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Downtown, Garner,NC

Neighborhood Data
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If you're considering a move to Garner, NC, the Downtown area in the southeastern part of the city offers a charming and vibrant community that perfectly blends small-town appeal with modern conveniences. This neighborhood is known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly residents, making it a wonderful choice for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Living here means you'll be just a short drive away from the bustling heart of Raleigh, allowing easy access to big-city amenities while enjoying the peacefulness of a close-knit community.

One of the standout features of Downtown Garner is its delightful array of local attractions and community events. The Garner Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of concerts, theater productions, and cultural events throughout the year, providing entertainment options that bring the community together. Additionally, the Garner Veterans Memorial Park offers a serene green space perfect for weekend strolls, picnics, and outdoor activities. Food lovers will appreciate the diverse dining scene, featuring cozy cafes, family-owned restaurants, and popular eateries that serve up everything from Southern comfort food to international flavors.

For those who commute or frequently visit Raleigh’s city center, Downtown Garner is conveniently situated roughly 12 miles southeast of Downtown Raleigh, making it an ideal spot for balancing work and home life. The neighborhood’s accessibility is enhanced by well-maintained roads and public transportation options, ensuring that residents can easily enjoy the vibrant nightlife, shopping, and cultural experiences of the capital city without sacrificing the tranquility of their own neighborhood. Whether you're attracted by the community spirit or the convenient location, Downtown Garner is a fantastic choice for your next home.

Downtown Demographics

Population 647
Density (People/sqml.) 1,505
Median Age 35.1
Married Couples
45%
45% of the population of Downtown aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
26%
26% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

26% of the Downtown population aged 16 and up are married, which is in line with national averages. This balance suggests a neighborhood with a healthy mix of families, couples, and single residents, creating a well-rounded community dynamic. You are likely to find a blend of stability and social variety, appealing to both long-term homeowners and younger professionals alike.

With only 26% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Age Breakdown

Downtown neighborhood age breakdown chart

Downtown demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 647 residents, Downtown is notably smaller than many other Garner neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 1,505 people per square mile, Downtown offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Garner neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

With an average age of 35, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

Crime in Downtown

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Total Crime Incidents
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Types of Crime

Downtown neighborhood age breakdown chart

Downtown Crime Map

The Downtown crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing

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Home Price $264,920
Median Rent $1,176
People/Household 2.6

Home Price Breakdown

Downtown neighborhood home price breakdown chart

Rent vs Own

Rent 44% Own 56%

Year Moved In

Before 2010 45% After 2010 55%

Types of Homes in the Area

Market Trends

Year-over-Year Home Prices YoY data

 

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Downtown, the median home price is about $264,920, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Downtown have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The median rent is around $1,176, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

Walkability & Lifestyle

Coffee Shops

Full Bloom Coffee
Coffee Shop
min.
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Raleigh Business Center
Coffee Shop
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Entertainment

Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts
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Garner Performing Arts Center
Theatre Arts
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Food & Drink

Shotmakers Sports Bar and Billiards
Bar
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ABC Store
Alcohol
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Groceries

Food Lion
Grocery Store
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ALDI
Grocery Store
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Parks

Garner Baseball Park
Park
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Garner Recreational Park
Park
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Shops

Hudson's Hardware & Outdoor Equipment
Home Improvement
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Mall
Mall
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Getting Around

Transit Stops

Garner Rd at Creech Rd (Garner Recreational Park)
Bus Stop
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Aversboro Rd at Brooks Ave
Bus Stop
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Transit Stations

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Health & Safety

Medical Facilities

FastMed Urgent Care
Clinic
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Rite Aid
Pharmacy
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Health Care

Bridges Family Life Center
Doctor
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Garner Family Practice
Doctor
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Safety

Samaritan Ambulance Service
Ambulance Station
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Garner Police Department
Police
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Top Rated Schools

Name Category Grades Rating
East Garner Middle
6301 Jones Sausage Rd, Garner, NC
Elementary School 6 - 8 School Score
Vernon Malone College And Career Academy
2200 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC
High School 9 - 13 School Score
Creech Road Elementary
450 Creech Rd, Garner, NC
Elementary School PK - 5 School Score
Timber Drive Elementary
1601 Timber Drive, Garner, NC
Elementary School PK - 5 School Score
Vandora Springs Elementary
8317 Bryan Road, Garner, NC
Elementary School PK - 5 School Score
Central Wake Charter High
1425 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC
High School 9 - 12 School Score
North Garner Middle
720 Powell Dr, Garner, NC
Elementary School 6 - 8 School Score

Education Level Achieved

School ratings in Downtown combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Downtown can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.