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Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC: Luxury Living Guide
Are you moving to Raleigh and are interested in luxury living? Here is what you need to know about the most expensive neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC.
Raleigh's luxury real estate market continues to thrive, offering homebuyers an array of prestigious neighborhoods that combine sophisticated living with the charm of North Carolina's capital city.
From historic districts with tree-lined streets to modern developments with cutting-edge amenities, these ten neighborhoods represent the pinnacle of Raleigh luxury living.
Luxury homebuyers can choose from elegant historic homes to spacious properties in the heart of downtown or forest escapes. Luxury homes vary based on personal preferences.
Luxury properties account for approximately 10% of the local market here and in other areas; these homes feature extravagant designs and are equipped with the latest smart home technologies.
With the city's median home price sitting at approximately $468,000, these exclusive neighborhoods command significantly higher premiums, often exceeding $1 million for prime properties. Here's your comprehensive guide to Raleigh's most coveted neighborhoods for luxury homebuyers.
Here are the most expensive neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC.
1. Oakwood
Oakwood is a historic district located in Downtown Raleigh that dates back to the 1800s. This neighborhood is loaded with beautiful oak trees and is a popular destination for professionals working Downtown and newcomers to Raleigh.
Historic Oakwood is one of the most walkable communities in Raleigh, combining the convenience of downtown living with the charm of a historic district. This nationally recognized neighborhood features meticulously restored Victorian-era homes dating from the 1870s to 1920s.
This neighborhood offers all types of real estate, from restored Victorians to colonial-style homes to new construction. It is a popular spot for young professionals and families because it is a short walk to the heart of the city and has many great restaurants and bars.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Downtown proximity with walking access to business districts
- Historic designation protecting property values
- Unique architectural character impossible to replicate
- Limited supply of authentic Victorian homes
- Strong community preservation efforts
Luxury Features:
- Restored Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Folk Victorian homes
- Original architectural details including bay windows and wraparound porches
- Private courtyards and historic garden spaces
- Custom millwork and period-appropriate renovations
- Premium location for urban professionals
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2. The Village District
The Village District encompasses Cameron Village and surrounding areas, offering a perfect blend of residential tranquility and urban amenities. This neighborhood attracts luxury buyers seeking walkability combined with upscale shopping and dining.
Real estate in this neighborhood features homes in various styles, from ranch-style to historic properties. This is a popular destination for young adults looking to be near the college and things to do. However, it is also a perfect place to settle down.
If you are looking for an area with gorgeous city skyline views and many things to do, The Village Distrcit may be the perfect neighborhood for you.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Premier shopping destination with high-end retailers
- Walkable lifestyle with restaurants, cafes, and services
- Proximity to NC State University and downtown
- Mix of historic and modern luxury developments
- Strong rental investment potential
Luxury Features:
- Modern condominiums and townhomes with premium finishes
- Renovated mid-century homes with contemporary updates
- Private balconies and rooftop terraces
- Concierge services in luxury buildings
- High-end retail and dining at your doorstep
3. Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh, without a doubt, is one of the most desirable places to live in the city. If you are looking for easy access to city life and to be in the heart of it all, finding a home for sale downtown may be for you.
Downtown Raleigh offers the ultimate urban lifestyle with luxury high-rise condominiums, converted lofts, and modern townhomes in the heart of the capital city.
However, if you are searching for a more peaceful neighborhood, downtown may not be the best location for you due to the proximity to many bars, attractions, and restaurants.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Prime urban location with city skyline views
- Limited luxury inventory in high-demand area
- Premium building amenities and services
- Walking distance to government, business, and entertainment
- Strong investment potential and rental income
Luxury Features:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic city views
- Luxury building amenities including pools, fitness centers, and concierge
- Premium finishes including hardwood floors and granite countertops
- Private terraces and balconies
- Secure parking and storage facilities
4. Glenwood
Glenwood combines historic charm with modern nightlife, offering luxury condominiums and lofts in the heart of Raleigh's premier entertainment district.
Homes here vary in the year they were built and the type of architecture. With easy access to downtown and many benefits due to its walkability, this neighborhood is a popular place for young adults and families.
Known for its historically significant homes, this neighborhood offers so much to do and so much rich history. If you want to be in the heart of it all and still enjoy the city's unique history in a community, then searching for homes for sale in Glenwood may be for you.
