10 Top Walkable Communities in Raleigh, NC

Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Raleigh 

Are you searching for the most walkable neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC? Here are 10 Raleigh communities with outstanding walkability!

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and is recognized as one of the best places to live in the country because of its high safety rating, abundance of job opportunities, and affordability. Many families choose to live in Raleigh due to its strong housing market and availability of beautiful homes. 

Even though Raleigh is the second-largest city in the state, it is mainly car-dependent since most communities and amenities are spread out. Awarded the Silver-level Walk Friendly accreditation in 2020 by the Walk Friendly Communities Program, Raleigh is working towards creating a safer pedestrian environment. 

While most Raleigh residents own a car, there are multiple walk-friendly communities where many people choose to walk instead of driving or taking public transportation. Most of these walkable neighborhoods are designated historic districts and feature sidewalks and quiet streets that lead to community parks and other sought-after amenities, including local gyms, restaurants, spas, and bookstores. 

Whether you're a young professional seeking urban energy or a family wanting a tight-knit community feel, these neighborhoods offer something special for every lifestyle.

Check out these most walkable Raleigh neighborhoods 

1. Historic Oakwood 

Historic Oakwood claims the title as Raleigh's most walkable neighborhood, and for good reason. This enchanting district, developed primarily from 1880 through 1930, represents Raleigh's only intact nineteenth-century neighborhood. Tree-lined streets with well-maintained sidewalks wind past impeccably preserved Victorian homes, creating a storybook setting for daily walks.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Historic Oakwood is proud to be Raleigh's first local historic district, and it is sought-after by many residents for its charm and quiet way of life. Considered one of the top walkable communities in Raleigh, this beloved Raleigh neighborhood is great for young professionals and features plenty of sidewalks, making it a beautiful place to take a stroll on a peaceful afternoon. 

To further prove its walkability, Historic Oakwood offers walking tours for visitors interested in learning about the neighborhood's historic homes and gardens, usually closed to the public.

In December, Historic Oakwood hosts the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, which will take visitors through 10 properties dating from the mid-1800s to the early-1900s. In the spring, the Oakwood Garden Club hosts an annual Garden Tour that takes visitors through some of Historic Oakwoods' spectacular gardens. 

This neighborhood also contains the famous Oakwood Halloween House, which attracts thousands of visitors each year in the fall for its scary Halloween decorations. 

What Makes It Special:

• Victorian architecture dating back to the 1800s
• Close proximity to downtown Raleigh (just minutes away)
• Regular historic home and garden tours
• The iconic Krispy Kreme sign adds neighborhood character
• Oakwood Cemetery, a 150-year-old historic cemetery perfect for peaceful walks

2. North Hills 

North Hills has transformed into one of Raleigh's premier mixed-use destinations, offering residents the rare opportunity to live, work, and play all within walking distance. This modern neighborhood development serves as a model for walkable suburban living.

Since its development, North Hills has transformed into a major retail destination with over 130 local shops, restaurants, welcoming yoga studios, world-class bars, and premier hotels. 

While a car is needed for most errands, North Hills is considered one of Raleigh's most walkable neighborhoods since the neighborhood is within walking distance to many top-rated amenities.

Considered an upscale community in a good school district with many job opportunities for residents, North Hills is a bustling area many young professionals and families want to call home. 

Featuring top-rated apartments and single-family homes, this walkable area of Raleigh also features multiple parking decks where visitors can park their car once before exploring the rest of the community on foot.

Hosting various events and activities throughout the year, including a Farmer's market and outdoor concerts, North Hills is a lively place to live, and walkability is a bonus. 

What Makes It Special:

• Upscale shopping at North Hills Mall and surrounding retail
• Extensive selection of restaurants and bars
• Modern apartments and condos with contemporary amenities
• Regular community events and festivals
• Well-designed pedestrian infrastructure

3. Boylan Heights 

Boylan Heights combines rich history with modern family-friendly amenities, creating an affordable yet desirable walkable community. This neighborhood offers a laid-back atmosphere while maintaining easy access to downtown Raleigh.

Boylan Heights is one of Raleigh's first planned suburbs and one of eight historic districts in the city. Developed in the early 20th century in 1907, it is a perfect example of the middle-class ideals of the early 1900s. 

Dedicated to quality and diversity, Boylan Heights is one of the top neighborhoods in Raleigh and is best known for its distinctive character, historic charm, and walkability.

