Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Raleigh

Are you moving to Raleigh and want to live in an up-and-coming neighborhood? Discover the most popular places to relocate to.

Raleigh continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, and with that growth comes exciting opportunities in emerging neighborhoods that offer the perfect blend of affordability, amenities, and potential for appreciation.

As the largest city in the Research Triangle, Raleigh has a high quality of life, strong job growth, and a low cost of living that lures people here every day. With many things to do, Raleigh is a perfect place to retire and live for everyone and anyone, especially for young professionals and families. 

Raleigh has experienced explosive growth during the last decade, and as more people decide to move here, the city will continue to increase in popularity. Known as the "City of Oaks," Raleigh offers a nice blend of Southern charm with a modern economy. New residents looking to buy a home in Raleigh have a huge variety of neighborhoods and suburbs nearby to choose from. 

Raleigh is among the nation's top metropolitan areas for new construction homes and golf course communities. This area is continuing to expand and grow due to its popularity and access to amazing healthcare. With many neighborhoods throughout, including Historic Oakwood, a few popular new construction neighborhoods in and around Raleigh are getting updates. 

Here are the up-and-coming neighborhoods in Raleigh. 

1. Wendell Falls

Wendell Falls is a master-planned community just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, recognized as one of the fastest-growing developments in the region. This new urbanist community in Wendell offers modern homes, walking trails, and a vibrant town center.

Wendell Falls features single-family homes, townhomes, and main-level living options, with prices typically ranging from the mid-$300s to $600s+. New construction dominates the market, offering modern amenities and energy-efficient features.

Wendall Falls offers walkability and cultural hotspots with many shopping, dining, and entertainment options nearby. The community also offers over 200 acres of parks and open space, 10 miles of trails and paths, an outdoor pool, a fitness facility, a neighborhood cafe, and many other things. 

Wendell's affordability and focus on family-friendly amenities make it a standout choice for those looking to settle in the area, while still maintaining easy access to Raleigh's job market and cultural offerings.

If you are searching for a beautiful area with lots of nature and unique eco-friendly homes, then Wendall Falls may be the perfect place for you to find your forever home. 

2. North Hills

North Hills is recognized as one of Raleigh's most desirable neighborhoods, offering a variety of property types from townhomes to condos. This area has successfully transformed into a mixed-use district with urban sophistication.

Offering walkability and convenience, North Hills is attracting many people to the area. Located just North of the beltline, North Hills is an excellent area for anyone moving to Raleigh and one of the best family-friendly neighborhoods. With the great schools and easy access to many things, this is a perfect location to live in Raleigh. 

North Hills has posted top gains in home value appreciation, often exceeding 12% year-over-year, making it both a desirable place to live and a smart investment.

From luxury high-rise condos to single-family homes, North Hills offers diverse housing options ranging from $300,000 to over $1 million. The area features both new construction and established homes with character.

The perfect destination for young families, older adults, and young professionals; this is a growing area, so if you are searching for a trending place to live, look at homes available in North Hills. 

3. Flowers Plantation

Flowers Plantation is a neighborhood in Clayton that offers single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment complexes. With beautiful residences varying in size, plans, and prices, this neighborhood is unique and offers top-quality amenities and recreation programs all within the community. 

Flowers Plantation is the first master-planned community in Johnson County and is becoming one of the most highly sought-after communities in the area. This gated community provides resort-style living while maintaining proximity to the Triangle's major employment centers.

A 3,000-acre housing community, the largest planned in the Triangle, Flowers Plantation is conveniently located just minutes from the downtown area with shopping, entertainment, universities, medical centers, and more. The new homes here offer country living while enjoying a blend of modern living. 

Single-family homes range from $500,000 to over $1 million, featuring custom and semi-custom designs with premium finishes. The community offers various architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary, many with large lots and mature landscaping.

Continued development of new sections and ongoing amenity improvements, combined with its reputation as one of the area's premier communities, make Flowers Plantation increasingly sought after by affluent professionals and retirees.

4. Brier Creek

Brier Creek is a thriving mixed-use development that combines residential, commercial, and entertainment options in one convenient location. This modern community offers urban sophistication with suburban comfort.

This neighborhood is a great place to live for young professionals, older adults, and families. Brier Creek mostly features large homes that are competitively priced, with options ranging from luxury townhomes to executive single-family homes priced from $400,000 to over $800,000. The area includes both established properties and new construction.

The community features excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options all within walking distance of many residences. Brier Creek Commons offers major retailers, restaurants, and services, while the area also provides parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

If you are looking for a centrally located neighborhood that is in the heart of it all, then searching for homes for sale in Brier Creek may be perfect for you. 

5. Five Points

Five Points is a vibrant area that seamlessly blends into neighborhoods near the intersection of Glenwood Avenue, Fairview Road, and Whitaker Mill Road. This historic district is composed of smaller, charming neighborhoods founded in the early 20th century, including Hayes Barton, Bloomsbury, Roanoke Park, Vanguard Park, and Georgetown.

Some residents prefer certain areas of this large community, while others prefer different ones. Each of these smaller areas has its own unique qualities, and its walkability provides many benefits. 

