Raleigh can be a city with thriving nightlife, unique historic architecture, and unique culinary options on every corner. Or, it can be quiet and suburban, with access to city parks and great schools. This Raleigh neighborhood guide outlines the city’s unique neighborhoods and the varied lifestyles they provide. 
Reputation: Historic, peaceful, families and professionals
Hotspots: Boylan Bridge Brewpub, Boulted Bread
The winding streets of Boylan Heights are lined with trees and Craftsman bungalows. A walk through this peaceful neighborhood gives one a glimpse into the history of Raleigh architecture. Boylan Heights residents are often seen chatting on their front porches or walking their dogs along the hilly streets on their way to a local bakery. Community events like the annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk bring this community even closer together. A nearby Raleigh Amtrak station gives commuters options, and the proximity to nearby downtown neighborhoods gives residents more nightlife options.
Reputation: Suburban, convenient, established families
Hotspots: Brier Creek Commons, Brier Creek Country Club
Brier Creek is perfect for those who love Raleigh, but don’t really want to live in a major city. Newer construction homes and condos line the suburban streets. Big box stores are all a quick drive away, and the Brier Creek Country Club provides outdoor recreation. Though the Raleigh-Durham International Airport borders Brier Creek, it’s not directly in the flight path of most planes, so residents experience little noise pollution.
Reputation: Beautiful historic homes, good schools, families
Hotspots:David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar, Edna Metz Wells Park
Bordered by Hillsborough Street, the historic neighborhood of Cameron Park has plenty of amenities while maintaining a quaint, residential vibe. Excellent schools, the proximity to North Carolina State University, and Edna Metz Wells Park draw families to the area, while the gorgeous historic homes draw architecture enthusiasts of all ages. The close proximity to downtown neighborhoods and Cameron Village Shopping Center allows residents to access all the action and amenities quickly, while enjoying the peace and quiet of a residential community on a daily basis.
Reputation: Convenient, affordable, young professionals and families
Hotspots: Cameron Village Shopping Center, Village Draft House
Separated from Cameron Park by the Cameron Village Shopping Center, Cameron Village is a little less historic but a little more affordable. Nice starter homes sit on large lots, giving the neighborhood a more suburban vibe. However, Cameron Village Shopping Center provides plenty of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants for residents to enjoy and access to public transportation. The Cameron Village Public Library is easily accessible, as is Harris Teeter.
Reputation: Government employees, tourists, young professionals
Hotspots: State Capitol, NC History Museum, Big Daddy’s Burger Bar
The Capital District is the heart of downtown Raleigh. Home to the State Capitol building, government offices, and excellent museums, it’s the perfect place for ambitious young professionals to make their mark. With dozens of dining and entertainment options, the day doesn’t end after work is over. The streets are always vibrant and alive with residents and tourists alike.
Reputation: Students, college grads, families
Hotspots: Raleigh Little Theater, Rose Garden, Mitch’s Tavern
Bordered by Cameron Village Shopping Center and Hillsborough Street, there’s always plenty to do in Fairmont. For outdoor activities, Fairmont residents rely on nearby Isabella Cannon Park and the Rose Garden. Affordable prices and the proximity to Meredith College and North Carolina State University draw students and professors to this cozy, historic neighborhood.
Reputation: Cosmopolitan, young professionals, lively
Hotspots: Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque, Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen
There’s always action on Fayetteville Street, whether it’s business people rushing to work during the day, or young bar-hoppers at night. This central downtown neighborhood is easily walked and biked, making it a perfect spot for young professionals. Fayetteville Street is home to several music venues, art galleries, and City Plaza, where outdoor festivals are often held. There’s never any shortage of entertainment in this vibrant, lively hub.
Reputation: Central hub in the suburbs, families, young professionals
Hotspots: Hayes Barton Cafe, Ambassador Entertainment, The Point Restaurant and Bar
Five Points is made up of several suburban Raleigh neighborhoods that come together at Glenwood Avenue, where all the action is. If you’re living at the intersection of Five Points, you can expect several great dining options, convenient shopping, and excellent public transportation. The further you get from the center, the more suburban and residential the area feels.
Reputation: Hipsters, young professionals, up-and-coming, nightlife
Hotspots: Lucky B’s, Moonlight Pizza Company, Shop Local Raleigh
Once filled with warehouses, Glenwood South is now a hip area with a variety of restaurants and retail. There are always dozens of options for shopping and eating within walking distance. New condos and apartments are popping up daily in this up-and-coming district.
