Sunset Ridge stands out as one of Holly Springs NC’s most desirable neighborhoods, and for good reason. This established golf community combines spacious properties, mature landscaping, and resort-style amenities that make homeowners want to stay for the long haul. Trish explores what makes living in Sunset Ridge such an attractive option for families moving to Holly Springs.
The community is divided into North and South sections, each offering its own appeal. The North side features homes built from the early 1990s through 2008, showcasing a mix of traditional brick architecture and southern-style designs with inviting front porches. The South side, home to Devil’s Ridge Golf Club, contains slightly older properties from the early 1990s that may need some updating depending on the seller’s renovations.
What both sections share are the tree-lined streets that create beautiful natural canopies overhead. The variety of home styles sets Sunset Ridge apart from cookie-cutter subdivisions. Traditional homes range from 2,400 to 5,000 square feet, and the North side even includes some townhome and condo options for different lifestyle preferences.
Property sizes are a major draw for this golf community. Lots range from a third of an acre to over half an acre, giving homeowners plenty of space for pools and outdoor entertaining. The generous lot sizes mean each home has room to breathe, creating a more spacious feel throughout the neighborhood.
Current home prices range from $700,000 for smaller properties to $1.1 million for larger estates. Golf course homes command premium prices since they’re highly sought after and golf communities are rare in Holly Springs. The neighborhood has enjoyed strong year-over-year appreciation, making it a solid investment for homeowners.
Devil’s Ridge Golf Club provides a central gathering spot with tournaments, charity events, and a patio for socializing. The club recently added a golf simulator on the top deck with heaters for winter use. Membership isn’t mandatory for residents and is open to the public.
The Club at Sunset operates separately from HOA fees, keeping costs reasonable while offering flexibility. Members enjoy access to four pools, tennis courts, new pickleball courts, and a fitness center. Kids can join the swim team, and junior programs keep young residents active and engaged.
Wake County Public Schools serve the area, providing quality education options. Healthcare access is excellent with UNC Hospital and numerous medical offices nearby. Downtown Holly Springs sits close by with restaurants, shops, and year-round community events that maintain the area’s small-town charm.
New companies continue bringing jobs to Holly Springs, strengthening wages and driving healthy home appreciation. The community-sponsored Hopper ride-sharing service adds modern convenience. Trish notes that safety remains a top priority, making Sunset Ridge especially appealing for families relocating to Raleigh NC.
Sunset Ridge offers the complete package for homebuyers seeking an established neighborhood with character. The combination of spacious lots, diverse amenities, and strong community ties creates an environment where families truly settle in for the long term.
LUXURY Living in 12 Oaks, Holly Springs NC | Golf Course & Country Club Lifestyle
Considering a move to one of North Carolina’s most sought-after communities? Trish reveals the insider details about living in 12 Oaks that every prospective buyer needs to know. This isn’t just another golf community; it’s a vibrant master-planned neighborhood where luxury homes in Holly Springs NC meet resort-style living and unbeatable convenience.
From price points to amenities, location perks to lifestyle opportunities, here’s your complete guide to luxury homes in 12 Oaks and what makes this community worth the investment.
12 Oaks was developed in phases by multiple builders, creating distinct neighborhoods throughout the community. Charleston-style homes near the main entrance offer convenient access to the clubhouse on smaller, manageable lots. These properties typically fall in the mid-range pricing around $885,000.
Custom luxury homes in Holly Springs NC showcase side-entry garages, spacious three-car options, and larger lots perfect for pools and outdoor living. Many of these homes line the golf course and represent the community’s later development phases. For those seeking low-maintenance options, golf villas and townhomes provide the perfect solution without lawn care responsibilities.
Luxury homes in 12 Oaks range from $800,000 to $1.5 million depending on size, style, and location. This price diversity makes the community accessible to various buyers while maintaining its upscale character.
Type of Neighborhood
This established master-planned community features 1,700 homes connected by wide sidewalks perfect for golf cart living. Trish describes it as a lived-in neighborhood ideal for those planning long-term residency. The friendly atmosphere and beautiful weather make it common to see neighbors enjoying the outdoors year-round.
Lifestyle
Living in 12 Oaks goes beyond the golf course. Residents enjoy tennis courts with regular clinics, a modern fitness studio, and three resort-style pools. The clubhouse hosts restaurants, community events, and fundraisers throughout the year. Parents appreciate the nearby elementary school within golf cart distance, while gardening enthusiasts connect at the community garden.
