Property listing for 852 Cupola Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
For SaleTownhome

$290,000

852 Cupola Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603

End-Unit Townhome with Private Patio and Upgraded Interior

2 Bed · 2.5 Bath · 1,354 Sq Ft

2BR/2.5BA Renaissance Park townhome — low-maintenance living near downtown Raleigh

2

Beds

2.5

Baths

1,354

Sq Ft

2010

Built

0.05 acres

Lot

No garage — 2 assigned parking spaces

Garage

About 852 Cupola Dr

This end-unit townhome at 852 Cupola Dr stands out immediately for its private patio and fenced backyard — an uncommon bit of outdoor privacy in a popular planned community. Inside, the first floor welcomes you with hardwood flooring and an open living area anchored by a gas-log fireplace, while the kitchen showcases stainless steel appliances and 42-inch cabinetry that make daily cooking and entertaining effortless. An attached rear storage shed provides useful, tucked-away space for bikes and seasonal gear.

Upstairs, the master suite soars with vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, and a garden-style tub that invites long soaks. The thoughtful closet and storage layout across the two levels helps the home feel larger than its 1,354 square feet. A second bedroom and 2.5 baths provide comfortable separation for guests or a home office, and central HVAC plus forced-air gas heating keep the interior comfortable year-round.

As an end unit, this home benefits from extra window exposure and a sense of space both inside and out. The private patio and fenced yard are ideal for morning coffee, container gardening, or a safe space for pets. The community itself — Renaissance Park — includes amenities residents use daily: a community pool, fitness center, and tennis courts are all within a short walk. Two assigned parking spaces and low-maintenance landscaping make this a straightforward lock-and-leave option for professionals, NCSU affiliates, or buyers seeking a manageable pied-à-terre with strong rental prospects.

Location is a practical part of the story: downtown Raleigh is roughly four miles away, and North Carolina State University about 3.5 miles, placing restaurants, cultural attractions, and job centers within easy reach. The home was built in 2010 and has been kept in good condition; assessed and sale history indicate stable value, and recent comparable sales within the neighborhood support a competitive price range. Buyers should note HOA fees and that the assigned middle school has a below-average rating; for many, the lifestyle, amenities, and proximity to downtown will outweigh those considerations.

Whether you’re looking for an owner-occupied primary home that’s low upkeep or an investment with solid rental demand, this end-unit townhome blends practical details and desirable community access into a compelling Raleigh opportunity.

Home Highlights

End-unit with private fenced patioHardwood floors on main living levelVaulted master suite with walk-in closetStainless steel appliances and 42-inch cabinetsCommunity pool, fitness center, and tennis courtsTwo assigned parking spacesStrong rental potential (estimated monthly rent ~$1,750)

Property Features

Interior Features

  • Hardwood floors on first level
  • Gas-log fireplace in living room
  • Stainless steel kitchen appliances
  • 42-inch kitchen cabinets
  • Vaulted ceilings in master suite
  • Walk-in closet in master
  • Garden tub in master bath
  • Central AC and forced-air gas heating
  • 2.5 bathrooms

Exterior & Lot

  • End-unit townhome
  • Private patio and fenced backyard
  • Rear attached storage shed
  • Level lot (0.05 acres / 2,178 SF)
  • Low-maintenance landscaping
  • Two assigned parking spaces

Location & Neighborhood

  • Renaissance Park community
  • Community pool, fitness center, and tennis courts
  • Approximately 4 miles to Downtown Raleigh
  • About 3.5 miles to NC State University
  • Proximity to Lake Wheeler Park and Pullen Park

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 65/100 — Some Walkable Amenities
  • Renaissance Park Community Center (0.2 mi)
  • Pullen Park (4.5 mi) and Lake Wheeler Park (5 mi)
  • Nearby green spaces and neighborhood walking routes
  • Easy access to Tryon Road and major commute corridors

Neighborhood & Location

Renaissance Park blends suburban ease with urban access. The community centers around a clubhouse, pool, fitness facility, and tennis courts—amenities that encourage an active, social lifestyle without leaving the neighborhood. Commuters benefit from quick access to Tryon Road and short drives to downtown Raleigh and NC State; nearby parks like Pullen and Lake Wheeler expand outdoor options. The area attracts professionals, students, and small families seeking manageable maintenance and community programming in a walkable, amenity-rich setting.

Market Insights

Renaissance Park occupies a balanced-to-leaning-seller market within the broader Raleigh-Cary MSA. Inventory sits at approximately 2.5 months—below the long-term equilibrium and consistent with a market where well-priced townhomes receive attention quickly. Average days on market in the area are near 30 days, reflecting steady buyer activity rather than frenetic competition. Median sale prices for the immediate area measure around $365,000, though townhome-specific comparables within Renaissance Park have traded in the $280k–$300k range over the last 12 months, placing this property squarely in a high-demand price tier for similar product.