Many residents have decided to move to Boylan Heights because of its walkability. Located west of Downtown Raleigh, residents can easily access Downtown, the famous Warehouse District, and Dorothea Dix Park on foot. 

Featuring quiet streets and sidewalks lined with colorful crepe myrtles and magnificent dogwood trees, Boylan Heights also provides residents access to the Rocky Branch Trailhead, which is part of the Raleigh Greenway System. 

Further encouraging residents and visitors to walk around and enjoy the neighborhood's quiet streets, the community hosts an annual Art Walk in December. This event showcases outstanding art and brings the community together. It turns the neighborhood into an outdoor market and features artwork created by local artists. 

What Makes It Special:

• Historic homes with architectural character
• Strong community feel with active neighborhood association
• Family-friendly parks and green spaces
• Proximity to Dorothea Dix Park (308-acre city park)
• More affordable housing options compared to other walkable areas

4. Mordecai 

Mordecai is located in the northeast corner of Raleigh and is considered the oldest neighborhood in the city. It is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Raleigh, and many people want to live here for its historic charm, affordable prices, beautiful homes for sale, and walkability. 

The Mordecai neighborhood perfectly balances historic charm with outdoor recreation opportunities. Located within blocks of downtown, this area appeals to residents who prioritize both walkability and access to green spaces.

This family-friendly community is famous for its namesake park, which is the location of the Mordecai House, a beautiful mansion built in 1785 and thought to have been the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson. 

It is a very walkable place to live just outside the heart of Downtown Raleigh; sidewalks line the streets, and residents can easily walk to grocery stores, local shops, and top-rated restaurants.

Even though Mordecai is considered a walkable neighborhood, most, if not all, residents still own a car to access the rest of Raleigh and the surrounding area. 

What Makes It Special:

• Historic Mordecai House and plantation grounds
• Multiple parks and dog parks within walking distance
• Extensive walking trails and outdoor recreation
• Recreation and fitness center for year-round activities
• North Person Street business district nearby

5. Village District 

Village District, once known as Cameron Village, is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Raleigh, North Carolina. Situated close to Downtown Raleigh, it was the first planned community to be developed in Raleigh. It is now a famous shopping district with over 100 local boutiques and dining options. 

Overlapping onto Hillsborough Street near NC State University, one of the best colleges in the area, the Village District is the perfect place for young professionals and college students to live. Offering a village-like feel with a mixture of single-family homes, apartment communities, townhomes, and condominiums, residents can take advantage of its walkable layout to explore and discover new businesses. 

Considered a charming place to live in Raleigh, the Village District is walkable to Hillsborough Street and Glenwood, which has the heaviest concentration of nightlife in the city. Since parking can get a little crazy in the Village District, especially around the holidays, being able to walk is a huge draw for residents. 

What Makes It Special:

• Historic significance as an early planned community
• Mix of local boutiques and national retailers
• Diverse dining scene from casual to upscale
• Beautiful tree-canopied streets 
• Proximity to NC State's campus

6. Five Points 

Five Points offers an eclectic, artistic atmosphere that attracts creative professionals and young residents. This unique neighborhood provides walkable access to local businesses while maintaining a distinct cultural identity.

Five Points is a nice neighborhood located only two miles from Downtown Raleigh. It features many public amenities within walking distance. Considered an up-and-coming neighborhood with affluent housing and a family-friendly atmosphere, Five Points is a great place to raise children since it is safe and offers many fun things. 

As one of the many historic districts in Raleigh with historic homes, it is named after the Five Point Intersection, where Glenwood Avenue meets Whitaker Mill Road, Fairview Road, and Glenn Avenue.

Offering a very close-knit and welcoming community, this neighborhood is safe due to its many sidewalks and extended pedestrian walk times at intersections. 

What Makes It Special:

• Vibrant arts and music scene
• Unique local businesses and vintage shops
• Historic Raleigh Times Bar and other iconic establishments
• Close-knit community with strong local pride
• Easy access to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods

7. College Park 

College Park is a somewhat walkable neighborhood and popular community in Raleigh. Adjacent to Saint Augustine University, it is an established community with midsize homes that are competitively priced.

College Park offers the perfect blend of academic atmosphere and residential comfort. This area attracts a diverse mix of students, young professionals, and families who appreciate its central location and walkable layout.

Located next to the Historic Oakwood neighborhood and John Chavis Memorial Park, College Park features many great daycares and schools with local restaurants and businesses nearby. The East College Park Development Project has brought new sidewalks, further improving walkability for residents and visitors in the area. 

