Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, for Every Buyer

by Jamie Gonzalez

Raleigh is the capital of a fast-growing region, and its neighborhoods reflect that mix. Inside the Beltline, tree-shaded streets, bungalows, and old shopping districts sit a short drive from downtown. Farther north, newer communities trade walkability for space, schools, and lower prices. The right pick depends on your commute, your budget, and how you like to spend a Saturday. We scored 24 Raleigh neighborhoods on Movoto data and public sources so you can compare them side by side.

Key takeaways

Best overall: Cameron Village (7.9), followed by Mordecai, Glenwood South, Laurel Hills, and Hayes Barton.
Best for commuters: Forest Hills, with Cameron Village and Budleigh next.
Best for families: Southeast Raleigh, then Budleigh and Laurel Hills.
Best for young professionals: Cameron Village, Forest Hills, and Glenwood South.
Best value: Glen Eden, North Raleigh, and North Hills.
Best for luxury buyers: Hayes Barton, Glenwood, and Five Points.
Best for pet owners: Downtown Raleigh, Forest Hills, and Cameron Village.

How we ranked Raleigh’s neighborhoods

Each neighborhood received a 0 to 10 score on affordability, price appreciation, school quality, safety, walkability, food and dining, kid-friendliness, and commute time. Movoto supplied the walk, food, kid, and pet scores, prices, and GreatSchools ratings. We added 2025 incident reports from the Raleigh Police Department, commute times from the American Community Survey, and 2025 appreciation from FHFA ZIP-code price indexes. Each “best for” list reweights those scores for that audience, and the score beside each neighborhood is its score for that list. Full methodology is at the end.

Best Raleigh neighborhoods overall

1. Cameron Village (score 7.9)

Average price: $300K | Walk score: 72 | Average commute: about 19 minutes

A walkable, central neighborhood with a short commute and some of the lowest prices inside the Beltline.

Cameron Village is anchored by the Cameron Village shopping district, one of the region’s oldest, with boutiques, restaurants, and a grocery store that residents can walk to. Cameron Park and the Raleigh Little Theatre’s rose garden are close, and the Hillsborough Street corridor and NC State’s campus are a short ride. Downtown is minutes away, and the average commute is among the shortest in our data. Many homes are condos and apartments, which helps keep the average price down.

Ready to live where you can walk to dinner? Browse homes for sale in Cameron Village or see Cameron Village market trends.

2. Mordecai (score 7.7)

Average price: $858K | Walk score: 65 | Average school rating: 6.3/10

A historic neighborhood next to downtown with strong appreciation and a lively Person Street corridor.

Mordecai grew up around Historic Mordecai Park, where a plantation-era house and grounds are open to visitors. Person Street’s restaurants, bars, and shops are within walking distance, and the neighborhood is a short bike ride from downtown’s museums and the Capitol. Streets are lined with early-1900s bungalows and larger historic homes, and the 2025 appreciation figure was one of the best in our set.

Want historic character near downtown? Explore homes for sale in Mordecai or Mordecai market trends.

3. Glenwood South (score 7.1)

Average price: $233K | Walk score: 86 | Food score: 84

Raleigh’s nightlife and dining district, with condo living at the lowest price among walkable neighborhoods.

Glenwood South packs bars, restaurants, rooftop patios, and music venues along Glenwood Avenue, with the Warehouse District and Moore Square a short walk away. Most housing is in mid-rise and high-rise condos, which keeps prices low. Crime per resident looks high because far more visitors pass through than live in the district.

Ready for city living on a budget? See homes for sale in Glenwood South and Glenwood South market trends.

4. Laurel Hills (score 7.1)

Average price: $700K | Average school rating: 6.7/10 | Kid score: 65

Quiet streets and strong schools in northwest Raleigh, with low crime and good appreciation.

Laurel Hills is a residential neighborhood of mid-century homes on wooded lots, close to Crabtree Valley Mall and the restaurants along Glenwood Avenue. William B. Umstead State Park’s trails are a short drive, and the neighborhood has its own park and community center. Its walk score is low, so most errands are by car, but its safety and school scores keep it near the top.

Looking for a quiet street near Umstead State Park? Browse homes for sale in Laurel Hills or Laurel Hills market trends.

5. Hayes Barton (score 7.0)

Average price: $1.22M | Walk score: 59 | Average commute: about 19 minutes

One of Raleigh’s most established neighborhoods, with low crime and a short commute.

Hayes Barton is known for its stately 1920s and 1930s homes, wide lots, and a tight-knit community. A small village of shops and restaurants along Fairview Road, including a classic neighborhood café, is steps from many homes, and Cameron Village and downtown are a few minutes away. Active listings are thin, so expect competition.