Reputation: Families, retirees, green spaces
Hotspots: Crabtree Creek, Lassiter Mill
Lassiter Mill is a gorgeous hidden gem along Crabtree Creek. This residential neighborhood and historic mill of the same name offers plenty of green space for the families and retirees that make up this community to enjoy. Though there’s little in the way of dining, shopping, or nightlife in the neighborhood, the close-knit community vibe and beautiful views more than make up for it.
Reputation: Historic, eclectic, independent businesses
Hotspots: Busy Bee Cafe, Lincoln Theater, Moore Square Park
Moore Square, named after the park of the same name, is a quiet historic district in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Sidewalk cafes along the charming City Market’s cobblestone streets offer a peaceful retreat for hurried business people in neighboring downtown districts during lunch hour, and Moore Square Park is a hub for outdoor activities and events. Galleries, shopping, entertainment venues, and restaurants are all easy to walk to in this quaint yet bustling neighborhood.
Reputation: Historic, affordable, families, young professionals
Hotspots: Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom, Stanbury, Mordecai Historic Park
Quaint, affordable, and historic are the main draws of Raleigh’s oldest neighborhood, Mordecai, but the list doesn’t end there. Mordecai is close to William Peace University, has a lovely public park for outdoor activity, and has a highly rated elementary charter school. Mordecai is also an easy commute to downtown Raleigh via Mordecai’s excellent public transportation options, but offers all the peace and quiet you’d expect from a charming historic neighborhood.
Reputation: Suburban oasis close to urban action, families
Hotspots: The Circle at North Hills, Mia Francesca, Croquette Brasserie
Raleigh’s North Hills are expansive and made up of several subdivisions, but at the center, between Six Forks Road and Lannister Mill Road is The Circle at North Hills. Inside is an expansive outdoor mall, local and big box stores, nightlife and dining options, and occasional live outdoor events. Peaceful, pretty, residential areas with an almost suburban vibe surround this hub for activity. In much of North Hills, you’ll likely see families out for a walk or playing at Eastgate Park.
Reputation: Suburban, close-knit, friendly neighbors, families
Hotspots: Triangle Town Center, Spring Forest Road Park
Northeast Raleigh is another expansive area made up of several subdivisions and anchored by a major shopping center, Triangle Town Center. The area contains many parks, including Spring Forest Road Park, Buffalo Road Athletic Park, and Green Road Park and Community Center where families who populate the area congregate on warm Raleigh days. Goose Creek and surrounding ponds are the perfect place to cool off during the summer. The area also has several private and public schools. The overall feeling of Northeast Raleigh is suburban, but close-knit.
Reputation: Historic, families, close to downtown
Hotspots: PieBird, Side Street Restaurant, Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood is a historic Raleigh neighborhood that borders downtown. The quiet residential streets with gorgeous architecture are just a five-minute stroll away from all the amenities and nightlife of downtown Raleigh neighborhoods, but walking through Oakwood feels like stepping back in time. If you can get past the fact that it’s a cemetery, Historic Oakwood Cemetery is filled with mature trees, and can be a beautiful, shady, and of course, quiet, place to escape the heat, and Oakwood Park is the perfect place to take your dog on a walk.
Reputation: large state park, families, tons of outdoor activities
Hotspots: William B. Umstead State Park
Bordered by the almost-suburban Brier Creek, the area surrounding Umstead State Park is full of affordable townhomes and new construction condos that are perfect for young families, and stately manors for the established set. Unlike Brier Creek to the North, the area surrounding Umstead State Park has very few dining or shopping options. However, it’s a nature lover’s paradise, with a backyard that has over 5,400 acres to explore.
Reputation: Quiet, suburban, families, affordable
Hotspots: Wade Cafe, Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest
If you’re looking for safe, quiet, and suburban, Wade is an excellent choice. This Raleigh neighborhood is close to the North Carolina Museum of Art, has wide tree-lined streets and affordable homes, and a few local businesses serve the area. Wade is also close to the Carter-Finley Stadium and PNC Arena if you want entertainment options close to your peaceful cul-de-sac. For nature enthusiasts, Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest borders Wade Avenue.
Reputation: Trendy, hipsters, young professionals, artsy
Hotspots: Pit BBQ Restaurant, The Saturday Market, Contemporary Art Museum
The red brick warehouses of Raleigh’s Warehouse District are finding a second life as trendy, updated lofts, hip bars and restaurants, and art galleries. This easy-to-walk neighborhood in downtown Raleigh is also just blocks away from neighboring Glenwood South and Fayetteville Street. The independent, eclectic vibe of this neighborhood makes it an attractive option for hipsters, artists, young singles, and professionals.
Know Raleigh? Tell us your favorite neighborhood in the comments below!
