Analyzing the Future of the Triangle Fringe Cities | Siler City

As the Triangle continues to grow, the arc of fringe cities surrounding the region will start to evolve. Siler City may be far, but it’s proximity to the mega sites and even Greensboro may be enticing.

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Continuing our Triangle Fringe City series with a look at the future of Siler City. Be sure to check out the introduction, Henderson, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Goldsboro, Smithfield / Selma, Sanford, and Pittsboro features if you missed them.

Siler City is a city of roughly 8,000 residents located about 50 miles from Raleigh and Durham. While still not feeling like a suburb of Greensboro, it is slightly closer at 30 miles. Located along US 421 (Future I-685) gives it direct freeway grade access to Greensboro. US 64 provides direct access to Raleigh.

Downtown Siler City features a couple blocks of classic brick buildings lined with a few shops and restaurants bisected by the railroad tracks.

While the shop front vacancy rate doesn’t seem too bad, there are a slew of vacant parcels in Downtown that are perfect for dense infill. There’s also a few 3 bedroom properties within walking distance from the core for under $300,000.

Looking toward the future

Siler City’s location near the mega industrial development sites, Greensboro and the Triangle give it a major leg up as a future industrial and economic hub. The sheer amount of infill and re-use potential make it a way more attractive option for becoming a thriving, and livable community than endless sprawl.

Stay tuned next time as we conclude the series with a look at Burlington and Graham

Cover photo via GoogleEarth

Phil Veasley is a registered Professional Engineer in NC and GA. Opinions and insights are my own and are not representative of my employer or any organization. Any ideas displayed on this site are purely that – just ideas to help improve the future of the built environment and begin discussions.

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