Ready for one of Raleigh’s classic addresses? See homes for sale in Hayes Barton and Hayes Barton market trends.

Best neighborhoods in Raleigh for commuters

Weighted toward commute time, then walkability and safety.

Raleigh’s commutes depend on how close you live to the Beltline and downtown. The neighborhoods below keep the average trip near 18 to 20 minutes.

1. Forest Hills (score 8.7)

Average price: $710K | Average commute: about 18 minutes

The shortest average commute in our set, with a walk score of 70.

Forest Hills sits just west of Cameron Village and is a short drive from downtown, NC State, and the Beltline. Its quiet streets and mid-century homes feel residential, but the shops and restaurants of Cameron Village and Hillsborough Street are close. Only a few homes were listed when we pulled data, so supply is tight.

Want the shortest ride to work? Browse homes for sale in Forest Hills and Forest Hills market trends.

2. Cameron Village (score 8.2)

Average price: $300K | Average commute: about 19 minutes

A central location with walkable errands and quick access to downtown.

Cameron Village is minutes from downtown, NC State, and the Beltline, and many residents walk or bike to work and errands. Dinner and groceries are in the neighborhood, so the commute home is easy.

Ready to skip the traffic? See homes for sale in Cameron Village or Cameron Village market trends.

3. Budleigh (score 7.7)

Average price: $799K | Average commute: about 18 minutes

A quiet, central neighborhood with one of the lowest crime rates in our data.

Budleigh is a residential area near Five Points and Cameron Village, with a short drive to downtown and the Beltline. Tree-lined streets and low crime give it a calm feel, and shops and restaurants are a few minutes away.

Explore homes for sale in Budleigh or Budleigh market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Hayes Barton (score 7.7)

Hayes Barton ties Budleigh on score, with a 19-minute average commute and a village of shops on Fairview Road. See homes for sale in Hayes Barton.

Best neighborhoods in Raleigh for schools and families

Weighted toward school ratings, safety, and kid-friendliness.

Families in Raleigh often pick between close-in neighborhoods with older homes and larger lots farther out. The picks below combine solid school ratings with low crime and high kid scores.

1. Southeast Raleigh (score 9.0)

Average price: $346K | Average school rating: 6.3/10 | Kid score: 95

The highest kid score in our set and one of the lowest prices, with a mid-range school average.

Southeast Raleigh’s score is driven by its kid score of 95 and its low prices rather than the highest school ratings, so check school assignments carefully. The neighborhood is close to the Neuse River Greenway and local parks, and it is a short drive from downtown. Active listings were plentiful, so buyers have choices.

Looking for space at a lower price? Browse homes for sale in Southeast Raleigh or Southeast Raleigh market trends.

2. Budleigh (score 7.8)

Average price: $799K | Average school rating: 6.0/10 | Kid score: 81

A high kid score, very low crime, and a central location.

Budleigh’s quiet, tree-lined streets and low crime make it a comfortable place to raise children, with Five Points, Cameron Village, and downtown a short drive away. The commute averages under 18 minutes.

Ready for a calm street close to everything? See homes for sale in Budleigh and Budleigh market trends.

3. Laurel Hills (score 7.8)

Average price: $700K | Average school rating: 6.7/10 | Kid score: 65

Strong school ratings and very low crime in northwest Raleigh.

Laurel Hills has wooded lots and a neighborhood park and community center, with Crabtree Valley Mall and William B. Umstead State Park close. Families get quiet streets and good schools at a lower price than the close-in neighborhoods.

Explore homes for sale in Laurel Hills or Laurel Hills market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Hayes Barton (score 7.7) and Brier Creek (score 7.5)

Hayes Barton offers strong schools and a short commute at a higher price. Brier Creek, in northwest Raleigh near the airport, has the highest school average in our set (6.7) and lower prices, with Lake Crabtree County Park close by. See homes for sale in Hayes Barton or homes for sale in Brier Creek.

Best neighborhoods in Raleigh for young professionals

Weighted toward walkability, dining, commute, and affordability.

If your weekends involve restaurants, patios, and concerts, these neighborhoods put the most within reach for the money.

1. Cameron Village (score 8.6)

Average price: $300K | Walk score: 72 | Food score: 85

Walkable shops, restaurants, and a short commute at a low price.

Cameron Village’s shopping district has a mix of local restaurants, boutiques, and a movie theater within walking distance, and the Hillsborough Street bars are a short ride. Many buildings offer pools and gyms, and downtown is minutes away.