Golf membership isn’t mandatory for homeowners. Trish explains that residents only need social membership at $120 monthly with no initiation fee. Those wanting full golf access pay a $12,500 initiation fee plus $650 monthly.
Holly Springs provides exceptional convenience, sitting 20-30 minutes from RDU Airport and 35 minutes from downtown Raleigh and Research Triangle Park. Quick highway access via 55 and 540 means minimal traffic and easy commuting.
Major employers like Genentech and Fujifilm operate directly across from the community, bringing high-wage employment opportunities. The new Oakview Commons shopping center adds coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and wellness centers nearby.
Holly Springs offers top-tier healthcare with Holly Springs Rex Hospital and a planned NC Children’s Hospital opening in coming years.
12 Oaks in Holly Springs NC delivers the complete package for luxury living. From diverse housing options to world-class amenities and strategic location, this community continues attracting families and professionals alike.
The combination of established neighborhoods, growing employment opportunities, and excellent healthcare makes it an exceptional community for those looking for luxury homes in a fantastic neighborhood.
Raleigh Luxury Market Update: The Rise of the Analytical Buyer
Watch the full video breakdown here:
If you have been following the real estate headlines for 2026, you’ve likely heard about rising inventory in the suburbs. But here in Raleigh—specifically inside the city limits and Inside the Beltline—the data is telling a completely different story.
While Apex and Cary are seeing speed, the Raleigh luxury market is seeing scrutiny.
In our January 2026 Market Update, we analyzed the year-end numbers for homes priced over $750,000. The results reveal a fascinating shift in buyer psychology that every seller needs to understand.
The Data: Prices Up, Inventory Down
First, let’s look at the hard numbers. On paper, the Raleigh market looks tighter than ever.
Statistically, 2.1 months of supply is an aggressive Seller’s Market. Usually, this low level of supply triggers bidding wars and rapid sales. But that is not what is happening on the ground.
The “Days on Market” Anomaly
Here is the twist: Despite having fewer homes to choose from, homes are sitting on the market nearly twice as long.
How can supply be lower, but selling times be slower? The answer lies in buyer behavior.
The Shift from Emotional to Analytical
The “frenzy” of previous years—where buyers wrote offers sight-unseen or minutes after walking through the door—is officially over in Raleigh. We are witnessing the rise of the Analytical Buyer.
What This Means for Sellers
If you are planning to sell a luxury home in Raleigh this spring, you need to adjust your expectations.
🚀 PLANNING A MOVE TO RALEIGH?
Whether you are buying or selling, you need a strategy that matches the current market pace. The “frenzy” might be gone, but the opportunity is still there for those who have the right data.
📲 CONTACT TRISH & THE TEAM:
Apex Luxury Market Update: Why You Must Price with Strategy, Not Optimism
Watch the full breakdown in my latest video:
If you are a seller in Apex, you might be looking at the latest market stats and feeling confident. After all, median prices are up 3% to $880,000, and homes are selling in less than three weeks (19 days).
But there is one statistic that is causing confusion: Inventory is up 128%.
The “Percentage” Trap When we hear “128% increase,” it sounds massive. It sounds like buyers have endless choices and sellers are in trouble. But in real estate, percentages without context are dangerous.
While that is a big jump percentage-wise, 73 homes in the Apex luxury price point is not an oversupply. It is barely enough to satisfy the current demand, which is why we are still seeing a 1.6-month supply (a strong Seller’s Market).
The Warning for Sellers Because inventory has ticked up slightly, buyers have just enough choice to be picky. We are seeing a clear trend: Homes priced correctly sell immediately. But homes priced even 5% over market value are being interpreted as “overpriced” and are sitting.
The Bottom Line: You cannot price your home based on “optimism” hoping a buyer will overpay. You must price with strategy based on the data.
🚀 PLANNING A MOVE TO NC?
Relocation is about more than just square footage; it’s about logistics. Whether you are moving for a job or looking for the perfect luxury community, you need an expert on the ground.
Let’s ensure your move supports your career and your lifestyle.
📲 CONTACT TRISH & THE TEAM:
Cary Luxury Market Update: Breaking the $1 Million Barrier
If you have been keeping a close watch on the Cary real estate market, you know it has been competitive. But the latest numbers for January 2026 show just how strong the demand for luxury living in this area truly is.
