Boxes packed, GPS set for the City of Oaks — you’re moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, one of America’s fastest-growing and most desirable cities. And you’re certainly not the only one: The Raleigh metro area is home to roughly 1.66 million residents as of 2025 and was recently named the #1 most popular urban area to move to in 2024, drawing in newcomers with its nature, affordability, and opportunity.
But with dozens of vibrant Raleigh neighborhoods each offering a unique vibe, you might be asking: What is the best area in Raleigh, NC, to live in? The truth is, it depends on your lifestyle. From bustling city blocks to quiet suburban enclaves, the best neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, offer something for everyone.
Raleigh’s diversity means you can find a range of neighborhoods. There are historic districts with tree-lined streets, trendy new developments with cutting-edge amenities, family-friendly suburbs with top schools, and everything in between. On average, Raleigh home prices sit around $440K (April 2025 median), and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,401 per month, though costs vary widely by neighborhood.
Whether you’re a young professional chasing the next tech opportunity, a family seeking safe streets and great schools, or an empty-nester craving culture and walkability, there’s a Raleigh neighborhood you’ll love. Let’s explore Raleigh’s standout communities and find which one is “best” for you.
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh
When evaluating the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for this guide, we considered a range of factors to ensure a comprehensive, up-to-date list. Here’s the criteria we used to narrow down our picks:
Best neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, for families: Quiet, safe areas with highly rated schools, parks, and a community feel.
Safest neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC: Low crime rates and a reputation for safety and security.
Best neighborhoods for young professionals in Raleigh, NC: Lively districts with job opportunities, nightlife, and walkability.
Most walkable areas and commute times: Proximity to Downtown, public transit access, and pedestrian-friendly amenities.
Local amenities & lifestyle: Access to restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions, and green spaces (from city parks to lakes).
Housing costs and growth: Median home prices, rent levels, and whether the area has affordable or upscale housing options, including some of the neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, attracting development.
By focusing on these factors, we identified a mix of Raleigh neighborhoods that excel in different ways. Now, let’s dive into our list of top picks — each with its own unique character, strengths, and “best for” designation — so you can find the one that fits you.
7 Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh to Live In
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, searching for more space, or drawn by Raleigh’s high quality of life, this city has a neighborhood that’s right for you. From the heart of downtown to the peaceful outer edges, here are the 7 best neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, to consider in 2025, depending on your needs. Let’s explore the standouts:
1. Downtown Raleigh: Best for urban nightlife and culture
2. North Hills: Best for upscale convenience and mixed-use living
3. Five Points: Best for historic charm and community vibe
4. Historic Oakwood: Best for history lovers and walkability
5. Cameron Village (Village District): Best for young professionals and students
6. Brier Creek — Best for families, golf & easy suburban living
7. North Ridge (North Raleigh): Best for luxury homes and peaceful suburbia
1. Downtown Raleigh: Best for urban nightlife and culture
Median home sale price: $482,500
Average rent for a 1-bedroom: $1,514 per month
Commute to Downtown: 0 minutes (you’re already there!)
Don’t miss: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Dorothea Dix Park, Historic City Market
If you crave an energetic city lifestyle, Downtown Raleigh is hard to beat. This central district is the hub of Raleigh’s nightlife, culture, and innovation, making it one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals in Raleigh, NC. By day, you’ll find government offices and tech startups; by night, the streets come alive with craft breweries, rooftop bars, concerts, and restaurants serving everything from Southern comfort food to global cuisines.
Living here means you’re walking distance to many amenities. Residents can stroll to major attractions like the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (the state’s most-visited museum) and the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts, or catch an outdoor concert at Red Hat Amphitheater. On weekends, shop the farmer’s market at Historic City Market, a cobblestone-lined district with boutiques and eateries, or relax under the oak trees in Moore Square.
For nature amid the city, Dorothea Dix Park, a 300+ acre urban park, offers skyline views, trails, and the famous summer sunflower field. Downtown is also highly walkable and bike-friendly, and if you work in the city’s core, your “commute” might be just a few blocks by foot.
2. North Hills: Best for upscale convenience and mixed-use living
Median home sale price: $837,500
Average rent for a 1-bedroom: $1,604 per month
Commute to Downtown: ~10-15 minutes by car (5–6 miles)
Don’t miss: Midtown Park events, North Hills shopping & dining district
Known as “Raleigh’s Midtown,” North Hills is a dynamic, upscale district that has become a one-stop destination to live, work, shop, and play. This innovative mixed-use neighborhood centers around the North Hills shopping district, an open-air complex of 130+ shops, restaurants, cafes, a movie theater, bowling alley, and even a rooftop bar scene. Luxury apartments and modern townhomes sit alongside office towers and hotels, creating a mini skyline of its own.
