Wake Growth Spilling Into Creedmoor
Johnston, Chatham and Franklin counties have had to deal with growth problems in recent years as people moving to the Triangle seek the greenest pastures. Now, Granville County is starting to see the population boom headed its way.
Posted — UpdatedCreedmoor in the southern part of the county has grown from 900 people in 1998-99 to about 2,300, and Mayor Darryl Moss said he expects the town's population to jump to about 8,000 in the next five years.
Recent statistics suggest the town of Creedmoor is in the midst of a population boom with the area's affordability being one of the top factors.
"We're 20 miles north of Raleigh and 15 miles north of Durham," Moss said, noting the town is close enough for commuters but far enough out to be affordable for home buyers.
The average home in Wake County sold for $187,000 last year, Wake County Planning Director Melanie Wilson said. Meanwhile, Realtor Wills Hancock said the average home in Granville County went for $172,000 last year.
Wilson said the northern and southern edges of Wake County are experiencing the most growth. One reason for the popularity of theose outlying areas is affordability, she said.
Moss said 98 percent of people who live in Creedmoor work in places like Research Triangle Park, Raleigh or Durham. Hancock said the influx of new Creedmoor residents also includes retirees from Maryland and Virginia.
"It's very, very quiet here. It's quaint. The neighbors are nice. Everyone's close," said Attila Huszar, who works in Raleigh but lives in Creedmoor.
Moss said the town needs to start planning for its continued growth, including updating and expanding its infrastructure. The local wastewater treatment plant, for example, was built in 1939 and might not be able to handle state and federal environmental regulations as services expand, he said.
"The bucket is getting empty pretty quickly. We can handle about another 500 or so homes," he said.
The town is talking with Oxford about buying water to meet its future needs.
Creedmoor officials also want the state to widen N.C. Highway 50 to shorten the commute to Raleigh. A public information meeting will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Vance-Granville County Community College to look at transportation issues.
"Creedmoor's success is tied directly to Raleigh's success," Moss said.
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