Grand Highland Estates

November 23, 2024

Welcome to Grand Highland Estates, a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. Learn about its rich history and thoughtful development near Wake Forest.
View Available Listings in Grand Highland Estates

Hey there! I'm Tim Clarke, your go-to real estate guru in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area. With over 17 years of experience as a licensed NC agent and 30+ years calling Wake Forest home, I've seen this place transform from a sleepy town to a booming suburb. Today, I'm thrilled to give you the inside scoop on one of our crown jewels: Grand Highland Estates.

As the founder of the Tim M. Clarke Team, one of the top-rated real estate teams in the Triangle, I've helped countless families find their dream homes. Let's dive into what makes Grand Highland Estates the talk of the town!

Feature Description
Location Wake Forest, NC 27587
Community Type Luxury gated community
Home Sizes 4,000+ square feet
Lot Sizes 0.90 to 2.5+ acres
Price Range $1.5 million to $3 million+
Builders Paragon Building Group, AR Homes/Hearthstone Luxury Homes, EDK Design Build, Shail Construction, Speight Built, Exeter Building Company, Braswell Custom Homes
Schools Wake Forest Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
Amenities Gated entrance, private roads, lush landscaping

Grand Highland Estates Overview

History and Development of Grand Highland Estates

Picture this: rolling hills, lush forests, and a slice of paradise just minutes from downtown Wake Forest. That's Grand Highland Estates for you! This swanky community didn't pop up overnight. It's the result of careful planning and a vision to create a haven for those who want the best of both worlds - country living with city conveniences.

Back in the day, this land was a thriving dairy farm. Now, it's home to some of the most luxurious properties in Wake County. The developers didn't just slap some houses down and call it a day. No sir! They worked with the natural landscape, preserving mature trees and incorporating the rolling terrain into their design. The result? A community that feels like it's been here forever, in perfect harmony with nature.

Distinguished Features of Grand Highland Estates

What sets Grand Highland Estates apart from your run-of-the-mill neighborhoods? Let me count the ways:

  1. Grand gated entrance: Talk about making an entrance! The stone gates and 24/7 security make you feel like royalty every time you come home.
  2. Private roads: No through traffic here, folks. Just peaceful, winding lanes perfect for evening strolls or bike rides.
  3. Lush landscaping: The developers didn't skimp on the green stuff. Mature trees, manicured lawns, and beautiful flower beds make every view Instagram-worthy.
  4. Underground utilities: No unsightly power lines here. Everything's tucked neatly underground, preserving those million-dollar views.
  5. Individual well & septic: Each home has its own systems, giving you more control and often lower utility bills.

Home and Lot Sizes

In Grand Highland Estates, we don't do small. Homes here start at a spacious 4,000 square feet and only go up from there. We're talking grand foyers, gourmet kitchens, home theaters - the works!

But the real showstopper? The lots. These babies range from 0.90 to over 2.5 acres. That's right, you could have your own mini-estate! Whether you want room for a pool, a tennis court, or just a massive garden, there's plenty of space to make it happen.

List of Builders in Grand Highland Estates

We've got a dream team of builders here in Grand Highland Estates. Each one brings something special to the table:

  • Paragon Building Group: Known for their energy-efficient luxury homes
  • AR Homes/Hearthstone Luxury Homes: Masters of custom design
  • EDK Design Build: Blending traditional and modern styles seamlessly
  • Shail Construction: Attention to detail is their middle name
  • Speight Built: Experts at harmonizing homes with the natural environment
  • Exeter Building Company: Specializing in timeless, traditional designs
  • Braswell Custom Homes: Craftsmanship is their calling card

Specific Neighborhoods

Grand Highland Estates is a cohesive community without specific sub-neighborhoods. Each home is unique, but they all share the same commitment to luxury and quality.

Grand Highland Estates Market Overview

Let's talk numbers. Homes in Grand Highland Estates start at around $1.5 million and can go well over $3 million. But don't let the price tags scare you off. These homes are more than just houses - they're investments in a lifestyle.

