The charm and vitality of North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh, is no secret. This buzzing city has a lot to offer, from quality education, historic districts, and delightful downtown areas to convenient access to major highways and natural beauty.
As the state capital and a college town, Raleigh has a good economy, a median household income of $69,720, which is about 20% higher than the state average and a per capita income of $44,001, which is about 25% higher than the state average.
This article explores the best neighborhoods in Raleigh, providing a comprehensive guide to help make your decision easier if you’re considering a move to this beautiful city.
From single-family homes for sale in Raleigh nestled among mature trees to modern apartments in the heart of the city, you’ll find an impressive range of housing options to suit your lifestyle and needs.
These Are the 13 Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh
Raleigh is a vibrant and diverse city in North Carolina that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly suburb, a hip and trendy downtown, or a quiet and green oasis, you’ll find it in Raleigh.
But with so many options, how do you choose the best neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget? That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 13 best neighborhoods in Raleigh based on factors like safety, amenities, affordability, and livability. Read on to find out which one suits you best.
Oakwood
Known for its rich history and architectural homes, Oakwood stands out among the best neighborhoods in Raleigh. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of homes, including Victorian and Colonial Revival styles, with the median home price reflecting the neighborhood’s desirability and proximity to downtown.
Schools in Oakwood are highly rated, contributing to the area’s family-friendly reputation. The neighborhood boasts a range of amenities, including boutique shops, coffee shops, and delightful restaurants like Crawford & Son.
The abundant shopping options, including the popular Market Center Drive, are just minutes away. Oakwood has a close-knit community vibe, perfect for those looking for a suburban neighborhood feel within walking distance of downtown Raleigh.
Cameron Village
Cameron Village offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and city vibe. Its real estate market is diverse, featuring a blend of single-family homes and apartments. The neighborhood is home to several excellent public schools, making it ideal for families.
Cameron Village is popular for its namesake shopping center, which boasts plenty of restaurants and boutique stores. Additionally, its prime location gives residents easy access to downtown Raleigh and major highways, offering convenience for commuters.
The population here is a mix of families, professionals, and college students from the nearby North Carolina State University.
Boylan Heights
Boylan Heights is a historic neighborhood in Raleigh that beautifully merges past and present. It is filled with historic homes, many of which maintain their original architectural styles, such as Dutch Colonials.
Despite its history, Boylan Heights appeals to the modern resident, thanks to its location west of downtown Raleigh and its walkable neighborhoods. Schools here are part of the top-rated Wake County Public School System.
With plenty of restaurants, art galleries, and proximity to Pullen Park, there’s always something to do. The sense of community in Boylan Heights is strong, making it a desirable neighborhood for both families and young professionals.
Hayes Barton
Located just a short distance from downtown, Hayes Barton is one of Raleigh’s most prestigious and expensive neighborhoods. Its tree-lined streets are dotted with beautiful estate homes, many in the Colonial Revival style.
Hayes Barton is not only known for its exquisite homes but also for its excellent schools, contributing to the high quality of life in the neighborhood. With the Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery among its array of eating establishments, the neighborhood provides ample dining options.
Shopping is convenient, with easy access to the nearby Cameron Village Shopping Center. Despite its proximity to the city center, Hayes Barton maintains a quiet, residential feel that its residents appreciate.
Mordecai
Mordecai is one of Raleigh’s oldest and most beloved neighborhoods, filled with historic homes and boasting a convenient location near the city center. The average housing prices are reasonable considering the prime location, with a mix of charming single-family homes and newly constructed homes.
Mordecai offers excellent educational institutions, including the top-rated Broughton High School and Daniels Middle School.For leisure and entertainment, residents have access to countless parks, recreational activities, and entertainment venues. Plenty of amenities exist, from boutique shopping on Peace Street to dining at the local Tupelo Honey.
The close-knit community and family-friendly environment make Mordecai popular among families and professionals.
Downtown Raleigh
In the heart of North Carolina’s capital city lies Downtown Raleigh, a vibrant urban neighborhood that is both historic and trendy. Here, residents enjoy a wide selection of apartment buildings and condos, making it a popular choice for young professionals and college students.
Downtown Raleigh schools are a part of the Wake County Public School System, offering quality education to its residents. The neighborhood boasts a bustling entertainment district with countless restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural venues.
The Fayetteville Street area, known as the city’s entertainment and business hub, is just one example. Despite its urban nature, downtown Raleigh offers access to beautiful parks and outdoor recreation, which helps to provide a balanced lifestyle.
South Park
Not to be confused with the television show, South Park is an affordable neighborhood east of downtown Raleigh. Home styles vary, but you’ll commonly find Ranch-style homes and smaller homes ideal for those starting a family or looking for their first home.
South Park provides access to good schools, and its prime location offers plenty of amenities like shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants. Its unique blend of urban and suburban lifestyles gives residents the best of both worlds.
The neighborhood is known for its close-knit community, beautiful parks, and ample outdoor activities.
North Hills
Just north of downtown Raleigh, you’ll find North Hills, a popular neighborhood known for its quality of life and wide selection of housing options. The real estate market here is diverse, with options ranging from single-family homes to high-rise apartment buildings.
