Living in Southern Trace, Garner NC: A Homebuyer’s Guide to Homes, Lots, HOA & Location

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Southern Trace in Garner, NC, this neighborhood is worth a closer look if you want an established single-family community with larger lots, mature landscaping, a community pool, and convenient access to Garner and Raleigh.

Southern Trace dates primarily from the mid-1990s through the 2000s, with many homes built around 1996–2006. Current neighborhood data shows homes generally ranging from about 1,841 to 3,208 square feet, with 3–4 bedrooms and 2–4 bathrooms.

For buyers, one of the more distinctive characteristics of Southern Trace is the amount of land attached to some properties. Several recent sales have involved lots of roughly half an acre or more, while some properties approach or exceed an acre.

Where Is Southern Trace?

Southern Trace is located in Garner, NC 27529, in Wake County.

The neighborhood is accessed from the NC 50/Benson Road and Timber Drive area. Property records for Southern Trace Trail identify Wake County and provide directions from Timber Drive to Highway 50 and then Southern Trace Trail.

This gives residents access to Garner's shopping, restaurants, parks, and everyday services, while major roads provide connections toward Raleigh and other parts of the Triangle.

For buyers comparing neighborhoods in Garner, location is one of the practical advantages to examine alongside the individual home's condition and lot.

What Are the Homes Like in Southern Trace?

The homes in Southern Trace are primarily detached, single-family residences with traditional designs.

Many were built during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Recent records show examples including:

• 1017 Southern Trace Trail — built in 1996

• 1021 Southern Trace Trail — built in 1996

• 1025 Southern Trace Trail — built in 1996

• 1108 Southern Trace Trail — built in 1997

• 1309 Southern Trace Trail — built in 1998

Home sizes vary considerably. Current neighborhood data places the broader range at approximately 1,841 to 3,208 square feet, while individual properties can fall outside that range depending on the source and property record.

Some homes feature screened porches, decks, front porches, fireplaces, garages, storage buildings, and landscaped yards. A recent Southern Trace listing, for example, included a deck, front porch, screened porch, shed, two-car garage, and more than one acre of land.

How Large Are the Lots?

Lot size is one of the details that can make Southern Trace particularly interesting to buyers.

Many properties have substantially more land than the smaller lots common in newer suburban developments. Recent records show examples around:

• 0.71 acres

• 0.72 acres

• 0.83 acres

• 1.03 acres

• 1.48 acres

Recent sales also demonstrate the range. A 2026 sale on Southern Trace Trail involved a 1.73-acre property, while other recent sales were on lots around 0.58–0.99 acres.

For buyers, larger lots can provide more privacy and outdoor space for gardens, pets, play areas, entertaining, or future improvements.

The trade-off is maintenance. A larger property means more lawn and landscaping to manage, and buyers should pay attention to drainage, mature trees, grading, and the condition of outdoor structures during the inspection.

Does Southern Trace Have an HOA?

Yes. Southern Trace has an HOA, and the association is known as the Southern Trace HOA. The HOA's own website confirms the association and identifies its address on Southern Trace Trail.

Recent property records show annual HOA fees around $550–$580 per year, depending on the property and source. That is approximately $46–$48 per month when converted to a monthly equivalent.

The HOA also provides access to a community pool, which is one of the neighborhood's shared amenities.

Before purchasing, buyers should request the current HOA documents and confirm:

• Current annual dues

• What the dues cover

• Pool rules and access

• Architectural restrictions

• Fence and exterior-improvement rules

• Maintenance responsibilities

• Any pending or recent special assessments

Is There a Community Pool?

Yes. The Southern Trace HOA identifies a community pool as one of the neighborhood amenities, and property records also list the pool among HOA amenities.

This is an important distinction when comparing Southern Trace with other established Garner neighborhoods where amenities may be limited or nonexistent.

The pool is a shared neighborhood amenity, while individual properties may also have their own outdoor features such as decks, screened porches, patios, or large yards.

How Much Do Homes in Southern Trace Cost?

Prices in Southern Trace vary significantly depending on the size of the home, lot, renovations, condition, and individual property features.

Recent sales provide several useful reference points:

• 1328 Red Brick Road — $485,000, 2,347 sq. ft., 0.58-acre lot

• 1004 Cabin Hill Way — $438,000, 2,889 sq. ft., 0.99-acre lot

• 1208 Red Brick Road — $475,000, 2,279 sq. ft., 0.61-acre lot

• 1309 Southern Trace Trail — approximately $519,800–$525,000, with a 1.73-acre lot

Another recent sale, 1017 Southern Trace Trail, closed for $280,000 in May 2026, demonstrating how much prices can differ depending on the property's condition and circumstances.

Neighborhood-level data currently shows closed prices around $438,000–$525,000 for its recent set of sales, with a reported median of approximately $475,000.

These numbers should be viewed as reference points rather than a fixed price range. A renovated home on more than an acre can command a very different price from an older property requiring significant work.

What Utilities Do Southern Trace Homes Have?

Utility arrangements can vary by property, so buyers should verify them during the due-diligence period.

