Thinking about moving to Raleigh? North Carolina’s capital city has a lot to offer singles and young professionals, thanks to its abundant job opportunities, fun activities, and nightlife scene. Here are the five best Raleigh neighborhoods for young adults!
| Neighborhood | Brier Creek | Mordecai | North Raleigh | Six Forks | West Raleigh |
| Safer than % of City | 83% | 50% | 89% | 78% | 56% |
| Median Home Price | $504,191 | $818,166 | $466,839 | $699,240 | $282,654 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,490 | $1,820 | $1,321 | $1,937 | $1,382 |
| Median Household Income | $117,836 | $143,306 | $116,990 | $128,814 | $74,076 |
| Median Age | 37.3 years | 34.5 years | 43.1 years | 36.1 years | 28.7 years |
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Brier Creek
- Home Price: $504,191 median purchase price; $1,490 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Love nature but want to be close to the city for work? Brier Creek is for you! Nestled between greater Raleigh and Research Triangle Park—a hub for professionals and students of all backgrounds and career stages—Brier Creek offers easy access to both fantastic career opportunities and expansive green spaces like William B. Umstead State Park. The neighborhood is also in close proximity to a North Carolina National Guard stronghold, ideal for Raleigh residents involved in the military. And if you frequently travel for pleasure or for work, Brier Creek is conveniently located near the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, as well! To top it off, this safe and affordable Raleigh neighborhood contains multiple apartment complexes, perfect for young adults looking for rental options.
Things to Do in Brier Creek
Team up in bumper cars, race against friends, and ride The Claw when you visit Frankie’s of Raleigh—or explore an aerial course, ride ziplines, and play putt-putt at TreeRunner Raleigh Adventure Park & Putt Putt. Enroll in Adult Volleyball or Pickleball Open Play, work out in the fitness room, take line dancing classes, and more at the Brier Creek Park Community Center. Get access to a golf course, swimming pool, racquet sports courts, and more when you become a member of Brier Creek Country Club. Shop stores like Michael’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sephora, and more, and grab a bite to eat at Brier Creek Commons. Satisfy your craving for Mexican food with dishes like Chilaquiles Mexicanos, Enchiladas Poblanas, and Churros at Los Tres Magueyes. Attend a cellar event or take your date out for a fancy Southern meal of Blackened Yellowfin Tuna, Grilled Pesto Chicken, and Southern Pecan Pie to end the night at Angus Barn. Attend Tap Takeover every Wednesday and find your new favorite brew to go with menu items like Pretzel Grilled Cheese, Beer Brat Bretzel, or Maple Glazed Scottish Salmon at Brier Creek Beer Garden. Or gather a group of friends and try beer options like Boots Up Kolsch, Peacemaker IPA, and Sweet Josie Brown Ale at Lonerider Brewery.
Mordecai
- Home Price: $818,166 median purchase price; $1,820 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Searching for a neighborhood close to the heart of Raleigh? Mordecai—which is also considered one of the best Raleigh neighborhoods for families—borders Downtown Raleigh, putting you steps from the energy, activities, and career opportunities the city has to offer. Additionally, young Raleigh professionals who want to further their education can do so without going far, since the neighborhood is right next to Saint Augustine’s University and William Peace University. As for housing, Mordecai is an historic area named after the once-enslaved and freed African Americans and the Lane and Mordecai families who resided in the Mordecai House. That historical style carries through in the neighborhood’s architecture—homes in American foursquare and Georgian styles that echo the namesake house—while modern touches like bike lanes, bus stops, and sidewalks keep the area feeling current.
Things to Do in Mordecai
Explore nature, biology, and science through exhibits like Dueling Dinosaurs, Nature’s Explorers, or Coastal Carolina at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Learn about African-American history at the Pope House, and visit exhibits teaching you about the city and its history at the City of Raleigh Museum. Immerse yourself in the arts by watching ballets, concerts, the symphony, opera, comedy, and theatre at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Shop and thrift at local stores like the Little Oak Collective, Raleigh Iron Works, and Edge of Urge. Pair a Sesame Street Latte with The Brunch Club or The Easy Sandwich at The Optimist Raleigh. Order a House Salad, Square Pizza, and a Cannoli at Oakwood Pizza Box. Listen to music and play yard games while enjoying Caribbean food, beers on tap, or cocktails like the Cheerwine Old Fashioned, Serrano Ranch Water, and Harnett Star Line at Tap Yard Raleigh. Or savor Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Levantine cuisine with menu items like Whipped Chana Hummus, Charred Asparagus, or Lamb Koobideh at Ajja.
