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 things to do, and more. Here are the five best Raleigh neighborhoods for young adults!
Central Raleigh
- Home Price: $407,400 median purchase price; $1,193 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Singles and young professionals looking to live in a Downtown Raleigh neighborhood will love Central Raleigh! Young professionals trying to jumpstart their career can find jobs in Raleigh with major employers like the City of Raleigh, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, and the United States Postal Service. This neighborhood also offers a great selection of dining, nightlife, and affordable housing options ranging from apartments and lofts to Craftsman-style bungalows. Residents can stay busy with green spaces like Walnut Creek Wetland Center and Dorothea Dix Park. Or you can attend events and go shopping at the Moore Square Market at Moore Square.
Things to Do in Central Raleigh
Get tickets to the latest comedy shows, North Carolina Symphony performances, and more at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Check out exhibits like Natural Treasures of North Carolina or Prehistoric North Carolina, explore the Living Conservatory, or see live animal feedings at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Learn state history with exhibits like The Story of North Carolina and David Marshall “Carbine” Williams or attend annual festivals at the North Carolina Museum of History. Take the dog for a walk or find a relaxing spot under one of the many trees at Nash Square Park. Try authentic Lebanese foods like Halloumi & Citrus, Chicken Shawarma, and Beef Kabob at Sitti. Enjoy the Beet Salad, Smoked NC Pork Chop, or Shrimp N’ Grits along with a glass of whiskey at Whiskey Kitchen. Order a beer from the rotating list and play arcade and video games with friends at Boxcar Bar + Arcade. Or stop by for a Rosemary Gimlet or Espresso Martini paired with a piece of Sunday Pie from Bittersweet.
Five Points
- Home Price: $593,800 median purchase price; $1,162 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Just northwest of Downtown Raleigh is the historic Five Points neighborhood! In addition to being a popular Raleigh neighborhood for families, it’s also a great spot for singles and young professionals. Made up of many smaller areas, Five Points is known for its walkability and easy access to local coffee shops, craft breweries, and green spaces like Jaycee Park and Fred Fletcher Park. With beautiful streets lined with cottages, bungalows, and Colonial-style homes, this cozy Midtown Raleigh neighborhood is the perfect spot for anyone who wants quick commutes and homes with character!
Things to Do in Five Points
Go for a walk and have a picnic at Fallon Park. Attend a live music performance or grab some popcorn and enjoy watching classic films at the Rialto Theatre. Exercise your core with a private session or group class at Raleigh Pilates. Treat yourself to a Deep Tissue Massage, Classic Facial, or Hot Stone Pedicure at Tao Day Spa. Enjoy tropically-inspired food like Surfer Tacos, Hawaiian Nachos, or a Caribbean Rice Bowl paired with a Jamaican Rum Punch or Strawberry Daiquiri at Lola’s Beach Bar. Munch on a Cheesy Calzone, Spaghetti & Meatballs, or the Hawaiian Punch Pizza at Lilly’s Pizza. Grab a seat at the counter for a Triple Decker BLT or Cheeseburger—and be sure to save room for a piece of Caramel Apple Pie—from Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery! Or play board games while sipping one of ten beers on tap at Nickelpoint Brewing Co.
North Hills
- Home Price: $324,617 median purchase price; $1,202 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of Raleigh neighborhoods
Located about 12 minutes north of Raleigh’s city center, North Hills is an excellent Raleigh neighborhood for singles and young professionals! Centered around the North Hills shopping and entertainment district, there are plenty of things to do to keep residents busy—and those looking to rent or buy in Raleigh can find a large selection of apartments and Colonial-style houses. When you want to venture further from home, I-440 runs through the middle of the neighborhood, making it easy to commute to other parts of the city. And those working in the medical field in Raleigh will appreciate the close proximity to Duke Raleigh Hospital.
Things to Do in North Hills
Go shopping in Raleigh at North Hills stores like Anthropologie, Lilly Pulitzer, and Vineyard Vines. Spend the day playing tennis and pickleball, swimming at the pool complex, or working out in the gym by becoming a member at North Hills Club. Catch live performances from bands and solo acts like Niko Moon and Umphrey’s McGee at The Ritz. Find a new book or attend events like Saturday Morning Book Club and Writers Coffeehouse at Quail Ridge Books. Order the Omelet Lorraine, Seafood Crepe, or Croissant French Toast from Coquette Brasserie for Sunday brunch in Raleigh. Try the Spinach Artichoke Ravioli, Pork Chop Di Marsala, or Margherita Pizzette from Cucciolo Terrazza. Dig into the Cinque Formaggio Pizza, Rigatoni Cacio E Pepe, or Salmon Piccata from Giorgio Pizza Bar. And fill up on Baked Brie, Half Roasted Chicken, or Squash Pasta from Rosewater Kitchen + Bar.
North Raleigh
- Home Price: $266,389 median purchase price; $873 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Raleigh neighborhoods
North Raleigh offers a suburban feel, making it an excellent place 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 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 Raleigh neighborhood 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 20 minutes of downtown and 30 minutes of nearby Durham!
Things to Do in North Raleigh
Join North Ridge Country Club to play a game of 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. Attend an art workshop or see work by local artists at Triangle Cultural Art Gallery. Start your morning off right with Avo Smash Toast 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. Feast on the Shrimp & Grits or Prime Rib French Dip, and save room for a bowl of Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream, at Winston’s Grille.
West Raleigh
- Home Price: $161,100 median purchase price; $897 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
Take the pedal boats out on Lake Howell, attend Theatre in the Park, play a game of tennis, and more at 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 PNC Arena. Try the Surf N Turf Burrito, Carnitas Tacos, or the Quesadillas from Gym Taco. Devour the Bruschetta Pizza, Three Cheese Manicotti, or Stromboli from Bussin Pizza & Pasta. Order the Kabob Plate or Falafel Pita, with some Pistachio Baklava for dessert, at Neomonde Mediterranean. Or have a fun night out with friends and choose from 100 different beers on tap at Village Draft House.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