North Hills is home to excellent schools, contributing to its reputation as a desirable neighborhood for families. Its proximity to downtown and access to interstates make commuting a breeze. North Hills offers plenty of amenities, including the renowned North Hills Shopping Center and a vibrant nightlife scene along Glenwood Avenue.
Wakefield
In North Raleigh, Wakefield is a master-planned community offering a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. The median home sale price here reflects its status as a desirable neighborhood, with its upscale homes set against beautiful landscapes.
Wakefield has its public schools offering high-quality education to its residents. It is also home to the Brier Creek Country Club, offering golf, tennis, swimming, and other recreational activities. Shopping and dining options abound, with proximity to the Brier Creek Shopping Center and Wakefield Commons.
Falls River
Falls River is a tight-knit residential community nestled in North Raleigh. Its variety of single-family homes and townhomes make it a popular choice for families and retirees. Residents here enjoy access to excellent public schools, and the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Raleigh makes for an easy commute.
Amenities include the Falls River Town Center, which features plenty of shopping and dining options. One of its main attractions is the nearby Falls Lake State Recreation Area, offering residents an escape into nature just minutes from their front door. Falls River is the perfect neighborhood for those seeking a community within a city setting.
Brier Creek
Brier Creek is a suburb of Raleigh located near Research Triangle Park, making it a popular choice for professionals working in the tech industry. Housing in Brier Creek predominantly consists of single-family homes and apartment buildings, offering something for everyone from first-time home buyers to those seeking an upscale lifestyle.
The Wake County Public School System serves the area and boasts access to quality education. Residents enjoy plenty of entertainment and recreational activities with the Brier Creek Shopping Center, countless restaurants, and the Brier Creek Country Club within walking distance. Brier Creek also offers easy access to major highways, simplifying commutes and travel.
Five Points
Five Points is an urban neighborhood west of downtown Raleigh, known for its historic homes and charming residential units. Home styles in this area often reflect traditional architectural styles, such as Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonials, adding to its historic appeal.
Five Points is home to several reputable schools and is just a short drive from North Carolina State University, attracting families and college students. This neighborhood’s unique character extends to its amenities and restaurants, with popular spots like the Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery and local art galleries.
Five Points also offers boutique shopping, making it a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Bryson Village
Bryson Village is a suburban neighborhood in East Raleigh that combines convenience with a sense of community. The neighborhood features mostly single-family homes, offering residents a suburban lifestyle with the convenience of city amenities.
The local schools are part of the Wake County Public School System, providing excellent educational opportunities. Amenities in Bryson Village are plentiful, with numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique stores within a short distance.
The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Raleigh and major highways makes it a desirable location for those who commute. Bryson Village’s sense of community is strong, with plenty of neighborhood social events and community programs for residents to enjoy.
FAQs: Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh
In this section, we’ll tackle frequently asked questions about Raleigh and its neighborhoods to provide more insightful details into this charming city.
What is the nicest area of Raleigh?
Hayes Barton is often considered one of the nicest areas due to its beautiful historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to downtown. However, North Hills is known for its suburban feel with plenty of shopping and dining options, and Brier Creek is popular for its convenient location near Research Triangle Park.
What is the most affluent suburb of Raleigh, NC?
The suburb of Hayes Barton is one of the most affluent areas in Raleigh, known for its historic and architectural homes, quality schools, and exclusive amenities. However, North Hills and Brier Creek also offer upscale living options.
Is Charlotte or Raleigh better?
Both cities have their unique features. Raleigh is known for its research and technology-based economy, excellent schools, and many outdoor activities. At the same time, those willing to move to Charlotte will be relocating to a city famous for its thriving banking sector, diverse arts scene, and professional sports teams. The “better” city depends on your preferences and lifestyle needs.
Is it cheaper to live in Cary or Raleigh, NC?
The cost of living in Cary is slightly higher than in Raleigh, primarily due to housing costs. However, both cities offer a high quality of life with great schools, amenities, and job opportunities.
How far is Raleigh from the beach?
Raleigh is approximately a two to three hours drive from the nearest beach. The North Carolina coast offers numerous beautiful beach towns, such as Wilmington and the Outer Banks, making beach trips a popular weekend activity for Raleigh residents.
Is Raleigh a booming city?
Yes, Raleigh is indeed a booming city. It’s part of the Research Triangle, home to many high-tech companies and universities, which drives a strong economy. The city also continues to grow in population and new business development.
Which is better, Raleigh or Durham?
Raleigh boasts a vibrant downtown, a strong job market, particularly in tech, and diverse neighborhoods. Durham is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, well-established neighborhoods, and vibrant arts and food scenes. Choosing between the two would depend on individual lifestyle preferences and career opportunities.
Parting Thoughts on Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh
As we journeyed through the best neighborhoods in Raleigh, we discovered that this city offers something for everyone. From the historic charm of Hayes Barton to the shopping paradise of North Hills, the suburban tranquility of Brier Creek, and the bustling urban energy of Downtown, Raleigh neighborhoods truly encapsulate the diversity and richness of life in North Carolina’s capital city.
At eXp Realty, our local agents are ready to assist you in exploring the beautiful neighborhoods of Raleigh and guide you through your home-buying journey. Search for properties that are currently on the market and sign up to get alerts for new property listings as they come up. Find your dream home in Raleigh today, where quality of life and a sense of community define the cityscape.