The market here is hot, hot, hot! Homes don't stay on the market long, and they often appreciate faster than in other areas. It's simple supply and demand - there's only so much luxury to go around!

Amenity Description
Gated Entrance 24/7 security for peace of mind
Private Roads Perfect for walks, runs, or bike rides
Natural Beauty Mature trees, rolling hills, scenic views
Proximity to Downtown Just minutes from Wake Forest's charming center
Nearby Parks E. Carroll Joyner Park, Wake Forest Reservoir nearby

Community Lifestyle

Life in Grand Highland Estates is like being on a permanent vacation. It's quiet, it's peaceful, and it's exclusive. But don't think it's all peace and quiet. This community knows how to have fun!

Neighbors here are friendly and welcoming. It's not uncommon to see impromptu gatherings on someone's back patio or community-wide events that bring everyone together. It's the kind of place where you can borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor - if that sugar is a rare vintage wine!

Parks, Outdoor Spaces, Recreational Amenities

While Grand Highland Estates doesn't have its own park (who needs one when you have acres of your own?), it's surrounded by some great outdoor spaces:

  • E. Carroll Joyner Park: Just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Perfect for picnics, jogging, or just enjoying nature.
  • Wake Forest Reservoir: Fancy a bit of fishing or kayaking? This spot's got you covered.
  • Falls Lake State Recreation Area: A short drive away, offering hiking, boating, and camping.

Community Events, Points of Interest

Wake Forest is known for its community spirit, and Grand Highland Estates residents are right in the thick of it. Some annual favorites include:

  1. Friday Night on White: Summer concert series that'll have you tapping your toes
  2. Wake Forest Farmers Market: Fresh, local produce all year round
  3. Meet in the Street Festival: Arts, crafts, music, and food galore

Schools and Educational Institutions

Public Schools Nearby

  • N Forest Pines Elementary School
  • Wakefield Middle School
  • Wakefield High School

Private Schools

  • Thales Academy: Non-traditional private school
  • St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School: Pre-K through 8th grade
  • Wake Forest Christian Academy: Pre-K through 12th grade

Charter Schools

  • Franklin Academy: K-12 charter school

Daycare

  • Primrose School of Heritage Wake Forest
  • Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Wake Forest

Top 10 Local Restaurants by Cuisine with Brief Google Reviews

  1. Over the Falls (American): "Great food, friendly staff, awesome atmosphere!" (4.5 stars)
  2. Bodega Tapas, Wine and Rum (Spanish): "Delicious tapas, extensive wine list. Perfect date night spot!" (4.6 stars)
  3. Leli's Diner (American): "Best breakfast in town. Those pancakes are to die for!" (4.6 stars)
  4. Tropical Picken Chicken (Caribbean): "Authentic flavors, generous portions. The jerk chicken is a must-try!" (4.7 stars)
  5. Mena's Cuisine (Italian): "Family-owned gem. Homemade pasta that'll make you feel like you're in Italy!" (4.7 stars)
  6. Farm Table (Farm-to-Table): "Fresh, local ingredients. Menu changes with the seasons. Always delicious!" (4.5 stars)
  7. Sushi One (Japanese): "Best sushi in Wake Forest. Fresh fish, creative rolls!" (4.5 stars)
  8. Tequila Sunrise (Mexican): "Great margaritas, authentic dishes. Try the street tacos!" (4.4 stars)
  9. Thai Cafe (Thai): "Delicious Thai food, generous portions. Pad Thai is excellent!" (4.5 stars)
  10. Smokey's BBQ Shack (Barbecue): "True North Carolina BBQ. The pulled pork and hush puppies are must-haves!" (4.6 stars)

Shopping, Entertainment

Shopping Centers near Grand Highland Estates

  • The Factory: Unique shopping and entertainment complex
  • Wake Forest Crossing: Major retailers like Target, Kohl's, and Lowes Foods
  • Downtown Wake Forest: Boutique shopping and local restaurants

