11 Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh to Call Home (Inside the Beltline) 2026 Update

Our Capital of North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA, partly due to the expansion of the technology industry, and partly because the City of Oaks is just a nice place to live – period. We should know, we moved to Raleigh back in 2004 and decided to raise our kids here, so if you’re thinking about moving to Raleigh, we think you’re making an excellent choice! The biggest question people ask when planning their move here is: which is the best neighborhood in Raleigh to call home?

There are 40 neighborhoods in Raleigh inside the beltline (that means within Interstate 440 that encircles downtown Raleigh with numerous exits to all parts of the city) and a further 70 outside the beltline, so you really have a lot of options to choose from. We know it’s overwhelming deciding on which area to stay in – we ourselves were in the same position when we relocated to Raleigh – so we’ve prepared this guide to the best neighborhoods in Raleigh to live in, so you can make an informed decision about where to live.

We have featured neighborhoods inside the Beltline; for first-timers living in Raleigh, this is the place to be. It’s where you’ll find the lively downtown Raleigh district and the most historic Raleigh neighborhoods, with beautifully restored homes that date back centuries mixed with modern construction. 

To help you paint a picture of our top neighborhoods, here is a map that details each district and its location. The following neighborhoods are in no particular order.

1. Boylan Heights

• Good for: wealthy professionals, retirees, families
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $859K, though houses can go up to $1.4 million
• Average rent cost: around $2,160 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby Schools: Wiley Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High. See all schools here.
• Map of neighborhood

Boylan Heights is one of the Raleigh neighborhoods we could see ourselves living in – if only we could afford it! It’s the most expensive neighborhood in the city, and for good reason. We walk and drive through this area a lot, dreaming of owning one of the historic cottages. It was one of the earliest planned developments in Raleigh, which means that there’s little room left for further development, and all the properties are a piece of heritage – which means they will only ever go up in value.

Homes in this area don’t tend to stay on the market long – some homes get snapped up in as little as 12 days. Historic Boylan Heights was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district in 1985, and so there is no new development here. All homes on the market are resales of historic homes, which makes them desirable when they do come on the market. Here, craftsman bungalows sit along with transitional Queen Anne/Colonial Revivals and Dutch Colonials, while mature trees dominate the streetscapes. The majority of homes are small to medium-sized homes (studios to two-bedroom homes), so larger family homes are rare and sought after.

On the immediate southwest edge of the city center, the streets extend from the downtown grid, but curve aesthetically to match the contours of the hilltop setting. You’re just a 15-minute walk from South Boyland Ave to Fayetteville Street, and a 10-minute walk to the popular Warehouse District. It’s also within walking distance of downtown and the Capital District, making it an easy place to commute from too! This is a great neighborhood near the city center as you’re just moments away from Raleigh’s best downtown restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues like Red Hat Amphitheater.

The hilly terrain lends itself to a picturesque and truly residential neighborhood overlooking downtown. Whilst the neighborhood itself doesn’t have any restaurants or shops, that helps to create a peaceful and purely residential atmosphere. There are a few entrepreneurial firms and artists based here, though.

The most expensive houses in Queen Anne or Colonial Revival styles were built near Montfort Hall, the antebellum Boylan mansion at the top of the hill. More modest homes, chiefly in the bungalow style, were constructed further below. The spacious lots on S. Boylan Avenue feature deep setbacks and inviting front porches, whilst the rest of the development is made up of modest bungalows on smaller lots and shallower setbacks. This close-knit community is highly sought after by creatives as well as families.

Some popular things to do in this neighborhood are walk the popular and annual Art Walk, enjoy fantastic city views, beer and food at Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, go for a jog around Pullen Park, and pick up fantastic craft bread and pastries at Boulted Bread.

2. Historic Oakwood

• Good for: young professionals, families
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $746K
• Average rent cost: around $1,650 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Conn Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High.
• Map of neighborhood

Like Boylan Heights, Oakwood is another historic district that dates all the way back to the 1800s and rose after the Civil War. It’s home to magnificent oak trees and a combination of restored Grand Victorians built in the 1800s, modest bungalows of the 1920s, and newly constructed homes, giving you a neighborhood feel whilst being only 1 mile northeast of downtown Raleigh. In addition to their passion for preserving their historic homes, many residents are avid gardeners, and their backyards are often hidden gems where homeowners have created beautiful gardens.

