Is your Knightdale address worth more because of I-87? If you are getting ready to sell, you want to capture the commute advantage without overpricing. You also want clear, local data that supports your number. This guide breaks down what I-87 really does for Knightdale, how it shows up in buyer behavior, and the steps to price with confidence. Let’s dive in.

I-87 in Knightdale: what is real today

I-87 is already signed along the US-64 Knightdale Bypass that runs just south of town, with the current designation ending near the Rolesville Road and US-64 Business area. You can see the present routing on the Interstate 87 overview. Learn where I-87 is signed today.

East of Knightdale, the corridor is designated as Future I-87. Large stretches still need upgrades to meet interstate standards, so full buildout will happen over years. See Future I-87 planning context.

Regional projects also shape access. The Complete 540 extension ties into the I-87 and I-540 area, shifting traffic patterns across eastern Wake County. Track the Complete 540 project.

The bottom line for your pricing: Knightdale already enjoys interstate-grade access and quick links to I-440 and Raleigh. The value story you can market today is real travel-time convenience, plus steady long-term connectivity gains as projects progress.

Commute facts buyers ask about

• The mean travel time to work is 26.0 minutes for Knightdale workers 16 and older. That gives you a credible anchor for commute claims. See Knightdale QuickFacts.
• Most residents drive. Public transit usage is low, so car access to I-87, I-540, and I-440 matters. Review local mode share.
• Knightdale is growing. Census estimates put the 2024 population around 21,829, up from about 20,275 in 2023. Check population trends.
• The ACS median value of owner-occupied homes is $331,900, while recent market medians for sales have trended higher, roughly in the $430k to $455k range depending on timeframe and source. Use up-to-date MLS comps for your final price. See aggregator summaries.

How access affects value

Research shows improved highway access often raises home values because buyers pay for travel-time savings. Typical premiums can range from small single-digit percentages to more in cases with big accessibility gains. See research on access and value.

There is a distance tradeoff. Being near an on-ramp can help, while being immediately next to busy lanes can hurt because of noise and visual impacts. Review proximity effects.

In Knightdale, much of the accessibility benefit is already baked in because the Knightdale Bypass is a modern freeway today. Future corridor upgrades eastward are a long-term positive, yet they will likely add value in smaller, location-specific steps rather than all at once.

Pricing strategy for Knightdale sellers

Start with the right comps

Pull 3 to 6 recent closed comps in the same micro-area of Knightdale. Match lot type, build era, size, and finish level. Focus on sales within the last 6 to 12 months and note each property’s proximity to the same I-87 access points. Use your MLS as the source of truth, with portal summaries only as context. Scan recent summaries.

Layer a commute premium carefully

If the data shows stronger demand for homes within a short drive of an I-87 on-ramp, you can test a modest premium. If a property sits directly against heavy lanes or lighting, apply a discount. Anchor your adjustments to closed sales with similar proximity, not just to the highway label.

Price bands and timing

Inventory across the Triangle has grown compared with the tight pandemic years, which moderates some seller leverage. In submarkets that are still tight, you can test slightly above comps with a 1 to 2 week response window. If showings or offers lag, adjust quickly. See regional inventory trend.

Market the commute without overpromising

Use drive-time ranges to common destinations, not guarantees. For example, “about 20 to 30 minutes to downtown Raleigh in light traffic, 30 to 45 minutes at peak,” with I-87, I-540, and I-440 listed for clarity. Reference the town’s 26.0-minute mean commute time for context. Verify commute data.

Segment your target buyers

• First-time and value-focused buyers: highlight relative affordability and convenient highway access to job centers.
• Move-up buyers: call out efficient school and work commutes for two-income households, plus convenient access for activities.
• Relocation buyers: emphasize interstate connectivity and easy navigation for long-distance travel. Out-of-area interest in Triangle listings is meaningful. See interest patterns.

Listing prep checklist

• Pull 3 to 6 sold comps in the same school zone and side of the Bypass. Document each home’s ramp proximity.
• Create simple maps with AM peak, off-peak, and weekend drive-time ranges to downtown Raleigh, RTP, and RDU. Do not guarantee times.
• List both positives from nearby interchanges (faster routing) and negatives (noise or light). Quantify when possible.
• Set your list price as: comp median plus any supported commute premium, minus any verified disamenity discount. Keep price bands tight.
• Monitor inventory and days on market weekly. If you do not get expected traffic within 10 to 21 days, adjust fast.

Sample listing phrases that work

• “Quick access to I-87 and I-540 for smooth commutes to downtown Raleigh and RTP.”
• “About 20 to 30 minutes to downtown Raleigh in light traffic, with reliable freeway routing.”
• “Convenient to I-440, I-87, and I-540, simplifying two-commute households.”
• “Near the Knightdale Bypass on-ramp for faster morning departures and easier evening returns.”
• “Documented upgrades for quieter interiors, including newer windows and added insulation.”

Avoid common pitfalls

• Do not price to the interstate shield alone. Always start with comps.
• Do not ignore near-lane drawbacks. Mitigate and disclose noise and light issues to protect value.
• Do not use single, best-case commute minutes. Provide ranges and context.

The bottom line for Knightdale pricing

I-87 helps you reach jobs and amenities faster, and buyers notice. Use that advantage to frame your pricing, but let local comps lead. Apply a supported commute premium when the data fits, adjust for very close highway impacts, and market with accurate drive-time ranges. This balanced approach attracts commuter buyers and protects your net.

If you want a pricing plan tailored to your street, connect with the local team that markets Knightdale every day. Reach out to Kingsley Realty for a data-driven price opinion and a smart go-to-market plan.

FAQs

Will I-87 raise my Knightdale home’s value?

• Often yes, because buyers pay for travel-time savings, yet the exact premium depends on ramp proximity, any near-lane impacts, and current comps.

How much of a premium can I expect for I-87 access?

• There is no fixed number, but studies show small single-digit percentage gains in many cases, with higher gains when accessibility jumps and no near-lane drawbacks exist.

How should I describe commute times in my listing?

• Use ranges tied to real conditions, reference I-87 and nearby interstates, and cite the town’s 26.0-minute mean commute time for context.

Should I price above comps because of the interstate?

• Only if closed sales with similar access support it; otherwise price to comps and lean on commute benefits in your marketing.

What if my home is very close to the highway?

• Address noise and light proactively with improvements, disclose them, and adjust price using comps with similar proximity so buyers see the value clearly.