North Hills is ideal for professionals and couples who want urban perks without living Downtown, as well as empty-nesters and affluent families. You can walk from your condo to grab Starbucks, take a yoga class, and pick up groceries at Wegmans, then meet friends for a patio dinner, all without leaving the neighborhood.
Community events are also a big draw. In summer, Midtown Park hosts free concerts, outdoor movies, and a popular farmers’ market, making North Hills feel like a true community hub. Despite the urban feel, North Hills also appeals to families. The neighborhood has excellent schools — like the well-regarded Brooks Elementary and Sanderson High — and boasts nearby parks and greenways.
3. Five Points: Best for historic charm and community vibe
Median home sale price: $1,020,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom: $1,252 per month
Commute to Downtown: 5–10 minutes (2–3 miles south)
Don’t miss: Rialto Theatre, Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery, NoFo @ the Pig café
Nestled just northwest of Downtown, Five Points is a collection of early-20th-century neighborhoods known for tree-lined streets, bungalow homes, and a tight-knit feel. The name comes from the five-way intersection of Glenwood, Fairview, and Whitaker Mill, which is at the heart of this historic district.
Five Points actually encompasses several sub-neighborhoods (Hayes Barton, Bloomsbury, Georgetown, Vanguard Park, and Roanoke Park) that together create one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for families seeking charm and community.
Strolling here feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see children on bikes, neighbors chatting on front porches, and American flags flying from century-old homes. It’s no surprise that Five Points (especially the Hayes Barton section) has long been considered Raleigh’s most prestigious traditional neighborhood, an area of grand historic homes and estate-like lots.
Despite its historic serenity, Five Points isn’t sleepy. The area has a quirky, artsy side with local boutiques, antique shops, and beloved eateries. You can start your morning at NoFo @ the Pig, a funky café/market in a converted Piggly Wiggly, then browse vintage finds at shops along Fairview Road. Don’t miss Hayes Barton Café & Dessertery, a retro diner famous for sky-high pies and classic comfort food (a true Raleigh institution).
Five Points also boasts the Rialto Theatre, an art-deco cinema built in 1942 where you can catch independent films and the occasional midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s a cultural landmark that anchors the community. Throughout the year, Five Points hosts neighborhood block parties, holiday parades, and home tours, reinforcing its reputation for community engagement.
4. Historic Oakwood: Best for history lovers and walkability
Median home sale price: ~$768,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom: ~$1,339
Commute to Downtown: ~2 minutes (just east of downtown)
Don’t miss: Oakwood Candlelight Tour (holiday home tour), Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Directly east of Downtown lies Historic Oakwood, Raleigh’s oldest residential neighborhood and a virtual museum of Victorian-era architecture. Walking through Oakwood, you’ll pass brightly painted Queen Anne homes with wraparound porches, Gothic Revival cottages, and mature trees canopying the sidewalks. Many homes were built between the 1870s and the 1910s, and the area’s heritage is fiercely preserved. Oakwood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and exudes storybook charm.
One of Oakwood’s biggest draws is its sense of community and tradition. Events like the Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, when a dozen residents open their exquisitely decorated homes for public tours each December, have been a Raleigh holiday tradition for over 50 years. The neighborhood also enjoys monthly porch gatherings, garden clubs, and an active preservation society.
For a peaceful weekend activity, locals stroll through the Historic Oakwood Cemetery, a beautiful 19th-century cemetery where governors, generals, and notable North Carolinians rest amid winding paths and monuments. It’s an unexpectedly popular spot for joggers, dog walkers, and history tours with gravestones dating back to the Civil War.
Nearby, you’ll find boutique shops and cafes along Person Street — including a local bakery, wine shop, and craft brewery — giving Oakwood a small commercial district within walking distance.
5. Cameron Village (Village District): Best for young professionals and students
Median home sale price: ~$375,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom: ~$1,669
Commute to Downtown: 5 minutes (1–2 miles)
Don’t miss: Village District shopping & dining, Pullen Park’s carousel and train
Cameron Village, recently rebranded as the “Village District,” is a historic yet continually-trendy area located southwest of Downtown and adjacent to North Carolina State University. Developed in 1949 as the Southeast’s first planned shopping center, this district has evolved into one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for young professionals and college students.
Here you’ll find a blend of apartments, townhomes, and cozy post-war houses alongside a sprawling open-air retail village. More than 100 unique shops, cafés, and services spread across six walkable blocks, making the Village District a shopper’s paradise and a super convenient place to live. From popular brunch spots and sushi bars to boutiques and fitness studios, everything is at your doorstep — no car needed.
