Our Top 10 Most Requested Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh is a beautiful and historic city located in the heart of North Carolina. The state capital is known for its southern hospitality, an abundance of green space, and vibrant nightlife. Raleigh was recently ranked the second-best city for young families by NerdWallet and a great place to retire by Kiplinger. Find opportunities for all, whether you’re a young professional or retiree.

Not sure where to live in Raleigh? There are many wonderful neighborhoods, each with its unique character. To help you start your home search, explore our top 10 most requested Raleigh neighborhoods:

Brier Creek

Brier Creek is a beautiful master-planned community located just minutes from downtown Raleigh and a reasonable commute to Durham. It has a full mix of everything you’d want, from housing to retail to employment opportunities as a planned community.

This family-friendly community offers many recreational amenities, including parks, playgrounds, walking trails, and an outdoor amphitheater. The Brier Creek Country Club has an 18-hole championship course, social amenities, and a fitness center.

Find hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail, restaurants, and breweries. Two prominent centers, Brier Creek Commons and Alexander Place Promenade include a selection of top national brands in shopping, dining, and entertainment. Several dozen breweries have set up shop in and around Brier Creek.

Brier Creek is also close to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. RDU Observation Park, which is popular with children of all ages, has panoramic views of the airport’s 10,000-foot runways near the Air Traffic Control Tower. Listen to pilot-to-tower communications on the audio speakers located on the elevated platform while watching take-offs and landings from the observation platform.

Brier Creek breaks down into various developments with townhomes, single-family homes, and luxury apartment rentals. Homes in Brier Creek in April 2022 ranged in price from the mid-$200s to the $1.8 million. The median list price was $380,000.

Mordecai

Mordecai is one of Raleigh’s oldest neighborhoods and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This quaint neighborhood is just a few minutes from downtown Raleigh and features beautiful Victorian-style homes.

The Mordecai House, built-in 1785, is the oldest brick home in Raleigh and is open for tours. Visitors can learn about the history of Raleigh and see how early settlers lived. The Mordecai Historic Park includes the historic house, outbuildings, gardens, and a nature trail.

Mordecai is close to several parks, including Pullen Park, one of Raleigh’s first public parks. The park features a carousel, an amphitheater, a playground, and a swimming pool.

Homes in Mordecai in April 2022 ranged in price from $375,000 to over $1 million. The market had one listing for $522,500.

Five Points

Five Points is Raleigh’s first shopping district and is located near the Mordecai neighborhood. The name “Five Points” comes from the intersection of Glenwood Ave and Fairwood Rd, plus the terminus of Whitaker Mill Road. This historic and pedestrian-friendly area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.

The Five Points Fountain is the center of this historic neighborhood and is a popular meeting place for locals. Five Points is also home to Raleigh’s best ice cream shops, including The Raleigh Times Bar & Ice Cream and Two Roosters Ice Cream.

Five Points is close to several Raleigh attractions, including the Raleigh State Farmers Market, the NC Museum of Art, and the Raleigh Convention Center. Pullen Park has a carousel, a remnant of an old amusement park nearby in the 1910s.

Five Points breaks into five subdivisions: Hayes Barton, Bloomsbury, White Oak, Whitaker Mill, and Fallon Park. Homes in Five Points in April 2022 ranged from $313,000 to $2.8 million. The median list price was $799,900.

Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh is the city’s center for business and entertainment. This vibrant area is home to historic neighborhoods, major attractions, shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Downtown is home to creatives, innovators, entrepreneurs, and more. It’s also a great place to live if you want a walkable urban lifestyle. The streets are easily accessible, with sidewalks, cycling paths, and rideshare options available. Many of the nearby stores are locally owned.

The Raleigh Convention Center is located in downtown Raleigh and hosts various events throughout the year. The Red Hat Amphitheater is a popular outdoor concert venue that features national and international acts.

Downtown Raleigh is also home to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, the NC Museum of History, the Marbles Kid Museum, and the Raleigh Visitor Center. Eat at some of the city’s best restaurants, like Poole’s Diner and the Raleigh Beer Garden.

Much of the housing in downtown Raleigh centers around condos, townhomes, and apartments, but you can find single-family homes slightly further from the business district core. In April 2022, prices ranged from $330,000 to $1.7 million. The median list price was $462,500, with 12 homes available.

Village District

Formerly known as the Cameron Village, the district is a historic shopping center located west of R9aleigh. Since 1949, this pedestrian-friendly area has featured a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. It was a pioneering shopping and residential community when it was built, and it continues to evolve as a mixed-use destination.

Village District has a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful greenery. Meander through the over 100 local restaurants, specialty shops, and name brands that sprawl over six blocks. Village District is conveniently located so that you may get almost anything you need while finding fun things to do near your home.

