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South Hills, Garner NC: What Homebuyers Should Know About Homes, Lots & Location

If you’re thinking about buying a home in South Hills, Garner, NC, this neighborhood offers something that can be harder to find in newer subdivisions: established homesites, mature trees and relatively large lots, often with a more private residential feel.

South Hills is primarily made up of detached single-family homes, many built from the late 1980s through the 1990s. Current property records also show a range of home sizes and lot configurations, so buyers should evaluate each property individually rather than assuming every home in the neighborhood is alike.

Where Is South Hills in Garner?

South Hills is located in Garner, NC 27529, in Johnston County, despite its Garner mailing address. The neighborhood is near Cornwallis Road and Keri Drive, with access toward NC 42 and I-40.

The location puts residents within reach of Garner's shopping, restaurants, schools and everyday services, while the neighborhood itself has a more established residential character.

For buyers commuting to Raleigh or other parts of the Triangle, it is worth testing the drive during actual rush-hour conditions. Travel time can vary significantly depending on the destination and time of day.

What Are the Homes Like in South Hills?

Homes in South Hills are predominantly detached single-family properties.

Many were built between approximately 1989 and 1996, although construction dates vary. Current records show ranch and one-and-a-half-story homes, along with traditional layouts and a mixture of exterior materials including brick, vinyl and wood or Masonite siding.

Examples in South Hills include:

• Ranch-style homes

• One- and two-story layouts

• 3- and 4-bedroom properties

• Homes around 1,200–2,200+ square feet

• Attached or detached garages

• Decks and screened porches

• Mature landscaping

• Wooded or partially wooded lots

Because many homes are several decades old, condition varies considerably. A renovated kitchen or updated flooring may make one property feel substantially different from another home of similar age and size.

How Large Are the Lots in South Hills?

One of the defining characteristics of South Hills is the amount of land associated with many homes.

Recent records show properties on lots of approximately 0.6 to 0.9 acres, while some homes have substantially more land. One South Hills property on Keri Drive is recorded at 2.29 acres, while other examples include lots around 0.63, 0.71 and 0.84 acres.

Larger lots can provide room for:

• Gardens

• Outdoor entertaining

• Play areas

• Detached storage

• Additional landscaping

• Greater separation from neighboring homes

However, buyers should also consider the additional maintenance that comes with larger properties. Trees, drainage, easements, septic areas and property boundaries are all worth reviewing before purchasing.

Does South Hills Have an HOA?

Recent property records consistently show no HOA for several South Hills properties.

For example, records for homes on Kristi Drive, Keri Drive and Zachary Way indicate no HOA or association fees.

That can be relevant for buyers comparing South Hills with newer Garner communities where HOA fees and community rules are more common.

Even without an HOA, however, individual properties may be subject to recorded covenants, easements, zoning requirements or other restrictions. Always review the documents for the specific property before making an offer.

What Are Homes in South Hills Selling For?

South Hills does not currently have enough neighborhood-specific data on Realtor.com's market page to provide a reliable median price or broader market statistic.

Recent individual listings and sales provide a better sense of the range.

For example:

• 7040 Kristi Drive: listed at $364,900 in early 2026; 1,510 square feet on approximately 0.74 acres.

• 2632 N Shiloh Road: listed around $385,000 in 2026; 2,053 square feet on approximately 0.70 acres.

• 2677 N Shiloh Road: listed in 2026 with approximately 1,240 square feet on 0.63 acres.

• 126 Keri Drive: sold for more than $320,000 in October 2022; the property has approximately 2.29 acres.

These examples demonstrate why buyers should compare recent sales based on home size, lot size, condition, updates and location, rather than using one price as representative of the entire neighborhood.

What Utilities Do South Hills Homes Have?

Utility configurations can vary between properties in South Hills.

Recent records commonly show public or community water combined with septic systems. For example, properties on N Shiloh Road, Kristi Drive and Zachary Way have been recorded with public/community water and septic.

Some properties may have different arrangements, so buyers should verify the exact utility setup for the home they are considering.

If a property uses septic, buyers should consider a dedicated septic inspection and review:

• The age of the system

• Maintenance records

• Drain-field location

• System condition

• Available capacity

• Potential restrictions on future additions

The septic system can be especially important on larger lots because its location may affect future landscaping, additions or other improvements.

