13 Great Places To Live in Raleigh For Families In 2024

If you’re a family and thinking of moving to Raleigh with kids, then you’re probably asking yourself which is the best neighborhood to live in.

We ourselves were parents looking for the best places to live in Raleigh for families back in 2004, and now we’ve lived in Raleigh for 10+ years and work in real estate, so we’ve got a lot of experience when it comes to seeking out family-friendly places to live here.

There are so many things to consider when looking at places to live in Raleigh as a family, from safety and security, proximity to schools and work options, as well as what recreation there is nearby and what the overall vibe of the neigherborhood is. And that’s all before thinking of the cost!

If searching for family-friendly neighborhoods in Raleigh has you overwhelmed and confused, then don’t worry, as I’ve shared my favorite areas for families, including some important facts and information about each area, to help you make a decision.

Best Places to Live in Raleigh for Families

1. Historic Oakwood

• At a Glance:
  • Location: 1 mile Northeast of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Population (2024): 1,578
  • Zip codes: 27601, 27604
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price (2024): $895,000

Oakwood is a 30-block historic district just north of downtown (15-minute walk) and dates all the way back to the 1800’s that rose after the Civil War.

It’s home to magnificent oak trees and a combination of restored Grand Victorians built in the 1800s to modest bungalows of the 1920s, and newly constructed homes giving you a neighborhood feel.

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.

Historic Oakwood borders the fantastic North Person Street and is a popular area to live for families seeking community.

It’s one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Raleigh inside the beltline because of its historical value and close proximity to the city center, but it’s one of the best neighborhoods for families because of its historical value and community feel.

It’s also a popular area for retirees, as it’s very quiet and safe, though still being close to downtown and several great dining options.

This neighborhood really comes to life in Christmas time, when one of our favorite Christmas events in Raleigh takes place. Each year is the Oakwood candlelight walking tour, where residents open their homes to the public so you can view their historic homes and Christmas decorations.

Of course, you wouldn’t be expected to open your home if you move here, but you can if you want to. At the very least, you can snoop on your neighbors! There are also resident-only events in this neighborhood including the Oakwood Garden.

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 3 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 25 minutes
• Research Triangle Park (RTP): 25 minutes
• Durham: 35 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 40 minutes

Major Employers Nearby

• Red Hat
• Pendo
• Citrix
• WakeMed Hospital
• Wake County Government

Shopping & Grocery Stores

• Publix
• Food Lion
• Weaver Street Market
• Village District
• North Hills
• Costco

Top Neighborhood Restaurants

• Crawford & Son
• Oakwood Pizza Box
• SmokeStack Cafe
• Jolie
• Stanbury
• Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
• Yellow Dog Cafe
• The Station

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Standard Beer + Food
• Pelagic Beer & Wine
• Person Street Bar
• William & Company
• Wine Authorities
• The Optimist Coffee Shop
• Yellow Dog Bread

Parks

• Oakwood Commons Park
• Oakwood Dog Park
• Lions Park
• LeVelle Moton Park

2. North Raleigh

• At a glance:
  • Location: 8.5 miles north of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Population (2024): 3,291 people
  • Zip Codes: 27614, 27615
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $525,000

North Raleigh is attractive to families living in Raleigh as it offers a slower pace of life than downtown and the region is known for its nice neighborhoods filled with beautiful homes and ideal location near all of the top attractions in the Triangle region.

Generally speaking, North Raleigh is considered to be the area north of the I-40 Beltline and generally defined as being bordered by 540 to the north, Glenwood Ave to the west, 440 to the south, and Capital Boulevard to the east.

There’s a lovely mix of locally owned shops, larger retail destinations such as the popular North Hills and the area is known for its fine amenities, upscale restaurants, parks, trails, lakes (such as Shelley Lake and Lake Lynn), Durant Nature Preserve, and golf courses (check out the championship-caliber North Ridge Country Club).