While headlines might focus on “rising inventory,” the real story is about value. Cary has officially crossed a major psychological and financial threshold, cementing its status as one of the most desirable locations in the Triangle.
Watch the full breakdown in my latest video:
The $1 Million Milestone
The headline news for this month is appreciation. The median home price in Cary has jumped from $990,000 to $1,050,000.
This represents a 7% year-over-year growth. In just 12 months, property values have surged, pushing the median luxury price over the million-dollar mark.
2. The “Inventory Spike” Myth vs. Reality
If you look at the raw percentages, you might see a scary number: Inventory is up 97% year-over-year.
At first glance, that sounds like the market is flooded with homes. But context is everything.
3. Supply & Demand: Still a Seller’s Market
To understand who has the upper hand, we look at “Months of Supply.”
We moved from 1 month of supply last year to 2.4 months this year. While this is an increase, it is important to remember that a “balanced” market is typically 4–6 months of supply.
At 2.4 months, Cary is still firmly in Seller’s Market territory. Sellers still control the board, but with slightly more inventory available, pricing your home correctly is more important than ever to ensure you capture that $1M+ value.
🚀 PLANNING A MOVE TO NC?
Relocation is about more than just square footage; it’s about logistics. Whether you are moving for a job or looking for the perfect luxury community, you need an expert on the ground.
Let’s ensure your move supports your career and your lifestyle.
📲 CONTACT TRISH & THE TEAM:
Market Alert: Why Holly Springs is Currently the Tightest Luxury Market in the Triangle
Watch our YouTube Short Here-
If you are looking for a luxury home in the Raleigh area, you might be hearing mixed messages about inventory rising or markets cooling. However, real estate is hyper-local, and Holly Springs is bucking the trend.
According to our latest data for January 2026, Holly Springs is officially the tightest market across our entire group of monitored cities. While other suburbs are seeing inventory creep up, Holly Springs is seeing it shrink, creating a highly competitive environment for buyers.
Here is a deep dive into the numbers and what you need to do to win in this specific market.
The Data: Supply is Shrinking, Speed is Increasing
When we look at the luxury segment (homes priced over $750,000), the numbers tell a story of high demand and scarcity.
What Does “1.4 Months of Supply” Mean for You?
We are currently sitting at 1.4 months of supply in Holly Springs.
In real estate terms, a “balanced market” is usually 4-6 months of supply. Anything under that is a Seller’s Market. At 1.4 months, we are in an aggressive seller’s market where there is low inventory and extremely fast absorption.
The Danger of Hesitation
In a market this tight, time is your biggest enemy. We are seeing that there is little room for hesitation.
In a slower market, you might have the luxury of viewing a home on Saturday and thinking about it until Tuesday. In Holly Springs right now, buyers who wait are losing out on properties. If a “good house” hits the market—one that is priced correctly and shows well—you have to be prepared to move quicker than you might expect.
Strategic Advice for 2026 Buyers
To secure a home in Holly Springs under these conditions, you need to be strategic:
Work with a Local Expert: You need an agent who knows about listings the moment (or before) they hit the market.
🚀 PLANNING A MOVE TO NC?
Relocation is about more than just square footage; it’s about logistics. Let’s ensure your move supports your career and your lifestyle.
📲 CONTACT TRISH & THE TEAM:
January 2026 Raleigh Luxury Real Estate Market Update: Strategic Buying in a Seller’s Market
Click to Watch our Video Here-
Happy New Year! As we turn the page to 2026, it is time to look back at how the luxury real estate market in the Raleigh Triangle wrapped up 2025 and what those numbers tell us about the year ahead.
If you are a relocation buyer eyeing the Triangle, or a local homeowner considering selling, you have likely seen headlines about shifting markets. However, real estate is hyper-local. Generic headlines do not tell the story of what is happening in specific neighborhoods like Cary, Apex, or Holly Springs.
In this update, we are diving into the December 2025 numbers for the Luxury Market (homes priced over $750,000). The big takeaway? While inventory is fluctuating, the Triangle remains a robust seller’s market, but buyer behavior is shifting from “emotional” to “analytical.”
Here is your comprehensive look at the data.
Local Market Breakdown: December 2025 Stats
1. Cary: Breaking the Million-Dollar Threshold
Cary continues to be a powerhouse in the luxury sector. The median home sale price has jumped to $1.05 million, representing a 7% appreciation year-over-year.