The Village Green is a popular gathering place for locals and features a fountain and sculptures by noted artist James Wines. The Village District is home to the Raleigh Little Theater, the Raleigh School of Ballet, and the Raleigh City Museum.

Homes in the Village in April 2022 ranged in price from $220,000 to $699,000. The median list price was $325,000, with five homes on the market.

North Hills

North Raleigh’s Midtown neighborhood is a thriving area with shops, restaurants, bars, and businesses. North Hills is a unique, multi-faceted area that provides numerous options for living. This pedestrian-friendly district is also home to residential condos and apartments. It boasts an array of sustainable initiatives like complimentary GEM vehicles, solar power, pedestrian-friendly trail integration with parks and greenways, and increased accessibility for public transportation.

Midtown Park and several social gathering places provide plenty of fresh air, while services such as supermarkets, banks, and pharmacies are just a stroll away. Quality-of-life amenities like spas, salons, and a state-of-the-art 60,000-square foot gym are also available. Theaters, restaurants, high-end boutiques, department stores, and cafés are just a few steps in any direction.

The Raleigh Amphitheater is a popular outdoor concert venue that features national and international acts. The amphitheater has a capacity of 7,000 people and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

Homes in North Hills ranged from $145,000 to $1.9 million in April 2022. The median list price was $430,000, with 35 homes on the market.

Wakefield

Wakefield is an upscale residential community located in North Raleigh. Self-described as the pinnacle of luxurious southern living, it has a few tight-knit communities in the heart of North Raleigh. This sought-after neighborhood features large lots, mature trees, and beautiful homes.

Wakefield’s namesake is the country club with its impressive clubhouse and Hale Irwin-designed par-71 18-hole course and a companion 9-hole course. The club offers tennis, swimming, and dining facilities.

Wakefield’s central location makes it an ideal place to live. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a short drive away from downtown Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park. The area is also served by highly ranked schools, including Wakefield High School, which is consistently ranked among the best in the state.

Wakefield is only minutes from Falls Lake. Two shopping areas serve your daily retail and dining needs.

In April 2022, homes in Wakefield ranged from $230,000 to $1.8 million. The median list price was $400,000, with 32 homes on the market.

Heritage Point

Heritage is a historic Raleigh neighborhood located just west of downtown Raleigh, about a ten-minute drive. This affluent community near Wake Forest is home to many professionals, including lawyers, doctors, and business executives. It is a master-planned community centered around a golf course. Golf Digest called the course one of the Best Places to Play.

Planners preserved a natural landscape in designing the community and its numerous individual neighborhoods. Its amenities include greenway trails, a soccer park, bike paths, and playgrounds. The streets are lined with trees and beautiful custom homes.

Heritage is Raleigh’s most walkable neighborhood and is convenient to downtown Raleigh, the Research Triangle Park, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The neighborhood is also home to several Raleigh’s most popular restaurants, bars, and shops.

Heritage and its various communities had 16 listings in April 2022, and prices ranged from $325,000 to $2 million. The median price was $547,500.

Boylan Heights

Boylan Heights is a historic Raleigh neighborhood located just east of downtown Raleigh. This quaint community is one of Raleigh’s most desirable places to live. It is convenient to downtown Raleigh, the Research Triangle Park, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Established in 1907, the curving streets are lined with trees and beautiful Victorian, Queen Anne, and craftsman-style homes. The area is pedestrian-friendly and has a small-town feel.

Inside the neighborhood, you’ll find many local artists and art galleries. A yearly ArtWalk showcases the local talent. Local restaurants and breweries further support the indie vibe.

Boylan Heights has an active community association that runs a summer camp for local youth ages 6-12, community picnics, and other activities during the year. The neighborhood had no active listings in April 2022, but the past 12-month median list price was $550,000.

Oakwood

Oakwood is Raleigh’s first historic preservation district and a desirable place to live near downtown. This quaint neighborhood is located just east of downtown Raleigh and is convenient to many of Raleigh’s best restaurants and shops.

The area was developed in the late 19th century as a streetcar suburb. The streets are lined with trees and beautiful Victorian, Neoclassical Revival, and craftsman homes. Many homes have been carefully restored and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking tours give access to the meticulously renovated properties.

The Oakwood neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly and has a small-town feel. The neighborhood had three active listings in April 2022, ranging from $400,000 to $1.9 million. The median list price was $849,000.

Top Raleigh Neighborhoods

Raleigh has a community for everyone, whether you’re looking for a historic district, a master-planned community, or a small-town feel. You can find a place to live with the right mix of amenities you’re looking for. Learn more about the Raleigh real estate market.