Buying in Van Story Hills, Garner, NC: Home Prices, Lot Sizes & Neighborhood Guide
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If you’re considering buying a home in Van Story Hills in Garner, NC, this established neighborhood is worth exploring if you want a detached home, a sizable yard, and a location within the greater Raleigh area.
Van Story Hills features primarily older single-family homes, many built during the 1960s and 1970s. Buyers may find traditional layouts, mature residential lots, and opportunities to update a property over time. The key is understanding how a home’s condition, renovations, and lot size affect its value.
Where Is Van Story Hills in Garner, NC?
Van Story Hills is located in Garner, in Wake County, south of Raleigh. Streets in the neighborhood include November Street, Atchison Street, Burnham Court, Ware Court, and Shoals Lane.
The location offers access to Garner’s local services and shopping, with Raleigh available for additional employment, dining, and entertainment options. Actual commute times depend on your destination, route, and traffic conditions.
For buyers who prefer an established residential area over a newer development, Van Story Hills may be worth considering. Touring the neighborhood in person can help you evaluate street layouts, neighboring properties, traffic, and the condition of surrounding homes.
What Types of Homes Are in Van Story Hills?
Van Story Hills primarily consists of detached single-family homes built in earlier decades. Neighborhood profiles place many homes in the 1960s and 1970s, although individual properties and construction dates vary. Raleigh Realty’s neighborhood overview provides additional context.
Common features found in listed properties include:
Three- to five-bedroom floor plans.
Approximately 1,100 to more than 2,000 square feet in several recorded examples.
Lots often measuring around 0.27 to 0.31 acres in recent listing and sales examples.
Attached garages or other parking arrangements, depending on the property.
Established yards and mature landscaping on some lots.
Interior layouts and finishes that may differ considerably from one home to another.
Because many houses are several decades old, buyers should compare the condition of individual properties rather than assume that every home has the same features or maintenance needs.
Van Story Hills Home Prices and Recent Sales
Home prices in Van Story Hills vary with square footage, renovations, lot size, layout, and overall condition. Recent listings and recorded sales provide a useful starting point when estimating a purchase budget.
Here are examples from available real estate records:
Property | Price | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Interior Size | Lot Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
107 Ware Ct | $307,500 asking price | 3 | 2 | 1,400 sq. ft. | 0.30 acres |
1001 Atchison St | $314,000 asking price | 3 | 2 | 1,316 sq. ft. | 0.27 acres |
401 November St | $340,000 recorded sale | 4 | 3 | 1,900 sq. ft. | 0.31 acres |
206 November St | $360,000 recorded sale | 5 | 2.5 | 2,012 sq. ft. | 0.27 acres |
205 November St | $350,000 recorded sale | 3 | 2 | 1,695 sq. ft. | 0.30 acres |
Listing prices are asking prices, not necessarily final sale prices. The figures above are examples rather than a neighborhood-wide average, and listing status or availability may have changed since the data was published. See Raleigh Realty’s Van Story Hills listings and Realtor.com’s recently sold homes.
When comparing homes, pay attention to more than the purchase price. A property with updated major systems may have a different overall cost of ownership from a similarly priced home that needs substantial repairs.
How Much Land Comes With a Van Story Hills Home?
Lots around 0.27 to 0.31 acres appear in several available property records. That can offer more outdoor space than buyers may find with some homes in newer, higher-density developments.
However, the usable area of a lot matters as much as its total size. Before making an offer, review the property survey, setbacks, easements, drainage patterns, and any restrictions on additions or outdoor structures.
If you’re planning to build a deck, add a fence, expand the house, or install a storage shed, confirm the applicable town requirements before assuming the project will be permitted.
Is There an HOA in Van Story Hills?
Available listing information does not establish a consistent mandatory homeowners association fee for the neighborhood. One property record, for example, lists its monthly HOA fee as not applicable. That does not automatically establish the rules for every property.
