Thinking about moving to Raleigh? The City of Oaks offers incredible education and employment opportunities, plenty of outdoor recreation, excellent dining options, and more. Here are five safe, affordable Raleigh neighborhoods to call home!
Brier Creek
- Home Price: $279,428 median purchase price; $973 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located about ten minutes from Research Triangle Park—and its sister city Durham—lies the quiet Raleigh neighborhood of Brier Creek. This neighborhood is about 30 minutes from Downtown Raleigh and provides residents with a suburban vibe with safe streets and plenty of fun activities for all ages. Those looking for convenient outdoor recreation can head to nearby Brier Creek Park. And with close proximity to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, residents can benefit from quick access to international and domestic flights!
Things to Do in Brier Creek
Race around the go-kart track, play a round of mini golf, or challenge yourself to arcade games at Frankie’s of Raleigh. Spend the day shopping at national brand stores like Barnes & Noble, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods at Brier Creek Commons. Catch the latest rom-com, action movie, or attend the latest movie-themed event at Regal Brier Creek. Play a friendly match of pickleball, hit the green for 18 holes of golf on an Arnold Plamer-designed course, or take fitness classes when you become a member at Brier Creek Country Club. Order dishes like the Picanha, Bacon Wrapped Filet, or Garlic Steak at Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse. Try traditional Persian dishes like the Koobideh Kabob, Lamb Shank, and Kotlet Platter at Flame Kabob. Fill up on Sicilian Pizza, a Ham with Ricotta Calzone, or Veggie Stromboli at Slice of N.Y. Pizza. Or spend an evening away from the kids and order authentic Irish fare like the Corned Beef Boxty and Kenmare Salmon paired with a bottle of Storypoint Cabernet at Trali Irish Pub.
Five Points
- Home Price: $593,800 median purchase price; $1,162 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Five Points is one of the best Raleigh neighborhoods for singles and young professionals. Located just north of Downtown Raleigh, this lively neighborhood is where five historic districts intersect with one another, providing the area with plenty of great things to do. Residents looking to purchase a piece of Raleigh real estate can find charming cottages, Bungalows, and Colonial-style homes with sprawling yards. Families can also enjoy living in Five Points thanks to great nearby schools like Underwood Magnet Elementary School, Oberlin Magnet Middle School, and Broughton Magnet High School.
Things to Do in Five Points
Shop for beautiful ceramics and handmade wares like bowls, vases, and lamps at Gretchen Quinn Pottery. Peruse unique gifts, home decor, and art from local artists at Gallery 5 Raleigh. Sip wine or cider while watching classic films like The Godfather and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or attend live concerts and comedy shows at The Rialto. Go for a morning run, enjoy an outdoor picnic, or play a game of basketball or volleyball at Roanoke Park. Order the Bella Linguine as your entree, but be sure to save room for award-winning desserts like the Banana Pudding Cake, Bourbon Pecan Pie, and Pumpkin Cheesecake at Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery. Enjoy seafood in Raleigh with dishes like the Shrimp Burger, Carolina Fried Oysters, and Shrimp & Grits at NOFO @ the Pig. Order gourmet pizzas like the Big Star, Sir Walter, and Thai Bhat at Lilly’s Pizza. Or enjoy a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors when you order the Warm Moroccan Hummus or Lamb Seekh, and finish off with the Lemon-Saffron Posset for dessert at Ajja.
North Hills
- Home Price: $398,357 median purchase price; $1,293 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
As part of Midtown Raleigh and one of the city’s fastest-growing communities, North Hills has everything you could want from a neighborhood! This area of town is filled with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, upscale shopping, fine dining, and more. Thanks to its excellent safety rating and great Wake County Schools nearby like Lacy Elementary School and LeRoy Martin Magnet Middle School, North Hills is one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for families. Those looking to purchase a home have a variety of large Colonial and Ranch-style homes, modern apartments, condos, and townhomes to choose from. Residents can also engage with the community and peruse the open Midtown Farmers’ Market for fresh bread, produce, meats, desserts, and more.