Which Schools Serve South Hills?

School assignments depend on the property's exact address and can change over time.

Recent South Hills property records list schools including West View Elementary, Cleveland Middle and Cleveland or West Johnston High, depending on the property and source.

Because school boundaries can change, buyers should verify the current assignment for the exact property with Johnston County Public Schools before purchasing.

What Is Near South Hills?

The location of South Hills provides access to the broader Garner area and nearby communities.

Depending on the specific home, residents can reach:

• Grocery stores

• Restaurants

• Childcare

• Schools

• Parks and recreation

• Everyday services

• NC 42

• I-40

Current neighborhood information for a South Hills listing shows grocery stores, restaurants and childcare options within roughly a mile of that property, although distances vary by address.

The neighborhood's location can therefore work for buyers who want a quieter residential setting while keeping everyday conveniences relatively close.

What Should Buyers Inspect in a South Hills Home?

Because many homes in South Hills were built several decades ago, the inspection should focus on both visible finishes and major systems.

Roof

Check the roof's age, remaining life and any evidence of previous leaks or repairs.

HVAC

Determine the age of the heating and cooling systems and whether they have been maintained regularly.

Crawl Space and Foundation

Many South Hills homes have crawl-space foundations. Inspect for moisture, standing water, wood damage, ventilation problems and signs of structural movement.

Septic System

If the home uses septic, consider a separate septic inspection rather than relying only on a standard home inspection.

Plumbing and Electrical

Older homes can have components that have been replaced at different times. An inspection can identify outdated or improperly modified systems.

Exterior Siding

South Hills properties use a variety of exterior materials, including vinyl, wood and Masonite. Check for moisture damage, deterioration and areas that may require replacement.

Decks and Porches

Many properties have outdoor living areas. Inspect decks, screened porches, stairs and railings for structural condition.

Trees and Drainage

Mature trees are part of the character of South Hills, but they can also create maintenance and storm-related concerns. Look for trees close to the home, drainage issues and areas where water collects.

What Should Buyers Know About the Larger Lots?

The larger lots found throughout South Hills can be a significant part of the appeal, but they also require more due diligence.

Before buying, review:

• Property boundaries

• Easements

• Septic and drain-field locations

• Drainage patterns

• Tree conditions

• Existing outbuildings

• Zoning

• Restrictions on additions or detached structures

• Long-term landscaping costs

A large lot can provide more privacy and flexibility, but buyers should confirm what they can actually do with that additional land before assuming it can be used for a future garage, pool, addition or other project.

Is South Hills a Fit for Your Home Search?

South Hills may appeal to buyers looking for established single-family homes, mature surroundings, larger lots and properties without an HOA.

The neighborhood also requires buyers to pay close attention to property-specific details. Home age, septic systems, crawl spaces, lot conditions and previous renovations can all affect the long-term cost of ownership.

If you're comparing South Hills with other Garner neighborhoods, look beyond the listing price. Compare the home's condition, square footage, lot size, utility setup, taxes, recent comparable sales and potential renovation costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Hills

Where is South Hills located?

South Hills is a residential neighborhood in Garner, NC 27529, in Johnston County. It is near Cornwallis Road, Keri Drive, NC 42 and I-40.

What type of homes are in South Hills?

South Hills primarily consists of detached single-family homes, with many properties built in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Are the lots in South Hills large?

Many are. Recent property records show lots ranging from roughly 0.6 to 0.9 acres, with some properties exceeding an acre.

Does South Hills have an HOA?

Recent records for several South Hills properties show no HOA and no association fees. Buyers should still verify this for the specific property.

What do homes in South Hills cost?

Current individual listings and recent sales show a range, but there is not enough current neighborhood-wide data to establish a reliable median price. Recent examples have included properties listed in the mid-$300,000s and higher, depending on size, condition and lot.

What should I inspect before buying?

Pay particular attention to the roof, HVAC, crawl space, foundation, septic system, plumbing, electrical systems, siding, decks, drainage and mature trees.

Take a Closer Look at South Hills

If South Hills is on your list of Garner neighborhoods, comparing individual properties is the best way to understand what your budget can buy.

The neighborhood's combination of established homes and larger lots means two properties can look very different in terms of price, condition and potential. Reviewing recent comparable sales and completing thorough due diligence can help you understand the full picture before making an offer.

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