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.