Restaurants near Grand Highland Estates

  • Gonza Tacos y Tequila: Lively spot for Mexican fare and margaritas
  • The Burger Shop: Classic burgers and shakes
  • Wakefield Tavern: Casual pub with great beer selection

Healthcare Facilities and Emergency Services in Grand Highland Estates

  • WakeMed North Hospital: Full-service hospital about 15 minutes away
  • UNC REX Healthcare of Wakefield: Emergency room and diagnostic center
  • Wake Forest Urgent Care: For non-emergency medical needs
  • Wake Forest Fire Department: Quick response times to the community
  • Wake Forest Police Department: Community-oriented policing approach
Feature Description
Proximity to Downtown Wake Forest 6 miles
Nearest Major City Raleigh (20 miles)
Nearest Airport RDU International (25 miles)
Major Employers Nearby Wake Forest University, Rex Healthcare
Highway Access
  • US-1 (Capital Boulevard): Direct line to downtown Raleigh
  • NC-98: Connects you to Durham and other parts of Wake Forest
  • I-540: Quick access to RTP and RDU International Airport
Commute Times and Suggested Routes
  • To RDU International Airport: 30-35 minutes via US-1 S and I-540 W
  • To Downtown Durham: 35-40 minutes via NC-98 W and US-70 W
  • To Downtown Raleigh: 25-30 minutes via US-1 S
  • To Research Triangle Park (RTP): 30-35 minutes via I-540 W

Crime Data and Neighborhood Safety

Safety FeatureDescriptionGated Community24/7 controlled accessPrivate SecurityRegular patrolsLow Crime RateBelow national averageCommunity WatchActive neighborhood program

Grand Highland Estates takes safety seriously. The gated entrance and private roads already deter most ne'er-do-wells. But we don't stop there. The community has its own security measures, and residents often participate in neighborhood watch programs.

Wake Forest as a whole boasts a crime rate lower than the national average. And in a luxury community like Grand Highland Estates? You can bet those numbers are even lower. It's the kind of place where kids can play outside and you can leave your car unlocked (though I wouldn't recommend it - old habits die hard!).

Conclusion - Expert Advice from Tim Clarke

Alright, folks, let's wrap this up with some straight talk from yours truly. As someone who's been in the Triangle real estate game for over 17 years, I can tell you that Grand Highland Estates is something special.

For buyers eyeing this community, my advice is simple: don't dawdle. These homes move fast, and for good reason. Work with an agent who knows the area (ahem, yours truly) and be ready to move when the right property pops up. And don't be afraid of new construction - the builders here are top-notch and can create your dream home from the ground up.

If you're already living the Grand Highland Estates life, congratulations! You've made a great choice. My tip? Get involved. This community is what you make it. Attend local events, get to know your neighbors, and take advantage of all that Wake Forest has to offer. You're not just buying a home here; you're buying a lifestyle.

Thinking of selling? You're in a strong position. Luxury homes in Wake Forest are in high demand. But presentation is key. Invest in professional staging and photography to make your home shine. And remember, pricing is an art - that's where an experienced agent comes in handy.

Here's the bottom line: Grand Highland Estates isn't just a neighborhood; it's a statement. It says you value quality, appreciate beauty, and know how to live well. Whether you're buying, selling, or just dreaming, this community is worth your attention.

Ready to make your move? Don't leave your real estate journey to chance. With the Tim M. Clarke Team, you're not just getting an agent; you're getting a partner. Let's turn that Grand Highland Estates dream into your address. Give me a call, and let's make it happen!

Listings in Grand Highland Estates

**NOTE: If you're not seeing any listings, then currently there are no available homes in this community.**

Tim M. Clarke

About the author

17 years as a Realtor in the Research Triangle, Tim seeks to transform the Raleigh-Durham real estate scene through a progressive, people-centered approach prioritizing trust & transparency.

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