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Best Areas to Live
in Raleigh NC

What are the best areas to live in Raleigh, NC? Raleigh might not be a big city, but it’s big enough that different areas of the city have very different and distinct vibes. Learn about the best areas of Raleigh NC below, and don’t miss our page on the Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh.

Living in Raleigh

Raleigh Homes for Sale

Raleigh Neighborhoods

Where in Raleigh do YOU Want to Live?

The BEST areas to live in Raleigh NC? Where you chose to live in Raleigh is really a matter of what kind of lifestyle you want to have. What do you want to be close to? Do you prefer an in-city vibe close to nightlife, or are you looking for a suburban feel with parks and greenways close by? Where do you want to shop for groceries? How walkable do you want your neighborhood to be? Do you need acreage? As always, we are happy to talk with you to discuss the best locations for your particular needs. Contact us here.

Jump to Raleigh Area

Inside the Beltline

Midtown

West Raleigh

Museum District

Umstead

East Raleigh

Village District

North Raleigh

South Raleigh


Where to live in Raleigh Videos.

Check out our two videos below that go into more detail about the different parts of Raleigh. If you want to know what the best area to live in Raleigh NC for you, you need to watch these!

Breaking down the different parts of Raleigh (Part 1)
The different areas of Raleigh (Part 2)

Inside the Beltline (ITB)

ITB (Inside the Beltline) is Raleigh's most prestigious areas.

ITB Homes for Sale

Inside the Beltline does not generally refer to all parts of Raleigh that are contained by the I-440 Beltline. It is roughly the area south of North Hills and North of Wade Avenue. This area is home to some of the most popular neighborhoods like Hayes Barton and Five Points.

ITB is characterized by older, more upscale homes, and by newer upscale homes that have replaced smaller homes built in the 50’s and 60’s. The areas is simply beautiful with tree lined streets and unique architecture. This part of Raleigh has the feel of some age on it, and is generally considered the most prestigious areas of Raleigh.


Midtown

North Hills, Raleigh NC.  This area has been redeveloped to be one of the best areas to live in Raleigh NC
The mixed use development of North Hills has changed the Raleigh landscape

Midtown Homes for Sale

“Midtown” is a relatively new name given the area around the North Hills Shopping District. In Midtown there are older homes from the 70’s and onward surrounding new mixed used developments that have really changed the look and feel of Raleigh.

Situated just north of the I-440 Beltline, Midtown residences give you easy access to downtown and great shopping and dinning both at North Hills and Crabtree. The North Hills Club provides swimming and Tennis and a Costco is just minutes away.


West Raleigh

The PNC Arena is right across the street from Carter-Finley Stadium.  West Raleigh is one of the best areas to live in Raleigh NC if sports are your thing.
The PNC Arena is right across the street from Carter-Finley Stadium

West Raleigh Homes for Sale

West Raleigh is dominated by NC State University. But here on the west side of town you will also find the NC Art Museum, the PNC Arena, Carter-Finley Stadium, REX Hospital, and the NC State Fairgrounds.

Living inside the I-440 loop in West Raleigh give you easy access to the up and coming Warehouse District and the shopping in the Village District.


Museum District/Downtown

Downtown Raleigh has apartments and condos as well as single family homes.

Museum District Homes for Sale

The Museum District is the central hub of downtown Raleigh. These homes provide easy access to the best restaurants,  the Historic District, Warehouse District and more!


Umstead

The Chainsaw Log in Umstead State Park
The Chainsaw Log in Umstead State Park

Umstead Homes for Sale

Adjacent to the nearly 6000 acre Umstead State Park, these homes are perfect for the outdoor enthusiast! On the north side of the park you will find newer developments that give you easy access to the trails into the park, while on the southern side of the park (in Cary) you can find a wide variety of homes from upscale neighborhoods to older established neighborhoods like Medfield. If you love to bike or hike, you should love being this close to Umstead.


East Raleigh

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in East Raleigh NC
The Krispy Kreme Challenge each year requires a run from NC State University to Krispy Kreme, eating a dozen doughnuts, and then running back to NC State. You get a T-shirt. Learn more about Raleigh here!

East Raleigh Homes for Sale

East Raleigh tends to refer to the area east of Capital Boulevard and south of the I-440 Beltline. The historic neighborhoods of Mordecai and Oakwood are popular for their convenience to downtown, and have seen a lot of revitalization in recent years.

The famous Krispy Kreme shop is just north of downtown in this area.


Village District

The Village District Shopping has many boutique and high end shops.
Village District Shopping

Homes for Sale in the Village District

Formerly known as Cameron Village, the Village District sits just north of NC State and is centered on the shopping district there. You will find lots of boutique shopping as well as new mixed use retail and residential here.


North Raleigh

Lafayette Village in North Raleigh
Lafayette Village Shopping in North Raleigh

North Raleigh Homes for Sale

North Raleigh is a popular suburb for those wanting to live outside the city, but still be close to everything. With excellent schools, and a well established parks and greenways system, North Raleigh is a great place to live!

The Annie Louise Nature Preserve is in North Raleigh, and the North Ridge Country Club is a popular neighborhood with a wide variety of home types.


South Raleigh

The NC State Farmer's Market in South Raleigh
The North Carolina State Farmer’s Market is in South Raleigh.

South Raleigh Homes for Sale

South Raleigh can either mean the area south of downtown, to include places like the NC State Farmer’s Market, Pullen Park, and Dorthea Dix park, or the large unincorporated areas south of the I-440 Beltline. Homes south of the Beltline tend to sit on larger lots. So if you are looking for space, this might be where to look.

Local developer John Kane has begun a new project in South Raleigh and many hope that it will eventually house a soccer stadium. Whatever happens, South Raleigh is an area on the rise.

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