Here is all the available real estate in Glenwood to help you in your move.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Prime entertainment and restaurant district
- Historic warehouse conversions with unique character
- Limited inventory in highly desirable area
- Walking distance to Red Hat Amphitheater and PNC Arena
- Strong short-term rental investment potential
Luxury Features:
- Industrial loft conversions with exposed brick and high ceilings
- Modern condominiums with city views
- Rooftop terraces and private balconies
- Premium appliances and designer finishes
- Doorman and valet services in select buildings
5. Boylan Heights
Boylan Heights offers historic charm just minutes from downtown, featuring early 20th-century homes with modern conveniences and a strong community atmosphere.
Boyland Heights is one of the most sought-after locations in Raleigh. It is one of the prime suburban neighborhoods that share a sense of community and the rich history of Raleigh's development. Homes in Boylan Heights range from Queen Anne, Colonials, and many other agricultural.
Located in the western part of downtown, this neighborhood also includes Dorothea Dix Park, which offers many fields, walking paths, and the best farmer's markets in Raleigh.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Historic designation preserving neighborhood character
- Downtown proximity without downtown prices
- Unique architectural styles including Prairie and Colonial Revival
- Community events and strong neighborhood association
- Limited inventory of well-preserved homes
Luxury Features:
- Period homes with original hardwood floors and details
- Private driveways and mature landscaping
- Custom kitchen and bathroom renovations
- Front porches and period architectural elements
- Community parks and green spaces
6. Five Points
Five Points offers a unique blend of historic homes and modern developments, creating an eclectic neighborhood popular with young professionals and established families alike.
Five Points is a blend of several neighborhoods named after the infamous intersection where six roads meet. Each of these smaller areas has its unique qualities.
Located North of downtown, Five Points offers easy access to downtown, beautiful views from the rooms, and many things to do.
This area is a popular destination for people who want to be near the city but also want to enjoy the unique architectural styles in this neighborhood.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Historic homes with modern renovations
- Trendy restaurant and bar scene
- Close proximity to downtown and NC State
- Limited housing stock driving up prices
- Strong sense of community and neighborhood pride
Luxury Features:
- Craftsman bungalows with period details
- Modern infill homes with contemporary design
- Private gardens and outdoor entertaining spaces
- Custom renovations blending old and new
- Walking distance to artisanal shops and restaurants
7. Brier Creek
Brier Creek is located in the heart of the Triangle, right between Raleigh and Durham and just a few miles North of the Cary and Apex areas. This fast-growing neighborhood is home to thousands of single-family homes and condominiums. With easy access to RDU, it is one of the best locations to live.
This neighborhood is famous for young professionals, older adults, and families. Located in Wake County, this area is highly sought after by families due to the highly rated public schools.
Homes in Brier Creek have a median home price of $904,274 and are one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Raleigh. This master-planned community represents the pinnacle of modern suburban living with golf course views and resort-style amenities.
If you are looking for a centrally located neighborhood in the heart of it all, searching for homes for sale in Brier Creek may be perfect for you.
What Makes It Expensive:
- New construction with premium materials and finishes
- Golf course and country club lifestyle
- Master-planned community with extensive amenities
- Top-rated schools and family-friendly environment
- Average household income is $115,462 which is above the national average
Luxury Features:
- Custom homes with 4,000+ square feet
- Golf course and lake views
- Private club memberships included
- Resort-style pools and fitness facilities
- Gated sections with enhanced security
8. Avalaire
Avalaire represents ultra-exclusive living with custom estates and gated security, catering to luxury buyers seeking maximum privacy and prestige. This neighborhood in North Raleigh known for its larger custom estate homes built by local custom builders.
Near everything but still offering a small-town feel, Avalaire has proximity to so many things, making life here easy and peaceful. With stunning homes and a welcoming community, this neighborhood is highly sought-after.
Avalaire is one of the best neighborhoods for families in North Carolina due to the area's strong schools and the larger homes that provide all the space you need. If you are searching for a place to call your forever home, Avalaire may be the location to settle down.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Gated community with 24-hour security
- Custom-built luxury homes on large lots
- Exclusive amenities including private clubhouse
- Limited number of homesites maintaining exclusivity
- Premium location with easy access to RTP and downtown
Luxury Features:
- Custom architectural designs
- Premium building materials and finishes
- Private home sites of 1+ acres
- Smart home automation systems
- Professional landscaping and maintenance services
9. North Hills
North Hills is developing rapidly and is a growing neighborhood attracting many people to the area. Located just North of the beltline, North Hills is an excellent area for anyone moving to Raleigh as well as one of the best family-friendly neighborhoods.
