Future Development Plans & Master Planning in Knightdale, NC
Future Development Plans & Master Planning in Knightdale, NC
How Knightdale’s long-term vision, infrastructure projects, and zoning changes will shape real estate opportunity and risk
If you’re buying or developing in Knightdale today, you're not just dealing with current inventory — you’re investing into what Knightdale will become. Over the next decade, master plan updates, annexation, new roadways, and rezoning will reshape land values, open up new corridors, and shift where smart growth happens. In real estate, timing is everything: being ahead of these changes can mean capturing upside; being behind can mean being boxed out.
This article dives into Knightdale’s future planning frameworks, key projects on the horizon, zoning and infrastructure shifts, and how realtors and investors can read the signals to align their strategies with Knightdale’s next wave.
Knightdale’s Master Plan & Vision: KnightdaleNext V.2
A pivotal starting point is KnightdaleNext V.2 2035, the updated comprehensive plan adopted July 17, 2024. engage.knightdalenc.gov+1
Purpose & Scope
KnightdaleNext V.2 updates the original 2018 plan, integrating fresh demographic data, market pressures, and regional infrastructure changes. engage.knightdalenc.gov+2Town of Knightdale, NC+2
It sets long-range goals and policies governing growth, conservation, land use, public investment, and infrastructure — not binding zoning ordinances, but guiding frameworks. engage.knightdalenc.gov+1
The plan emphasizes growing inward vs. outward where feasible, preserving community character, and aligning public infrastructure capacity with development. Town of Knightdale, NC
Key Themes, Goals & Growth Areas
The plan identifies preferred growth corridors and areas for mixed-use, residential intensification, and infill development. Town of Knightdale, NC
It emphasizes connecting land use with transportation, utilities, stormwater, and public facilities to avoid piecemeal development. Town of Knightdale, NC
The updated plan refines expectations around density, land use transitions, and development compatibility to reduce surprise rezoning conflicts. engage.knightdalenc.gov+1
By studying KnightdaleNext V.2 and its maps of future land use, a realtor or developer can anticipate which parcels may be primed for upzoning, infrastructure extension, or strategic investment.
Key Planned / Approved Projects & Growth Nodes
Knightdale is not vision-only — there are concrete, approved, or in-review projects already underway. These act as leading signals.
Riverview Commons
One of the most visible and strategic projects is Riverview Commons. Town of Knightdale, NC
In February 2022, Knightdale’s Town Council approved a zoning map amendment and master plan for ~28 acres to convert from Residential Mixed Use to a Neighborhood Mixed Use Planned Unit Development. Town of Knightdale, NC
The approved plan envisions 364 multifamily units + 30 townhomes, plus amenities: clubhouse, pool, walking trails, dog park, play structures, gathering spaces. Town of Knightdale, NC
Construction drawings have been approved (Feb 2023) and revised (Dec 2023). Town of Knightdale, NC
The property lies at the intersection of Poole Road and Hodge Road, a key growth corridor, and is adjacent to parcels that may host retail or mixed use. LoopNet+2Showcase+2
Notably, the proposed I-540 / Poole Road interchange is just ~1 mile east, planned for 2028, which would dramatically boost access to this region. LoopNet+2Town of Knightdale, NC+2
Nearby, the 19.22-acre tract at Poole & Hodge is itself being marketed for mixed-use or retail development, tied to this area’s evolution. LoopNet+1
Riverview Commons effectively anchors one of Knightdale’s next major growth nodes — a hybrid of residential and retail that bridges the edge of town.
Brio Master Planned Community
Another major development on the horizon is Brio, a master-planned community across 375 acres in Knightdale. Suncrest Real Estate & Land
Brio is approved for 1,100 residential units, spanning a variety of housing types, and aims to be amenity-rich. Suncrest Real Estate & Land
The vision includes curated architecture, streetscape design, community center, pool, trails, and a cohesive marketing approach across builder offerings. Suncrest Real Estate & Land
Because of its scale, it’s likely to shift demand further outward while still depending on infrastructure alignment.
Other Projects & Rezoning Moves (From Town Project List)
Knightdale’s Development Services department keeps an active list of proposed, approved, and under-construction projects. Town of Knightdale, NC Some notable ones include:
These are more than speculative ideas — they reflect landowner plans, rezoning requests, and approvals in progress.
Zoning, Annexation & Land Use Shifts
Zoning Strategy & Mixed Use Emphasis
Knightdale’s future frames encourage more mixed-use zoning (NMX, RMX) — allowing residential densities coexisting with neighborhood retail or services. The move away from pure, monolithic single-family zoning is a strategic shift. Town of Knightdale, NC+2engage.knightdalenc.gov+2
Accompanying that, some areas closer to corridors (Poole, Hodge) are designated for higher intensity development or transitions between residential and commercial. Riverview Commons is a canonical example. Town of Knightdale, NC
Annexation & Growth Boundaries
The master plan anticipates extension of urban services (water, sewer) into currently unincorporated areas, which in turn enable new development. Town of Knightdale, NC
Annexation is often tied to infrastructure investments: developers may partner with the town to bring service lines in exchange for annexing land into Town limits — unlocking zoning and service advantages.
Land Value & Use Conversion Pressure
Parcels on the fringe, once zoned rural or agricultural, face upward pressure to convert to development or mixed-use zoning.
