Raleigh

The Ultimate Raleigh Neighborhood Guide

Raleigh offers a diverse tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and appeal. Whether you seek historic charm, urban convenience, or suburban tranquility, our comprehensive guide helps you navigate Raleigh's most sought-after communities to find the perfect place to call home.

120+ Distinct Neighborhoods
15 Historic Districts
#2 Best City for Quality of Life
4.8% Annual Home Value Growth

Featured Raleigh Communities

Hayes Barton Neighborhood Street

Hayes Barton

Raleigh's premier historic district, known for its grand estates, winding tree-lined streets, and timeless elegance close to downtown.

Explore Hayes Barton
North Hills Urban Center

North Hills

The epitome of modern mixed-use living. A vibrant urban village offering high-end shopping, dining, and luxury living in one walkable locale.

Discover North Hills
Historic Oakwood Victorian Home

Historic Oakwood

A charming enclave of restored Victorian homes and bungalows. Famous for its architectural character and close-knit community feel.

View Historic Oakwood

Choosing Your Ideal Community

Finding the right fit goes beyond the house itself. Consider these essential factors that define your daily life:

  • Lifestyle & Vibe: Do you crave the energy of walkable Downtown Raleigh, or the quieter, spacious feel of suburban North Raleigh?
  • Architecture: From the historic Victorians of Oakwood to the sleek, modern high-rises of the urban core.
  • Education: Proximity to Wake County's top-rated public schools and prestigious private institutions is a key driver for many families.
  • Convenience & Commute: Evaluate travel times to major hubs like RTP, downtown, and RDU airport to ensure a balanced lifestyle.

Raleigh Neighborhood Trends 2025

Stay ahead of the curve with insights into where the Raleigh real estate market is moving this year:

  • Enduring Value of History: Demand remains exceptionally high for established historic districts like Hayes Barton, where character is irreplaceable.
  • The Rise of the "Urban Village": Mixed-use areas like North Hills continue to set the standard for convenient, luxury living.
  • Suburban Evolution: Master-planned communities like Brier Creek are evolving with more high-end amenities to attract modern families.
  • Luxury Condo Boom: A surge in high-end vertical living options is catering to professionals seeking a low-maintenance, downtown lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered the most expensive and exclusive neighborhood in Raleigh?

Hayes Barton consistently holds the title as one of Raleigh's most expensive and prestigious neighborhoods, with median home prices often exceeding $2 million. This historic district is celebrated for its grand, architecturally significant estates, mature tree-lined streets, and unbeatable proximity to downtown. Other high-end communities include inside-the-beltline neighborhoods and luxury sections of North Hills.

Which Raleigh neighborhoods are rated best for families?

Family-friendly is subjective, but several areas stand out based on common priorities. North Hills and North Raleigh are top choices for their excellent school assignments, abundance of parks, and family-oriented amenities. For those seeking character, Historic Oakwood offers a unique community feel with walkable access to downtown. Suburban areas like Brier Creek provide larger, modern homes and extensive community facilities.

How do I decide between an urban vs. suburban Raleigh neighborhood?

The choice often comes down to a trade-off between space and convenience. Urban neighborhoods like Downtown and North Hills offer high walkability to dining, culture, and entertainment but typically feature smaller lots and higher price points per square foot. Suburban areas offer larger homes, expansive yards, and quieter streets but require more reliance on a car. We recommend starting with a private neighborhood consultation to align options with your specific lifestyle goals.

Overview for Raleigh, NC

558,533 people live in Raleigh, where the median age is 36.5 and the average individual income is $52,299.549. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

558,533

Total Population

36.5 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$52,299.549

Average individual Income

Around Raleigh, NC

There's plenty to do around Raleigh, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

46
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
64
Bikeable
Bike Score
38
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Raleigh Downtown Farmer's Market, Juiced, and Douglas Carroll Salon - Downtown.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining · $$$ 2.48 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.08 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 1.8 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 1.49 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.46 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.48 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Raleigh, NC

Raleigh has 230,532 households, with an average household size of 33.71. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Raleigh do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 558,533 people call Raleigh home. The population density is 2,174.506 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

558,533

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

36.481700991705054

Median Age

48.63 / 51.37%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
230,532

Total Households

33.71

Average Household Size

$52,299.549

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Raleigh, NC

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Raleigh. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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