The Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

Packed to the brim with charming oak-tree-lined streets, free museums, and rich history, Raleigh, NC, is a city that’s worth bumping up to the top of your travel list. And, with so many inviting neighborhoods—each with their own unique personality and flair—there’s something for every type of adventurer to love. You can never run out of fun things to do in Raleigh, NC! 

Are you thinking about moving to Raleigh? Consider this blog post a walking tour of some of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC. In it, you’ll pass through several tranquil parks, drool-worthy dining places, and exciting theaters. Whether you’re staying for a month or a year, these are the corners of this North Carolina city that you won’t want to miss:

1. Central Raleigh
2. East Raleigh
3. Greater South Raleigh
4. Cary
5. Wake Forest

Let’s get started!

1. Central Raleigh, NC

From art museums to action-packed nights out on the town, Central Raleigh is the perfect place to call home if you crave the energy of the city center. Live here, and you’ll be within walking, driving, or biking distance from some of the best restaurants, shopping centers, and historical monuments that the city has to offer. 

Over 25% of the city’s population is between the ages of 20 and 34, so if you’re a young professional looking for a neighborhood in which you can both live and flourish, Central Raleigh could be the place for you.

If you land in this neighborhood, don’t miss out on:

• Exploring all the trails at Lake Johnson Park. Whether you’re adventuring on foot or by bike, be sure to pack plenty of water as you make your way through 500 acres of woodland. It’s the perfect place to exercise, take a walk with your dog, fish, or even cruise around Lake Johnson by boat. 

• Taking an art class at Artspace. Located just outside Moore Square, this visual arts center is the ideal way to spend the day touring the latest exhibitions or learning a new skill. Sign up the young one in your life for a week-long summer art camp, or take to the studio yourself to learn anything from punch needling to oil painting.

• Sinking your teeth into modern comfort food at Poole’s Diner. Using simple ingredients sourced from local farms, the owners at this local favorite care about providing you with high-quality eats at an affordable price. The dish that everyone’s talking about? The macaroni au gratin. More cheese, please!

2. East Raleigh, NC

History buffs will feel right at home in the North Carolina capital, but particularly so in the East Raleigh neighborhood. Take a stroll through this part of the capital city, and you’ll find Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Gardens, the African American Cultural Complex, and the Mordecai Historic Park, just to name a few. Live here if you’re searching for a more residential vibe that’s still decorated with plenty of trendy restaurants, boutique shopping, and nighttime leisure activities. 

Residents of East Raleigh recommend:

• Dinner out at the Chuan Cafe. Looking for one of the best restaurants in Raleigh, NC? Boasting authentic Sichuan flavors, this local eatery is where you should go whenever your foodie friends are in town. Don’t miss the chef’s special dishes like the stir fry asparagus with prawns and scallops or the spicy vegetarian incense pot. 

• A one-of-a-kind tasting at Raleigh Rum Company. Whether you prefer white, dark, spiced, or spicy, the Raleigh Rum Company located in East Raleigh has artisanal rum for everyone. Sample the selection and tour the distillery on Saturdays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

• A picnic at Historic Oak View County Park. Open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the week, this lush city oasis is bursting with outdoor activities of all kinds. Plus, you can get involved with the local community by volunteering at an event or becoming a member of the Oak View Advisory Board. 

3. Greater South Raleigh, NC

Head just a bit south of the city center, and you’ll encounter the rapidly evolving neighborhood of Greater South Raleigh. Outdoor enthusiasts, in particular, may find themselves lured in by the abundance of green space that exists in this region. With plenty of untouched acres to get outside and fish, hike, golf, or plan a picnic with friends or a growing family, it’s a versatile suburb that can appeal to residents of all ages. 

If you land in Greater South Raleigh, don’t miss out on:

• Live music at the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre. This open-air music venue holds up to 20,000 people and draws in several big-name artists from all over the country. Hosting artists such as Dave Matthews Band and Bob Dylan, this is the event calendar to keep an eye on whenever your favorite artist is on tour. 

• Sweet treats at Goodberry’s Frozen Custard‎. This local favorite has been perfecting how ice cream is made since 1988, using only the best all-natural ingredients. Stop in for a simply sweet vanilla cone or to check out their rotating flavor of the day. 

• Plants galore at the Juniper Level Botanic Garden. Get lost in the local North Carolina flora at one of several gardens, or add to your house plant collection by visiting the on-site nursery. You can even expand your knowledge of soils, planting, and pruning by signing up for a class taught by one of the garden’s master horticulturists. 

4. Cary, NC

Head about 15 minutes west of downtown, and you’ll stumble upon the charming neighborhood of Cary. It’s a growing suburb ideal for young families and boasts some of the top-rated elementary and high schools in the country. 