Located North of the downtown area, Five Points offers easy access to downtown, beautiful views from the room, and many things to do. This area is a popular destination for people who are looking to be located near the city but also want to enjoy the unique architectural styles in this neighborhood. with prices ranging from $400,000 to $800,000+, Five Points is a great place to live. 

Five Points is one of the best Raleigh neighborhoods for singles and young professionals, located just north of Downtown Raleigh, offering walkability to restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

6. Bryson Village

Located near Interstate 540, Bryson Village allows easy access to many things in and around the Triangle area. This neighborhood is made up of single-family homes and townhomes, as well as some newly added homes.

Home prices typically range from the low $300s for townhomes to the upper $400s for larger single-family properties. Bryson Village features midsize homes with quarter-acre lots and garage parking. Single-family homes have a median listing price of $450,189 at $175 per square foot.

With beautiful landscaping and a cohesive community design, Bryson Village continues to grow in popularity, offering excellent value for families seeking modern homes in a well-planned community.

This neighborhood is located just a few minutes away from downtown Raleigh. It offers easy access to a variety of shops and dining options. The neighborhood boasts a beautiful pond, community center, pool, playground, and many other amenities. It's a popular place for families since it's close to other top-rated schools.

If you are searching for a newer yet affordable place to live in that is outside Raleigh, Bryson Village may be the place for you to find your perfect forever home. 

7. Hayes Barton

Hayes Barton is a highly sought-after and upscale neighborhood in Raleigh. The area features larger homes and spacious lots, which is reflected in the median home price of $1.3 million. Due to its prime location, homes in Hayes Barton tend to be more expensive compared to other neighborhoods in the area.

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 tend to be in high demand for their location. 

This historic neighborhood features elegant homes from the 1920s-1940s, including Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles. Properties typically range from $600,000 to over $1.2 million, with many homes in Hayes Barton featuring original architectural details and mature landscaping. 

The combination of historic character, prime location, and ongoing preservation efforts continues to make Hayes Barton one of Raleigh's most desirable and appreciating neighborhoods. 

8. Boylan Heights

Boylan Heights is a historic neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles and vibrant community spirit. Located just southwest of downtown, this area offers urban convenience with residential charm.

The neighborhood features a diverse mix of housing from restored historic homes to modern infill construction, with prices ranging from $400,000 to $800,000+. Properties in Boylan Heights include bungalows, cottages, and contemporary homes on tree-lined streets.

Boylan Heights offers walkability to downtown attractions, local parks, including the nearby Centennial Campus, and a strong sense of community. The area is known for its active neighborhood association and community events.

Boylan Heights is one of the most sought-after locations in Raleigh. It is one of the prime suburban neighborhoods that shares a sense of community as well as the rich history of Raleigh's development. Homes here range from Queen Anne, Colonials, and many other architectural styles. 

Located in the western part of downtown, this neighborhood also includes Dorothea Dix Park, which offers many fields, walking paths, and the best farmers' markets in Raleigh. Boylan Heights is full of a welcoming community and many things to do. 

9. Strouds Creek

Strouds Creek is an emerging neighborhood offering new construction and modern amenities in a convenient location. This growing community provides excellent value for families seeking contemporary living.

The area features primarily new construction single-family homes and townhomes, with prices typically ranging from $350,000 to $550,000. Homes offer modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, and contemporary styling.

Located near Downtown Historic Hillsborough, Strouds Creek residents will have access to highly-rated shops, restaurants, and activities. If you are searching for homes for sale in Strouds Creek, this is a thriving and vibrant community to call home in Hillsborough. 

10. The Village District 

The Village District, formerly known as Cameron Village, is Raleigh's first shopping center, transformed into a vibrant mixed-use district that seamlessly blends retail, dining, and residential living. This historic area offers urban sophistication with small-town charm.

This community is a great place to live for young professionals with bustling social lives due to its walking distance to almost anything you need. Located on the western side of downtown, this location has some of the best restaurants, shopping centers, brunches, and many other things. 

Real estate in this neighborhood ranges from $550,000 to $729,174, with homes of various styles, from ranch style to historic properties. This is a popular destination for young adults looking to be located near the college and things to do. However, it is a perfect place to settle down as well. 

Ongoing redevelopment projects, the appeal of walkable urban living, and the area's established reputation as a cultural and shopping destination continue to drive demand and property values in this unique Raleigh neighborhood.

Methodology

Data was sourced from local Raleigh neighborhoods to determine the best up-and-coming neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC. Factors such as housing and amenities were considered. 

FAQs

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. 

What is life like in Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, you will reside in one of the finest cities in the Southern region of the United States. Raleigh is known for its affordable living costs, local culture, and excellent education options. It is an ideal place for young professionals as well as families. The city is growing rapidly in many ways and shows no signs of slowing down.

What is the healthiest part of Raleigh?

The most expensive area in Raleigh has the zipcode 27608, which covers the Five Points and Oberlin communities that are North of downtown. Homes here do vary in price and have been up 10% year over year. 

Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Raleigh - The Bottom Line

As Raleigh continues to grow and evolve, these ten neighborhoods represent some of the best opportunities to establish roots in one of the Southeast's most dynamic metropolitan areas. Whether you are drawn to new construction amenities, historic character, or simply great value, there's an up-and-coming Raleigh neighborhood that's perfect for you.

Are you ready to explore these exciting neighborhoods? Contact the experts at Raleigh Realty today.