Driving into Ponder, you might feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a summer getaway. One that’s been around for generations and full of time-tested favorite places. Like woods, a river and a signature lake. A fully stocked fishing pond. Even places to sleep under the stars. What a perfect place to make some memories.
You’ll find our signature amenity sitting on over 5 acres of land right off the lake. And oh, the things you can do there. When it opens in fall 2026, it will include a main building with gathering spaces for parties and events. A fitness center. An outdoor fireplace. And an almost 2,000-square-foot wraparound porch for taking in the water views. In other words, time will be very well spent here. And it’s going to get even better, when you consider what’s coming:
Our namesake lake has been here for centuries. And you can do the same things here now as families did back then (and more, thanks to the awesome invention of paddleboards). Kayak or canoe. Dip your toes off the dock. Read by the water. Or, just take it all in and think “this is right where I live.”
Community get-togethers are going to be a big part of Ponder. So we’re creating a place where they can happen. Our concert and event lawn will even have its own stage area, for welcoming local musicians and entertainers. Bring your own blanket, and enjoy the show.
We have a commitment to preserving the memory and history of the land that was here before us. So nearly 120 acres (about one-fourth of Ponder) will be preserved open space. We’ve also planned for pocket parks, playgrounds and gathering spaces throughout the community — places to play and explore and take in all the incredible things this (equally incredible) piece of land has to offer.
Open from day one, it will help you get back to nature in a big way (literally), thanks to a distinctive, can’t-miss-it play structure, grassy field and seating area.
Up to four miles of trails are planned, with connections to a public greenway.
A wide open (but fenced-in) space where Ponder pets can unleash a little energy.
No need to pack up the car. You can experience the Great Outdoors all day — and night — when you live at Ponder. We’ll have Trex decking campsites and charcoal grills by Lake Ponder so you can spend an evening in nature … and be able to run home quickly to grab anything you might have forgotten. Just BYOT (bring your own tent.)
Nature is a big part of Ponder, so we’ve made sure that there are ways to engage with it throughout our community. You’ll see it in the heritage oak tree by the fishing pond, decked out with lights and seating. The Little River, located nearby. And miles of trails for walking, jogging and exploring. Self-made adventure awaits.
It can’t be all play-outside-time (although Mother Nature is a pretty great teacher). So the kids who live in Ponder will go to schools in the Wake County School District. Their focus is on academic excellence where students are challenged, supported and inspired to lead. Which means in addition to an awesome place to live, kids here get awesome places to learn. And with a brand-new elementary school opening right around the corner, one of those places will make carpool very, very convenient.
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Living at Ponder means there’s fun in every direction. Head to Wendell for a festival or chef-inspired cuisine. To Zebulon for an artists’ market or brewery visit. Or into Raleigh for arts, entertainment, the fantastic food scene and popular not-just-for-tourist attractions.
Take me there
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