Moving to Raleigh? This City of Oaks is one of the best big cities to live in the U.S. and best cities to raise a family. Offering safe streets, great outdoor recreation, and one of the top 25 job markets—check out these five best Raleigh neighborhoods for families!
Neighborhood | Five Points | Glenwood South | Historic Oakwood | Mordecai | North Hills |
Median Home Price | $593,800 | $665,475 | $425,040 | $450,000 | $398,357 |
Median Rent Price | $1,162 | $1,502 | $1,265 | $1,196 | $1,293 |
Home Appreciation Rate | 13% | 42% | 42% | 36% | 6% |
Median Household Income | $148,413 | $105,066 | $105,066 | $96,375 | $87,769 |
High School Graduation Rate | 96% | 86% | 80% | 90% | 94% |
Five Points
If you’re looking for a Raleigh neighborhood just minutes north of downtown, Five Points is one of the best places to rent a home in Raleigh! Though the century-old Raleigh neighborhoods that come together to make up Five Points have their unique charms—they share shaded, walkable streets and local shops and restaurants for families to explore. Nestled on the west side of Five Points, the well-known Hayes Barton offers residents bungalows and Tudor-style homes next to huge Colonial estates. The northern micro-neighborhood Bloomsbury blends the Queen Anne style with Craftsman homes, while Roanoke Park is dotted with modest triple A-frame cottages and townhomes in the south.
Things to Do in Five Points
Let your kids climb on the playground or play on the courts at Roanoke Park. Hike through the wooded trails or picnic under the gazebo at Fallon Park. Discover your new favorite independent or foreign film, watch old favorites on the big screen again, and catch live music performances at The Rialto. Browse handmade items and gifts from local artisans—and grab a coffee or pastry while you shop at NOFO @ the Pig. Start your day with a Cold Brew, London Fog, or a variety of fresh pastries at Idle Hour Coffee Roasters. Grab one-of-a-kind pizzas like the Thai Bhat, Tricky Ricky, or Sergeant Scofflaw from Lilly’s Pizza. Sit down for Southern favorites like the Catch of the Day or Chicken & Waffles with a piece of Seasonal Cheesecake at Mandolin. Or enjoy an Ava “Gardner” Salad, Three Stooges Beans and Rice, Bella Linguine, and more at 1940’s-inspired Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery.
Glenwood South
Just northwest of the Raleigh Warehouse District, Glenwood South is for families who want to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh! This former industrial zone is now Raleigh’s entertainment district thanks to its trendy bars and restaurants along the central Glenwood Ave strip. The easily walkable neighborhood is also ideal for running errands or walking the dog—a major draw for families! Parents will find top-notch schools in Glenwood South like The Exploris School, Wiley Magnet Elementary School, and Saint Mary’s School. Families moving to this excellent Raleigh neighborhood can find a blend of condos and apartments on the east side—and bungalows and American Foursquare homes on the west.
Things to Do in Glenwood South
Ride the train, carousel, or pedal boats around the lake at nearby Pullen Park. Shop home goods, clothing, jewelry, and more at Raleigh Vintage—or find classic vinyls at Record Krate. Let your little ones play with interactive exhibits about music, plants, and fitness at Marbles Kids Museum. See dance performances, live music, or spoken word at youth-focused performing arts organization, TheGifted Arts. Find musical activities for toddlers in Raleigh, NC like the music discovery program, or enjoy a classical concert at the North Carolina Symphony. Get your morning started with a Rosemary Latte or Cappuccino with a Hotshot Bagel at Iris Coffee Lab. Bring the whole family to dine on Mozzarella Sticks, a Breakfast Burger, or Fried Chicken Tenders Basket at MoJoe’s Burger Joint. Or enjoy a night out without the kids to try Mediterranean dishes like Moroccan Beef Skewers or Grilled Lamb Loin with a glass of red or white from the award-winning wine collection at Vidrio.
Historic Oakwood
Historic Oakwood is one of the best places to buy a home in Raleigh—and many families move here for the wonderful community feel! Narrow, oak-lined streets and well-maintained Raleigh gardens make this walkable downtown neighborhood feel like you’re in a small town instead of the heart of the city. Families are welcome to join in on both public and resident-only events including the Samedi Gras Celebration, July 4th Block Party, the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, and more! The Oakwood Garden Club also hosts an annual Garden Tour and tea party for anyone in the city.
