Barker Realty, Inc. – serving Wake County since 1984.
It’s no secret that Wake County’s growth has exploded over the last 15 years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Raleigh alone grew by about one million residents between 2010 and 2020.
With that, Wake County has become an area ripe with opportunity for rental investment properties. When searching where to buy rental property, we suggest comparing factors like crime rate and safety, walkability, schools, low vacancy rates, public transportation, and signs of growth – along with financial considerations, of course.
Barker Realty has provided real estate expertise in Raleigh, Cary, and the surrounding areas for 40 years. Here’s where we think are the best places to buy rental property in Wake County today.
Top 5 Places to Buy Rental Property in Wake County:
Cary
Fuquay- Varina
Midtown, Raleigh
Garner
Cameron Park, Raleigh
Cary
USA TODAY Homefront recently named Cary the best city to rent in the county. It took first place in the overall study because of its affordability, low crime, good schools, high-paying job market, and access to recreation. It also ranked in the top five for “Best City for Renters with Pets” and “Best City for Single Renters.”
As a rental property investor, Cary is one of the more expensive areas in Wake County, but it shouldn’t stop you from considering this city. The long-term value could really pay off.
Fuquay-Varina
WRAL reported in November 2024 that Fuquay-Varina is one of the state’s fastest-growing municipalities, with the population more than doubling since 2010. With plans to grow the downtown and new elementary schools being built, property owners can expect more rental options.
Midtown, Raleigh
North Hills and Midtown have been a prime spot for real estate for many years. Endless restaurants, shops, events, as well as a variety of housing options, make the area an exciting place to live. The City of Raleigh continues to have big plans for Midtown, and a big focus for the project is walkability. You can bet there will be investment properties worth considering.
Garner
Garner has seen incredible growth that makes it an interesting option for investment property owners. World Population Review found that Garner’s population has increased 17.15% since the last census in 2024. It also states that almost 40% of Garner’s population rents instead of owning homes.
Garner will also include two stops in the upcoming Greater Triangle Commuter Rail, better connecting it to the rest of the Triangle.
Cameron Park, Raleigh
Cameron Park (also known as Forest Park) in Raleigh is one of the city’s most sought-after areas. It’s close to downtown and walkable, and is near many parks, events, and good schools. If you can snag an investment property in this area, you could reap the benefits for many years.
Other places to consider buying rental property in Raleigh include: Historic Oakwood, Mordecai, Five Points, and Glenwood South.
Barker Realty partners with our clients to bring mutual success through rental property investments. From marketing to managing, our team can help you make the most out of your investment wherever you decide to purchase in Wake County. Contact us today to learn more.
Cary, NC, located in the Raleigh, NC metro area, is one of the best cities for Renters in the country.
Cary, NC Tops the List of Rental Markets
In a 2024 study, USA TODAY Homefront ranked 315 U.S. cities to find the best city for renters, and the Town of Cary, NC came out on top, surpassing Raleigh at No. 11.
The study used 19 key metrics to determine the best cities for renters based on the best cost incentives and optimal quality of life benefits. Researchers compared cost of rent, renter incomes, rental inventory with number of bedrooms, prevalence of others renting, schools, daycares, restaurants, crime rates, recreation, walkability, pet friendliness, and more.
Cary was named No. 1 because of its affordability, high-paying job market, low crime, access to recreation, and good schools.
The town also won the “Best City for Renting Families” category. There are nearly seven childcare facilities per 1,000 children, and Research Triangle Park provides ample job opportunities. This makes Cary a popular spot among millennials to settle down with their families.
Cary was in the Top 5 for two other categories, as well: No. 2 for “Best City for Renters with Pets” and No. 4 for “Best City for Single Renters” – both thanks to a high walkability score.
Nine other North Carolina cities ranked in the top 190. For comparison, the lowest rank was Menifee, California with a score of 53.1 and a typical rent of $2,682.
Rank
City
Score
Typical Rent
1
Cary, NC
100
$1,719
11
Raleigh, NC
90.7
$1,684
37
Wilmington, NC
85.6
$1,732
69
Concord, NC
81.6
$1,783
76
Durham, NC
80.9
$1,676
103
Winston-Salem, NC
79.0
$1,459
107
Charlotte, NC
78.5
$1,787
121
Fayetteville, NC
77.6
$1,359
134
Greensboro, NC
76.7
$1,363
184
High Point, NC
73.8
$1,531
Whether you are looking for a place to rent, property management services, or someone to sell your commercial real estate, the team at Barker Realty can help. With over 40 years as a local, family-owned business in Raleigh, Cary, and Wake County, you can trust you are working with a real estate company that strives to provide personal attention and exemplary service. Contact us online or call 919-859-0044.