2. Apex: More Choice, Same High Demand
Apex is offering buyers a bit more choice, but don’t let that fool you—homes are moving fast. The median sales price rose 3% to $880,000.
3. Holly Springs: The Tightest Market in the Triangle
If you are looking to move to Holly Springs, you need to be prepared to act immediately. This was the tightest market across the group for December 2025.
4. Raleigh: The Big City Shift
The Raleigh market tells a slightly different story than its suburbs. The median price rose 3.2% to $1.099 million, but the pace is different.
What to Expect in Spring 2026
We are already seeing clients coming off the sidelines to prepare for the spring market. After a period of uncertainty regarding interest rates, there is significant pent-up demand. Even a slight dip in rates is expected to pull more buyers back into the market, increasing competition as the weather warms up.
Relocating to the Triangle?
If you are trying to interpret this data from a distance, don’t rely on national headlines. Real estate is local. Whether you are looking for lake life in Holly Springs or luxury living in North Hills, you need an expert on the ground.
At Dare Realty Group, we act as your eyes and ears. We help you navigate these numbers to make a move that makes financial and lifestyle sense.
Ready to start your search? Let’s connect.
Trish Dare Dare Realty Group 📩 Email: Trish@trishdare.com 📞 Call/Text: 919-564-6264 📅 Book a Consultation: Click Here to Schedule a Call 🌐 Website: www.darerealtygroup.com
The NC Relocation Reality Check: Raleigh vs. Wilmington Airport Access
Watch the Video Insight: The Coastal Trade-Off-
When most people begin planning a move to North Carolina, their search history is filled with Zillow listings, school district ratings, and “best restaurants in…” articles. While housing prices and neighborhood vibes are critical, there is a massive logistical factor that often gets overlooked until after the moving boxes are unpacked: The Airport Factor.
If you travel frequently for work, have family across the country, or simply love international vacations, overlooking proximity to a major airport is a critical mistake.
As I mentioned in my recent video (above), the choice between living near the Capital (Raleigh) versus enjoying the Coastal lifestyle (Wilmington) often comes down to a fundamental trade-off between immediate global power and daily, stress-free ease.
Here is an in-depth breakdown of the split between Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) and Wilmington International (ILM), and the real-world implications for your lifestyle.
The 2-Hour Trade-Off: Defining Your Priorities
Before diving into airport stats, you need to ask yourself the hard question I posed in the video:
Are you willing to make a two-hour drive occasionally to enjoy the beach daily? Or is immediate, global connectivity essential for your weekly career survival?
Living in Wilmington offers incredible daily peace and a coastal atmosphere. But, as I noted in the clip, when you need to get to “bigger places”—think West Coast conferences or European vacations—you are looking at a two-hour drive up I-40 to catch a flight out of Raleigh.
For some, that drive four times a year is a small price to pay for living at the beach. For a weekly business traveler, adding a four-hour round-trip commute to every business trip is a non-starter.
Option 1: The Triangle (Raleigh)
Raleigh-Durham International (RDU): The Global Connector
If your career demands weekly travel, or you need immediate access to international destinations without adding a road trip to your itinerary, the Triangle is the strategic choice.
RDU has grown into a powerhouse. It isn’t just a regional airport anymore; it is a Tier 1 connector designed for efficiency on a large scale.
The RDU Experience:
Best For: Corporate executives, frequent business flyers, and international travelers.
Option 2: The Coast (Wilmington)
Wilmington International (ILM): The “No Stress” Lifestyle Choice
If you work remotely, fly mostly domestically, or prioritize a low-stress existence above all else; the Coast offers an unmatched travel experience.
In the video, I described flying out of ILM as “super easy,” and that is not an exaggeration. This is the airport where the “get in, get out” mentality truly thrives.
The ILM Experience:
Best For: Remote workers, leisure travelers, retirees, and anyone who hates travel-induced anxiety.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Move
Relocation is more than just square footage and countertops; it’s about the logistics of your daily life. Don’t let the dream of a certain lifestyle blind you to the reality of your travel needs.
Are you a “Road Warrior” who needs RDU, or a “Beach Lover” who prefers the ease of ILM?
Let’s ensure your move supports your career and your lifestyle.
📲 READY TO MAKE THE MOVE? CONTACT TRISH & THE TEAM:
Raleigh vs. Wilmington: The Real Truth About Safety
When families reach out to me about moving to North Carolina, the conversation almost always starts with housing prices or schools. But eventually, we get to the question that keeps parents up at night: “Is it safe?”
