Nestled in the southern suburbs of Raleigh, Garner has all the features of a quaint North Carolina town. Garner is a great place to live, which the town's official website attributes to "the people and sense of community that join us together and create a place where everyone feels welcome." Local residents welcome newcomers with open arms, a spirit of cooperation and sense of neighborliness that is uncommon in modern society. With a population of less than 27,000, Garner maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and thriving cultural landscape. Look for Garner apartments for rent, and find a haven of opportunity in the American South.
Garner was created in 1847 when the North Carolina Railroad was built through the area. Garner was chosen as the location for a new station between Charlotte and Goldsboro, North Carolina. As a "wood and water" stop, the Garner Station prospered, leading the Town of Garner to be officially incorporated in 1905. No one is really sure how Garner got its name, but many theories have been proposed over the years.
In 1911, the first paved road built in North Carolina connected Garner with nearby Raleigh. The Central Highway allowed Garner to transform from a sleepy railroad town into a bustling business environment. Before the turn of the century, tobacco and cotton crops were the main source of income for Garner residents, but now the economic landscape was dotted with small businesses that helped keep residents working in the local community. General stores, cotton gins, blacksmiths, repair shops and barber shops joined the area soon after. Today, Garner is a lucrative town that has experienced increased population and residential growth throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The diverse community, thriving business economy and beautiful neighborhoods make the area a perfect place to raise a family, keeping Garner rentals in high demand.
Garne is perfectly situated for local students to take advantage of the universities located just 8 miles away in Raleigh. Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Peace College and Shaw University, among others, are located here and offer students a well-rounded college experience.
For those seeking work, Garner is home to many local work opportunities. The largest employer in town is the Wake County Public School System, which provides jobs for more than 1,000 residents and shows the importance the town places on education. Other top employers in Garner include Pergo, The Hamlin Companies, Walmart, LL Vann Electric, Lowe's, The Laurels of Forest Glenn, the Town of Garner, Home Depot, Ultratech Industries and Target. Sixty-three percent of Garner residents work in management, sales and office occupations and join the 13 percent who work in the service industry to make up the majority of the local workforce.
With local southern charm and a close proximity to the vibrant atmosphere of Raleigh, residents in Garner pay reasonable rent prices. United States Census Bureau statistics show that the standard apartment here costs $877 a month, which is only $22 more than the national average. Everyday living expenses are also very affordable in Garner. The city received a cost of living index of 95.3, which is slightly below the United States average of 100. With some of the best amenities in Johnson County, Garner apartments are sure to please.
Garner is home to a variety of events that bring many visitors to town throughout the year. The Triangle Beach Music Festival features the best bands in the industry and is one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the Carolina Beach Music Events series. Garner hosts an annual Garner Storytelling Festival in collaboration with the Garner Educational Foundation featuring free storytelling in the afternoon for the entire family. The festival showcases a keynote presenter, professional poets, storytellers and local students from the Garner area schools. Another local favorite is the Strawberry Festival, which brings thousands of visitors to Garner to enjoy local strawberries, community vendors, local artists and rides for kids.
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