Living in Knightdale, NC

The basics

Where is Knightdale, NC?

Knightdale is a town in eastern Wake County, North Carolina, about 12 miles east of downtown Raleigh along US-64/US-264. It uses the ZIP code 27545 and sits inside the Raleigh–Cary metro area — the region locals call the Triangle. The town was incorporated in 1927.

How many people live in Knightdale?

About 22,893, per the Town's FY2025 financial report. Knightdale is one of the fastest-growing towns in North Carolina — it had just 1,884 residents in 1990. The median age is 35.5 and the median household income is about $79,364, which skews young and family-heavy.

What county is Knightdale in?

Knightdale is in Wake County, North Carolina — the same county as Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest. Wake County provides services such as the county property tax, public schools (WCPSS), and the county sheriff and courts.

Cost of living

How much does it cost to buy a home in Knightdale?

The median home sale price was about $415,000 in the Town's FY2025 reporting — up roughly 77% over the prior five years as the town has grown. Prices vary a lot by neighborhood and whether you're buying new construction or an established home. Because the housing market moves faster than annual reports, check current listings for live numbers. Our neighborhoods guide breaks down the major subdivisions.

Is Knightdale affordable compared to the rest of the Triangle?

Knightdale has historically been one of the more attainable Wake County towns relative to Cary or Apex, with a town tax rate below the county-wide combined rate and a median household income around $79k. Eastern Wake County generally offers more home for the money than the west side of the Triangle, while keeping a reasonable commute to Raleigh and RTP.

Property taxes

What is the property tax rate in Knightdale?

The Town of Knightdale's rate was $0.44 per $100 of assessed value in FY2025. Wake County bills its own rate separately (roughly $0.51 per $100), so the combined rate is about $0.95 per $100. Both rates are set every year, so confirm the current figures with the Town and Wake County Tax Administration before you budget.

What would I actually pay on a typical home?

On a $415,000 home (Knightdale's recent median), the math works out roughly like this:

• Town of Knightdale: ~$1,826/year (at $0.44 per $100)
• Wake County: ~$2,131/year (at ~$0.51 per $100)
• Combined: roughly $3,950/year

These are estimates for illustration. Your actual bill depends on the home's assessed value (set by Wake County's revaluation), the current year's rates, and any exemptions you qualify for.

Setting up utilities

How do I set up utilities when I move to Knightdale?

Knightdale is a little unusual in that water and sewer come from the City of Raleigh, not the Town. Here's who provides what:

• Water & sewer — Raleigh Water (City of Raleigh Public Utilities). Set up service at raleighnc.gov/water.
• Electricity — Duke Energy. Start service through Duke Energy's website.
• Natural gas — Dominion Energy (formerly PSNC), where gas service is available.
• Trash & recycling — Town of Knightdale Public Works. Included for in-town residents (see below).
• Internet / TV — options typically include Spectrum and AT&T; availability varies by address.

Trash & recycling

Who picks up trash and recycling in Knightdale?

The Town of Knightdale Public Works Department handles curbside trash and recycling for roughly 6,800 households. In FY2025 the Town collected about 5,100 tons of solid waste and 1,124 tons of recycling.

When is my collection day?

Collection days are assigned by area. Call the Town at 919-217-2200 or check KnightdaleNC.gov for your specific day, cart sizes, recycling rules, and the schedule for bulky-item and yard-waste pickup.

Schools

What schools serve Knightdale?

Knightdale is part of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) — the largest district in North Carolina. WCPSS uses a student-assignment system, so the schools your address is assigned to depend on your exact location and the current year's plan. Magnet and year-round calendar options are also available.

Before you sign a lease or buy, use the WCPSS address lookup to confirm your base assignment, and see our Knightdale schools guide for an overview of the local options.

Getting around

How far is Knightdale from downtown Raleigh and RTP?

Downtown Raleigh is about 12 miles west — usually a 20–25 minute drive on US-64/US-264. I-540 connects Knightdale north and west toward Research Triangle Park (RTP) and the airport. See our commute guide for routes and timing.

Is there a bus or public transit?

Yes — GoRaleigh Route 33 runs daily between Knightdale and the New Hope Commons area of east Raleigh, connecting into the wider GoRaleigh network. It serves about 22 stops including Knightdale Station, Hodge Road, and major shopping centers, roughly every 30–60 minutes during the day. Our Route 33 rider's guide has a page for every stop and what's within walking distance.

Town services

How do I contact the Town of Knightdale?

The Town's general customer-service line is 919-217-2200, and the official site is KnightdaleNC.gov. Note that as of late 2025 the Human Resources and Finance departments moved to The Lofts at Knightdale Station (305 Sugar Magnolia Lane), with a payment drop box outside the Finance suite.

Where do I go for permits or to start a business?

Building permits and certificates of occupancy run through the Town's Development Services department. If you're opening a local business, the Knightdale Commerce Alliance (KCA) is the Town's business network, with a public directory and a monthly newsletter. For the full breakdown of the budget, services, and what your tax dollar funds, see Knightdale by the Numbers.

Is Knightdale a good place to live?

By the usual measures, it rates well. Knightdale has been named one of Money's Top 100 Places to Live in America, ranked among the safest cities in North Carolina, and listed among the state's fastest-growing towns. It pairs a strong parks system — 6 parks across 241 acres, plus greenways that connect to Raleigh's Neuse River Trail — with a low town tax rate and an easy commute to Raleigh and RTP.

Whether it's right for you comes down to priorities, but for families and Triangle commuters who want more home for the money without a long drive, it's an easy town to recommend. Browse things to do or the live local dashboard to get a feel for daily life here.

Weighing Knightdale against nearby towns? See how it compares to Wake Forest, Wendell, Rolesville, Zebulon, Louisburg, and Clayton.