North Hills is the perfect blend of luxury and convenience, featuring upscale shopping, fine dining, and entertainment options that create a vibrant, urban lifestyle. With great schools and easy access to many things, this is a perfect location to live in Raleigh.
North Hills offers some of the best attractions if you love the outdoors, shopping, or golfing. With many other reasons to love this neighborhood, you have easy access to plenty of things to do.
With a median home price of $724,900, homes here offer unique qualities that differ from other neighborhoods nearby. North Hills is the perfect destination for young families, older adults, and young professionals.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Mixed-use development with luxury shopping and dining
- High-rise condominiums with premium amenities
- Central location with excellent transportation access
- Corporate headquarters and business district proximity
- Continuous development and urban renewal
Luxury Features:
- Modern high-rise living with concierge services
- State-of-the-art fitness centers and spas
- Rooftop pools and entertainment areas
- Smart home technology integration
- Premium retail brands and restaurants within walking distance
10. Hayes Barton
Hayes Barton stands as Raleigh's most prestigious neighborhood, where the average house price was $1.2M last month, up 39.5% since last year. This historic district, established in the 1920s, features stunning Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Georgian-style homes on large, mature lots.
The neighborhood's rich history, mature trees, larger homes, and yards are a few reasons why people love this peaceful and beautiful neighborhood. Being a place close to many businesses and parks, homes in Hayes Barton tend to cost over a million dollars because of the high demand for the location.
What Makes It Expensive:
- Prime location near downtown Raleigh and Cameron Village
- Architectural significance with many homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Exclusive country club membership opportunities
- Tree-canopied streets creating a private, estate-like atmosphere
- Limited inventory driving up demand and prices
Luxury Features:
- Grand estates ranging from 3,000 to 8,000+ square feet
- Original hardwood floors, crown molding, and period details
- Expansive gardens and mature landscaping
- Private driveways and attached garages
- Walking distance to upscale shopping and dining
Investment Considerations for Luxury Buyers
When considering these prestigious Raleigh neighborhoods, luxury homebuyers should evaluate several factors:
Rental Potential: Many of these neighborhoods offer strong rental markets, particularly those near downtown, universities, and business districts.
Future Development: Consider planned infrastructure improvements, new developments, and zoning changes that could impact property values.
Community Amenities: Evaluate homeowners' associations, community facilities, and long-term maintenance plans that affect living costs and property values.
FAQs
What is the healthiest part of Raleigh?
The most expensive area in Raleigh is the zipcode 27608, which covers the Five Points and Oberlin communities North of downtown. Homes here vary in price and have been up 10% year over year.
What is the most upscale area in Raleigh?
Six Forks has been known as one of Raleigh's most expensive neighborhoods. Homes in this area have three to five bedrooms and large lots. This area is also more costly than many other areas in the country and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
What is the safest suburb of Raleigh?
The best and safest parts of Raleigh vary depending on the type of area you are searching to live in. Overall, North Raleigh, which has neighborhoods like North Hills, Wakefield, and Crossroads, tends to be the safest.
How much money do I need to make to live in Raleigh?
The median income in Raleigh is about $52,356, with the cost of living in Raleigh being below the national average. Generally, the number of people who can live comfortably in Raleigh varies depending on your family's size and location.
Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC - The Bottom Line
Raleigh's luxury real estate market offers something for every buyer, from historic charm in Hayes Barton and Oakwood to modern amenities in North Hills and Brier Creek. These ten neighborhoods represent the best of what North Carolina's capital has to offer, combining location, lifestyle, and investment potential.
Whether you are drawn to the historic elegance of Hayes Barton, the urban sophistication of downtown high-rises, or the modern luxury of master-planned communities like Avalaire, each neighborhood offers its own unique appeal and investment advantages.
For luxury homebuyers relocating to Raleigh, these neighborhoods provide not just prestigious addresses, but access to the city's best amenities, strongest communities, and most promising investment opportunities.
With continued growth in the Research Triangle and Raleigh's emergence as a major business and cultural center, these luxury neighborhoods are positioned for continued appreciation and desirability.
Are you moving to Raleigh? Contact Raleigh Realty today to explore these exclusive neighborhoods and discover your perfect luxury home in North Carolina's capital city.