One-year appreciation is modest (~5%), with longer-term gains (~25% over five years) suggesting solid neighborhood fundamentals. Townhomes here perform well because of proximity to downtown Raleigh and NCSU, plus community amenities that attract both owner-occupants and renters. Low inventory and consistent rental demand (estimated gross rental yield near 7.2% on comparable units) make this a reasonable purchase window for investors and primary buyers who value access and convenience. Buyers should be prepared for competitive offers on well-maintained end units; sellers can expect interest and reasonable sale cadence if pricing reflects recent comp activity.

Nearby Schools

Smith Elementary

Elementary

6/10

North Garner Middle

Middle

2/10

Garner High

High

5/10

Walkability & Recreation

65
Walkability
75
Recreation

Very good access to community recreation with an on-site pool, fitness center and tennis courts, plus nearby parks including Pullen Park and Lake Wheeler Park within roughly 5 miles for trail and water-based activities.

Investment Highlights

  • End-unit townhome with modern amenities and private outdoor space
  • Access to community pool, fitness center, and tennis courts
  • Proximity to downtown Raleigh and NCSU enhances rental potential
  • Stable property values with moderate appreciation over the past 5 years
  • Assessed value aligns closely with market estimates

Key Findings

  • Last sold in 2022 for $295,000 ($217/SF)
  • Assessed value in 2025: $303,021 (land $80K, improvements $223K)
  • Comparable sales within 0.1 miles in last 12 months range $280K–$300K
  • Community amenities include pool, fitness center, and tennis courts
  • Proximity to downtown Raleigh (4 mi) and NCSU (3.5 mi)

Things to Consider

  • Middle school rating is below average (2/10)
  • HOA fees of $231 per quarter
  • Limited lot size (0.05 acres) may not appeal to all buyers

Opportunity Analysis

Well-maintained end-unit townhome in a desirable community with modern amenities and proximity to key Raleigh locations. Stable property values and community features enhance investment potential.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Potential primary residence for professionals or small families
  • Attractive rental property due to proximity to NCSU and downtown Raleigh
  • Monitor middle school ratings for potential impact on family buyers

Risk Factors

  • Below-average middle school rating may deter some family buyers
  • HOA fees add to monthly expenses
  • Limited lot size may not appeal to buyers seeking larger outdoor space

Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$280K

Midpoint

$290K

High

$300K

$214.1/SF estimated price per square foot

85% confidence

Sales comparison approach using 3 comparable sales within 0.1 miles sold in last 12 months. Adjusted for end-unit premium and interior upgrades. Assessed value of $303,021 aligns with market estimate.

As of 2026-03-07

This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.

Market & Area Data

Market Trends

Area Median Price$365,000
Avg Days on Market30 days
Inventory2.5 months
1-Year Appreciation+5.0%

Demographics

Population (1 mi)12,000
Median Income (1 mi)$75,000

Renaissance Park has seen steady growth with increasing property values over the past 5 years. Walkability Rating estimate: 65/100.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Downtown Raleigh (4 mi)
  • North Carolina State University (3.5 mi)
  • Lake Wheeler Park (5 mi)
  • Pullen Park (4.5 mi)
  • Renaissance Park Community Center (0.2 mi)

Close proximity to downtown Raleigh, NCSU, and multiple parks. Community amenities include pool, fitness center, and tennis courts.

School District

DistrictWake County Public School System
ElementarySmith Elementary (6/10)
MiddleNorth Garner Middle (2/10)
HighGarner High (5/10)

Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built2010
Constructionwood frame
Stories2
Roofshingle
Heatingforced air gas
Coolingcentral AC
Basementnone
FireplaceYes
Conditiongood

Lot & Site

Lot Size0.05 acres (2,178 SF)
Topographylevel
Parkingassigned_spaces
Parking Spaces2
FrontageStandard frontage on Cupola Dr

Utilities

Watermunicipal
Sewermunicipal
ElectricDuke Energy
GasPiedmont Natural Gas

Zoning & Land Use

Zoning CodePD
DescriptionPlanned Development
JurisdictionCity of Raleigh

Allowed Uses

residentialtownhomes
Current Useresidential
Assessor UseSingle Family Residential

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

Total Assessed$303,021
Land$80,000
Improvements$223,021
Annual Tax (2025)$2,663

Sale History

2022-11-14$295,000

$217.8/SF

Arm's length transaction

2017-02-15$185,500

$137/SF

Arm's length transaction

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