As summer winds down and school is back in session, the rental market in Wake County experiences its own seasonal transition. September may not be as hectic as the peak summer leasing months, but it still presents unique opportunities—and challenges—for both tenants and property owners.
With over 40 years of experience managing properties in Raleigh and Wake County, Barker Realty understands how seasonal shifts impact the rental cycle. Here’s what you can expect in the fall rental market:
Tenant Demand Cools, But Opportunities Rise: In September, demand typically slows compared to the busy summer months. Families with school-age children tend to settle before August, which means competition for rental properties eases. For renters, this can mean more availability and slightly less urgency when applying. For property owners, this shift requires a renewed focus on effective marketing and competitive pricing to attract high-quality tenants in a calmer market.
Relocation Season Is Still Active: Fall is a common time for professionals relocating to the Triangle for new job opportunities. Wake County’s growing tech and healthcare sectors continue to draw talent, and these professionals often look for mid- to long-term rental options. Owners who position their properties with updated amenities and flexible lease terms may capture this demand.
Seasonal Maintenance Matters: The fall rental cycle isn’t just about applications—it’s also about preparation. With cooler months ahead, tenants appreciate properties that are well-maintained and energy-efficient. Simple steps like HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, and weatherproofing windows help properties stand out and prevent costly mid-season repairs.
Looking Ahead to Year-End: For both tenants and owners, September is a good time to think strategically about the end of the year. Tenants can take advantage of current availability before holiday slowdowns. Owners can prepare for tax season by ensuring records, repairs, and contracts are up to date.
The Bottom Line
Wake County’s rental market may feel quieter in September, but there’s opportunity for those who understand the seasonal dynamics. Tenants can find more choices with less competition, while property owners can position their properties to attract relocating professionals and long-term renters.
At Barker Realty, we’ve guided Wake County residents through every market cycle since 1984. Whether you’re a tenant looking for a place to call home or an owner wanting trusted property management, we’re here to help.
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:
How is Technology Changing and Improving Real Estate?
When it came to investing, real estate was traditionally something of a game for people who had access to money and capital, making it difficult for people with a moderate income to be able to purchase property unless you spoke to the right people. You had to schedule visitations over the phone where you would talk with someone prior to walking into your prospective home with an actual tour guide. Through the use of property management software, managing real estate has become much easier and more accountable.
Virtual reality and artificial intelligence have been catching a lot of attention recently and may be integrated as part of our touring program, and we’re confident our current clients and new tenants will see a lot of value in utilizing this new, innovative form of technology to help rental properties even faster.
Innovation on the Horizon
Some property management companies are making it part of its mission to give investors and prospects the access they need to ensure that the property they’re looking at is right for them. We mentioned earlier how technology has changed the game of real estate management. Gone are the days where there are numerous obstacles that prevent investors or prospects from seeking out the property that they want. With the use of artificial intelligence, they provide automation to real estate agents that was not readily available in years past. Robots conduct menial tasks that were originally tied to the agents themselves before they came into existence.
Virtual reality also makes it easier for people to do remote tours of a property to see if they’re interested in it or not. No longer having to step foot in a house or house(s) they’re not yet familiar with, properties can be pre-staged with virtual furniture so that prospects have an idea of what exactly they’re looking into. Investors are already taking advantage of this significant advancement as it makes it easier for them to make determinations as to whether they want to go all-in or not on the property.
Let’s Begin the Conversation for Your Investment Properties
In summary, we have discussed two fairly recent developments in the technology sector and how investors are using them to their advantage. As Barker Realty continues to improve ways of doing business and assisting are many clients and property investors, we are dedicated to making life easier for new homeowners and investors alike to meet their goals. Investing in technology is another way we help set ourselves apart. Who knows, we may be utilizing virtual reality and AI in the near future, too!
Raleigh, NC has experienced exponential growth in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. With plenty of job prospects, higher education options, and real estate investment opportunities, Raleigh is a hot spot for young professionals. Here’s why people are flocking to Raleigh–and why investing in rental property here is a great idea.
Abundant Career Opportunities
Raleigh is a thriving hub for technology, biotechnology, and healthcare, home to some of the largest employers in the Southeast. Startups and small businesses alike can benefit from the abundance of well-funded clients and investors in the area. As for large corporations, they enjoy the luxury of a big-city headquarters without the pricing of, say, New York or San Francisco. In 2016, Raleigh was featured in Forbes as the third best U.S. city for young professionals, and the city continues to top lists of best technical and biomedical jobs.
Convenient Centralized Location
Raleigh in the middle of the state and in the middle of the east coast, making it an ideal central hub for businesses and travelers. Raleigh is 15 minutes from Cary, 20 minutes from Durham, and 40 minutes to Chapel Hill, all thriving cities in their own right. It’s also surrounded by the suburbs of Apex, Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville, and Holly Springs, all of which offer even more potential clients (and renters).