This is a popular area to live for professionals working in downtown Raleigh, and for families seeking community. It’s one of the more expensive neighborhoods to live in because of its close proximity to the city center, and it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for its historical value and community feel. And one of the fun Christmas events in Raleigh each year is the Oakwood candlelight walking tour! The Historic Oakwood Preservation Society offers candlelight home and haunted, twisted history tours 

Unlike Boylan Heights, Oakwood has more restaurants, shops, and artisans to explore on North Person St. Grab some bread, a pastry, or coffee from nearby Yellow Dog Bread Co., enjoy handcrafted ice cream at Two Roosters, or visit Standard Beer + Food for great beers, a beer garden, and a kitchen. Check out Historic Oakwood Cemetery, which has served as a noble resting place for Raleigh residents for more than a century, or see how a historic building has been given new life at The Station, a stylish hangout in an old gas station.

3. Forest Park (Formerly Cameron Park)

• Good for: families
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $1.04 million
• Average rent cost: around $2,500 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Wiley Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High. See all schools here.
• Map of neighborhood

Bordered by Hillsborough Street and the Village District Shopping Center is the historic neighborhood of Forest Park, which was renamed from Cameron Park in 2022. This neighborhood occupies a key location near North Carolina State University (north campus) and St. Mary’s School. Developed between 1910 and 1935, Forest Park was one of three suburbs subdivided into lots as development began along Hillsborough Street, with a streetcar line making the location appealing and convenient.

It started life as Raleigh’s most expensive suburb, but slid into decline by the 60s due to the departure of many of the original home inhabitants. It has since regained its status as one of Raleigh’s most attractive family neighborhoods as it pushed back on encroaching fraternity houses and apartment conversions, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as a national historic district. This neighborhood has a variety of architectural types from Queen Anne and Colonial Revivals to large bungalows and eclectic styles like Georgian Revival, Tudor Revival, and Mission Revival. 

Despite the variety of styles, the houses were uniformly large and upscale for the era. Three ravines cut through Forest Park, creating parkland interspersed with the residential blocks, and Edna Metz Wells Park draws families to the area. The mature trees, nearby schools and parks, and convenient location to downtown Raleigh make this one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Raleigh!

You’re only a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk to the State Capitol Building along Hillsborough Street and all the best restaurants, bars, and cafes in downtown. Plus, you’re within walking distance of all the shops, cafes, and bars along Hillsborough St across from NC State, and moments away from Glenwood South and the Warehouse District. Our favorite places to eat and drink in this area are Jubala Coffee, Trophy Brewing & Pizza, and Irregardless Cafe for farm-to-table meals.

4. The Village District

• Good for: young professionals, families
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $900K
• Average rent cost: around $1,890 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Wiley Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High.
• Map of neighborhood

The Village District, formerly known as Cameron Village, is a little less historic than Forest Park, but is one of the most desirable places to live. Located north of the shopping center of the same name, Cameron Village has ranch-style homes, apartments, condos, single-family homes, and student rentals – but student housing prices have risen beyond what most students can now afford. But considering all those housing options, the Village District is dominated by condos, many of which were built in 1949, but many are very recent.

This neighborhood is very walkable, and the Village District Shopping Center has over 100 unique and distinctive shops, cafés, restaurants, and services. Opened in 1949, the outdoor shopping center quickly became the premier shopping area in Raleigh and is considered the first shopping center to be built between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.

It has been a favorite neighborhood destination for shoppers and diners and provides a comfortable gathering space and retreat from the chaos of urban life. If you choose to live around the Village District, you’re close to downtown (6-minute drive), Research Triangle Park (20-minute drive), and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (18-minute drive). 

This Raleigh neighborhood has nice starter homes on large lots, giving the neighborhood a more suburban vibe, and is sought after by young professionals and families. Some of our favorite places to eat in this neighborhood are Tupelo Honey for Southern comfort food, Flying Biscuit for its all-day breakfast selection, So – Ca for cuisine from the Caribbean, Central & South America, Benelux Coffee for Belgian waffles, coffee, tea, and Village Draft House for pub food and 100+ beers.

5. Mordecai

• Good for: families, students, young professionals
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $777K
• Average rent cost: around $1,925 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Conn Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High.
• Map of neighborhood

Located northeast of downtown (a bit north of Oakwood, Mordecai is just a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk to the State Capitol Building and is Raleigh’s oldest neighborhood, dating back to the late 18th century. It’s also sometimes referred to as Downtown North, but most of the local’s refer to it as Mordecai since it’s the location of the historic Mordecai House.

The Mordecai House, which dates from 1785, is the oldest house in Raleigh still at its original location, giving this neighborhood its name. And Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, was born here.

