Before you move to a new place, you want to make sure that you’re moving to the right neighborhood. Just like you would weigh a number of factors when deciding on a new city, your choice of neighborhood should merit the same consideration. Do you need wide streets? Are you looking for a close-knit community? Do you need a convenient location for kid-friendly activities?
Are you planning to move to Raleigh and searching for the best neighborhoods to call home? Well, look no further! Raleigh is a beautiful city in North Carolina with numerous neighborhoods that cater to a variety of lifestyles and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the best neighborhoods in Raleigh and what makes them stand out.
Is Raleigh, NC a good place to live?
Raleigh, NC is generally considered a great place to live. It’s the capital city of North Carolina and part of the Research Triangle, which includes three major research universities: North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This contributes to a vibrant intellectual and cultural environment.
Raleigh offers a strong job market, particularly in technology, healthcare, and education sectors. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the US. The city has a diverse range of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique character. The climate is mild, with four distinct seasons. Overall, Raleigh offers a blend of job opportunities, cultural experiences, and a relatively high quality of life, making it an attractive place for many people to live
The best neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC
When seeking the ideal neighborhood in Raleigh, consider a range of factors that shape the living experience. From diverse lifestyles blending urban and suburban living to architectural diversity spanning historic Queen Anne homes and modern designs, each neighborhood offers unique appeal. Access to amenities like luxury shopping centers, parks, and local businesses contributes to convenience and enjoyment. Strong community engagement, proximity to downtown Raleigh, and educational facilities enhance the value of neighborhoods such as Boylan Heights and Hayes Barton. Whether you seek a peaceful enclave like Brier Creek or a social hub like South Park, understanding these criteria ensures you find a neighborhood that aligns with your preferences and needs. Read below to learn why these Raleigh neighborhoods are considered the best in the city:
1. North Hills – Best for all groups
If you’re going to move to Raleigh, then chances are that the first neighborhood you’ll hear recommended to you is North Hills. It’s Raleigh’s fastest-growing area, with plenty of amazing single-family homes and other types of real estate for you to peruse. North Hills is a highly sought-after neighborhood in Raleigh that offers a mix of urban and suburban living. The area is known for its luxury shopping center, North Hills Mall, which features high-end stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. The neighborhood is also home to several parks, including Shelley Lake Park, which has trails for walking, running, and biking.
2. Boylan Heights – Best for suburban living
As one of the most sought-after areas in Raleigh, Boylan Heights is in incredibly high demand, but for good reason. You can find Queen Anne/Colonial Revival-style homes, quiet roads, and beautiful green spaces. This historic neighborhood comes with incredible value to the city as a whole. As a city that was established to be a prime suburban neighborhood, Boylan Heights is a great upper-class area with gorgeous architecture. Residents of Boylan Heights enjoy a strong sense of community and easy access to several parks, including Pullen Park and Dorothea Dix Park. The neighborhood is also home to several locally-owned businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
3. Hayes Barton – Best for history lovers
Hayes Barton is a prestigious neighborhood located just north of downtown Raleigh. Hayes Barton is one of the neighborhoods within the Five Points, which is a group of suburban neighborhoods that meet at Glenwood Avenue and are well-known for their contribution to the historic nature of the city. Residents of Hayes Barton enjoy easy access to several parks, including Fred Fletcher Park and Roanoke Park. The neighborhood is also home to several highly-rated schools, making it a popular choice for families. With quiet roads, Colonial Revival and Queen Anne-style homes, and beautiful green spaces, Hayes Barton is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the area.
4. Cameron Park – Best for families
Cameron Park is another historic neighborhood, one of the first of the three main suburbs of Raleigh. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with a variety of building styles, including ranch-style homes, estate homes, and Dutch colonials. Plus, it offers easy access to nearby schools for children of all ages. Cameron Park also gives you easy access to downtown, including access to grocery stores, shopping centers, and boutique shops, making it an incredible location for families.
5. University Park – Best for neighborhood community
University Park is, as you might expect, just north of North Carolina State University, and the connection to college students has made University Park a one-of-a-kind place to live. Homes run the gamut from incredibly historic to newly built, offering everything from an urban flair to a timeless style. Plus, University Park has an incredibly active neighborhood association, allowing you the opportunity to get involved with the local community.
6. Brier Creek – Best for quiet enjoyment
Brier Creek is a suburban neighborhood located just north of Raleigh. The area is known for its newer construction homes and easy access to several shopping centers, including the Brier Creek Commons and the Triangle Town Center. The reputation in Brier Creek is mostly around suburban style preferences. If you love Raleigh, but you’d rather not live in the urban area where everything is happening, then Brier Creek is a great place to be. You’ll find newer construction homes and condos aplenty, with lots of open spaces, delightful parks, and mature trees scattered along the suburban walkways. Many of the people who choose Brier Creek are young families looking for a place to settle down.