North Raleigh residents enjoy a community feel through frequent events at community centers, live events and festivals, and its ideal location near downtown and RTP makes it an attractive option for commuters.

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 15 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 20 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 25 minutes
• Durham: 30 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 40 minutes

Major Companies Nearby

With its convenient location in the Triangle region, you have easy access to Research Triangle Park, downtown Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill making it practical for commuters.

Shopping & Grocery Stores

The main shopping district is the fantastic and ever evolving North Hills Raleigh district. Other shopping options include:

• Lafayette Village
• Greystone Village
• North Ridge Shopping Center
• Celebration Shopping Center
• Six Forks Station Shopping Center

Restaurants

• Salt & Lime Cabo Grill
• Winston’s Grille
• Vivo Ristorante
• San Jose Mexican Restaurant
• Jose and Sons Bar and Kitchen
• And all the fabulous North Hills restaurants

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Hibernian Irish Pub and Restaurant
• Saints & Scholars Pub
• Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Company
• O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant
• Jubala Coffee Shop (Lafayette Village & North Hills)
• Sola Coffee Cafe

Parks & Playgrounds

• Shelley Lake Park
• Millbrook Exchange Park
• Baileywick Road Park
• Cedar Hills Park
• Durant Nature Preserve
• Green Hills County Park
• Falls Lake Recreation Area

3. Five Points Neighborhood

• At a glance:
  • Location: 2 miles north of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Population (2024): 8,669
  • Zip code: 27608
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $1.08 million

Located just 2-miles north of downtown Raleigh, the Five Points area gets its name from the convergence of five historic neighborhoods at a five-point street intersection of Glenwood Avenue, Whitaker Mill Road, and Fairview Road.

These neighborhoods include: Bloomsbury, Georgetown, Roanoke Park, Vanguard Park, and the prestigious Hayes Barton. 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 access to downtown, pedestrian-friendly side-walked 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, and convenience stores. The historic Rialto Theater is at the main intersection along Glenwood Avenue and Fairview Road, and the Carolina Country Club is minutes away!

Five Points is one of the popular Raleigh neighborhoods for families, and couples.

Drive Times To 

• Downtown Raleigh: 5 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 20 minutes
• Research Triangle Park (RTP): 20 minutes
• Durham: 30 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 35 minutes

Major Employers Nearby

• Red Hat
• Pendo
• Citrix
• WakeMed Hospital
• Wake County Government

Shopping & Grocery Stores

• Harris Teeter
• Publix
• Crabtree Valley Mall
• Glenwood Village
• North Hills
• Costco

Restaurants

• Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery
• Mandolin
• Bloomsbury Bistro
• Lilly’s Pizza
• NOFO @ the Pig

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Lynnwood Brewing Concern
• Neuse River Brewing Company
• Nickelpoint Brewing Co.
• Big Boss Brewing
• Funguys Brewing
• Lola’s Beach Bar
• Crafty Beer, Wine & Spirits
• The Third Place Coffee Shop
• Idle Hour Coffee Roasters

Parks & Playgrounds

• Roanoke Park
• Fred Fletcher Park
• Jaycee Park
• Fallon Park

4. North Hills Area

• At a glance:
  • Location: 6 miles north of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Population (2024): 3,506
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $615,000

Located just five miles north of Raleigh’s downtown is the North Hills neighborhood, also known as Midtown Raleigh.

Over the years it has become one of North Carolina’s most upscale locations and one of the most popular neighborhoods in Raleigh and home to the popular shopping, dining and eating North Hills District.

This is a rapidly expanding area with more development planned, and already home to excellent restaurants, boutique stores, a farmers market and live entertainment.

Though just outside of the beltline, you have easy access to I-440 and I-70 and Six Forks Road (a major thoroughfare of North Raleigh).

Here you will find a combination of new homes and established neighborhoods, good schools, access to greenway trails and the Carolina Country Club is 5-10 minutes away. Families enjoy living here for a more relaxed lifestyle yet you are within easy access to downtown. 

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 12 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 25 minutes
• Research Triangle Park (RTP): 25 minutes
• Durham: 30 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 35 minutes

Major Employers Nearby

• Bank of America Tower
• Advance Auto Parts Headquarters
• Red Hat
• Pendo
• Citrix
• WakeMed Hospital
• Wake County Government

Shopping & Grocery Stores

• North Hills Mall
• Costco
• Quail Corners Shopping Mall
• Harris Teeter
• Target
• Food Lion
• Aldi

Restaurants

• Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
• Coquette Brasserie
• Vivace 
• Bartaco
• STIR
• The Capital Grille
• Yardhouse
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Vita Vite Wine Bar
• Level7 Rooftop bar
• Saints & Scholars Pub
• Hibernian Irish Pub
• Jubala Coffee Shop

Parks & Playgrounds

• North Hills Park
• Optimist Park Community Center
• Eastgate Park
• Williams Park
• Lassiter Mill Park
• Cedar Hills Park

5. Mordecai

• At a glance:
  • Location: 1.5 miles north of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Population (2024): 797
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $849,000

Located a mere 1.5 miles Northeast of downtown (25 minute walk) and just a bit north of Oakwood, Mordecai is Raleigh’s oldest neighborhood and one of the most well-known historic Raleigh neighborhoods dating back to the late 18th century. 

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 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.

The popularity of Mordecai has grown substantially in recent years as one of the best places to live in Raleigh for families due to its close proximity to the heart of Raleigh, peace and quiet, charm, and is popular with both families and young professionals.

It’s a relatively easy commute to Raleigh-Durham Airport and Research Triangle Park allowing residents the convenience and tranquility aspects of life and is also within walking distance of popular North Person Street.

Choose from single-family homes including Craftsman, American Foursquare and Grand Colonials, or townhomes and apartments. 

Mordecai is conveniently located close to two colleges, William Peace University and Saint Augustine’s University. If you’re looking for a great historic neighborhood close to downtown Raleigh, this is one of the best suburbs of Raleigh.

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 5 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 20 minutes
• Research Triangle Park (RTP): 25 minutes
• Durham: 30 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 35 minutes

Major Employers Nearby

• Red Hat
• Pendo
• Citrix
• WakeMed Hospital
• Wake County Government

Shopping & Grocery Stores

• Publix
• Food Lion
• Weaver Street Market
• Village District
• North Hills
• Costco
• Walmart

Restaurants

• Crawford & Son
• Oakwood Pizza Box
• SmokeStack Cafe
• Jolie
• Stanbury
• Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
• Yellow Dog Cafe

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Standard Beer + Food
• Pelagic Beer & Wine
• Person Street Bar
• William & Company
• Wine Authorities
• The Optimist Coffee Shop
• Yellow Dog Cafe

Parks & Playgrounds

• Mordecai Mini Park
• Mordecai Spring City Park
• Roanoke Park
• Lions Park
• Oakwood Dog Park

6. Cary

• At a glance:
  • Location: 8 miles west of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Population (2022): 180,388
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $684,500

The town of Cary is one of the 12 municipalities of Raleigh (located 15 minutes’ drive west of downtown Raleigh) and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the South, and one of the most popular places to live in Raleigh for families. 

Cary is home to renowned restaurants, great shopping, endless greenway trails and parks, wooded neighborhoods, culture and arts, and abundant outdoor and leisure activities.

A thriving community conveniently located in the heart of the Triangle area between Raleigh and Research Triangle Park (RTP), Cary is repeatedly ranked among the top regions in the country to live or work, to find a home or start a business, to raise a family or retire.

Like Raleigh, Cary has been named one of the Best Places to Live by Money Magazine, and continually ranks as one of the top 20 safest large cities nationally and the safest in the Southeast.

Cary is home to the global headquarters of SAS (the world’s leading business analytics software vendor), Epic Games (creator of the incredibly popular Fortnite game), and the home of USA Baseball National Training Complex, the North Carolina Football Club and North Carolina Courage pro soccer teams, and summer home of the North Carolina Symphony.

Home to many established communities, including Preston, the largest in the area, Cary is quite a sprawling area with many housing options at different price points, excellent schools, and downtown Cary is cute and thriving!

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 15 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 15 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 15 minutes
• Durham: 25 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 30 minutes

Major Employers Nearby

• SAS Institute (one of the largest employer in the Triangle)
• Epic Games
• DataFlux
• Wake County Public Schools
• Deutsche Bank
• American Airlines
• Lord Corp
• WakeMed Hospital
• Verizon
• John Deere
• Kellogg’s
• Siemens.

Shopping & Grocery Stores

• Crossroads Plaza
• Shoppes of Kildaire
• Fenton
• Park West Village
• New Waverly Place
• CaryVillage Square
• Macgregor Village
• Maynard Crossing
• South Hills Mall
• All the top grocery stores

Restaurants

• Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
• Di Fara Pizza
• Stellino’s Italiano
• MC Restaurants (Asian)
• Hanks downtown Dive
• Bosphorus (Turkish)
• Scratch Kitchen & Taproom
• Gonza Tacos y Tequila
• Rey’s Steakhouse
• La Farm Bakery
• Kababish (Indian)

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Bond Brothers Brewing
• Fortnight Brewing
• Triangle Brewing Co
• Cotton House Craft Brewers
• Abbey Road Tavern
• Woody’s Sports Tavern
• Crosstown Pub & Grille
• Mac’s Tavern
• Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
• Brew Coffee Shop

Parks & Playgrounds

• Fred G. Bond Metro Park
• Davis Drive Park
• Walnut Street Park
• Kids Together Playground
• Lazy Daze Playground

7. Apex

• At a glance:
  • Location: 13.8 miles Southwest of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Zip Codes: 27502, 27523, 27539
  • Population (2022): 71,065
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $649,900

Just a 25-minute drive Southwest from downtown Raleigh brings you to the cute and historic Apex, NC. Founded in the 1860s, Apex is centered around charming Salem Street and is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places – it features more than 60 commercial and residential structures dating from 1870 to 1940. 

As one of the most intact turn-of-the-century railroad towns, Apex got its name from a location at the highest point on the old Chatham Railroad and is the reason for its slogan “the peak of good living” and a growing, thriving town of over 40,000 people, yet still maintains that ‘small town’ feel.

Apex fosters a strong sense of community and celebrates a range of holidays and cultural events through annual festivals and events. Apex is regarded as a safe community and one of the best places in North Carolina for families. Parks are a major fixture offering everything from extensive greenway trails, sports fields, playgrounds and an excellent skate park.

This is definitely one of the best small towns in America to live in and we’re lucky to have it here in the Triangle region. Was previously voted #1 Best Place to Live in the US by Time/Money Magazine (2015), and a top 10 Best Towns for Families by Family Circle ( 2014). Read our guide on the 5 best neighborhoods in Apex.

Drive Times To: 

• Downtown Raleigh: 20 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 25 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 25 minutes
• Durham: 30 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 35 minutes

Major Employers Nearby

Apex is convenient to Research Triangle Park as well as downtown Raleigh and Durham, giving its residents nice access to all the employment opportunities in the Triangle area, especially west of Raleigh. 

• SAS Institute 
• Epic Games
• Wake County Public Schools (Cary)
• Dell
• Town of Apex
• SPS Corporation

Shopping & Grocery Stores

Apex is home to several shopping centers and most of the major grocery store outlets.

• Costco
• Beaver Creek Commons
• Preston Corners Shopping Center
• Beaver Creek Commons
• Lake Pine Plaza

Restaurants

• Scratch Kitchen & Taproom
• The Peak on Salem
• The Provincial
• Anna’s Pizzeria
• La Rancherita Mexican
• Salem Street Pub
• Daniel’s Restaurant
• J & S New York Pizza

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Salem Street Pub
• Peak of the Vine
• Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
• Abbey Road Tavern
• Common Grounds Coffee House
• Mission Market 

Parks & Playgrounds

• Apex Community Park
• Apex Nature Park
• Kelly Road Park
• Salem Pond Park

Living in Apex Videos

8. Holly Springs

• At a glance:
  • Location: 20 miles Southwest of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Zip Codes: 27539, 27540
  • Population (2022): 45,945
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $650,000

Holly Springs began as a crossroads located near fresh water springs and an abundance of holly trees, where travelers would stop to quench their thirst. And despite its recent growth, Holly Springs has kept its small-town vibe. 

Located 20 miles Southwest of downtown Raleigh near the NC-540 toll road and between Apex and Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs offers a relatively easy commute to RDU Airport, Research Triangle Park, and everything Cary and Apex has to offer. 

Home to a quaint downtown, natural beauty including plentiful parks, Bass Lake (a fully stocked 54-acre lake), local theater performances and visual arts at the Holly Springs Cultural Center, year round festivals and events, and the schools are regarded as some of the best in the Raleigh area. Holly Springs is a popular place to live in Raleigh for families

Holly Springs offers new homes in new communities with tree-lined streets and pedestrian-friendly design, plus older homes with character, two private golf courses, the largest family-oriented, year-round, action sports facility in the world (Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex), you can catch a game at Ting Park, featuring a nearly 2,000 seat stadium, which is home to the Holly Springs Salamanders and two college soccer teams hosted by Wake Futbol Club.

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 30 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 30 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 30 minutes
• Durham: 35 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 40 minutes

Major Employers Nearby

Nearby Research Triangle Park is home to many of the Triangle’s biggest employers, meanwhile the second-largest flu vaccine company in the world, Seqirus, has a production facility here:

• Seqirus
• FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (coming 2025)
• Novartis

Shopping & Grocery Stores

Holly Springs Towne Center is a large shopping destination, there’s a Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings, plus boutiques and cafes on Main Street.

• Holly Springs Towne Center 
• Sunset Lake Commons
• SouthPark Village
• Shoppes at Holly Springs
• Town Hall Commons
• Harris Teeter / Food Lion / Aldi / Lowe’s

Restaurants

• My Way Tavern
• Osha Thai Kitchen and Sushi
• Hickory Tavern
• Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant
• Blind Pelican Seafood House

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• My Way Tavern
• Bass Lake Draught House
• Shakey Raye’s Tavern
• Lovegrass Kitchen & Coffee

Parks & Playgrounds

• Ting Park
• Bass Lake Park
• Womble Park Athletic Fields
• Jones Park
• Veterans Park

9. Wake Forest 

• At a glance:
  • Location: 18 miles Northeast of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Zip Codes: 27587, 27588
  • Population (2022): 51,113
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $525,000

Located 18 miles Northeast of downtown Raleigh, Wake Forest is one of the best towns to live in North Carolina with kids (or without). A lovely small town with an historic downtown district that’s home to a charming and unique community of restaurants, shops and art galleries. 

The highly developed downtown community is tight knit and very walkable and plays host to a number of community events throughout the year that allows its residents to form relationships. Our guide to Downtown Wake Forest shares more.

The Wake Forest area is also filled with parks, playgrounds, and natural reserves including the popular E. Carroll Joyner Park which is a large natural space with miles of trails, an English garden, fishing, and an amphitheater. Also nearby is Falls Lake State Recreation Area, popular for boating, camping, cycling, hiking, and fishing. 

The town of Wake Forest is popular with families living in Raleigh due to its quality of life, its neighborhoods, and the benefit of it being within a relatively short drive to other major areas in the Triangle, and for those needing to commute to downtown or RTP. Also, the schools zoned to this area are regarded among the best in the state. 

For family entertainment, The Factory offers indoor soccer, an inflatable playground, miniature golf and go-carts, a skate park and ice rinks. And golfers enjoy Heritage Golf Club which offers top-flight golf throughout the year. 

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 35 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 35 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 40 minutes
• Durham: 40 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 55  minutes

Major Employers Nearby

Wake Forest is within a reasonable commute to downtown Raleigh, Durham and the Research Triangle Park

• CenturyLink
• PowerSecure
• Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems
• East Coast Drilling & Blasting

Shopping & Grocery Stores

• Wake Forest Crossing
• Gateway Commons
• Capital Plaza
• Wegmans, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Lowes, Aldi

Restaurants

• Over the Falls
• Gatehouse Tavern
• The Border Restaurant
• Amalia’s Italian

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Tonic Bar & Social Club
• White Street Brewing
• Norse Brewing
• Gatehouse Tavern
• Real McCoy’s
• Lonerider
• Pat Murnane’s Irish Pub

Parks & Playgrounds

• E. Carroll Joyner Park
• Wake Forest Sprayground
• Flaherty Park Community Center
• Smith Creek Park

Living in Wake Forest Video

10. Garner

• At a glance:
  • Location: 5.9 miles south of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Zip Codes: 27529, 27603
  • Population (2022): 33,669
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $419,200

Located just 15-minutes south of downtown Raleigh, Garner is a thriving community that’s easily accessible to I-40, Highway 70, and the rest of the Triangle area. Its convenient location and surprising affordability makes it attractive for families. You can get a good bang for your buck here and Garner’s liveability continues to improve.

The town of Garner is an idyllic suburban community known for its hometown character, historic downtown area, quiet neighborhoods, and residents enjoy a unique small-town atmosphere, and the town motto is “A Great Place to Be”.

The town was named an All-America City in 2013 because of innovative, citizen-led projects that improve the quality of life and expand educational and cultural opportunities for citizens of all ages. 

The small historical downtown and Main Street has some charm with historic brick storefronts and cottages, and the Town of Garner maintains over 400 acres of parkland, including 12 town parks (and two dog parks), and the impressive Lake Benson, a popular spot for picnics, fishing, canoeing and events.

Arts and culture enthusiasts enjoy the Garner Performing Arts Center which hosts performances from Broadway stars to  jazz musicians, and the annual events and festivals. 

Garner could be the right place for you if you’re looking for established neighborhoods, new construction communities, or even townhomes. 

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 15 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 25 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 30 minutes
• Durham: 35 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 45 minutes

Major Companies Nearby

Garner is a convenient place for commuters due to its location near downtown Raleigh and major highways. Major companies in Garner include:

• NSTAR Global Services
• Butterball
• Sigma Electric Manufacturing
• TCG Legacy Printing & Packaging

Shopping & Grocery Stores

White Oak Crossing serves as Garner’s premier shopping and dining destination. There is also a Costco 6.9 miles away:.

• White Oak Crossing
• Costco
• Garner Towne Square
• The Shops at Timber Landing
• Timber Crossing Shopping Center

Restaurants

• Angie’s Restaurant
• Carolina Ale House
• City Barbecue
• La Cocina Mexican
• Big Ed’s Garner

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Carolina Ale House
• Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill
• Krafty’s Burgers & Brews
• Trophy Brewing & Taproom
• Full Bloom Coffee Roasters
• Aversboro Coffee

Parks & Playgrounds

• Lake Benson Park
• South Garner Park
• Centennial Park
• North Garner Dog Park
• Historic Yates Mill County Park

11. Fuquay-Varina

• At a glance:
  • Location: 18 miles south of Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Zip Codes: 27526
  • Population (2022): 40,810
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $515,000

Located 35-minutes south of downtown Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina is a one-of-a-kind town (it was once two different towns – Fuquay Springs and Varina merged in 1963 to create the modern town) that has flourished into a family-friendly community.

The population has boomed by over 300% in the past 20 years and it’s one of the fastest growing towns in North Carolina!

Its significant growth is in part to its affordable homes, convenient location near Raleigh, Holly Springs and Garner, well regarded schools, and relaxed lifestyle.

Because of its history, residents can enjoy two historic downtown districts (Main Street and Broad Street) that offer vintage charm and history.

Fuquay-Varina also offers the chance for residents to stay active via its fair share of green spaces, parks, golf courses and trails (20 parks with more than 500 acres spread throughout the town) including Hilltop Needmore Park, a former golf course that’s home to miles of walking trails.

And a unique place to learn about its history is at Fuquay Mineral Spring Park.

The town also plays host to local festivals, a thriving art scene, a Growers Market, coffee shops, local boutique stores and restaurants, cool breweries and a vibrant atmosphere. 

Choose from new construction or move-in ready homes in established streets, and Fuquay’s location in the Triangle near Raleigh and recognition as a safe town makes it a practical suburb for commuters and great place to raise a family. 

Drive Times To

• Downtown Raleigh: 35 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 35 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 35 minutes
• Durham: 45 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 50 minutes

Major Companies

You could commute easily to Raleigh, RTP, Cary, Apex and Holly Springs areas, but a few of Fuquay-Varina’s top employers include:

• John Deere
• Wake County Public Schools
• TE Connectivity
• Bob Barker 

Shopping & Grocery Stores

• FUQUAY CROSSING
• Sexton Commons
• Hilltop Shopping Center
• Shoppes at Holly Springs

Restaurants

• Joyce & Family Restaurant
• Aviator Smokehouse
• Vicious Fishes Taproom & Kitchen
• Abbey Road Tavern
• Garibaldi Trattoria-Pizza- Pasta
• The Mason Jar Tavern
• Little Portugal
• Culver’s

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Vicious Fishes Taproom & Kitchen
• The Mason Jar Tavern
• Abbey Road Tavern
• The Brickhouse Bar & Grill
• Triple Barrel Tavern
• TCB – The Corner Biergarten & Bottle Shop
• Cultivate Coffee Roasters
• The Mill

Parks & Playgrounds

• Falcon Park
• Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park
• Library Park
• Action Park
• Fleming Loop Recreational Park
• Honeycutt Road Park

12. Knightdale

• At a glance:
  • Location: 13 miles east of Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Zip Codes: 27545
  • Population: 19,220
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $395,000

25 minutes east of Downtown Raleigh is Knightdale, one of the fastest growing towns in North Carolina. It feels far enough removed from the city but close enough to the major interstates like US-64, I-87, and I-540 that make accessing downtown Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, and Durham easy.

Kinghtdale is an affordable alternative, and whilst it may be small, this fast-growing community is known for its parks, community events, local businesses and well-known retailers, historic and new construction neighborhoods with beautiful homes of varying styles and price points.

Anderson Point Park and the Neuse River Trail are popular natural playgrounds, and Knightdales expansive parks and recreation system including the fabulous Knightdale Station Park boasting its own farmers market, amphitheater, playgrounds, sports courts, and splash pad adds to the liveability of the town. 

This is a growing hub for young families living in Raleigh as it offers all the convenience of being near the city in a quiet suburb and relaxed living, but within easy access to all the things in Raleigh-Durham.

Drive Times To: 

• Downtown Raleigh: 20 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 30 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 35 minutes
• Durham: 40 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 50 minutes

Major Companies Nearby

Living in Knightdale you have good access to downtown Raleigh and a relatively short commute to Research Triangle Park, Cary, Garner and Durham. Check out the Chamber of Commerce.

Shopping & Grocery Stores

• Knightdale Crossing Shopping Center
• Midtown Commons Shopping Center
• Shoppes at Midway Plantation
• Lowes Foods & Food Lion

Restaurants:

• Prime BBQ
• Craften Neighborhood Food Hall
• Grand Street Pizza
• El Señor Mexican Restaurant
• Saltgrass Steak House
• iPho Sushi Kitchen & Bar
• Slice of Ny Pizza

Bars/Breweries/Coffee shops:

• Oak City Brewing Company
• Bearded Bee Brewing Company
• The Taproom
• Overtime Sports Pub

Parks & playgrounds (just a small sample):

• Knightdale Station Park
• Anderson Point Park
• Knightdale Community Park
• Knightdale Parks & Recreation
• Wake Stone Athletic Park
• Hedingham Community Park

13. Boylan Heights

• At a glance:
  • Location: 1.8 miles east of downtown Raleigh
  • Map of neighborhood
  • Zip Codes: 27603
  • Population: 473
  • County: Wake County
  • Median home selling price: $1.3 million

Another historic neighborhood that’s grown increasingly popular over recent years is Boylan Heights, which is known for its classic architectural homes and laid-back lifestyle. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

It’s another expensive neighborhood because of its beautiful homes, which are mostly from the 1907 era when Dutch, Queen Annes and Foursquares architectural designs were popular.

Located west of downtown but still within walking distance of it, Boylan Heights is ideal for families wanting to be close to the action but far enough away that they can enjoy some peace and quiet.

If you have dogs, this neighborhood puts you within walking distance of Dorothea Dix Park, the largest park in Raleigh, and where you’ll find the biggest dog park in the city.

Although pricey, homes in this area are often swept up quickly and are always increasing in value due to their historic heritage.

Also in the area is CAM Raleigh (Contemporary Art Museum), Raleigh Convention Center and Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is just a short walk away. Read our guide to Boylan Heights.

Driving Distances To

• Downtown Raleigh: 7 minutes
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 23 minutes
• Research Triangle Park: 23 minutes
• Durham: 32 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 42 minutes

Shopping and Grocery Stores

• Weaver Street Market

Restaurants

• Sam Jones BBQ
• Berkeley Cafe
• Tuscan Blu Italian Restaurant
• The Pit Authentic Barbecue
• Parkside Restaurant
• Good Day Good Night

Bars/Breweries/Coffee Shops

• Vault craft beer
• Fat Munchiez
• A Place at the Table
• Black & White Coffee, at Videri Chocolate Factory
• Heirloom

Parks and Playgrounds

• Dorothea Dix Park
• Pullen Park
• Lenoir Street Park

Boylan Heights Neighborhood Video

Final Thoughts

There you have it, those are the best places for families to live in Raleigh. We personally feel they are really good neighborhoods in Raleigh to raise a family, and places we ourselves considered when we moved here.

You can’t go wrong with any of the areas, but of course, your budget, work situation, and family circumstances and needs have to be considered.

We love living in Raleigh for so many reasons; the incredible amount of trees and greenway trails, the welcoming Southern community, the college town vibes and facilities, the thriving restaurant scene and endless craft breweries, the culture, the climate, the festivals and events, the top schools and universities, the solid economy, the affordability, the family-friendly atmosphere, the entrepreneurial spirit and its central East Coast location (2 hours to the beach, 3 hours to the mountains).

No matter which of these neighborhoods speaks to you, we’re sure you’re going to love living in Raleigh as much as we do!

And if you have questions about Wake County Public Schools, go here to get expert tips from a local independent consultant to families!

More Raleigh Inspiration

Need some inspiration about moving to Raleigh? The following guides may be useful to you…

• Reasons we love living in Raleigh
• 45 interesting facts about Raleigh
• Things to do in Raleigh with kids
• Wake County Public Schools podcast
• Our home buying experience in Raleigh