Moving to Raleigh? The City of Oaks offers safe streets, excellent outdoor recreation, and one of the top 25 job markets in the U.S.—making it a great to place to raise a family in North Carolina. Check out our list of the five best Raleigh neighborhoods for families!
| Neighborhood | Five Points | Historic Oakwood | Mordecai | North Hills | North Raleigh |
| Median Home Price | $1,086,658 | $768,055 | $818,166 | $699,240 | $466,839 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,753 | $1,921 | $1,820 | $1,937 | $1,321 |
| Median Household Income | $217,629 | $159,500 | $143,306 | $128,814 | $116,990 |
| High School Graduation Rate | 95.7% | 79.9% | 90.2% | 93.6% | 94.1% |
To see how the cost of living in Raleigh compares to your current city, try our free cost of living calculator.
Five Points
- Home Price: $1,086,658 median purchase price; $1,753 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Raleigh neighborhoods
If you’re looking for one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for families, minutes north of downtown, Five Points is worth considering! As one of the best places to rent a home in Raleigh, the century-old city blocks that 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 district offers residents bungalows and Tudor-style homes next to huge Colonial estates. The northern micro-neighborhood Bloomsbury features a blend of bungalows, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival-style 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 volleyball courts at Roanoke Park. Hike through the wooded trails or picnic under the shelter at Fallon Park. Discover independent and foreign films, watch old favorites on the big screen again, and catch live music and comedy 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 Dante’s Inferno, The Big Shindig, or Sergeant Scofflaw from Lilly’s Pizza. Try unique Mediterranean cuisine like Whipped Chana Hummus, Lemon Chicken Tagine, and Whole Fried Trout at Ajja. Or enjoy an Ava “Gardner” Salad, Three Stooges Beans and Rice, Bella Linguine, and more at 1940s-inspired Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery.
Historic Oakwood
- Home Price: $768,055 median purchase price; $1,921 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 17% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Historic Oakwood is one of the best places to buy a home in Raleigh—and many families move here for the wonderful community feel! Historic Oakwood homes include a variety of styles, including Italianate, Neoclassical, and Queen Anne. Narrow, oak-lined streets and well-maintained gardens make this walkable area feel like a small town, earning it a spot among the best Raleigh neighborhoods for families. 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 to attend.
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 grill out 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, use the technology room to do homework, or take part in career development workshops 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 the White Pizza, House Salad, and Mini Cannolis at Oakwood Pizza Box. Or order a meal of Chorizo Con Queso, Fish Tacos, and Mexican Coke at Gringo A Go Go.
Mordecai
- Home Price: $818,166 median purchase price; $1,820 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Just minutes north of Downtown Raleigh, Mordecai offers a close-knit, affordable community for families of all ages. In addition to being one of the best Raleigh neighborhoods for families, it’s also one of the city’s most well-known historic areas, featuring a mix of American Foursquare, Colonial, and ranch-style 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 like William Peace University and Saint Augustine’s University. You’ll also find great educational options nearby for younger kids, including 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. Learn about local history as you explore more than 5,000 artifacts, stroll through the recreated Ellen Mordecai Garden, and tour the historic structures at Mordecai Historic Park, once the largest plantation in Wake County. Bring your kids to the First Saturday Series, or buy fresh, local produce at the pay-what-you-can Seasonal Farmstand at Raleigh City Farm. Start your morning with a Macchiato or treat your kids to an Iced Tea at Pine State Coffee. Try rotating menu dishes like Fried Oysters, Seared Scallops, or Agnolotti at Stanbury—featuring ingredients from local farmers. 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 a special occasion with classic French cuisine like Steak Tartare, Strawberry Salade, and Creme Brulee at Jolie. Or sample handmade chocolates such as the Sea Salt Bar and drinks like Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate at Escazu Chocolates.
North Hills
- Home Price: $699,240 median purchase price; $1,937 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Families looking to get away from busy Downtown Raleigh can find a more relaxed lifestyle outside the Raleigh Beltline in North Hills. This modern area is quickly becoming one of the best family neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, filled 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 family neighborhoods.
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, feta cheese, and herb-roasted chicken, or order a smoothie like the City of Oats at Happy + Hale. Go out for Italian with dishes such as the Chicken Saltimbocca Panini, Pappardelle, or Mushroom & Leek Ravioli at Vivace. Or fill up on dishes like the Vienna Crepes, a Caprese Salad, or a Lavender Tea Latte at Hereghty Heavenly Delicious.
North Raleigh
- Home Price: $466,839 median purchase price; $1,321 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Raleigh neighborhoods
For Raleigh families looking for a suburban feel away from the urban core, North Raleigh is worth considering. Known as one of the best places to raise kids in Raleigh, you’ll find a variety of housing options lining the streets—including Georgian and ranch-style homes, townhomes, and various rental options. You’ll also have access to plenty of neighborhood parks like Shelly Lake Park and Millbrook Exchange Park to explore year-round and stay active. Plus, parents have several great schools to choose from, including North Ridge Elementary School and Ravenscroft School, making North Raleigh one of the top family neighborhoods in the city.
Things to do in North Raleigh
Explore 237 acres of green space—including hiking trails, a playground, and fishing spots—at the Durant Nature Preserve. Head to the nature play areas, watch for wildlife, and enjoy an outdoor picnic at the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park. Jump high at the trampoline park, compete in laser tag, and race on the indoor go-kart track at Galaxy Fun Park. Go shopping at Lafayette Village, a French-inspired destination modeled after an open-air market, where you can browse unique local boutiques, admire the village’s replica Eiffel Tower, and attend community events like the Bastille Day Celebration. Start your day off with the Philly Cheese Steak Omelette, Biscuits & Gravy, and Chicken & Waffle at Falls River Cafe. Fill up on fresh vegan cuisine like the Rainbow Burger, Mushroom Sukka, and Chik’n Vindaloov at Pure Vegan Cafe. Feast on authentic Thai dishes like Pad Thai Noodle, Thai Cashew Nut, and Thai Spicy Basil at Bangkok Thai. Or treat yourself to Italian favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Fettuccini Alfredo, and Margherita Pizza at Bella Italia.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