Ready to live where everything is close? Browse homes for sale in Cameron Village and Cameron Village market trends.

2. Forest Hills (score 8.6)

Average price: $710K | Walk score: 70 | Commute: about 18 minutes

The shortest commute in the set and strong walkability.

Forest Hills offers a quieter setting than the downtown core, but Cameron Village’s restaurants and Hillsborough Street’s nightlife are minutes away. It suits professionals who want a house and a yard without a long drive.

See homes for sale in Forest Hills or Forest Hills market trends.

3. Glenwood South (score 8.4)

Average price: $233K | Walk score: 86 | Food score: 84

Raleigh’s nightlife district, at the lowest price among the top picks.

Glenwood South has bars, restaurants, and music venues along Glenwood Avenue, with the Warehouse District and Moore Square close by. Condo living means amenities like pools and gyms, and downtown offices are a short walk.

Want to live in the middle of it? Explore homes for sale in Glenwood South or Glenwood South market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Downtown Raleigh (score 8.2) and Hayes Barton (score 7.8)

Downtown Raleigh has a perfect 100 walk score, with Fayetteville Street, Moore Square, and the state museums. Hayes Barton offers a quieter setting with a short commute. See homes for sale in Downtown Raleigh or homes for sale in Hayes Barton.

Best value neighborhoods in Raleigh

Weighted toward affordability, appreciation, and amenities per dollar.

Raleigh has one of the region’s strongest housing markets, so value comes from finding where prices are low relative to appreciation and amenities.

1. Glen Eden (score 9.1)

Average price: $495K | 2025 appreciation: 3.0%

Low prices, strong appreciation, and a low crime index in northwest Raleigh.

Glen Eden is close to Crabtree Valley Mall and the Glenwood Avenue corridor, with quick access to the Beltline and downtown. Prices are well below Hayes Barton and Cameron Village, and appreciation was among the highest in our set. Only one home was listed when we pulled our data.

Ready to buy near Crabtree for less? Browse homes for sale in Glen Eden and Glen Eden market trends.

2. North Raleigh (score 9.1)

Average price: $519K | 2025 appreciation: 3.7%

The strongest appreciation in our set, with the widest choice of homes.

North Raleigh offers newer subdivisions, shopping along Falls of Neuse Road, and quick access to the Neuse River Greenway and Falls Lake. It had the most active listings of any neighborhood we scored, so buyers have the widest choice.

Want more home for your budget? See homes for sale in North Raleigh or North Raleigh market trends.

3. North Hills (score 8.8)

Average price: $700K | 2025 appreciation: 3.7%

A mixed-use district with strong appreciation and low crime.

North Hills is built around a walkable district of restaurants, shops, and entertainment, with apartments and townhomes above and around it. A greenway and park space give residents room to walk, and the Beltline is nearby.

Explore homes for sale in North Hills or North Hills market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Laurel Hills (score 8.8) and Cameron Village (score 8.7)

Laurel Hills combines strong schools with a $700K average price, and Cameron Village offers walkable living at $300K. See homes for sale in Laurel Hills or homes for sale in Cameron Village.

Best luxury neighborhoods in Raleigh

Neighborhoods qualified if the average price was at least $1 million, or $550 per square foot and $750,000 or more. Six met the threshold.

1. Hayes Barton (score 7.1)

Average price: $1.22M | Median price per sq ft: $541

Raleigh’s classic luxury address, with a short commute and low crime.

Hayes Barton’s historic homes sit on wide, tree-covered lots, with a small village of shops and restaurants along Fairview Road. Cameron Village, Five Points, and downtown are all minutes away, and the neighborhood has a long-established sense of community.

Ready for a historic address? Browse homes for sale in Hayes Barton or Hayes Barton market trends.

2. Glenwood (score 6.7)

Average price: $2.17M | Median price per sq ft: $492

Large homes with very low crime and a short commute.

Glenwood is an upscale neighborhood along the Glenwood Avenue corridor, close to Crabtree Valley Mall, North Hills, and Five Points. Large lots and custom homes give it a private feel, and the average commute is about 19 minutes.

See homes for sale in Glenwood and Glenwood market trends.

3. Five Points (score 6.5)

Average price: $1.3M | Kid score: 81

A central, village-style neighborhood with a high kid score and very low crime.

Five Points offers a walkable hub of shops and restaurants surrounded by established homes, with Hayes Barton, Cameron Village, and downtown nearby. The average commute is about 21 minutes.