Cary, NC Rankings
Overall:
Rank
City
Typical Rent
Annual Renter Income
Percentage of Renters Rent-Burdened
Percentage of Rental Vacant
1
Cary, NC
$1,719
$73,872
42.3%
18.3%
Families:
Rank
City
Percentage of Renters that are Families
Percentage of Rentals (Two Bedroom or More)
Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents
School Score
Childcare per 1,000 Kids Under 5
1
Cary, NC
22.5%
68.1%
10.5
8
6.8
No. 4 Best City for Single Renters:
Rank
City
Percentage of Rentals (Studio or One Bedroom)
Percentage of Population Age 20-39
Walkability Score
Bars per 1,000 Residents
1
Cary, NC
22.5%
68.1%
8
6.8
Cary also ranked No. 2 for best city for renters with pets:
Increased Property Value: How Hiring a Property Manager Can Help Maintain and Enhance the Value of Your Investment
One of the key benefits of hiring a property manager in Cary, NC, like Barker Realty, is the ability to maintain and enhance the value of your investment property. Property managers have the knowledge and experience to handle regular maintenance and repairs, ensuring that your property is always in top condition. By keeping your property well-maintained, you can attract high-quality tenants who are willing to pay top dollar for a well-kept rental.
Time and Stress Savings: The Peace of Mind that Comes with Having a Professional Handle the Day-to-Day Operations of Your Rental Property
Managing a rental property can be a time-consuming and stressful task. From finding and screening tenants to handling maintenance requests and late-night emergency calls, there are countless responsibilities that come with being a landlord. By hiring a property manager, you can free up your time and alleviate the stress of managing your rental property. Property managers take care of all the day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.
Legal Compliance and Tenant Relations: The Importance of Having an Expert Navigate the Complexities of Landlord-Tenant Laws and Communications
Keeping up with landlord-tenant laws and regulations can be a daunting task for any property owner. Failure to comply with these laws can result in costly legal disputes and potential financial penalties. Property managers are well-versed in the intricacies of landlord-tenant laws and can ensure that your property is always in compliance. Additionally, property managers are skilled in handling tenant relations, from communicating effectively with tenants to resolving disputes in a timely and professional manner. By hiring a property manager, you can rest assured that your property is being managed in accordance with all legal requirements, and that your tenant relationships are being handled with care and expertise.
By hiring a property manager in Cary, NC, you can enjoy the numerous benefits that come with having a professional handle the day-to-day operations of your rental property. From increased property value to time and stress savings, as well as legal compliance and tenant relations, a property manager can help you maximize the return on your investment while ensuring a hassle-free rental experience.
Are you considering investing in rental properties? If so, you are taking a smart step towards financial security. However, managing rental properties can be a challenge, especially for new landlords. One solution to this is hiring a property management company. Not convinced? Here are some insights from expert property managers that may change your mind.
Insights from Expert Property Managers: Tips for Successful Rental Property Management
According to seasoned property managers, one of the most critical aspects of managing rental properties is keeping tenants satisfied. Happy tenants are more likely to stay longer, which means less vacancy and more income for landlords. Property managers achieve this by responding quickly to tenant complaints and fixing maintenance issues promptly.
In addition to this, property managers perform a thorough background check on prospective tenants. This includes assessing their credit score, rental history, and employment history. By doing this, property managers ensure that they rent to reliable tenants who will pay their rent on time and take care of the property.
Additional Tips from Connoisseurs of Property Management: Efficient Techniques for Trouble-free Management of Rental Properties
Another challenge that property managers face is managing the collection of rent. Late payments can create cash flow issues and disrupt the landlord’s finances. To avoid this, property managers send rent reminders to tenants and enforce late payment penalties. In the worst-case scenario, property managers take legal action against tenants who fail to pay rent.
Property managers also ensure that properties are always in good shape. They conduct regular property inspections and schedule maintenance repairs as needed. This ensures that the properties remain in good condition, reducing the need for costly repairs in the future. Additionally, property managers make sure that they comply with building codes and regulations.
