Wake? Franklin? It's Not Altogether Clear

A new bill in the General Assembly puts a lot on the line—the Wake-Franklin county line.

There is a county boundary, naturally, but where? There is no line on the land, so how do you know which side you're on?

Richland Hills residents thought they were in Wake County, but they're in Franklin. The developer misread the boundary. Franklin is ready to relinquish the lots and cede them to Wake, but the situation highlights the confusion.

The boundary hasn't been redrawn since 1915, and the sections are marked in the description by things like trees and rocks.

“They were done from an old oak tree to the rock. Well now the oak tree has died and the rock's been moved,” said state Sen. Richard Stevens, R-Wake County, who has introduced then legislation.

IT makes a difference on which side of the line you live. For example, Franklin County's property tax rate is about 16 cents higher than Wake County's. So, on a $200,000 house, you'd pay about $300 more in Franklin than you would in Wake.

But then again, you might get more for your money in Franklin. It's a fine line. If you can find the line.

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Latest Comments

I have lived in Franklin co all my life, and don't think it's that bad, the schools aren't what they were when I was growing up and a lot of the teachers that taught me are gone, but it's not that bad...but ya'll are right, the problem with the county line needs to be not just addressed and commented on, but the people in office for the 2 counties need to come to an agreement and fix it the right way so that people won't be confused.

mswlfd958
March 1, 2007 8:38 p.m.

My grandparents have lived with a Franklin/Wake line running through their yard for 60+ years in Youngsville and it's about time they fix it. It causes trouble in many ways besides schools such as which county your car is registered in as far as inspections go, and property tax of course.

Kriterian
March 1, 2007 6:22 p.m.

NCSUSally, I would guess normally, that would be the case but Youngsville is still in Franklin County so I doubt it. The crooks that run this county do not want growth. If it gets too large, they won't be in control anymore!

Tranewidow
March 1, 2007 2:55 p.m.

Youngsville is going to be the new Cary.

NCSUSally
March 1, 2007 2:26 p.m.

sammy, things aren't always what they seem and funds aren't available to just jump & run. To try and sell the house now would be futile. There already literally dozens of homes for sale in Louisburg. Believe me, if I could afford to, I would have been gone a long time ago.

Tranewidow
March 1, 2007 2:18 p.m.