Recent Southern Trace property records show public or community water combined with private septic systems. For example, 1017 Southern Trace Trail is listed with community water and a septic tank, while 1309 Southern Trace Trail is listed with public water and septic.

This is important when comparing Southern Trace with Garner communities that have public sewer.

If you're considering a property here, ask for:

• Septic permit and system information

• Septic inspection results

• Pumping and maintenance history

• Location of the drain field

• Any restrictions affecting future additions

• Confirmation of the water source

A septic inspection can be an important part of the purchase process.

Which Schools Serve Southern Trace?

Recent property records and listings commonly identify:

• Aversboro Elementary School

• East Garner Middle School

• South Garner High School

School assignments can change, and real-estate websites should not be treated as the final authority for enrollment eligibility. Buyers with school-age children should verify the current assignment for the exact property address with Wake County Public School System before making an offer.

What Should Buyers Look for During an Inspection?

Because much of Southern Trace was developed in the 1990s and early 2000s, the age of the home's major systems deserves attention.

During an inspection, consider reviewing:

• Roof age and condition

• HVAC systems

• Water heater

• Windows

• Plumbing

• Electrical system

• Foundation and crawl space

• Grading and drainage

• Gutters and downspouts

• Exterior siding and brick

• Decks and screened porches

• Driveway condition

• Garage structure

• Detached sheds or other outbuildings

• Septic system

• Large trees and potential drainage issues

Older homes aren't necessarily a problem, but the maintenance history matters. A 1996 home that has been extensively updated can have a very different outlook from another home of the same age with original major systems.

What Are the Advantages of Larger Lots?

For buyers who want more outdoor space, Southern Trace offers something that can be harder to find in newer subdivisions: land.

A larger lot may give you room for:

• Gardening

• Outdoor entertaining

• Pets

• Play areas

• Landscaping

• Privacy

• A larger deck or patio

• Storage buildings

• Future outdoor improvements, subject to HOA and local requirements

At the same time, buyers should consider the additional upkeep. More land means more mowing, landscaping, tree maintenance, and potential drainage considerations.

During a showing, don't focus only on the house. Walk the entire property and look at how the land is positioned around the home.

What Should Buyers Know About the HOA?

The HOA fee is only one part of the equation.

Before buying in Southern Trace, review the association's current documents to understand exactly what ownership involves.

Questions worth asking include:

• How often are HOA dues collected?

• What does the annual fee cover?

• Who maintains the community pool?

• Are there restrictions on fences?

• Are sheds or detached structures permitted?

• Are there architectural approval requirements?

• Are there restrictions on exterior paint or renovations?

• Are there any pending assessments?

These details can affect what you are able to do with a property after closing.

Is Southern Trace a Good Fit for Your Home Search?

Southern Trace may appeal to buyers looking for established homes, larger lots, a community pool, and a Garner location with access to Raleigh and surrounding amenities.

It may be worth considering if you want:

• A detached single-family home

• A more established neighborhood

• A lot of roughly half an acre or more

• 3–4 bedrooms

• Approximately 1,800–3,200+ square feet

• A community pool

• A relatively modest annual HOA fee

• Mature landscaping

• Access to Garner and Raleigh

Buyers who prioritize new construction, very low-maintenance lots, or public sewer may want to compare Southern Trace with other communities before deciding which neighborhoods fit their search.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Trace

Does Southern Trace have an HOA?

Yes. Southern Trace has an HOA, with recent records showing annual dues around $550–$580. The exact current amount should be confirmed for the property you're considering.

Does Southern Trace have a community pool?

Yes. The Southern Trace HOA lists a community pool as an amenity.

When were most Southern Trace homes built?

Many homes date from approximately 1996 through the early 2000s, although the neighborhood includes some properties built later.

Are the lots large?

Many are. Recent property records show lots ranging from around 0.7 acres to more than 1 acre, with some recent sales involving lots of approximately 1.73 acres.

Do Southern Trace homes have septic systems?

Recent property records show several homes with septic systems, paired with public or community water. Buyers should verify the utility setup for the exact property.

What schools are associated with Southern Trace?

Recent listings commonly identify Aversboro Elementary, East Garner Middle, and South Garner High. Verify the current assignment for the specific property before purchasing.

How much do homes in Southern Trace cost?

Recent sales have ranged from approximately $280,000 to $525,000 in the available records, with differences reflecting property condition, size, lot, and features. Several recent sales have been in the $400Ks.

Buying a Home in Southern Trace

Southern Trace offers a combination of established housing, larger residential lots, a community pool, and a location that keeps Garner and Raleigh within reach.

The neighborhood's housing stock also means that buyers should evaluate each property individually. Construction year, renovation history, septic condition, lot characteristics, HOA documents, and the condition of major systems can all influence the overall value of a home.

If you're comparing Southern Trace with other Garner neighborhoods, look beyond the asking price. Compare recent comparable sales, square footage, lot size, HOA costs, utility setup, school assignment, and the condition of each property.

Brandy Nemergut, Realtor ~ eXp Realty Raleigh, NC
[email protected]
919-583-6895
LivingInRaleighNow.com