Things to Do in North Hills
Enjoy looking at the sculptures in the 164-acre Museum Park, browse ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman works of art, or explore exhibits such as The Surrealist Impulse and Park Billboards: Brandon Sadler at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Stroll through a diverse collection of plants and flowers, or attend a range of events throughout the year at the nationally acclaimed JC Raulston Arboretum. Practice your tennis, golf game, or cool off with a dip in the pool when you become a member of the Carolina Country Club. Catch a live music performance from your favorite country, rock, and hip-hop artists at The Ritz. Order French brunch dishes like the Seafood Crepe, Croissant French Toast, and Quiche Lorraine on Sundays at Coquette Raleigh. Enjoy fresh baked goods like Chocolate Cream cupcakes, Lemon Pound Cake, and a variety of Macaron flavors at Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Cafe. Enjoy fresh dishes like Squash Pasta, Steamed Cod, or Half Roasted Chicken at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar. Or unwind with craft cocktails like the Trouble In Paradise, PimmBall Wizard, and Iron Lung while listening to local bands perform at The Blind Barbour.
Village District
- Home Price: $494,338 median purchase price; $1,209 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
If you’re looking for one of the best places to live in Raleigh, the Village District is the place to be! With close proximity to North Carolina State University, the Village District is considered one of the best Raleigh neighborhoods for students and young adults alike. Those looking to purchase a home can find a wide variety of Mid-Century Modern, Ranch, and Contemporary homes. Locals can find all kinds of fun things to do at the Shops in Village District or along the nearby Hillsborough Street, which is home to cozy coffee shops, unique local boutiques, trendy restaurants, and more!
Things to Do in Village District
Explore the water garden and wetlands, play a game of tennis, take your furry friend for a walk, or attend events in the amphitheater at Fred Fletcher Park. Browse the endless shelves of books, join a book club, or attend Family Storytime at Oberlin Regional Library. Spend the day shopping for womens clothing, jewelry, and accessories at The Impeccable Pig. Find everything from furniture to vintage clothing and other old-fashioned memorabilia at Antiques Emporium. Order the Crispy Peking Duck, Sakura Shrimp, and Herb Crusted Rock of Lamb at Ajisai. Dig in to Mexican dishes like the Spicy Braised Short Rib Fajitas, Pulled-Chicken Tinga Burritos, or the Adobo Glazed Salmon at Cantina 18. Load up your Carolina Concrete with all the toppings, or try the Shortcake Sundae and Custard Soda at longstanding Raleigh favorite Goodberry’s Frozen Custard. Or meet up with friends and pick from over 350 beers on tap like the Cranberry Razz, Winter Blend, High Country Honey, and more at Raleigh Beer Garden.
Warehouse District
- Home Price: $407,400 median purchase price; $1,193 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professional
If you are looking to live in an affordable neighborhood in Raleigh—full of trendy restaurants, cafes, and lively bars—the Warehouse District is the perfect place to settle down. Housing options range from mixed-use industrial buildings that have been converted into luxury apartments, condos, and lofts, as well as rows of townhomes on the southern end of this eclectic Raleigh neighborhood. Those living in the Warehouse District can still find an urban oasis for a quick walk or lunch in the park at Nash Square. With easy access to Raleigh Union Station, residents can easily commute and travel by train to other popular North Carolina cities.
Things to Do in Warehouse District
Tour the chocolate factory, attend a tasting event, or shop for hand-crafted artisan chocolate at Videri Chocolate Factory. Go ice skating during the winter, or attend your favorite music artists’ concerts during the summer months at Red Hat Amphitheater. View non-traditional rotating art exhibits like Neo-Psychedelia, The Nature of Things, and Unstable at the Contemporary art museum, CAM Raleigh. Test your axe-throwing skills by hitting a bullseye or join a competitive league at Epic Axe Raleigh. Enjoy comfort food dishes like Mom’s Meatloaf, the Parkside Burger, and the Chicken & Waffle Sandwich at Parkside Restaurant. Sink your teeth into delicious barbecue like the Pit-Smoked Chicken Wings, Beef Brisket, and Baby Back Ribs at The Pit. Try the Huevos Rancheros, Hummus Pesto, and Black Bean Melt at A Place at the Table where you can pay-what-you-can or give-a-meal cafe. Or meet up with your friends in the taproom to order a pint of Road Rashberry, Holy Spokes, or Funky Ride at Crank Arm Brewing Company.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
