From bustling downtown districts to upscale suburbs, North Carolina’s booming capital city has something for everyone.
Raleigh has experienced explosive growth during the last decade, reaching a population of around 465,000. North Carolina’s capital city has become very attractive to young professionals, millennials looking to buy their first homes for sale in Raleigh, and families looking for community-oriented places to live.
Raleigh is known as the “City of Oaks” because of the gorgeous oak trees lining the streets throughout and for its historic downtown. Raleigh offers a nice blend of Southern charm with a modern economy robust in technology and healthcare. This bustling city is home to North Carolina State University and is part of the famed Research Triangle, with Duke University in Durham and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
New residents looking to buy Raleigh real estate have a wide number of neighborhoods and suburbs to choose from, each with its distinct atmosphere and lifestyle. Among these neighborhoods are Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Oakwood, Downtown, Sanford, New Hill, Glenwood, and Avent.
Home Prices in Raleigh
As Raleigh’s popularity has increased steadily, home prices have risen about 50% in the last five years, with a 28% growth in the past year alone. Currently, Raleigh is one of North Carolina’s most expensive cities for real estate investment. Although prices are up, Raleigh is considered a buyer’s market, meaning there are more homes for sale than there are buyers.
Work with an Experienced Raleigh Real Estate Agent
In a city, the size of Raleigh, the critical first step in your home-buying process is to hire a trusted real estate agent with a proven track record. The best agents have several years of experience in guiding clients through the process of buying Raleigh real estate and know all the pricing trends and specific characteristics of the local real estate market. Once you’ve hired a great agent, they’ll begin identifying properties well suited to your budget, wants and needs, and ideal location.
As you prepare to look into relocating to Raleigh, here are some up-and-coming neighborhoods to consider.
Downtown
The revitalized downtown is an ideal location for young professionals to purchase one of the condos for sale in Raleigh. The lively district includes the State Capitol, the Warehouse District, the Duke Energy Center, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Head to Fayette Street for an exciting restaurant and bar scene, and the nearby Historic City Market offers more selections for dining and shopping variety.
Oakwood
Oakwood is a historic district a few blocks northeast of downtown which epitomizes the history of “The City of Oaks”. Its leafy streets are lined with stately restored Victorians, Craftsman, and Queen Annes, cultivating a breathtaking residential experience unique to Raleigh. The neighborhood dates back to the Civil War era and is steeped in American tradition and southern charm.
Five Points
This neighborhood north of downtown features a mix of contemporary developments and old, stately single-family homes reminiscent of Raleigh’s grand history. The quiet and residential feel of Five Points offers a great deal of privacy and is the ideal location to raise a family. This walkable neighborhood has a high density of green spaces, including the ten acres of forest and picnic areas of Fallon Park and the refreshing stream and rentable outdoor kitchen of Kiwanis Park. Properties in Five Points are also within a short distance of a variety of excellent restaurants, including the highly rated Bloomsbury Bistro, NOFO @ the Pig, and the flamboyantly decorated Lola’s Beach Bar.
Cary
With a vibrant cultural and arts scene, a variety of outdoor spaces, and a mid-sized population of 166,000, Cary is one of the most impressive metropolitan centers in the area. The majority of homes for sale in Cary are generously sized contemporary single-family houses, often with an attached garage. Many feature expansive plot sizes which are perfect for families to enjoy the outdoors while remaining close to home.
Residents of Cary are not lacking in things to do. The outdoor Koka Booth Amphitheater holds concerts throughout the year of top-tier artists and evening film screenings during the summer months. The nearby USA Baseball National Training Complex is one of the best places to enjoy America’s favorite pastime, and the town regularly hosts a variety of events including a Holiday Concert Series, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, and a plethora of classes, lectures, and more at the Cary Arts Center. Named one of the country’s “Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine, Cary is worthy of anyone’s consideration when relocating to Raleigh.
Apex
Apex is both one of the most historic towns in the area and one of its up-and-coming suburbs. A former railroad town located southwest of downtown Raleigh, this neighborhood features a small-town feel with a population of nearly 54,000.
Apex is on the National Historic District Registry and boasts sixty residential and commercial buildings constructed between 1870 and 1940, anchored by the Apex Union Depot – an iconic example of Victorian architecture. Few places in America feature such a high density of old cultural heritage, and owning property in Apex is like owning a bit of history.
The town boasts a remarkable, award-winning restaurant scene. Superb Neapolitan-style pizza can be enjoyed at the husband-and-wife-owned Pizzeria Faulisi. Authentic coke floats, hot dogs, and other classic American favorites are served at Ashworth Drugs, a neighborhood highlight operating nonstop since 1957. Apex real estate owners can also treat themselves to a wide range of craft beers, IPAS, and specialized stouts at the Fortnight Brewing Company.
Holly Springs
Named after the holly trees branching out above freshwater springs which still flow into ponds and creeks today, Holly Springs is another up-and-coming suburb just southwest of Raleigh. This family-friendly community offers a variety of house options and ambiance to choose from.
12 Oaks is an upscale golfing community with access to a full-service clubhouse, a pool, exercise facilities, and a manicured fairway. Woodcreek, with convenient access to the Holly Springs Towne Center and the town of Apex, is a more active neighborhood with a range of shopping and dining experiences a short distance away. The nearby Westcott and Holly Glen neighborhoods feature spacious single-family homes on large lots, and all areas offer short commutes to work, shopping centers, and the airport.
Morrisville
Morrisville is a bit farther out, located between Raleigh and Durham. With a population of about 27,000, it is considered one of the best places to live in the metro area and a great place for growing families. Owners of Raleigh real estate in Morristown enjoy the dynamic culture and opportunities afforded by their location in the Research Triangle on top of the high quality of life Raleigh is known for. Morrisville offers its residents plenty of green areas to enjoy the outdoors. Lake Crabtree County Park in particular is a highlight, featuring boat rentals, a playground, and plenty of trails for hiking on the shores of the 520-acre lake.
Brier Creek
The modern suburb of Brier Creek is also located in the research triangle and contains thousands of single family homes and condos built in the 1990s. More upscale options are available as well at the Brier Creek Country Club which offers estates and luxury single-family homes and condos.
In Brier Creek, residents get the best of both worlds. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful with access to an impressive Arnold Palmer-designed golf course while being only a short drive from downtown Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and several other bustling urban areas. If you are interested in learning more about Raleigh neighborhoods or Raleigh homes for sale, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Cindy Poole Roberts.
