KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (WTVD) — Knightdale has seen tremendous growth in recent years and consistently is cited as one of the fastest growing towns in Wake County. A new mixed-use project is slated to bring even more people to the area.

Plans for the expansion of Legacy Oaks will include a hotel, office and retail space, and homes, which one realtor says will benefit the missing middle as the population soars in Knightdale.

DeNiqua Hunter moved to Knightdale from Wendell two years ago, she says, primarily for her young family.

“I’ve seen so many people moving in,” said Hunter. “It’s really a good area here for kids.”

Hundreds of additional families will soon be moving in.

The Knightdale Town Council signed off on a master plan to add residential and commercial space to the Legacy Oaks development.

The plans include almost 53,000 square feet of office and retail space, a 110-room hotel and more than 330 residential lots.

The townhouses are starting in the mid $300,000.

“They’re offering the price point that many homeowners in this area and home buyers want to be in,” said Realtor Erica Sizemore. “Communities that are building closer to this $300,000 price point are very attractive, especially for Millennial buyers. Those in GenZ are going to be making up about 40 percent of our market share.”

Knightdale’s population has more than doubled since 2000.

The town is working to meet the growing number of residents and is making several investments.

A new fire station was built and the playground at Knightdale Station was recently renovated.

Christopher Prieto owns Prime Barbecue. It received Michelin recognition this week.

“The award is about value, but it’s also about excellence in service, and that’s what we want to bring here,” he said.

Prieto lives in Knightdale himself and as the population continues growing, he too is considering the next step for his beloved BBQ joint.

“We’re looking into the expansion of this space. We have some property to work with. Knightdale’s home for me,” said Prieto. “This is a place that we started off early and Knightdale’s done such a stupendous job with slowly growing it in the right direction with the right leadership.”

Knightdale is looking to capitalize on the hotel. It’s part of the town’s Economic Development Plan and leaders are hoping to partner with Visit Raleigh on events to draw in overnight visitors.

SEE ALSO: 3 downtown Wilson businesses receive statewide recognition as ‘certified destinations’

More than 1,900 homes being built for Wendell’s soaring population

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