Newcomers Checklist
Just moved to Wake Forest? Here is the practical setup list, ordered by when you actually need each one. Skip what does not apply.
Quick Actions
Set up utilities and internet
Electric — Wake Forest Power (in service area) or Duke Energy
Wake Forest Power is the Town-owned electric utility and serves about 6,000 customers within the Town electric service territory. Not every Wake Forest address is in that area — some are served by Duke Energy. Check the coverage tool to see who serves your address.
Water and sewer — City of Raleigh Water (for most of Wake Forest)
Despite the name, most water service in Wake Forest is provided by the City of Raleigh, not the Town. Set up before move-in to avoid same-day delays.
Trash, recycling, and yard waste
Set up automatically with your Town utility account in most cases. The monthly fee shows up on your utility statement and covers a 96-gallon trash cart, a 96-gallon recycling cart, weekly collection, and two free bulk pickups per year. See the Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste page for the full breakdown.
Internet
Sixteen providers serve Wake Forest. The big ones: Spectrum (cable, most coverage), AT&T Fiber (where available, up to 5 Gbps), Brightspeed Fiber (about a third of the area), and Hotwire (select newer HOA neighborhoods).
The DMV, voter registration, and schools
NC driver license (60 days)
New North Carolina residents have 60 days from establishing residency to get an NC driver license. Wake Forest does not have a full driver license office — the nearest one is the Spring Forest Road branch in Raleigh.
Vehicle registration (30 days)
Out-of-state title transfers must happen at a full DMV office. There is a plate renewal office in Wake Forest, but it does not do new registrations or title transfers.
Voter registration
You can register online if you have a NC driver license or DMV-issued ID. Otherwise mail in the form or register in person at the Wake County Board of Elections. Deadline is 25 days before each election.
WCPSS school enrollment
Every Wake Forest school is in the Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) system. Enroll at your base school first; new students get a student ID within 24-48 hours, which is what you need before requesting a magnet or transfer.
Library, healthcare, pets, address updates
Wake County library card
The Wake Forest Community Library is at 400 E. Holding Ave. Wake County residents can sign up for a free card in person with photo ID and proof of address, or online for immediate digital-only access.
Closest urgent care and ER
- WakeMed MyCare 365 — Wake Forest · 2001 S. Main St., Suite 200 · 919-350-0365 · primary + urgent care, walk-ins daily
- Duke Urgent Care Heritage · 3000 Rogers Rd., Suite 100 · 919-385-1601 · daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- WakeMed North Hospital ER · the closest full 24/7 emergency department to Wake Forest · 919-350-8000
Pets
Wake Forest does not have a separate municipal pet license requirement; Wake County Animal Control handles animal services. If you are in an HOA, check the HOA documents for pet registration requirements.
HOA — if your neighborhood has one
Check your closing documents for HOA contact info. To verify whether a property is in an HOA, look it up on Wake County’s GIS tool.
Property tax — what to expect
If you bought a home, your tax bill arrives in July and is due January 5 of the following year. Look up your assessed value now so you are not surprised. Full details on the Property Tax page.
Update your address everywhere
- USPS forwarding · moversguide.usps.com (do this first)
- IRS · File Form 8822 or update via your next tax return
- NC Department of Revenue · 877-252-3052 · ncdor.gov
- Insurance, banks, employer, subscriptions · easy to forget; do them in a single sitting
Related Pages
- Cost of Living — housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, transportation
- Schools — WCPSS assignment, magnets, year-round calendars
- Voting & Elections — register to vote at your new address
Get the Wake Forest Matters newsletter while you are at it
New residents tell us this newsletter is the fastest way to feel oriented. Town government in plain English, restaurant guides, things to do, weekend picks. Free, in your inbox. Subscribe here.