Before purchasing a home in Van Story Hills, ask whether the specific property is subject to an HOA or other recorded restrictions. Review any applicable covenants, fees, maintenance obligations, and rules governing exterior changes.
If no HOA applies, you may have more flexibility over certain property decisions, but town ordinances, zoning requirements, and recorded restrictions can still apply.
Schools Near Van Story Hills
Van Story Hills is within Wake County, and school assignments depend on the home’s exact address and current district boundaries.
Before buying, use the official Wake County Public School System resources to verify the assigned elementary, middle, and high schools. Do not rely solely on a real estate listing or a neighborhood-level school summary, since assignments can change.
If school access is a priority, confirm enrollment eligibility and transportation details directly with the district.
What Buyers Should Inspect Before Making an Offer
The age of many homes in Van Story Hills makes a thorough inspection particularly important. Renovations can improve a property, but buyers should establish which major systems have been updated and which may need attention.
Consider these areas during due diligence:
Roof and exterior: Ask about the roof’s age and condition, siding, exterior trim, gutters, and signs of water intrusion.
Heating and air conditioning: Confirm the age, service history, and operation of the HVAC system. Older equipment may need replacement even if it is functioning during a showing.
Plumbing and electrical: Have the inspector evaluate visible plumbing, electrical panels, outlets, and other accessible components. Ask a qualified specialist to investigate any concerns.
Foundation and moisture: Look for evidence of water entry, persistent dampness, foundation movement, or poor drainage around the home.
Windows and insulation: Older windows or insufficient insulation may affect comfort and energy costs. Review their condition as part of your inspection.
Renovations and permits: If the home has an addition, finished basement, converted garage, or other substantial improvement, ask whether the work was properly permitted when required.
Lot and drainage: Check how water moves across the property, particularly around the foundation and yard. Confirm any relevant flood or drainage concerns using official records and an appropriate property review.
A professional home inspection can help you understand the condition of the house before you commit to the purchase.
Everyday Convenience and Nearby Amenities
Garner offers shopping, restaurants, parks, and other services, while Raleigh expands the range of employment and entertainment options within the wider region.
The practical convenience of Van Story Hills will depend on your daily destinations. Consider the distance to grocery stores, medical services, workplaces, and major roads, then test your typical commute during the hours you would normally travel.
It is also worth visiting the neighborhood at different times of day to assess traffic, parking, noise, and the overall setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Story Hills
Are most homes in Van Story Hills single-family houses?
Yes. Neighborhood and listing information indicates that detached single-family homes make up most of the housing stock.
How much do homes cost in Van Story Hills?
Available examples include asking prices around $307,500–$314,000 and recorded sales around $340,000–$360,000. These figures represent specific properties, not a guaranteed price range for every home. Current comparable sales are the best way to assess a particular listing.
Are the lots relatively large?
Several recorded properties have lots of approximately 0.27–0.31 acres. Individual lot sizes and usable outdoor space vary.
Are the homes newly built?
Many homes in the neighborhood date to the 1960s and 1970s. Buyers should verify the construction date and renovation history of each property.
Does Van Story Hills have an HOA?
The available records do not confirm a uniform HOA fee for the entire neighborhood. Verify the rules and fees, if any, for the specific property you plan to purchase.
Which schools serve Van Story Hills?
School assignments depend on the exact address and current district boundaries. Confirm them with Wake County Public School System before making a decision.
Final Thoughts: Is Van Story Hills Right for You?
Van Story Hills may appeal to buyers looking for an established Garner neighborhood with detached homes, outdoor space, and access to the wider Raleigh area. Its older housing stock can offer opportunities to find a home with character, but condition and renovation history deserve close attention.
Compare recent sales, inspect the major systems, verify school assignments, and confirm any property restrictions before making an offer. With careful research, you can decide whether a home in Van Story Hills fits your budget, priorities, and plans for the future.
Brandy Nemergut, Realtor ~ eXp Realty Raleigh, NC
[email protected]
919-583-6895
LivingInRaleighNow.com
