Holly Springs, North Carolina

Located in southwestern Wake County, N.C., Holly Springs is growing rapidly while preserving its small town atmosphere.

Nestled among Apex, Cary and Fuquay-Varina, all towns experiencing growth from the heavily populated Raleigh and RTP areas, Holly Springs is rapidly growing. The Town of less than 1,000 in 1990 grew to more than 9,000 in 2000. By 2006, the population was approximately 17,500.

While the Town welcomes growth, leaders also are determined to control the quality and placement of new developments while preserving open space and creating public areas. One of the recent focuses has been on encouraging commercial development in downtown Holly Springs.

“We’re looking at downtown as a center for development of places that will be destination points, places that will generate traffic to draw people here,” said Holly Springs Town Manager Carl Dean. “We want to make it a place where people want to come and shop.”

Part of ensuring a successful downtown was building Town Hall in the heart of Holly Springs. On Main Street, Town Hall is a center of constant activity. Opened in 2003, the 35,000 square-foot, two-story brick building was designed in an architectural style reminiscent of the 19 th century when Holly Springs was founded.

Whether it is the Town’s balance of commercial and residential development, its reasonable land prices coupled with its proximity to urban centers, or its small-town charm, new residents and businesses continue to be attracted to Holly Springs.

Hardly a weekend passes without a Town-sponsored family activity in a local park or downtown, whether it’s a free movie or concert during the warmer months or a seasonal event such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt or the Happy Holly Days Parade.

Indeed, the community seems ever-occupied with providing for future generations. The Town currently has two elementary schools and one middle school.

A combination Town cultural center and Wake County library are scheduled to open downtown in late 2006, offering additional opportunities for youth and adults alike.

From the past to the present, from the small-town atmosphere where people still know each other by name to the frequent, unique family-oriented activities, Holly Springs is a town that is continuing to grow not just in population and industry but also in heart.

- Town of Holly Springs Website - hollyspringsnc.us