Living here offers a perfect balance: on one hand, youthful energy and convenience, and on the other, leafy residential charm. NC State’s main campus is just to the west, so many faculty, grad students, and recent grads call this area home. On game days, you’ll see Wolfpack gear everywhere and feel the buzz of college sports. Yet the Village District is also appealing to empty-nesters and retirees who enjoy the pedestrian-friendly lifestyle. Nearby, the beautiful Pullen Park provides green space and fun for all ages. It’s the fifth-oldest amusement park in the U.S., with a carousel dating to 1911, a mini train, and pedal boats on the lake.
For nightlife, Glenwood South’s bars are a quick rideshare away, though plenty of pubs and breweries are within walking distance, too. In summary, Cameron Village/Village District is the place where classic Raleigh meets modern living, making it a top choice for best neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, for young professionals and students.
6. Brier Creek — Best for families, golf & easy suburban living
Median home sale price: $415,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom: $1,387 per month
Commute to Downtown: ~25–30 minutes (13 miles) via US-70/I-40
Don’t miss: Frankie’s Fun Park (go-karts & arcade), William B. Umstead State Park trails
Located in Raleigh’s far northwest corner near the Durham border, Brier Creek is a master-planned community that offers the quintessential modern suburban lifestyle. It’s one of Raleigh’s newer neighborhoods, largely developed in the 2000s, and has quickly become a hotspot for families and professionals who want convenience and easy access to both Raleigh and Durham.
Brier Creek is perhaps best known for its sprawling Brier Creek Commons shopping center. It’s a huge plaza featuring virtually every amenity you could need, including big-box stores, a Target, a grocery, movie theater, restaurants, and more. Surrounding it are numerous subdivisions of single-family homes, townhomes, and upscale apartment complexes.
For leisure, residents have a mix of fun options. Brier Creek Country Club offers golf and social events for members, while just down the road, Frankie’s Fun Park is a hit with kids (and kids-at-heart), offering go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, an arcade, and more.
On weekends, many also take advantage of nearby William B. Umstead State Park, a massive 5,600-acre park that’s great for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
7. North Ridge (North Raleigh): Best for luxury homes and peaceful suburbia
Median home sale price: $520,000Average rent for a 1-bedroom: $1,429 per month
Commute to Downtown: ~15–20 minutes
Don’t miss: North Ridge Country Club (36-hole golf), Falls Lake trails & boating
If you’re looking for spacious homes, manicured lawns, and a tranquil, upscale environment, North Ridge is calling your name. Driving through North Ridge, you’ll see everything from stately Georgian two-stories and contemporary estates to 1970s ranch homes on large wooded lots. The community is quiet, safe, and popular among executives, doctors, and long-time Raleigh families.
One of the biggest draws in the area is the North Ridge Country Club, a private club that’s the social hub of the neighborhood. Members enjoy golf, tennis, swimming, and dining facilities, and it’s common to see golf carts zipping across the streets between home and clubhouse. Even if you’re not a golfer, the green space adds to North Ridge’s beauty, with many homes backing onto fairways or ponds.
The surrounding area of North Raleigh is also flush with amenities, with upscale supermarkets, gyms, and cafes just a short drive away (and Lafayette Village, an attractive European-village style shopping center, is just down the road). For outdoor recreation, residents can head a few miles north to Falls Lake State Recreation Area, where they’ll find boating, fishing, and miles of hiking trails in a 12,000-acre lake and park system.
North Ridge offers a quiet, luxurious retreat with big-city amenities still within reach. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a round of golf in the morning and a backyard barbecue under the stars at night, all in refined comfort, making it arguably the best neighborhood in Raleigh, NC, if you’re seeking prestigious, spacious living.
Moving to Raleigh: Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Raleigh, NC, is a city brimming with diverse neighborhood options — the “best area” for you will depend on your lifestyle and priorities. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Five Points, the upscale buzz of North Hills, the family-friendly comforts of Brier Creek, or the luxury of North Ridge, the best neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, offer a high quality of life and a place to call home. Raleigh consistently ranks among the top places to live in America for its strong job market, excellent schools, and community atmosphere, and after exploring its neighborhoods, it’s easy to see why.
All set for moving to North Carolina? Colonial Van Lines is here to help you transition smoothly. As a long-distance moving specialist with decades of experience, we handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on getting to know your new city. From packing up your old home to setting up in your new Raleigh neighborhood, our team makes relocating easier and more efficient. Start your Raleigh adventure on the right foot and get a free quote today!