The Triangle’s growth engine drives one of the most active master-planned development markets in the Southeast. Wake County, Johnston County, and the surrounding areas are producing communities that combine new construction with the trails, amenity centers, and walkable village concepts that today’s buyers expect. Here’s what’s new.
Briar Chapel (Chapel Hill Area)
Briar Chapel, while not new, continues to expand with additional phases that build on the community’s established identity as the Triangle’s premier sustainability-focused master-planned community. The community’s extensive trail system, community gardens, and the Briar Chapel village center (Veranda) provide a self-contained lifestyle.
Homes range from the $400s to $700s. The community’s location near Chapel Hill provides access to UNC’s cultural and dining amenities while maintaining a distinct neighborhood identity.
Wendell Falls (Wendell)
Wendell Falls is one of the Triangle’s most active master-planned developments — a large-scale community east of Raleigh that’s delivering homes, amenities, and commercial development simultaneously. The community’s Farmhouse amenity center, resort-style pool, and trail system create the lifestyle package.
Homes range from the low $300s to $500s, making Wendell Falls one of the most accessible new-construction options in the Wake County area. The Wake County Public School System serves the community, and the growing commercial development along US 64 provides improving convenience.
Twelve Oaks (Holly Springs)
Holly Springs continues to attract master-planned development, with communities like Twelve Oaks offering homes from the $400s to $600s with the amenity centers, pools, and trail systems that define the format. Holly Springs’ growing downtown, including the new Bass Lake Park development, adds village-scale walkable amenity access.
Clayton / Johnston County Growth
Johnston County’s growth south of Raleigh is producing master-planned communities with the Triangle’s most accessible pricing — homes from the mid-$200s to $400s in communities with pools, trails, and neighborhood parks. The Clayton area’s proximity to I-40 and the growing commercial infrastructure along US 70 provide improving convenience.
The school quality differential between Wake and Johnston counties is a factor for family buyers — research specific school assignments rather than relying on county-level reputation.
540 Corridor Communities
The completion of the I-540 outer loop has unlocked development in multiple directions, with new master-planned communities along the corridor in Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Apex, and northeast Wake County. The highway access has made previously remote areas viable for commuters working in RTP, downtown Raleigh, and the broader Triangle employment centers.
For more on Raleigh new construction, explore our housing market update and best neighborhoods.