Garner: Southern Charm Close to the City

A Realtor’s Guide to Experiencing the Best Garner Has to Offer

Downtown Garner is home to a charming historic district.

Garner is conveniently located just south of downtown Raleigh and offers easy access to US-70, US-401, I-40, and NC-50, making it a great location for easy travel to any area of the Triangle. One of the main things that attracts people to Garner is the affordability of housing. Compared to other areas of the Triangle, Garner is very affordable and a great option for people commuting to downtown Raleigh or other parts of the Triangle. Most recently, Amazon built one of their largest distribution centers in Garner, costing $200M, and it is now the largest employer for the town. Erica Anderson, a top REALTOR® and owner of Team Anderson Realty, has been serving the real estate needs of the community since 2014.

History

Garner emerged when the North Carolina Railroad constructed tracks through the area in 1847 as a “water and wood” stop and was initially called Garner’s Station. Long prior to the development of the railroad and then continuing until the mid-20th century, the landscape largely consisted of cotton and tobacco crops, which were vital to the economy of the area. The railroad brought with it many new settlers, creating the need for a post office to be built in 1878, and when the town acquired a railroad depot in 1905, it was officially incorporated into the Town of Garner.

Shopping and Dining

This colorful mural is located on the side of Full Bloom Coffee Roasters on Main Street.

Garner offers residents many choices when it comes to shopping and dining. White Oak Crossing is the largest shopping destination in Garner and attracts visitors from all over the Triangle. They are home to the only Cabela’s in the state, which is a mecca for outdoor sports aficionados, and their 105,000-square-foot location in Garner does not disappoint! The store boasts rustic log construction, an indoor archery test area, an aquarium, 200 museum-quality wildlife displays, and a boat shop. White Oak Crossing is also home to stores like Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Dick’s Sporting Goods, TJ Maxx, Michael’s, Ulta, and more. There are also plenty of dining options in the shopping center including Kazé Japanese Steakhouse, Krafty’s Burger & Brews, La Cocina, Logan’s Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s, and more. There is also a Regal movie theater located in White Oak Crossing.

MoonRunner’s Saloon is a popular spot for drinks and dining in Garner. In 2013, they were featured on a television show, Bar Rescue, and the renovation during the show resulted in an incredible prohibition-era themed restaurant that serves great food and specialty drinks in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Angie’s Restaurant is a favorite among locals, with their delicious home cooking and friendly staff; patrons of Angie’s frequently boast about the tasty food, generous portions, and most of all, the southern hospitality with which the staff treats customers. Alexander’s Mediterranean Cuisine serves delicious traditional Greek food in a friendly, welcoming environment. Lily’s Taqueria is a food truck in Garner that locals rave about; people don’t mind waiting in line because the authentic Mexican food, served by a mother/daughter duo, compares to nothing else in the area in terms of quality, taste, and authenticity.

Activities

Lake Benson Park is a beautiful, spacious park with playgrounds, a dog park, picnic shelters, and walking trails.

Lake Benson Park is a fabulous spot to spend the day with family and friends. The 64-acre park is adjacent to Lake Benson and is comprised of open space, which accommodates many of the town’s special events. Additionally, the park is home to the Garner Veterans Memorial, a dog park, two playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic shelters. While no personal watercraft may be launched in the lake, the Lake Benson Boathouse offers Jon boat, canoe, and kayak rentals from April through October. White Deer Park is adjacent to Lake Benson and features two miles of paved trails, two playgrounds, an arboretum, a wildflower meadow, picnic shelters, and a 2,500 square-foot LEED Gold Certified Nature Center with live and preserved animal species. White Deer Park also offers a large variety of educational programs for students. Garner Recreational Park features two lighted ball fields, a concession stand, a playground, a dog park, and over 2 miles of mountain biking trails.

Garner Recreation Center features three basketball courts, a walking track, multipurpose rooms, and more.

Garner Performing Arts Center is located within the Old Garner High School, built in 1923. The school underwent extensive renovation in recent years and now serves as the premier spot in Garner to see a play, musical, or concert.

Rush Hour Karting is one of the best places in town that guarantees a fun outing. This indoor, high-speed karting facility boasts European-designed karts that go almost 40-miles-per-hour. The indoor track spans one-third of a mile and is full of hair pin curves, winding turns, and high-speed straights. They also have a tavern / sports bar that overlooks the track, as well as axe throwing, arcade games, air hockey, and billiards. Conundrum Escapes is a challenging escape room, which is always tons of fun as you rack your brain trying to solve the puzzles and escape the room in time. It’s a great place to go with family and friends.

Real Estate in Garner

Garner Veteran’s Memorial is located at the entrance to Lake Benson Park.

Garner’s location makes it an ideal place to buy a home, and there are plenty of options to choose from. The Grove at White Oak is a new subdivision featuring ranch and two-story single-family homes with home designs ranging in size from 1,500 to over 3,500 square feet with 3-5 bedrooms and 2-3 car garages ($300s-$400s). Annandale is a new community that features a neighborhood pool, playground, fitness center, and athletic field. Annandale offers custom built ranch and two-story single-family homes with 4-5 bedrooms, 2-3.5 baths, and 2 car garages ($300s to low $400s). Clifford Glen is another new community that offers single-family homes with 4-5 bedrooms, 3-4 baths, and 2-car garages ($300s to low $400s). Summerwind is a new subdivision that features a community pool and bathhouse and offers charming single-family homes ($200s-$300s). Carrington Place is a desirable community that offers single-family homes on large lots, over ½ acre up to over 2 acres ($200s-$300s). Bingham Station features a community clubhouse and tennis courts and offers single-family homes ($200s-$300s). Minglewood Townhomes is a brand-new community offering spacious townhomes with modern details like large kitchen islands and full-light patio doors and offer 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 1-2 car garages ($300s). Adams Point is a great new subdivision that features large home sites and a community pool and offers single-family homes located near Lake Benson ($400s). There are plenty of other established subdivisions in Garner as well that range in prices and sizing. Garner has many options to fit every budget if you are looking for a new home.

Ready to Buy a Home or Sell a Home in Garner? 

Team Anderson Realty is an independent 5-star, concierge-style real estate firm that has been serving Garner and the surrounding areas since 2014. We have an established presence in the community and are committed to helping buyers find the perfect home within their budget. If you are looking to buy a home in Garner, we would love the opportunity to show you what’s available and help you purchase that perfect home! Likewise, if you have ever thought to yourself, “What do I need to do to sell my home?” then we can help with that too! We are a top seller’s agent in Garner, and we would be delighted to put our expertise to work for you in getting you top-dollar for your home. We offer superior service to all of our clients regardless of budget. If you’re in the market to either buy or sell your home, please let us help you make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Call one of our agents today at 919-610-5126 and let us get to work for you!