residential properties sold in Holly Springs with an
average sale price of $256,403 and a median sale price of $233,250. There
are a wide variety of single family homes available, from chalet-style to
traditional sprawling ranch homes. With so many choices, you are sure to
find something you like. Land is also readily available in the area, and
prices range depending on location and size.
 
Education, public safety, and quality-of-life are perhaps the most important
strategic goals for Holly Springs. The Bass Lake Park project - Bass Like has a wonderful retreat center, boating activities, greenways, bike
paths, walking trails, fishing and more - is just one example of the City¹s
focus on park development.
 
Holly Springs Parks and Recreation Department offers an ever-expanding
variety of programs for all ages. Holly Springs Cultural Center is the
center for the arts in southwestern Wake County, providing musical and
theatrical performances in its 200-seat theater. For the kids, there are
movies and twice-monthly puppet shows. The Town-operated cultural center
adjoins a Wake County branch library.
 
Just a couple of miles from downtown, Bass Lake Park and Retreat Center is a
quick way to connect with nature. Stroll the trail around the lake, drop a
fishing line into the water or enjoy bird watching.
 
Bass Lake Day is an annual environmental festival in autumn featuring
exhibits and hands-on activities. For environmental organizations, Bass Lake
Day provides community awareness and teaching opportunities. Each spring,
Bass Lake Park celebrates turtles with a festival designed to increase
understanding of threats to turtles habitat.
 
The 46-acre Womble Park has four ball fields, soccer fields, a band shell
for concerts, picnic shelter and other amenities.
 
Across the street, Hunt Community Center is busy with classes and other
programming for all ages. Construction is slated to start in summer 2009 on
replacement of the Hunt Center classroom building and renovation of the
gymnasium.
 
HollyFest is Holly Springs¹ largest festival, drawing thousands to Womble
Park on the last Saturday of October for music, food, crafts, games and
old-fashioned fun such as pig races.