10 Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC [2024]
Raleigh frequently makes the list of best places to live in North Carolina and the Southeast for its quality of life, affordable housing, outdoor recreation, culture, and entertainment. In fact, Raleigh is ranked among the Best Cities for Remote Workers.
Even though it was named one of the top 25 fastest growing citiesin the U.S. last year, Raleigh manages to bring big city perks, like downtown amenities and a thriving job market, while retaining that small-town feel. Known for its “Research Triangle” of top-tier research universities – Duke, NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill – the city is also home to fantastic dining, with over 1,200 restaurants to choose from, as well as art, music, festivals, and outdoor sports.
Ready to move to the City of Oaks? Discover some of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC.
Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC
1. Chapel Hill
Although Chapel Hill isn't technically a Raleigh neighborhood, it’s a popular area to live for University of North Carolina students and staff. It's also one of America's premier towns for foodies. The student population definitely drives the nightlife scene, and you can always find bustling pubs, cafes, and trendy modern dining. From upscale dining to iconic favorites like Dame's Chicken & Waffles, you’ll find great grub to satisfy your tastebuds, and microbrews to wash it all down, in Chapel Hill.
Beyond the University, culture lovers return to the Ackland Art Museum, the Carolina Basketball Museum, and the Chapel Hill Museum. Chapel Hill also hosts regular arts festivals, where locals can browse and buy from local artists, jewelers, and craftsfolk.
Chapel Hill is also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly and diverse areas of North Carolina, and a regular site for year-round events, parades, and festivals to celebrate its communities.
2. Cameron Village
The cozy neighborhood of Cameron Village started as a master-planned community. Today, it's a trendy shopping district that brings together national brands and independent boutiques.
Known by locals as the Village District, it’s just minutes from Downtown Raleigh and the city's museum district. You can bike and walk your way around this neighborhood, but make sure you stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that locals love, like Tazza Kitchen.
The Village District is among the most desirable neighborhoods in Raleigh due to its convenient location, shopping and dining, and its modern industrial vibe. Foodies, artisans, and young professionals in particular love to call this place home.
3. Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh combines urban amenities and culture in a walkable neighborhood. You're never far from a great restaurant, concert or Friday art walks, which is why it’s so attractive to young professionals, artists and tech workers. The area is also a hotspot for startups looking to make a name for themselves in Research Triangle Park.
Downtown Raleigh is a desirable place to work, but it also boasts thousands of attractions and events every year, from sports to music to dance to theater, making it an exciting place to play. Its proximity to the R-Line public transportation, shops, and trendy restaurants, are also a perk. Renters are also a stone's throw to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Duke Energy Center.
4. University Park
University Park is a historic neighborhood full of renters ranging from students and young professionals to families. You'll find lots of coffee shops, casual burger and sandwich eateries in this low-key neighborhood, as well as many well-regarded public schools and kids activities. The range of options make it a versatile place to live in Raleigh.
One of the neighborhood’s favorite attractions is The Raleigh Rose Garden, which features a beautiful 6.5-acre garden where you can stroll among the 1,200 roses from 60 different flower varieties.
Locals love to stop by the Garden's Raleigh Little Theatre on weekends to catch a live performance. It's among the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the country. University Park has a lot of historic buildings, local attractions, and green walkways for residents to enjoy, making it a great spot for history buffs and walking enthusiasts alike.
5. North Hills
The upscale neighborhood of North Hills is considered Raleigh’s midtown, and sits adjacent to a shopping center with high-end chains and independent boutiques. This pedestrian-friendly destination includes upscale apartment buildings and condos in easy and safe walking distance from endless retailers, craft beer bars, and cafes.
Nightlife in North Hills centers around The Ritz nightclub, which hosts rock and country music acts. Locals also love the Midtown Farmer’s Market, Beach Music Series, and the busy calendar of events for kids, families, and fitness enthusiasts. The park downtown offers year-round events, green space, a stage, and great food.
Best of all, you're never far from the rest of what Raleigh has to offer.
6. Hayes Barton
Hayes Barton is tucked away inside Raleigh's historic Five Points area northwest of Downtown Raleigh. It’s easy to see why this quaint Raleigh neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by the Earle Sumner Draper, the renowned landscape architect, the area features a range of classic building styles, from Tudor to Georgian to Colonial to Craftsman to Contemporary. The tight-knit community is known for its craft restaurants, local boutiques, and vintage shops.
Beloved for its lush green space, is a favorite spot for established families, but it has some true gems for renters looking for that small-town connection and big-city access. It’s a quick commute to all Downtown Raleigh has to offer.
7. Brier Creek
The planned community of Brier Creek is next to the Raleigh Durham Airport at the heart of Research Triangle Park. A golfing neighborhood, Brier Creek locals love to play a round at the 18-hole Brier Country Club designed by the Arnold Palmer. There's also an on-site swim and tennis center, and a 40,000 square-foot community clubhouse that hosts events.
Families cool off at the splash pad or grab ice cream from the shopping and restaurant area, where you’ll find all the retail brands favored by your well-to-do suburbanites. You're also just minutes from the Brier Creek Commons and Crabtree Valley Mall. Brier Creek is a convenient place to rent if you fly a lot, golf a lot, or are looking to raise a family in a suburban environment that’s still close to the city center.
8. Boylan Heights
The historic neighborhood of Boylan Heights earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places, and is among the eight local Historic Overlay Districts in Raleigh. In addition, the neighborhood ArtWalk has been running for nearly 30 years and features North Carolina’s favorite local and regional artists. A beautifully planned suburban space, Boylan Heights is appealing to empty nesters and families, though anyone looking for a historical backdrop with a quiet reprieve will find this an ideal neighborhood for renting.
9. Forest Park
Formerly known as Cameron Park, Forest Park (renamed in 2022) is a historic neighborhood situated west of Downtown Raleigh. Considered a prestigious address, Forest Park features Queen Anne and Colonial Revivals, oversized bungalows, and Mission Revivals. A streetcar also runs along Hillsborough to shuttle you through the area and take in the sights.
Locals love the mature trees and well-maintained parks, and the family-friendly neighborhood is also a cozy spot for young professionals looking for quick access to Downtown, Cameron Village, or NC State.
10. Oakwood
Another historic neighborhood situated close to Downtown Raleigh, Oakwood is recognized by garden enthusiasts and architecture buffs alike for its quiet beauty and community involvement. Residents and visitors can take advantage of the green walkways and fresh air through regular Walking Tours, the beloved local Candlelight Tour, and Garden and Tea parties that residents love to host. There’s even an annual winter ball, making this neighborhood a perfect place for the romantic in you.
The quaint area features several small restaurants that residents swear by, as well as some bigger venues like the Transfer Co. Foodhall, where you can find great cuisines from around the world while enjoying stunning rooftop views.
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Still thinking about where to move next?
Learn more about:
If Raleigh isn't for you, consider Charlotte:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Charlotte
- Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte
- Cost of Living in Charlotte
- Average Rent in Charlotte
You can also consider Greensboro or Durham.
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