Mordecai is a relatively small neighborhood offering quaint and charming homes (many of which have been updated on the inside with modern features and amenities), tree-lined streets, quiet roads, and a rich history. There’s also a few newly constructed homes and condos available in the area. 

Mordecai’s popularity has grown substantially in recent years as one of the best places to live in Raleigh due to its close proximity to the heart of Raleigh, peace and quiet, charm, and popularity with families and young professionals. Close by is William Peace University, a highly rated elementary charter school, and the ever-evolving Peace Street that offers local bakery-cafes, bars, and boutique stores.

It’s also a relatively easy commute to Raleigh-Durham Airport and Research Triangle Park, allowing residents the convenience and tranquility of life. If you’re looking for a great historic neighborhood close to downtown Raleigh, consider Mordecai. While here, explore Mordecai Historic Park, dine at Crawford & Son, visit the craft retail beer store Pelagic Beer & Wine, and sip cocktails and craft beers at Person Street Bar.

6. Five Points

• Good for: wealthy families, professionals
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $1.1 million
• Average rent cost: around $2,350 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Underwood Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High.
• Map of neighborhood

Located just 2 miles north of downtown, the quirky and exuberant Five Points area is so named because it’s where five historic neighborhoods converge at the five-point street intersection of Glenwood Avenue, Whitaker Mill Road, and Fairview Road. The neighborhoods are: Hayes Barton, Bloomsbury, Georgetown, Vanguard Park, and Roanoke Park. All of the neighborhoods were platted in the 1910s through the early 1920s, and each neighborhood has a distinct character. The area is characterized by tree-lined streets, bungalows, Colonial Revival style homes, one- to two-story single-family homes, estate homes, patio homes, and townhomes.

Rich in diversity, locals are drawn to the area because of the convenient and easy access to downtown, pedestrian-friendly, sidewalked streets, pleasant ambiance, parks, and its combination of old and new. There’s also the small-town feel with the epicenter of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, pharmacies, convenience stores, and the Rialto Theater at the main intersection along Glenwood Avenue and Fairview Road. 

It’s also one of the more expensive neighborhoods to buy and rent property, but we’ve only seen homes here increase in value since they keep their historic roots. Some of the most notable landmarks in this area are the Rialto Theatre, one of the area’s few remaining independent movie theaters, Third Place coffee shop, an eclectic coffee house, and Lilly’s Pizza. For craft beer fans, this neighborhood is home to Big Boss Brewing Company, Nickelpoint Brewing Co., and Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie.

Here is our guide to the Five Points Neighborhood in Raleigh.

7. Hayes Barton

• Good for: families
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $1.2 million
• Average rent cost: around $2,565 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Lacy Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High.
• Map of neighborhood

Considered one of the Five Points neighborhoods, Hayes Barton is one of the premier Raleigh neighborhoods and one of the most popular places to live in Raleigh inside the beltline. And with that comes a higher price point. Built in the 1920’s in the post-World War I wave of suburban development, Hayes Barton was the grandest of these new suburbs, and the layout included some of the first greenways and open park areas in suburban neighborhoods.

Homes in Hayes Barton are a collection of eclectic styles and sizes, including Georgian, Colonial, Tudor, Craftsman, Bungalow, and contemporary designs, with prices ranging from $300,000 to $5 million.

Affluent Hayes Barton has a lot to offer: great location close to downtown Raleigh, the history of the neighborhood, various architectural styles, homes with mature trees and larger lots, and walking distance to the shops and restaurants at the hub of Five Points. If you’re looking for a great place to live in downtown Raleigh where you can still have land and some peace and quiet, check out Hayes Barton!

8. Warehouse District

• Good for: young professionals, singles, artists
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $738K
• Average rent cost: around $2,800 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Wiley Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High.
• Map of neighborhood

The six-block Warehouse District has transformed over recent years from its former red-brick industrial buildings into a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutique shopping, technology firms, and apartment buildings. Located just 0.4 miles west of Fayetteville Street in downtown, this part of the city previously served as Raleigh’s railroad and warehouse distribution hub.  Today it’s home to Citrix, Raleigh Union Station, Morgan Street Food Hall, Weaver Street Market, lofty condominiums, and The Dillon – an 18-story office tower with retail space and two six-story apartment buildings.

In the hip Warehouse District, the historic character has been revitalized with a modern twist, bringing people back to live, work, and play in an urban environment. This easy-to-walk district is one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for young professionals and a hot spot for singles and artists. While in the Warehouse District, make the Morgan Street Food Hall your go-to place for eating out, Heirloom Brewshop for your coffee, tea, or sake fix, and Crank Arm Brewing for amazing craft beer and community events.