Watch the Video Breakdown
I discuss these safety factors in more detail in my latest short. Click here to watch the full video on YouTube.
Comparing safety in Raleigh (The Triangle) versus Wilmington (The Coast) isn’t a simple apples-to-apples comparison. You have to look at “safety” through two very different lenses: Neighborhood Crime and Environmental Risk.
In my latest video, I broke down the specific risks associated with both regions. Here is the detailed guide to help you decide which environment offers the peace of mind you need.
1. Crime & Neighborhood Safety: The “Daily” Risk
If your primary concern is low crime rates and secure subdivisions, the data heavily favors the Capital.
Raleigh & The Triangle: Raleigh is consistently ranked as one of the safest large metros in the United States. But the real story is in the suburbs. Towns like Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest frequently top the lists of “Safest Cities in North Carolina” (and sometimes the entire country).
Wilmington & The Coast: Wilmington is a beautiful historic city, but statistically, it has higher property crime rates than the Triangle. This is common in tourism-heavy beach towns where the population swells with visitors.
2. Environmental Safety: The “Seasonal” Risk (Hurricanes)
This is the factor that many out-of-state movers forget to calculate. In North Carolina, Mother Nature plays a big role in your safety.
Wilmington (The Hurricane Zone): Living at the beach means accepting the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Raleigh (The Safe Haven): Located about two hours inland, Raleigh acts as a buffer zone.
The Verdict: Which Risk Can You Manage?
Planning Your Move to North Carolina? Don’t guess when it comes to safety. At Dare Realty Group, we know the neighborhoods, the flood zones, and the safest spots for your family to plant roots.
Let’s Connect: 📞 Call/Text: 919-274-3232 📧 Email: Trish@trishdare.com 💻 Search Safe Neighborhoods: https://darerealtygroup.com/
RDU vs. ILM: Which NC City is Best for Travelers?
When my clients are debating a move between Raleigh and Wilmington, the conversation usually starts with housing prices and school districts. But there is one major quality-of-life factor that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: Airport Access.
Watch Our Short Here- https://youtube.com/shorts/ckHGQ7lOc3Q
I always ask my relocating clients: “How often do you travel, and where do you go?”
Your answer to that question can dictate whether you belong in the Capital or on the Coast. The difference between Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) and Wilmington International (ILM) is about more than just size—it’s about lifestyle.
Here is the honest, data-driven comparison of North Carolina’s two most popular travel hubs for 2025.
Raleigh-Durham International (RDU): The “Global Connector”
If you are a corporate executive, a consultant who travels weekly, or a globetrotter who hates layovers, living in the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Cary) is a non-negotiable advantage.
1. Unmatched Connectivity RDU isn’t just a regional airport anymore; it is a powerhouse.
2. Big City Amenities The “experience” at RDU rivals major metros without the chaos of JFK or O’Hare.
The Verdict: If your livelihood depends on efficient, long-haul travel, Raleigh is the clear winner.
Wilmington International (ILM): The “Boutique Hub”
For years, flying out of Wilmington meant one thing: a mandatory layover in Charlotte. That has completely changed. Wilmington is currently one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, transforming from a sleepy regional stop into a vibrant “Boutique Hub.”
1. The “15-Minute” Rule The greatest luxury at ILM is time.
2. Massive Growth (Avelo & Breeze) The arrival of low-cost carriers like Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways has revolutionized travel for coastal residents.
The Verdict: If you fly domestically for leisure or remote work, ILM offers a superior, stress-free experience that gives you more time at home.
The “Hybrid” Strategy: Driving to Fly
Many of my clients who choose the coastal lifestyle ask: “What if I do need to go to Europe?”
The answer is the “Hybrid Strategy.” Raleigh is only a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Wilmington. Many coastal residents enjoy the relaxed, beach lifestyle 350 days a year, and simply drive to RDU (or take a direct shuttle) for their big international trips. It is a small trade-off for living in paradise.
Planning Your Move to North Carolina?
Whether you prioritize the global connectivity of the Triangle or the stress-free convenience of the Coast, you need a home that fits your lifestyle.
At Dare Realty Group, we help you weigh the logistics of your relocation so you don’t just love your home—you love your life here.
✈️ Ready to land in your dream home? Let’s connect. 📲 Call/Text: 919-274-3232 💻 Start Your Search: https://darerealtygroup.com/