Thinking about moving to Raleigh? The City of Oaks offers growing family-friendly communities, incredible education opportunities, plenty of outdoor recreation, and excellent dining and nightlife. If you’re looking to live in Raleigh, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods to call home!
Brier Creek
Photo via @kristinadashrealtor
- 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 in Northwest Raleigh is the quiet neighborhood of Brier Creek. This suburban Raleigh area is about 30 minutes outside of the city center, offering safe streets, large single-family houses, great schools, and plenty of activities for residents of all ages. It’s also close to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, making both personal and business travel easy! In addition, residents looking for convenient outdoor recreation will find everything they need at local Brier Creek Park and the luxurious Brier Creek Country Club.
Things to Do in Brier Creek
Play a round of laser tag, test your hand-eye coordination in the batting cages, or challenge yourself to arcade games at Frankie’s. Shop at more than 75 stores like Target, TJ Maxx, or HomeGoods at Brier Creek Commons. Take the family to an action movie at Regal Brier Creek. Order dishes like Pork Tenderloin, Short Ribs, or Garlic Steak at Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse. Feast on Kung Pao Chicken and Hibachi Shrimp at Tasu Asian Bistro. Fill up on a Sausage Pizza, Meatball with Ricotta Calzone, or Homemade Lasagna at Slice of N.Y. Pizza. Or spend an evening at Trali Irish Pub, where you can order Kenmare Salmon paired with a glass of Storypoint Chardonnay.
Cameron Village
Photo via @djfbuilders
- Home Price: $256,791 median purchase price; $642 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Raleigh, Cameron Village is the place to be! With close proximity to North Carolina State University, Cameron Village is considered one of the best Raleigh neighborhoods for students and young adults alike. Not to mention, local residents can find all kinds of fun things to do at outdoor shopping center Village District or along nearby Hillsborough Street, which is home to cozy coffee shops, unique local boutiques, trendy restaurants, and more!
Things to Do in Cameron Village
Go for a jog or play basketball with friends at Fred Fletcher Park. Head to Ivy & Leo to shop for women’s clothing, shoes, purses, and jewelry. Browse through the fiction section or attend a Classic Books Discussion at Village Regional Library. Stop by Cafe Carolina and Bakery to try a Spinach Artichoke Chicken Panini, Classic Tomato Basil Flatbread, or Garden Veggie Wrap. Dig into Mexican dishes like Grilled Chicken Nachos or a Veggie Burrito at Cantina 18. Check out So•Ca and savor dishes like Salvadoran Chicken Empanadas or Guatemalan Ceviche de Camarón. Or make your way to the Raleigh Beer Garden to enjoy drinks like a Gaelic Ale, Mint Julep, or Vanilla Berry Mule.
Five Points
Photo via @munfordlowerealestategroup
- Home Price: $516,550 median purchase price; $762 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located near the intersection of Glenwood Ave, Fairview Rd, and E Whitaker Mill Rd, Five Points is a safe Raleigh neighborhood with sprawling yards, large homes, and activities for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly place to raise kids or a luxurious condo to settle down, this area has exactly what you need! Families will also appreciate living in Five Points, thanks to good nearby schools like Underwood Magnet Elementary School, Oberlin Magnet Middle School, and Broughton Magnet High School.
Things to Do in Five Points
Head to Roanoke Park to have a family picnic or play a game of basketball. Walk your furry friend or let the kids play on the swings at Kiwanis Park. Sign the little ones up for Tae Kwon Do or a Youth Baseball program at the Jaycee Park & Community Center. Take a Flow and Sculpt group fitness class at the Core Fitness Studio. Sip on wine or cider while watching classic films like The Godfather at the Rialto Theatre. Go to Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery for a Triple Decker BLT, Egg Salad, or Turkey Reuben. Enjoy seafood in Raleigh with dishes like Shrimp & Grits or Salmon at NOFO @ the Pig. Dig into Chicken Wings or a Margherita Pizza while sipping on a True Lime tap beer at Lonerider at Five Points. Grab a Double Diner Burger with a Bells Amber Ale at the Fox Liquor Bar. Or visit Crafty Beer, Wine & Spirits for unique cocktails like a Black Manhattan or the Crafty Spritz.
Mordecai
Photo via @chappellres
- Home Price: $287,625 median purchase price; $806 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
Known for its charm and walkability, Mordecai is a good option for people looking to settle down in an affordable Raleigh neighborhood with a friendly, tight-knit community. Mordecai is just minutes away from the heart of Downtown Raleigh, which has some of the area’s best shopping, entertainment, and eateries. In addition, students and young professionals can find top schools like William Peace University and Saint Augustine’s University located close by!
Things to Do in Mordecai
Tour the Mordecai House or embark on a guided trolley tour highlighting Raleigh’s history at Mordecai Historic Park. Let your dog roam off-leash at Oakwood Dog Park. Find Raleigh’s best-curated vintage pieces, local art, and furniture by stopping by TrunkShow. Make your way down to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences to see exhibits like Exquisite Creatures or Lost and Found Colonies. Begin your morning with a Cappuccino, Cold Brew, or Macchiato at Pine State Coffee. Grab a BLT, Fish Sandwich, or The President Burger at Watkins Grill. Enjoy dishes like Crispy Catfish, Caramelized Butternut Squash, or Beef Tartare at Crawford and Son. Or relax in the evenings with beers like Pub Ale, Rose Biere, or Cold IPA at Standard Beer + Food.
North Hills
Photo via @parkerresidential
- Home Price: $267,200 median purchase price; $1,049 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Raleigh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Known as “Raleigh’s Midtown” and one of the city’s fastest-growing communities, North Hills has everything you could want and more! Considered one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for young professionals, the area offers modern apartments and condos, live music in Midtown Park, unique restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. This neighborhood isn’t just a favorite of young professionals, though—it’s also a great area for families, thanks to its top-rated schools like Lacy Elementary School and LeRoy Martin Magnet Middle School!
Things to Do in North Hills
Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art to find exhibits like Break the Mold: New Takes on Traditional Art Making or check out its European and American artwork. Stroll through the JC Raulston Arboretum to see one of the most diverse collections of plants or attend a Garden Story Walk. Practice your tennis or golf game at the Carolina Country Club. Get fresh bread, produce, meats, and desserts at the Midtown Farmers’ Market. Attend monthly pop-up MAKRS Society events to shop from over 35 local vendors while listening to live music. Grab a seat at the Midtown Grille and fill up on Seafood Pasta or Seared Scallops. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Tiramisu, a Carmel Apple Cupcake, or Key Lime Pie at Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Cafe. Or unwind with cocktails like Life of Agave or City of SmOAK while listening to local bands perform at The Blind Barbour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raleigh
What’s it like to live in Raleigh?
When you live in Raleigh, you’ll be living in one of the best cities in the South. Not only does Raleigh offer affordable living costs, incredible local culture, and higher education options ideal for young professionals and families alike, but this North Carolina city also has a booming job market with employment opportunities within the Research Triangle and Raleigh’s ever-growing financial sector.
Is Raleigh a safe place to live?
Raleigh ranks as one of the safest cities in the nation, due to its low violent crime and property crime rates. In fact, Raleigh is 72% safer than other North Carolina cities, and it’s 43% safer than other U.S. cities.
Is it expensive to live in Raleigh?
The cost of living in Raleigh is only 3% higher than the national average. Though housing costs are on the rise, Raleigh’s low property taxes make homeownership easier.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