Things to Do in Historic Oakwood
Bring your kids to the playground or experience fun public art with your family at Oakwood Commons Park. Join the Bridge Club, play pickleball, and do some line dancing at Tarboro Road Community Center. Have a picnic, throw a frisbee, and play basketball at LeVelle Moton Park. Give your teens a safe place to hang out, take interesting classes, and use the technology room to do homework or browse the internet at the Saint Monica Teen Center. Explore the daily rotating menu of house-smoked meats and delicious sides at SmokeStacks Cafe. Sit down for a quaint lunch or dinner of Quiche of the Day, The Director’s Salad, or The Hawaiian Sandwich at Side Street Restaurant. Munch on classic pizzas, House Salads, and Cannoli for dessert at Oakwood Pizza Box. Or order a meal of Chorizo Con Queso, Fish Tacos, and Mexican Coke at Gringo A Go Go.
Mordecai
Just minutes north of Downtown Raleigh, Mordecai offers a close-knit, affordable community for families of all ages. As one of the most well-known historic neighborhoods in Raleigh, you’ll find a mix of American Foursquare or grand Colonial homes—as well as affordable apartments, townhomes, and condos! Parents looking to earn their degree or pursue a career in higher education will appreciate Mordecai’s convenient proximity to Raleigh colleges, William Peace University and Saint Augustine’s University. Younger kids also have great educational options like Conn Magnet Elementary School and The Fletcher Academy – Lower School Campus.
Things to Do in Mordecai
Push your kids on the swings at Mordecai Mini Park, or take the little ones to the playground while your teens shoot hoops at Halifax Park. Decorate your outdoor space with plants, patio furniture, and yard art from Logan’s Garden Shop. Teach your kids about urban farming or buy fresh, local produce at the pay-what-you-can Seasonal Farmstand at Raleigh City Farm. Fill up with a Veggies on Sunflower Bread sandwich or Tuna Salad Sandwich on Wheat with a Salted Caramel Cookie from Seaboard Cafe. Try rotating menu dishes with ingredients from local farmers like Fried Oysters, Seared Scallops, or Agnolotti at Stanbury. Sit down for a dinner of Bacon & Egg Fried Rice, Honey Walnut Shrimp, or Red Curry Chicken at Peace China. Reserve a rooftop table to celebrate classic French cuisine like Steak Tartare, Shaved Fennel Salade, and Apple Tarte Tatin at Jolie. Or sample handmade chocolates such as the Sea Salt Bar and drinks like Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate at Escazu Chocolates.
North Hills
Families looking to get away from busy Downtown Raleigh can find a more relaxed lifestyle outside the Raleigh Beltline in North Hills. This up-and-coming neighborhood in Midtown Raleigh is booming with accessible amenities like the North Hills Innovation District and North Hills Shopping Center, providing families with plenty to do. From newly built Contemporary homes to renovated ranch houses—you’ll be able to find the perfect place to settle down. And with a wide selection of well-reviewed schools like Douglas Magnet Elementary School and LeRoy Martin Magnet Middle School, it’s easy to see why North Hills is one of Raleigh’s best neighborhoods for families!
Things to Do in North Hills
Schedule a round of golf while your kids take tennis lessons at Carolina Country Club. Hike the Greenway Trail, perfect your serve on the pickleball courts, and have a cookout at North Hills Park. Shop dresses, bathing suits, and accessories at women-led, locally-owned Voda Boutique. Pick up a new bestseller and meet visiting authors at Quail Ridge Books. Catch a live concert from popular singers and bands like Busta Rhymes, Black Veil Brides, and Boys Like Girls at The Ritz. Create your own bowl from dozens of options such as spinach, corn, cashews, and herb roasted chicken, or order a smoothie like the City of Oats at Happy and Hale. Go out for Italian with dishes such as Chicken Saltimbocca, Pappardelle, or Four Cheese Ravioli at Vivace. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with Vienna Crepes, a Caprese Salad, or a Lavender Tea Latte at Hereghty Heavenly Delicious.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes