Raleigh, North Carolina

City Of Oaks

Looklyloo Score: 89

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NCSU

College Students

Raleigh isn’t a “college town” in the traditional sense, meaning one dominated by a University, but there are a ton of schools here with NC State the one with the largest student body. Cameron Village is a great neighborhood for NC State students although conversion of apartments to condos has driven up pricing beyond many budgets. Just west of Downtown it has an amazing outdoor shopping center, close access to all the bars one could ever want to visit, and still some reasonable rentals for the student budget. Glenwood South is another interesting option for collegiates. It’s the entertainment district of Raleigh so if you plan to go out a lot then a short walk to the bars, breweries, restaurants and nightclubs is nice. Renovations of warehouses have resulted in plenty of apartments and lofts for the kiddos to rent.

  • NCSU
  • Cameron Village
  • Glenwood South

Warehouse District

Young Professionals

It probably goes without saying that Downtown is the area most young professionals target when they move to Raleigh. The Warehouse District in Downtown is one of the hottest spots, with six full blocks dedicated to converted warehouses filled with apartments, condos, lofts, restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and a growing group of tech firms that offer short walks to work. If you truly want to be part of the party then also check out Glenwood South. Also filled with rental and condo purchase options it is the entertainment center of Raleigh.

  • Warehouse District
  • Glenwood South
  • Oakwood

Historic Oakwood

DINKs/SINKs

Oakwood is a historic district has the most magnificent oak trees and Grand Victorians in the city. It also has cool bungalows from the 1920’s so if your taste runs to restoring a Victorian or a bungalow this neighborhood is “choice”. It’s also only 1 mile east of downtown Raleigh so you get all the escape you might be ready for without abandoning your more adventurous youth.

  • Historic Oakwood
  • Cameron Park
  • Cameron Village
  • Mordecai

Boylan Heights

Families

Boylan Heights is a really interesting neighborhood to start your search. It’s one of the first planned communities filled with craftsman bungalows, Queen Anne and Dutch Colonials all towered over by the city's trademark Oaks. It’s also a 10 minute walk to downtown so if raising the kiddos in a suburban vibe place but with walkable access to civic and social activities is more your speed then look at Boylan Heights. The Five Points neighborhoods offer a bit more of a retreat from downtown if that is your preference. Look at Hayes Barton if stunning homes, beautiful greenways, great schools and plenty of open park areas is more your speed.

  • Boylan Heights
  • Five Points Neighborhoods / Hayes Barton
  • North Hills

Brier Creek

Retirees

Raleigh isn’t a retirement location like say the Phoenix Metro but the weather, outdoor lifestyle, great healthcare and reasonable cost of living means plenty come (or stay) anyway. Neighborhoods that are popular for retirees include Boylan Heights, for those who want great homes and a quiet area but close proximity to downtown. Brier Creek is the suburban alternative: Newer homes and condos keep the maintenance responsibilities to a minimum and the Brier Creek Country Club is ideal for the golfer, tennis player, swimmer and socializers out there.

  • Boylan Heights
  • Brier Creek
  • Lassiter Mill
  • Oakwood