North Raleigh
- Home Price: $466,839 median purchase price; $1,321 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Raleigh neighborhoods
North Raleigh offers a suburban feel, making it an excellent neighborhood in Raleigh for singles and young professionals who want a more peaceful lifestyle. Residents of this area can take advantage of new construction on large lots, starter homes, and close proximity to amenities like shopping centers, golf courses, and public parks. North Raleigh is also a great place for those working in the medical field, as this area is home to WakeMed North Hospital. And with I-540 running through the neighborhood, you don’t have to worry about commutes—North Raleigh is within 30 minutes of downtown and 30 minutes of nearby Durham!
Things to Do in North Raleigh
Join North Ridge Country Club to play golf, hit the tennis courts, and get some sun at the pool. Go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or take a walk through the bird garden at Durant Nature Preserve. Have a picnic with friends, walk the trails, or play a game of basketball at Shelley Lake Park, which spans more than 140 acres. Canoe or kayak at one of the seven launch points on the 17-mile-long Neuse River. Start your morning off right with Avo Smash Toast, The Gonza Sandwich, and a Red Smoothie from Sola Coffee Cafe. Pick up some Sautéed Chicken with Fresh Ginger, Pineapple Fried Rice, or Beef Panang from Lemongrass Thai Restaurant. Order the Irish Nachos along with a handcrafted cocktail and settle in for live music at Saints & Scholars Pub. Or feast on the Shrimp and Grits and Prime Rib French Dip, and save room for a bowl of Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream at Winston’s Grille.
Six Forks
- Home Price: $699,240 median purchase price; $1,937 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of Raleigh neighborhoods
A peaceful neighborhood situated along Mine Creek, complete with Federal-and Colonial-style homes, Six Forks is great for young adults living in Raleigh who want to buy a home. There are also plenty of affordable apartment complexes in the area, like Six Forks Station Apartments, Junction Six Forks Apartments, Infinity Six Forks, and more. It’s also a fantastic place to live for career-minded young professionals, offering commuters access throughout the city via I-540 and I-440, so you can make it to work and back with ease. On top of that, the Six Forks area has multiple shopping centers that employ the majority of residents, so it’s perfect for business owners and retail workers alike.
Things to Do in Six Forks
Have a ball when you play a round of mini golf or laser tag at Battle & Birdie. Grab a bite to eat at the food court, attend an outdoor concert, get your sweat on, or go shopping at the North Hills Shopping Mall. Make jewelry, throw pottery, or draw after a walk along the Shelley Lake Trail, then view art at Sertoma Arts Center. Get active for a game of pickleball, relax for a nice picnic, or go on a jog at North Hills Park. Go clubbing with friends and dance the night away at the Enigma Night Club. Chow down all-you-can-eat sushi for lunch with options like the Snow White Roll, Red Snapper Roll, or Rainbow Roll at Umiya Raleigh. Enjoy some Southern BBQ with a BBQ Plate Combo, Fried Chicken Sandwich Combo, or a Hot Dog Special Combo at Chop Shop BBQ & Grill. Sip your favorite German-inspired brew while you sit outside and enjoy a Mango Weizen, Blood Orange Hop Jam, or Clouds 9 at Clouds Brewing Taproom. Or end your day on a sweet note when you grab a Strawberry Champagne Cupcake, piece of Tiramisu, or Birthday Cake Stuffed Cookie at Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Cafe.
West Raleigh
- Home Price: $282,654 median purchase price; $1,382 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Tucked between Midtown Raleigh and Downtown Raleigh is West Raleigh, a hot spot for singles and young professionals! West Raleigh is filled with incredible restaurants, affordable apartments and townhomes, and great outdoor recreation opportunities at places like 500-acre Lake Johnson Park and the N.C. State Fair Campground. And if you’re looking to pursue a degree or work in higher education, this neighborhood is also right next to North Carolina State University and Meredith College, giving West Raleigh a lively college-town feel!
Things to Do in West Raleigh
Master carnival games and compete in bocce for a small fee, attend Theatre in the Park, play a game of tennis, and more at historical Pullen Park—the first public park in North Carolina. See more than 50,000 objects on display—from photography to Native American artwork—or attend events at Gregg Museum of Art & Design on the NC State campus. Stop to smell the roses as you walk through the incredible gardens at The Raleigh Rose Garden. Get tickets to see sporting events, concerts, and touring comedy acts at Lenovo Center (previously the PNC Arena). Try the Burrito Surf & Turf, Taco Carnitas, or Quesadillas from Gym Taco. Devour the Grandma Pizza, Three Cheese Manicotti, or Stromboli from Bussin Pizza & Pasta. Order the Kabob Platter or Falafel with some Pistachio Baklava for dessert at Neomonde Mediterranean. Or have a fun night out with friends and choose from over 90 different beers on tap at Village Draft House.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
