The Best 15 Neighborhoods in Raleigh: Finding Home in the City of Oaks

6. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a great place to live with plenty of real estate options, including single-family homes and townhouses, which are close to Raleigh and the 540 area. There are also nice local amenities, such as the Seven Oaks Swim and Racquet Club, impressive Christmas light displays, and a Halloween parade.

This area is great for retirees due to the variety of senior communities that it has to offer. Some of these include Springmoor, The Cypress, and Abbottswood at Stonehenge.

7. North Hills

If you're planning on moving to Raleigh, then you'll most likely want to consider the North Hills neighborhood. This area offers a mix of both suburban and urban living, and it has plenty of great single-family homes for sale.

The North Hills Mall is a prominent shopping center located nearby. It features restaurants, high-end stores, and a movie theater. There are also beautiful parks in the neighborhood, such as Shelley Lake Park.

8. Wakefield

If you're looking for a neighborhood with great proximity to downtown Raleigh and easy access to healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and good schools, then Wakefield might be the right choice. It's located in the northeast part of Raleigh and is around thirty minutes from the city center. If you're a fan of golf, then you'll want to consider picking up a round at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, right in your own neighborhood!

9. Oakwood

Residents of historic Oakwood choose to live in this community because it offers a variety of affordable homes and is in a well-maintained central location. The area's narrow streets and tree-lined gardens make it feel like you are in a small town, but there are plenty of events to keep residents entertained — whether it’s the Fourth of July Block Party, the Samedi Gras celebration, or the Candlelight Tour, to name a few.

The Oakwood Garden Club holds an annual tea party and garden tour for the public. And residents also meet for a potluck dinner on the last Sunday of each month.

10. Glenwood South

The area around the neighborhood of Glenwood South, Raleigh, is known for its mix of art galleries, restaurants, residences, and stores, as well as its active bar scene. The young professionals who live and work in this area often find plenty to do when it comes to nightlife, and a popular location includes the Cornerstone Tavern. 

Over 1,500 new residential units are currently under construction or are on the way in the area, which shows just how popular it is to live here.

11. Heritage Point

Located west of downtown Raleigh, the Heritage Point neighborhood is an upscale community close to Wake Forest that is full of white-collar professionals.

The planners utilized a natural setting to design its neighborhoods and communities. Its many features include greenways, playgrounds, and bike paths. Its streets are lined with stately homes and trees. It's also convenient to major facilities such as Research Triangle Park and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

12. Five Points

Five Points district is located near the Mordecai, Raleigh, neighborhood. It's named after the five-point intersection of three main roads: Fairview, Whitaker Mill, and Glenwood. The Five Points district is close to some of the area's most popular attractions, the Raleigh Convention Center and the NC Museum of Art. Pullen Park features a carousel, which was once a part of an old amusement park.

The Five Points Fountain is a popular meeting point for locals in this historic district. It is also home to some of Raleigh's finest establishments, such as The Raleigh Times Bar and Two Roosters.

13. Hayes Barton

Located north of downtown Raleigh, Hayes Barton is a well-established section of the Five Points area. Residents of Hayes Barton have easy access to various parks, such as Roanoke Park and Fred Fletcher Park.

This area is also home to several top-rated schools, making it an ideal choice for families. With beautiful green spaces and lots of Colonial Revival homes, Hayes Barton is a highly sought-after community.

While the median home sale price is shockingly high, it’s important to note that this number is based on recent sales (which happen to include some of the more expensive properties in the area). If we look at the median listing home price, which is $1.5 million, we can see that the homes currently available aren’t quite as pricey.

14. Six Forks

Six Forks is regarded as one of the best places to live in the state of North Carolina. With plenty of schools nearby and a low crime rate, it’s a great area for families. Because of this, the occupancy rate is consistently high. 

Many of the houses in Six Forks were built during the 1980s and 1990s, making them modern compared to nearby historic districts. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment. Be sure to check out the Crabtree Valley Mall, or grab a bite to eat at the KAI Sushi & Sake Bar.

15. South Park

Situated near downtown Raleigh, South Park is on the rise as one of the best neighborhoods to live in the area. There are plenty of new projects finding their way to the area, as well as new stores and supermarkets that have recently been opening. While you won't find much of a busy urban feel in this area, its residents are known for their friendly and welcoming attitude.

If you're looking for something to do in South Park, then you'll want to check out the local attractions. For instance, if you're a young professional skater, then you can head over to the Neighbor to Neighbor Skate Park. If you're looking for something a bit more cultural, then you can check out some performances at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.