Plus, you’ll find yourself just on the border of what’s known as the Triangle area, the stomping grounds for students attending Duke University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, or North Carolina State University. Set up your brackets for March Madness, prepare your face paint and poster, and go to see it for yourself as the next generation of athletes make history. 

If you land in Cary, don’t miss out on:

• Baked goods La Farm Bakery Cafe. This authentic French bakery located in downtown Cary has a true passion for bread done right. Grab a loaf to go or learn from the best by taking a class with a few of the cafe’s baking experts. And don’t go home without picking up one of the mouthwatering tarts and cakes. Bring one of their apple almond tarts or chocolate layer cakes to your next dinner party, and you’ll immediately be regarded as the guest of honor.  

• Catch a show at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. If you’re not lured in by your love of live music and theater, then at least come for the idyllic, nature-infused setting. Nestled within 14 acres of pines and hardwoods, there’s more to do here than just enjoy live entertainment. Be sure to find some time from November to January, in particular, for the popular Chinese Lantern Festival in the park. 

• Take a tour of the taproom at Bond Brothers Beer Company. Spend your weekend sampling locally crafted brews at this taproom that features everything from stouts and IPAs to cream ales and Saisons. Plus, you can pair your beer with some snacks from one of the several rotating food truck options. 

5. Wake Forest, NC

If you’re searching for a small-town vibe but still want to feel like you have the city center at your fingertips, consider living in Wake Forest. It’s just a 30-minute drive from downtown Raleigh and packed everything from art galleries and shopping to restaurants and parks. Residents of Wake Forest enjoy a slower pace of living while relishing all the entertainment and comforts of city life.

If you land in Wake Forest, don’t miss out on:

• Fresh produce from local farms at the Wake Forest Farmers Market. Happening each Saturday year-round (weather permitting), this market is the perfect place to stock up on everything from meats and microgreens to honey and cut flowers. 

• A carefully crafted drink at White Street Brewing. Started in 2012, this craft brewery located in downtown Wake Forest is serving up a hop-infused selection of beers that you can enjoy with friends, family, or a partner seven days a week. Try the Hoptimist IPA for something bright and citrusy or the smooth, malty flavors of the Tangled Oaks. 

• A cup of joe at Black and White Coffee Roasters. Serving up specialty coffee that’s been roasted and brewed by baristas with unmatched knowledge of java, this place is sure to be the highlight of your mornings. Stop by their Wake Forest location or find them in Rolesville and Downtown Raleigh, too!

Honorable mentions in Raleigh, North Carolina 

If you’re looking to become a resident of this North Carolina city, there are a couple of other Raleigh neighborhoods to add to your list. Be sure to check out the following places: 

Boylan Heights

This rich historic neighborhood was considered one of the prime suburban neighborhoods in this North Carolina city back in 1907. One of the charms of Boylan Heights is it has a lot of architectural homes.

Location: West of Downtown Raleigh

Brier Creek

Golf enthusiasts would be more than familiar with this neighborhood because it is home to one of the prime golfing clubs in the country, namely Brier Creek Country Club. Thus, it mainly consists of luxury housing, such as condominiums. However, it’s also a great place for families because it has some of the most excellent schools in Raleigh. You and your family might just find your dream single-family home here!

Location: Heart of the Triangle

Bryson Village

Bryson Village may be one of the newest neighborhoods, but it certainly isn’t lacking. This is a great place to find good homes with fairly affordable prices (one less thing to worry about when considering the cost of living in Raleigh, NC!). 

Location: Next to the 540 loop

Cameron Village

One of the charms of Cameron Village is you can find almost everything here, from restaurants, fitness centers, and quaint local businesses to a state-of-the-art library. And, best of all, most of them are within walking distance! Cameron Village’s shopping district also has a great view of the city skyline.

Location: Close to North Carolina State

North Hills

North Hills is considered one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in this North Carolina city. Aside from having some of the most excellent schools in Raleigh, it is perhaps best known as the home of Crabtree Valley Mall. It is a great neighborhood for young families, young professionals, and retirees alike. 

Location: North of the beltline

Find your hassle-free home in Raleigh with Landing

Whenever you decide on a district that’s right for you, find a place to call home with Landing. Whether it’s the bustling center of Wake Forest or the captivating downtown of Central Raleigh, we’ll take care of your housing needs. 

The best part? We offer leases that meet you where you’re at. Don’t worry about paying security deposits or committing to a year or more. Just become a Landing member and stay for as little or as long as you like in more than 375 cities across the country. Browse our apartments in Raleigh here!