What Makes It Special:

• Close to NC State University campus
• Mix of historic homes and modern apartments
• Strong sense of community with regular neighborhood events
• Easy access to Hillsborough Street's dining and shopping

8. Battery Heights 

Battery Heights offers a quieter residential feel while maintaining excellent walkability to urban amenities. This lesser-known neighborhood provides great value for those seeking walkable living without downtown prices.

Located southeast of Downtown Raleigh, this neighborhood is one of the historic districts in the city listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Named after the eastern batteries stationed here during the Civil War, the neighborhood was first developed for African Americans between 1956 and 1964. 

Only about a half mile from the heart of Downtown Raleigh, Battery Heights is a great neighborhood to call home for residents interested in walking to work or popular amenities in the city. While it is still advised to own a car, many errands can be completed on foot. 

Bordered by Roberts Park, this is a great park to walk to when living in Battery Heights for its community center offerings, picnic shelters, dog park, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball field, and playgrounds. 

What Makes It Special:

• Quiet residential streets with sidewalks
• Mix of housing styles and price points
• Easy access to downtown and other neighborhoods
• Growing selection of local businesses
• Strong potential for future development

9. University Park 

University Park is a popular urban neighborhood adjacent to NC State University. Known to be a charming and family-friendly place to call home, University Park features multiple walking trails, parks, natural areas, and wildlife habitats. 

University Park combines the energy of academic life with residential comfort, creating a walkable community that serves both students and long-term residents.

The Raleigh Rose Garden is located within University Park, a historic garden with over 1,200 roses of over 60 varieties. Many people love coming here for a nice walk or picnic on a sunny day. 

Offering a variety of home styles, including cottages, bungalows, and duplex-style buildings for college students, University Park is desirable for its walkability to NC State's college campus, the shops and restaurants in the Village District, and Hillsborough Street. 

What Makes It Special:

• Close proximity to multiple universities
• Mix of students, faculty, and young professionals
• Affordable housing options
• Academic and cultural event access
• Well-maintained pedestrian infrastructure

10. Glenwood 

The Glenwood area, particularly the Glenwood South district, offers vibrant urban living with excellent walkability to entertainment, dining, and fun things to do. 

Glenwood is a well-known neighborhood in Raleigh for its nightlife and bar scene. The Glenwood South District is a signature street in Raleigh that features a mix of restaurants, vibrant bars, art galleries, unique shops, and cafes. 

On the weekend, Glenwood is a bustling area with large crowds. Easily considered one of Raleigh's most walkable neighborhoods, groups of friends can be seen walking up and down the street shopping or bar hopping. 

This safe and trendy area is located west of Downtown Raleigh and offers residents an urban way of life with many things to do. Glenwood's walkability is just one of the multiple benefits of living in this favored Raleigh neighborhood. 

What Makes It Special:

• Dynamic nightlife and entertainment scene
• Diverse dining options from food trucks to fine dining
• Modern residential developments
• Easy access to downtown business district
• Active street life and community events

FAQs 

Where is the wealthiest part of Raleigh, NC?  

The most expensive zip code in the Raleigh area is 27608, which covers communities located North of Downtown Raleigh, including Five Points and the Village District. 

What is the safest part of Raleigh, NC? 

Raleigh is a very safe place to live, making it one of the best places in the country for families and retirees. Home to many safe neighborhoods and subdivisions, Historic Oakwood, the Village District, Five Points, and Mordecai are Raleigh's safest places to live. 

What is the most walkable area in North Carolina? 

The small town of Boone is considered the most walkable in North Carolina. Boone is home to Appalachian State University and is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina. It is known for having many shops, attractions, and restaurants accessible on foot. 

Methodology 

Data and information were sourced from the City of Raleigh, the Raleigh News and Observer, the National Register of Historic Places, and Raleigh community websites to determine the most walkable communities in Raleigh, NC.

Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

If walkability is an important factor when looking for a place to live, then search for a home in one of the above Raleigh neighborhoods. Most walkable neighborhoods in Raleigh are located close to the city center and near grocery stores, restaurants, and public parks, providing sidewalks and safe places to walk and go for a run. 

Whether you want to be within walking distance of work, college, or a popular shopping district, Raleigh has plenty of neighborhood options. The experts at Raleigh Realty are here to help you find a walkable community that meets your needs. 

Contact Raleigh Realty today to discover which of these pedestrian-friendly communities best fits your lifestyle and needs.