Willow Springs, NC Guide

A Guide to Willow Springs, NC
Area Information
In the lush fields, rolling hills, and private woods of rural North Carolina, there lies a blossoming community of charming countryside living and beautiful homes. This small town of quiet country is Willow Springs, NC, where scenic and affordable rural living meets a wealth of big-city opportunities.
Stretched across two counties in the southern Triangle area, this unincorporated community actually has two names—Willow Spring for the large portion in Wake County, and Willow Springs for the smaller bit in Johnston County.
Located just 20 to 30 minutes south of downtown Raleigh, Willow Springs is the perfect locale for those who desire peace, privacy, and luxurious living—with an easy commute back into the city for work or entertainment. Discover the charm of this North Carolina community today!
Things to Do in Willow Springs, NC
Restaurants
If you’re in the Willow Springs, NC Area, you’ll find a number of local restaurants within a few minutes of town. Be sure to try out the barbecue at Stephenson’s Bar-B-Q, the farm-to-table foods at Simple Twist, and the local wines from Adam’s Vineyards.
Then head over to Johnston County to try these area favorites:
- The Chicken Barn
- SoDoSoPa
- San Marcos Mexican Restaurant
Arts and Attractions
If you’re looking for entertainment in the Willow Springs area, check out everything that Wake County has to offer. Catch a show at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park, view unique exhibitions at the North Carolina Museum of Art or take a workshop at Art of the Carolinas- all within a 30-minute drive.
If you want to support the local Willow Springs community, visit Hilltop Farms to pick up local produce, flowers, and herbs. You can also stop by Potter Farms to enjoy seasonal strawberry picking and fresh homemade ice cream!
Parks and Recreation
If you’re looking to lace up your shoes and explore the Great Outdoors, you’ll find plenty of options around Willow Springs and Willow Spring, North Carolina.
Just a quick trip south is Raven Rock State Park, which offers hiking, camping, fishing, and paddling, all along the shores of the Cape Fear River.
To the north, Lake Benson Park provides even more opportunities for aquatic recreation. If you’re a golfer, check out popular nearby courses like the Neuse Golf Club in Clayton or the Country Club of Johnston County in Smithfield.
Shopping
Even though Willow Springs is a rural community, there are still tons of choices for big-name shops and locally owned restaurants around the area. If you need to check a few things off your list, try heading to a few hubs like Sexton Commons, Swift Creek Shopping Plaza, and Clayton Corners.
You can also check out these shopping centers near the Triangle area:
- Crabtree Valley Mall
- Village District
- Triangle Town Center
Schools & Employment
Willow Springs, North Carolina is located close to Wake County and Johnston County, you’ll find a wide variety of career options in a thriving job market. The largest employers in both of the counties include Duke University and Health System, the State of North Carolina, Wake County Public School District, Johnston County Public School District, Johnston Health, and Grifols.
Since Willow Springs is uniquely located between two counties, you’ll likely need to double-check which district you’re zoned to. Luckily, both Wake County and Johnston County boast excellent school districts. Wake County is one of the largest in the state and offers a high graduation rate, above-average test scores, and the highest number of National Board Certified teachers in the country. Johnston County, while a little smaller, also maintains an excellent graduation rate, and offers students with a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
Ready to buy or sell a home in Willow Springs?
The Willow Springs real estate market is ever-expanding. Contact The Rachel Kendall Team to get started on finding your new home or selling to one of the many eager buyers in the area.