Knightdale
Living in Knightdale, NC
Built by the railroad. Fueled by barbecue.
Knightdale grew up around a railroad depot just east of Raleigh, and its old town center still sits along the tracks. Today it has a 71-acre park with its own amphitheater, a greenway that runs to the Neuse River, and a barbecue festival that drew thousands its very first year.
Who was Knight?
Henry Haywood Knight, a local landowner, donated land for the railroad depot that got the town started. The town took his name and was incorporated in 1927.
Knightdale is in eastern Wake County, between Raleigh to the west and Wendell to the east, with Rolesville to the north. It counted about 19,400 residents in 2020, and Census estimates put it near 23,100 by 2025.
The town mixes its railroad-era core, which locals call Old Town, with established subdivisions, newer planned communities and a busy shopping corridor along Knightdale Boulevard.
Whether you're buying, selling, renting, or handing us the keys to manage your investment, here's what to know before you call Knightdale home.
The Character
What makes Knightdale, Knightdale.
Knightdale Station Park
71 acres on First Avenue with an amphitheater, a pond, disc golf, a dog park, an inclusive playground and a splash pad.
A greenway to the river
The 4.75-mile Mingo Creek Greenway links Knightdale Station to the Neuse River Greenway and the trails beyond it.
Pickin' in the Park
The town's first barbecue festival in May 2026 brought in more than 3,000 people, with Prime Barbecue, Sam Jones BBQ and more on the pits.
Life on First Avenue
Fourth on First Avenue and Fall on First Avenue bring the town together around the park and Old Town.
Neighborhoods
Six Knightdale neighborhoods worth knowing.
Knightdale's housing runs from 1990s subdivisions to new homes next to Knightdale Station Park. Here's a starting point. Every neighborhood has its own personality, so ask us about the ones that fit how you live.
Knightdale Station
2010s–2020s · Near the parkTraditional and Craftsman-influenced detached homes on planned-subdivision lots, close to Knightdale Station Park.
Planter's Walk
1990s–2000s · EstablishedTraditional detached homes, including ranches and two-story designs, on established lots.
Widewaters Village
2000s · Detached & townhomesDetached homes and townhomes in traditional suburban styles.
Princeton Manor
Larger homes · Spacious lotsTraditional and transitional detached homes, including larger two-story designs on roomier lots.
Langston Ridge
Late 1990s–2000s · EstablishedTraditional detached homes on established subdivision lots.
Mingo Creek
2000s–2020s · Near the greenwayTownhomes and traditional two-story detached homes near the Mingo Creek Greenway.
Getting Around
Raleigh's east side, a quick hop away.
I-87/US 64 and I-540 both run through Knightdale, with Knightdale Boulevard, Smithfield Road and First Avenue carrying local traffic. A Knightdale mailing address doesn't always mean a home is inside town limits, so we check each one.
- I-87 / US 64 / US 264
- I-540
- Knightdale Blvd
- Smithfield Rd
- First Ave
GoRaleigh Route 33 connects to Raleigh, and Northeast SmartRide offers free weekday on-demand rides around Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon.
Approximate drive times without heavy traffic.
Out & About
Your weekend, sorted.
Get outside
- Knightdale Station Park for concerts, disc golf and the splash pad.
- Mingo Creek Greenway, 4.75 miles to the Neuse River Greenway.
- Mingo Creek Park and Harper Park.
- Knightdale Environmental Education Park.
Eat, shop, stroll
- Old Town Knightdale around First Avenue and Main Street.
- Prime Barbecue and Oak City Brewing near Knightdale Station Park.
- Knightdale Boulevard for shopping, groceries and services.
On the 2026 calendar
- Latin American Festival in April
- Pickin' in the Park in May
- African American Festival in June
- Fourth on First Avenue in July
- Fall on First Avenue in October
- Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade in December
Schools
Check the address, not the rumor.
Knightdale is served by the Wake County Public School System. School assignments are set by the exact property address, grade and school year, not the neighborhood name.
Before you fall in love with a house, look up the address with the district.
Renting & Owning
Own a home in Knightdale? Let it work for you.
A quick drive to downtown Raleigh, Schneider Electric's longtime Knightdale operation, and Siemens' planned expansion across Knightdale and Wendell keep people moving here. Many of them start out renting.
That makes Knightdale a strong place to own a rental, as long as it's managed well. We handle the screening, leasing, maintenance and rent collection, so your home brings in income instead of phone calls.
Local Truth
Knightdale's first-ever barbecue festival drew more than 3,000 people. The town knows its priorities, and they come with a side of slaw.
Questions We Hear
Knightdale, answered.
How far is Knightdale from downtown Raleigh?
From Old Town Knightdale, downtown Raleigh is usually about 15 to 25 minutes by car, mostly by I-87/US 64 or Knightdale Boulevard. GoRaleigh Route 33 also connects Knightdale with Raleigh.
How did Knightdale get its name?
The town is named for Henry Haywood Knight, a local landowner who donated land for the railroad depot that helped establish the town. Knightdale was incorporated in 1927.
What parks and trails are in Knightdale?
Knightdale Station Park covers 71 acres with an amphitheater, pond, disc golf, a dog park, an inclusive playground and a splash pad. The 4.75-mile Mingo Creek Greenway connects Knightdale Station to the Neuse River Greenway.
Is there public transit in Knightdale?
Yes. GoRaleigh Route 33 connects Knightdale with Raleigh, and Northeast SmartRide offers free weekday on-demand rides within Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon's service area. Check current schedules before you rely on them.
Which public schools serve Knightdale?
Knightdale is served by the Wake County Public School System. Assignments depend on the exact address, grade and school year, so use the district's official address lookup for each home.
Next Door
Neighbors worth a look.
Love Knightdale but want to compare? These nearby towns are an easy drive away.
Ready to make Knightdale home?
Buying, selling, renting or managing, we know Knightdale street by street. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll take it from there.