There’s also the iconic Whiskey Kitchen for a large selection of whiskies, craft cocktails, and Southern fare, as well as The Pit, home to authentic Carolina BBQ (read our Q&A with owner, Greg Hatem).

9. Glenwood South

• Good for: students, young professionals, artists
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $478K
• Average rent cost: around $2,560 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Wiley Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High.
• Map of neighborhood

Sandwiched between the tranquil retreats of Boylan Heights and Five Points is Glenwood South, an area known as the entertainment district of Raleigh. The main S. Glenwood Ave is lined with progressive bars, breweries, restaurants, nightclubs, boutique stores, art galleries, and studios.

Here you’ll find a mixture of college students, young creative professionals, and artists eating, drinking, creating, and living. With a 20-story apartment complex recently opened, and plans to build Raleigh’s tallest skyscraper here, the Glenwood South district is fast becoming one of downtown’s most fast-developing neighborhoods.  This area consists of the southern blocks of Glenwood Avenue west of downtown and south of Peace Street. 

Just 20 years ago, this area was a warehouse district and industrial neighborhood, but renovations of historic buildings have revitalized this area into a restaurant, shopping, nightlife, and office district. Here you’ll find a blend of condominiums and single-family homes, with residents enjoying some of the best that downtown Raleigh has to offer without ever leaving home.

If you move here, you’ll be living in a true mixed-use neighborhood; just know there’s going to be an element of noise, particularly on weekend evenings. Some of the most iconic landmarks in the Glenwood South area are the Hibernian Pub & Restaurant, an Irish pub, and Raleigh Beer Garden, which holds the record for the most beers on tap anywhere in the world (380+ beers). We also love Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar, which serves exceptional Greek & other Mediterranean eats, Carolina Ale House, a sports bar with pub food, and Tin Roof, a lively live music joint.

10. University Park

• Good for: students, young professionals, families
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $900K
• Average rent cost: around $1,890 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Olds Elementary, Daniels Middle, Needham Broughton High.
• Map of neighborhood

University Park is another of the old neighborhood areas in Raleigh, NC, and is a collaboration of many neighborhoods: Oberlin Village, Fairmont, Bagwell, Beaver Dam, Wilmont, Dixie Forest, and Forest Hills. Located in west-central Raleigh, University Park’s name is connected to its location – it’s bordered to the south by Hillsborough Street and NC State University. Its north border is Wade Avenue, Oberlin Rd, and Cameron Village is to the east, and Meredith College, and State Fair Grounds to the west.

This community dates back to 1924 and has continued to develop over the years – some homes have been torn down, and new homes have been built, but the old neighborhood charm still exists. Here you will find an urban neighborhood with homes connected by a network of greenways, wildlife habitats, and public and private gardens.

When in University Park, make Cup A Joe, a funky coffeehouse, your local spot, or enjoy evenings sitting at bar stools in Raleigh Brewing Company, a taproom with food trucks, or cheer on NFL teams at the Brickhouse Sports Pub, a New England Patriots & Ohio State Buckeyes fans hangout.

11. Midtown

• Good for: students, young professionals, solo people
• Average house cost: Median listing price: $719K
• Average rent cost: around $2,830 per month for a 2-bedroom home
• Nearby schools: Stough Magnet Elementary School, Jeffreys Grove Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh Charter High School
• Map of neighborhood

Midtown Raleigh is an area that encompasses four popular shopping and entertainment districts – Crabtree Valley, Five Points, North Hills, and Village District. It kind of wraps around the I-440 highway and is both inside the beltline and outside. It’s located just north of downtown and has everything you need from a bustling neighborhood, especially if it’s your first home you’re looking for in Raleigh.

On one side, you have the miles of scenic trails that reach the Neuse River Greenway Trail, and on the other, you have 220 stores in the Crabtree Valley Mall. It’s full of urban eateries, quirky coffee shops, and top-class restaurants. It also comes alive at night with music venues and movie theaters offering nighttime entertainment.

It’s an ideal place for young professionals or those flying solo since there’s plenty of things happening to keep you entertained. Some of our favorite things to do in Midtown are shopping at Crabtree Valley Shopping Mall, enjoying craft beers at Neuse River Brewing Company, and watching an evening concert at Midtown Park in the summer.

FAQs about neighborhoods in Raleigh

With many lakes, natural parklands, and the 180 miles of greenway system, Raleigh has so much to love and enjoy. So when it comes to deciding which neighborhood you want to settle down in, you should be asking yourself these questions:

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