7. Vanguard Park – Best for a small town feel
Vanguard Park is a quiet and family-friendly neighborhood located just west of downtown Raleigh. Vanguard Park is another part of the Five Points neighborhoods. With easy access to exciting activities, like an independent movie theater, boutique shops, and plenty of the historic structures that Five Points is known for, Vanguard Park is a great place to start searching for a balance between city life and a more individual neighborhood. Vanguard Park can help you maintain the city vibe while also staying away from the hustle and bustle of a larger city.
8. South Park – Best for social opportunities
If you love becoming a huge part of the neighborhood and you want to make friends, then South Park might be a great option. It’s just minutes from downtown life, but it doesn’t have the same high-energy feel, which means there are more opportunities available for neighborly individuals who just want to make friends. Plus, there are plenty of new properties available in the area, making it easy to rent in either a historic building or a new-build complex.
Top things to do in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a wide range of entertainment options to suit various interests and preferences. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or dining out, here are some of the top things to do in Raleigh for entertainment:
- Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art: Explore a diverse collection of artworks, including European, American, African, and modern pieces. The museum also has beautiful outdoor sculpture gardens.
- NC Museum of Natural Sciences: This museum offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays about the natural world, including dinosaurs, live animals, and a planetarium.
- Pullen Park: Established in 1887, Pullen Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. It features a carousel, pedal boats, playgrounds, and a train ride.
- Raleigh City Market: Explore this historic market area with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place for shopping and dining.
- Umstead State Park: Enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in this scenic park. There are also opportunities for bird-watching and fishing in the park’s lakes.
- PNC Arena: Catch a hockey game with the Carolina Hurricanes or enjoy live concerts and other events at this popular venue.
- Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts: This cultural center hosts a variety of performances, including ballet, opera, Broadway shows, and symphony concerts.
- Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh): Experience modern and contemporary art in a dynamic and ever-changing gallery space.
- Raleigh City Farm: This urban farm promotes sustainable agriculture and often hosts events, workshops, and markets for the community.
- City of Oaks Walking Tours: Explore Raleigh’s historic districts, landmarks, and hidden gems through guided walking tours that offer insights into the city’s history and culture.
- Local breweries: Raleigh is part of North Carolina’s thriving craft beer scene. Visit one of the many local breweries to sample a wide variety of beers.
- Live music: Raleigh has a vibrant live music scene, with numerous venues hosting both local and touring bands. Check out the Lincoln Theatre, The Pour House Music Hall, and Red Hat Amphitheater for live music events.
- Raleigh Farmers Market: Discover fresh produce, artisanal products, flowers, and more at the state’s largest farmers market.
- Foodie scene: Raleigh offers a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines. Be sure to explore the food truck culture and local farm-to-table options.
- Festivals and events: Raleigh hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass, Artsplosure, and the North Carolina State Fair.
- Historic Oakwood: Take a walk through this historic neighborhood filled with beautifully preserved Victorian and early 20th-century homes.
- William B. Umstead State Park: This park offers hiking and biking trails, boating, and fishing opportunities in a peaceful natural setting.
Raleigh is a city that blends a rich cultural scene with opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re interested in arts and history, the great outdoors, or simply enjoying a night on the town, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options in the city and its surroundings.
Short-term rentals in Raleigh
If you’re thinking about moving to Raleigh anytime soon, then it might be a good idea to check out short-term rentals in Raleigh first. Short-term rentals are a great starting point for people who want to determine how it might feel to live in a specific neighborhood. Because they’re more frequently in residential areas, they’re a better option than hotels, which are usually located in urban areas, such as the Capital District and Patterson Green, two neighborhoods that are very close to the downtown nightlife. Try these out to ensure you love the neighborhood placement before you start looking into a long-term rental.
Frequently asked questions about living in Raleigh, NC
What’s the most affordable neighborhood in Raleigh?
There are many affordable neighborhoods throughout Raleigh. Two great options are Southwest Raleigh, where you’re likely to find a one-bedroom apartment for $995 per month on average, and Southeast Raleigh, where a one-bedroom apartment may be even lower, as low as $590 per month.
How much money do I need to make to live in Raleigh?
The median income in Raleigh is $69,000. That means you should aim to make around that much or more if you want to attain a high quality of life in Raleigh. Of course, if you’re hoping to live in a more expensive neighborhood with a higher cost of living, or you’d like to live in a luxury rental in the area, you might need to make slightly more than this.
Is it better to live in Raleigh or Charlotte?
If you’re planning to move to North Carolina, then two main cities that you might consider are Charlotte and Raleigh. Charlotte is slightly less expensive on average, by about 5%, which is a small enough difference that you should consider your personal needs, rather than simply making a choice based on which area will be more affordable. Important information like amenities and potential jobs will likely be your deciding factor.
Related content