Explore homes for sale in Five Points or Five Points market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Bloomsbury (score 6.3)

Average price: $1.1M

Bloomsbury is a quiet neighborhood near Five Points with a short commute and low crime. See homes for sale in Bloomsbury.

Best neighborhoods in Raleigh for pet owners

Weighted toward the Movoto pet score, walkability, safety, and dog-friendly amenities. Tree cover was not available for Raleigh, so it is not included.

1. Downtown Raleigh (score 8.6)

Pet score: 93 | Walk score: 100

The highest walk score in our set, with green space and dog-friendly patios nearby.

Downtown has Moore Square and many patios that welcome pets, and Dorothea Dix Park, with open fields and a dog park, is a short walk or ride. Walkable blocks make daily dog trips easy.

Ready to bring your dog downtown? Browse homes for sale in Downtown Raleigh or Downtown Raleigh market trends.

2. Forest Hills (score 8.6)

Pet score: 94 | Walk score: 70

Quiet streets and sidewalks near Cameron Village.

Forest Hills has quiet residential streets, mature trees, and sidewalks that suit daily dog walks, with Cameron Village’s pet-friendly patios close by.

See homes for sale in Forest Hills or Forest Hills market trends.

3. Cameron Village (score 8.6)

Pet score: 94 | Walk score: 72

Walkable shops and a short ride to parks.

Cameron Village’s walkable shops and cafes welcome pets, and Cameron Park is nearby for walks.

Explore homes for sale in Cameron Village and Cameron Village market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Glenwood South (score 8.5) and Mordecai (score 8.0)

Glenwood South has dog-friendly patios and a walkable layout, and Mordecai has quiet streets and Historic Mordecai Park. See homes for sale in Glenwood South or homes for sale in Mordecai.

Best historic neighborhoods in Raleigh (editorial pick)

This section is editorial and not part of the scoring. Raleigh’s historic districts are among the best-preserved in the Southeast.

1. Oakwood

A Victorian neighborhood of 1800s homes beside downtown, centered on Historic Oakwood Cemetery.

Oakwood is known for its ornate Victorian houses, gaslit streets, and annual holiday tour of homes. It is walkable to downtown’s restaurants and museums.

Ready to live in a piece of Raleigh history? Browse homes for sale in Oakwood.

2. Mordecai

Home to Historic Mordecai Park and its plantation-era house.

Mordecai’s bungalows and historic homes surround a park that preserves one of Raleigh’s oldest houses. Person Street’s restaurants are close.

See homes for sale in Mordecai.

3. Boylan Heights

A historic district of early-1900s homes on a ridge above Dorothea Dix Park.

Boylan Heights is known for its porches and architecture, with downtown a short walk and Dix Park’s open space nearby.

Browse homes for sale in Boylan Heights.

Bottom line

Cameron Village is Raleigh’s best overall neighborhood in our data, with Mordecai close behind. Commuters and young professionals should look at Cameron Village, Forest Hills, and Glenwood South, while families should look at Budleigh and Laurel Hills for the best mix of schools and safety. Always check current listings and school assignments before you buy.

Methodology and data notes

We scored 24 neighborhoods from 0 to 10 on each criterion using min-max normalization, with price, crime, and commute inverted so lower is better. The overall score weights affordability 15%, appreciation 10%, schools 15%, safety 15%, walkability 15%, food 15%, kid-friendliness 5%, and commute 10%. Each category list reweights these inputs.

Movoto data: walk, food, kid, and pet scores, average prices, GreatSchools ratings (the three shown on each neighborhood page), and market trends (median price, price per square foot, days on market, active listings).
Scope: This guide covers Raleigh neighborhoods only. Durham, Cary, and other Triangle communities are not included.
Neighborhood boundaries: Movoto’s neighborhood pages do not publish boundaries. For crime, population, and commute we used a one-mile circle around each neighborhood’s center point, so neighboring areas overlap and values are approximate.
Crime: 2025 incident reports from the Raleigh Police Department within one mile of each center, divided by 2020 Census population in that circle. Rates run high in Downtown and Glenwood South because the resident base is small relative to workers and visitors.
Commute: average travel time to work estimated from American Community Survey block-group data inside the same circle.
Appreciation: 2025 annual change in the FHFA house price index for the ZIP code containing each neighborhood’s center. FHFA has no data for 27617 (Brier Creek), so we used the average of nearby ZIPs.
Limitations: Several neighborhoods share ZIP codes, so their appreciation figures are identical. Several have very few active listings, including Glen Eden, Bloomsbury, Boylan Heights, and Forest Hills. Seven neighborhoods use a median from a limited sample or an average listing price. Tree cover was not available.