Living in Knightdale, NC

The basics

Where is Knightdale, NC?

Knightdale is a town in eastern Wake County, North Carolina, about 10 miles east of downtown Raleigh along US-64/US-264. It uses the ZIP code 27545 and is part of the Raleigh–Cary metro area (the Triangle). The town was incorporated in 1927.

How many people live in Knightdale?

Knightdale's population is about 22,893, according to the Town's FY2025 Citizens' Financial Report. It is one of the fastest-growing towns in North Carolina, up from 1,884 residents in 1990. The median age is 33.6 and the median household income is about $103,220 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024), so the town 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 in Knightdale was about $415,000 in the Town's FY2025 reporting, up roughly 77% over the prior five years. Redfin's median for the three months ending September 2026 was about $399,000. Prices vary by neighborhood and by whether the home is new construction, and the housing market moves faster than annual reports, so check current listings for up-to-date figures.

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. Census Bureau estimates for 2020–2024 put Knightdale's median home value at about $380,000, against about $580,000 in Cary, with a median household income of about $103,000. Eastern Wake County generally offers more home for the money than the west side of the Triangle, while keeping a reasonable commute to Raleigh.

Property taxes

What is the property tax rate in Knightdale?

The Town of Knightdale's rate is $0.44 per $100 of assessed value for FY2027, unchanged from the year before. Wake County bills its own rate separately ($0.5371 per $100 for FY2027, after a 2-cent increase), so the combined rate is about $0.98 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: ~$2,229/year (at $0.5371 per $100)
• Combined: roughly $4,055/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.

• Water and 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 and recycling: Town of Knightdale Public Works, included for in-town residents.
• Internet and 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 served by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), the largest school 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 assignment plan. Magnet and year-round options are also available. Check the WCPSS address lookup to confirm assignment.

Do that before you sign a lease or buy, and see our Knightdale schools guide for an overview of the local options.

Getting around

How far is Knightdale from downtown Raleigh and RTP?

Knightdale is about 10 miles east of downtown Raleigh, roughly a 20-minute drive off-peak via US-64/US-264 (rush hour is commonly 30+ minutes). I-540 also connects Knightdale to Research Triangle Park (RTP) and the rest of the Triangle. GoRaleigh Route 33 provides public bus service between Knightdale and east Raleigh.

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 to the wider GoRaleigh network. The route serves roughly 22 stops including Knightdale Station, Hodge Road, and major shopping areas. Buses run from early morning to late evening, roughly every 30 to 60 minutes during the day.

Our Route 33 rider's guide lists every stop and what's within walking distance of each one.

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?

Knightdale is frequently cited for its quality of life: it was named one of Money's 100 Best Places to Live in America in 2017, has been ranked among the safest cities in North Carolina, and is listed among the fastest-growing towns in the state. It has a strong parks system (6 parks across 241 acres, plus greenways linking to Raleigh's Neuse River Trail), a town tax rate that has held at $0.44 per $100 since FY2025, and an easy commute to downtown Raleigh. Whether it's right for you depends on your priorities, but it consistently rates well for families and commuters.

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.