World-Class Healthcare
The Triangle is home to some of the best and brightest healthcare resources in the U.S., like Duke University Medical Center and UNC Medical Center. People across the nation, and even the world, travel to Raleigh to receive care here. Senior people like Raleigh for its temperate climate and its access to health facilities, which is why many choose to retire (and rent) here.
Higher Education Options
Raleigh is home to some of the best schools in the state and, indeed, the country. NC State University, Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest University are just some of the biggest names you’ll see in the form of bumper stickers, T-shirts, and flags. Young people are consistently moving here to attend school, and often decide to stay once they graduate. That’s why you’ll never have a shortage of potential tenants here–our great schools are never going away.
Find Your Perfect Raleigh Investment Property Today
There are so many reasons to buy apartments and condos in Raleigh NC, we just couldn’t fit them all into one blog. If you’d like to read even more reasons to invest in Raleigh property, click here. And if you need help finding or managing Raleigh investment property, contact our agents at Barker Realty. With over 35 years of experience, we have the experience and industry know-how to find you exactly what you’re looking for. To schedule an appointment, click here.
Choosing a new investment property in Raleigh NC can be an exciting, yet frightening, challenge. If you choose wisely, your investment will be likely to pay off in the long-term; if you choose poorly, you might find yourself with something that’s more trouble than it’s worth. Not to worry, though: our experienced Raleigh NC property managers know exactly what you should look for. Here are a few of our tried-and-tested tips.
Quality Neighborhood
The quality of the neighborhood will determine the type of tenants you attract. If you purchase investment property near a university, for example, it is likely that students will dominate your pool of potential tenants. Some landlords prefer leasing in these areas, because the steady flow of students means the units will always be in high demand. However, there are also many downsides of renting to students, too. Wherever you are considering purchasing investment property, study the area carefully and try to get a “feel” for the type of residents living there.
Affordable Property Taxes
Property taxes tend to vary widely, especially in Raleigh. High property taxes are not always a bad thing if they’re applied to a great neighborhood that attracts long-term tenants, but be aware that there are less-desirable places with high taxes, too. The municipality’s assessment office will have all the tax information you need on file, and if you need help understanding what to look for, a realtor or property management company can help.
Schools in Close Proximity
Nearby schools are generally a good thing for homeowners and landlords, regardless of whether or not you personally have children. Families with children will always want to live near a reputable school, and this means that the property will be more valuable. If you are planning to live in or near the property and manage it yourself, however, be sure to factor in the hassle of the morning and afternoon school rush, which might become a nuisance as you travel to and from the area.
Low Crime Rates
Obviously, you will want a property that is low on crime. This will both make it easier to attract and retain quality tenants, and reduce the risk of vandalism, theft, and break-ins on the property itself. To determine the area’s crime statistics, you can contact the local police or public library. Try to note whether the recent crimes are petty, or serious, and whether the felony crimes are frequent, or scattered outliers. One other good tip for both landlords and renters scouting out a property: ask the local pizza delivery drivers what they think of the area. They will have personally interacted with many of the residents, and probably have a “No Delivery” list for high-danger areas.
Choose a Great Raleigh NC Investment Property with Barker Realty!
When you’re considering purchasing rental property in Raleigh, an experienced property management company can help you make the best decision! After you have made your investment, we can help you manage tenants, rent, property maintenance, and more. If you’re ready to become a Raleigh landlord, call Barker Realty today.
Owning property is a great investment, as it requires little daily effort once you’ve made the initial commitments. If you’re ready to break into the Raleigh real estate market, here are some real estate investment tips that will help you launch your investing career.
Remember that real estate property appreciates
Unlike some purchases, like cars, your real estate property investment will not necessarily depreciate after your purchase. In fact, some property owners find that the value of their investment far exceeds what they paid. For example, if you buy a single-family home or apartment building for a low price, manage it through a real estate management company, and sell it after it appreciates, you can get an excellent return on your investment with minimal trouble or hassle.
Don’t be afraid to start small
Perhaps you cannot currently afford to invest in a large apartment building–or you can, but are nervous about making such a big commitment. Not a problem! Even if you purchase a small house and rent out the property to tenants, you are still considered an investor. You can gain experience with your smaller purchase, and then work your way up to a bigger investment over time.
Work with a professional real estate manager
Rental property doesn’t come with the uncertainty that many investors suffer when putting their money into the stock market–but it does come with some risk. In order to ensure the best success possible, work closely with a real estate management company to understand the cost of maintaining a certain property; taxes and insurance requirements, and all the other details.
Build up a budget
While real estate can yield substantial returns in the long run, you should expect a minimal return for the first two years. For that reason, you may want to consider paying for your property in cash, so that you do not accumulate interest or risk foreclosure. You can also, of course, take out a small loan, if you are confident that you can pay the mortgage without monthly rent coming in. Barker Realty’s experienced sales brokers can help you explore the best financing option for you.