Continuing Your Education in Rental Property Management: Advanced Techniques from our Accomplished Property Managers
Experienced property managers agree that continued education is necessary for success in property management. This involves attending seminars, webinars, and other training sessions that provide updated information and insights on property management practices.
Additionally, property managers should always look for ways to improve their services and remain competitive in the industry. This includes using technology to streamline property management tasks, offering online rent payment options, and using social media to market properties.
In conclusion, hiring a property management company can save landlords time and money and provide peace of mind. Expert property managers have the knowledge and experience to ensure that rental properties are well-managed, tenants are happy, and landlords receive a steady income. By following their tips and strategies, landlords can enjoy hassle-free rental property management.
We find many people are investing in the real estate sector today, especially in thriving markets like the Cary-Durham region of North Carolina. It is a lucrative industry that can have high returns. Just like any other investment needing full attention by professionals who are dedicated to your best interests, real estate requires proper management. Therefore, property owners should always consider the services of rental property managers. These professionals help manage your building or home(s) and rent them out to reliable tenants through a thorough application process like Barker Realty provides.
Getting involved with tenants daily is not an easy task. It requires an experienced manager from a licensed property management company. Our property management services involve the following duties:
Collecting rents
Handling issues that affect tenants
Ensuring that the property is well-maintained
Making sure that the landlord’s property is structurally secure
Taking appropriate actions against tenants who fail to pay rent on time
Therefore, if you want to be relieved from these tasks in order to focus on growing your portfolio further, we recommend hiring a property manager company who possess the following traits:
1. Communication Skills
Property management requires excellent communication skills between tenants and property owners or the management staff. Tenants and property owners should be able to reach the manager for non-emergency and emergency issues all the same. Therefore, both written and verbal communication skills are required to maintain a professional demeanor and is beneficial in handling difficult situations
2. People-Oriented
Based on our decades of experience, Barker Realty has learned that people-oriented managers interact with tenants more efficiently. Any property management service provider needs to place quality and competent tenants into residences.
3. Trustworthy and Ethical
An excellent management company is transparent and honest. The property management profession requires trustworthiness, responsiveness, and full disclosure for the owners in how the tenants are held accountable and processes are being followed. At Barker Realty, this is what we stand for — to build long lasting relationships with our clients through personal attention and exemplary service.
4. Knowledgeable and Experienced
Property managers should be able to interpret financial reports quickly and be able to decipher between a reliable tenant compared to one who may not be the right fit. Additionally, all property managers should be knowledgeable about the latest real estate regulations and property ownership laws. It is recommended to take the appropriate time to perform due diligence and interviews with your prospective managers to also make sure they are a good fit for you and your investment portfolio.
5. Marketing Skills
At Barker Realty, we know that marketing of our owners’ properties is crucial to the success of the relationship. Your property managers should be competent at online marketing with the goal of showing up online when people are searching for a new place to rent. They should also have clear rental signs, a professional showing agent, and a diverse rental portfolio to reach a wide range of rental clients.
6. Organized
An organized manager pays keen attention to details and they DO sweat the small stuff to ensure your property is managed properly. Being able to enhance proper maintenance of your property throughout the year, keep paperwork readily available, and check in with tenants are tasks which help your property thrive.
If you own property or are looking to invest in property in the Cary area, consider the above in your search for a reputable local property management company like Barker Realty. It’s important to get a knowledgeable and success-oriented team on your side.
If you own a rental property in the Cary area, keeping it in good condition and properly maintained is very important. Properties that are not well kept will continue to wear down and eventually will lose their value. Due to the extreme heat, maintaining a property in Cary after the heat of summer does come with some challenges.
Fortunately, along with the help of our experienced property managers in Cary, there are summer rental maintenance tips that can be followed that will help to keep your property in great shape.
Roof and Brick
To ensure your roof and bricks are ready for cooler temps and upcoming winter storms, you should enlist of the help of our trusted property managers in Cary to make sure that all of the major elements of the home are functioning properly. Doing this will help to ensure that your home is in good shape and ready for the upcoming fall season.
Clean and Check for Cracks
The end of summer should also be a time to make sure that the property is fully cleaned. You should follow rental maintenance tips and spend time examining the gutters, walkways, foundation, and other areas of the home to make sure they are clean and free of cracks. Any issues that you notice should be addressed immediately and reported to your property manager.
If you are in need of assistance in the management of maintenance of your rental property, you should contact us today. We can provide you with a variety of services to keep your property occupied and properly maintained.