Land speculation zones: corridors slated for roads or utility expansion tend to see value appreciation ahead of actual build-out.
However, rezoning is not guaranteed. Some parcels may remain underutilized if infrastructure or demand lags.
Infrastructure & Transportation Projects
Real estate in Knightdale cannot be separated from the backbone of roads, utilities, stormwater, and transit — these define what land becomes buildable.
I-540 / Eastern Loop Completion
One of the largest structural changes anticipated is completion of the eastern leg of the Raleigh outer loop (I-540 / NC 540 extension). Wikipedia+1
The project is underway, targeting completion around 2028. Wikipedia+2Town of Knightdale, NC+2
Once completed, this gives Knightdale direct beltway access, improves commuting connectivity, and may shift growth eastward.
Properties near future interchanges, ramps, or exits are poised to benefit disproportionately.
Pedestrian & Trail Network Plans
Knightdale has its Pedestrian Master Plan to improve sidewalk connectivity, crosswalks, pedestrian safety, and “spot” improvements in neighborhoods. Connect NCDOT
Improved walkability and connectivity will make subdivisions closer to amenities more attractive for buyers seeking more than just car-driven lifestyle.
Utilities, Stormwater, and Incremental Investment
The comprehensive plan emphasizes aligning development with utility capacity, avoiding overextension, and ensuring stormwater infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Town of Knightdale, NC
Town’s project list shows many developments already tied to infrastructure (approved projects often require utilities, road improvement, drainage). Town of Knightdale, NC
These investments can make previously remote parcels far more viable for development.
Opportunities & Risks for Investors, Buyers & Developers
Understanding Knightdale’s future doesn’t guarantee success, but it helps shape better bets.
Opportunities
Buy early in corridors: acquiring land before roads, sewer, or zoning changes can yield significant value appreciation.
Focus on upzoning zones: parcels near planned mixed-use or node zones are better positioned to convert to higher densities.
Mixed-use projects that blend retail + residential to match Knightdale’s vision.
Master plans like Brio offer scale and amenity leverage.
Strategic parcel assembly: combining adjacent lots to match master-plan zone footprints rather than odd fragmented parcels.
Risks
Overpaying prematurely if planned infrastructure doesn't arrive on time.
Rezoning rejection: local opposition or delays could derail intended use conversions.
Carrying costs burden: taxes, holding, maintenance before entitlement.
Demand overestimation: new housing may not absorb quickly if job centers or amenities lag.
Regulatory changes: shifts in local policy or plan revisions could change permitted uses.
How Realtors & Brokers Use Master Plan Insight
A well-informed realtor becomes a strategic partner when they:
Study comprehensive plan maps, future land use, and growth corridors
Recommend “future growth hot zones” to buyers or investors
Advise clients on which parcels are likely to be rezoned or become viable
Price properties with “future potential” premiums or discounts
Monitor town council, planning board, and rezoning cases
Educate sellers on timing: listing before major changes vs after
Unlock marketing angles: “in the path of growth,” “next node of expansion,” “future mixed-use-ready parcel”
Realtors who are fluent in planning and policy provide a forward lens, not just a snapshot.
Hypothetical Scenario: Timing Payoff on Land Near Poole / Hodge
Let’s imagine a developer acquires a 10-acre parcel near the Poole-Hodge intersection in 2025, in RMX zoning. At $X per acre, it supports single-family homes at that zoning. Over the next few years:
The I-540 eastern extension is completed, drastically improving access.
Riverview Commons and adjacent rezoning initiatives shift the node to mixed-use.
That parcel is rezoned to NMX or mixed-use, now supporting multifamily or retail frontage.
The land’s value multiplies (perhaps 2–3×) compared to its raw residential-only baseline.
A developer acting early, with proper due diligence, captures the uplift — but must have patience and capital to wait for infrastructure, approvals, and market absorption.
Advice for Stakeholders in Knightdale
Review and study KnightdaleNext V.2 (especially maps) before buying. Town of Knightdale, NC
Track Town’s Project List and rezoning cases as they evolve. Town of Knightdale, NC
Attend planning / council meetings—rezoning decisions, annexations often are public.
Request impact studies or traffic studies for adjacent or proposed infrastructure projects.
Check utility extension plans—town or county utility maps often indicate where water/sewer lines will expand.
Be conservative in absorption assumptions — master plan is a guide, not guarantee.
Position your parcel or listing in alignment with planned corridors or nodes.
Time your exit / sale strategy around infrastructure completion or rezoning events.
Conclusion
Knightdale is in the midst of a transition: from a fast-growing small town to a more mature, planned, node-based suburban system. The master plan (KnightdaleNext V.2), infrastructure expansions (especially the I-540 extension), large master developments like Brio, and major mixed-use projects like Riverview Commons are all signals of where growth will cluster.
For real estate professionals, investors, and buyers, success lies not just in the bricks and mortar of today — but in reading the roadmap of tomorrow. Align your acquisitions, offers, and marketing with the corridors and zones that Knightdale’s future favors.
Ready to discuss your real estate needs? Contact Be Sunshine Realty Group Brokered by EXP today for a confidential consultation. Call (919) 583-6895 or visit www.livinginraleighnow.com to connect with Raleigh Triangle's most trusted real estate team.
