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Raleigh and the Research Triangle Area Region
Explore the best neighborhoods in Raleigh and the surrounding Research Triangle Area. Tap the top right icon for a detailed map.
Raleigh is a vibrant and growing city with a range of neighborhoods reflecting its rich history and ongoing development.The four “Best Raleigh Neighborhood” areas reflect how the City has grown.
Overview of Raleigh Neighborhoods
- Downtown Raleigh
- Inside the Beltline (ITB)
- Midtown
- North Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh:
Sunflowers in Dix Park
Downtown Raleigh has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, transitioning from a quiet center to a lively hub for business, dining, and entertainment. The skyline now features numerous new multi-use buildings catering to both living and working spaces. Downtown is known for its vibrant arts scene, including the Hopscotch Music Festival, which showcases local and national artists.
- Growth and Development: Downtown Raleigh is a focal point for new employers and high-rise developments, offering a mix of modern apartments, condos, and renovated historic homes.
- Lifestyle and Amenities: The area is rich in restaurants, bars, cultural venues, and recreational activities, making it a popular choice for young professionals and families alike.
- Dix Park’s sunflower field is a seasonal favorite, drawing visitors with its vibrant blooms and picturesque backdrop, perfect for photography and leisurely strolls. Next to the park, the
- Raleigh Farmers Market offers a convenient spot to explore fresh, local produce, making it easy to combine a visit to the park with a taste of Raleigh’s local produce, flowers and seafood.
Inside the Beltline (ITB for acronym lovers)
Inside the Beltline (ITB), often referred to as “Old Raleigh,” encompasses the area within the I-440 loop. This region is known for its older, established neighborhoods with a blend of historic and newly renovated homes.
- Historical Significance: ITB includes some of Raleigh’s most historic districts, with tree-lined streets and stately homes.
- Housing Market: New construction is limited to infill and tear-down projects due to high land costs. Renovations are popular, offering a mix of classic architecture and modern amenities.
- Recently, I worked with a couple who were relocating to Raleigh and wanted to live Inside the Beltline. They were drawn to the area’s historic charm and central location but quickly realized that most properties were beyond their budget as first-time homebuyers. Instead, they decided to explore East Raleigh, particularly Wendell Falls, where they could find a new, move-in-ready home that didn’t need immediate renovation. They were thrilled to find a beautiful new home with a big backyard for their future family and plenty of community amenities, all while staying within their budget.
Midtown
Midtown
Midtown is located between the I-440 Beltline and the I-540 Outer Loop, extending from Glenwood Avenue to Capital Boulevard. This area has transformed from being part of North Raleigh into a distinct community with a variety of housing options.
- Key Neighborhoods: North Hills, a popular mixed-use development, is at the heart of Midtown. The area also includes other neighborhoods like Brier Creek, known for its golf courses and proximity to RDU Airport.
- Housing and Amenities: Midtown offers a diverse range of homes, from 1960s single-family residences to modern townhomes and apartments. It’s a desirable area for those seeking a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- A young family I worked with was moving from out of state and was attracted to Midtown for its balance of urban amenities and suburban feel. They were looking for a home close to work and good schools for their children. After exploring various options, they found a charming mid-century home in North Hills that fit their needs perfectly. It needed some renovations but it was worth it for them. They love the convenience of nearby shops and restaurants, as well as the quiet, family-friendly atmosphere of their new neighborhood.
North Raleigh
North Raleigh extends beyond the I-540 Outer Loop and includes both low-density residential areas and planned communities.
- Residential Areas: The region around Falls Lake is protected as a watershed, limiting development density so the prices are very high. Nevertheless, there are also communities like Wakefield and Falls River that offer higher-density living with a variety of amenities.
- I had a client recently, torn between a big backyard for their kids and a modern, move-in ready home. Land is scarce, so new builds have tiny lots. We saw an older home, huge yard, but needed work. Most of the time an older house needs more than just updating. It’s a common struggle now: space vs. convenience. Which dream do you sacrifice?
Raleigh and the Triangle Area-A Little History
The Early Beginnings of Raleigh were as a Center of Government and Higher Education
In 1792, Raleigh was planned as the North Carolina State Capital. It was laid out around the square on which the Capitol building currently stands (See center of map below), and is the hub of the area identified in this web site as “Downtown Raleigh”.
At the middle of the 20th century, Raleigh’s primary employers were state and local government institutions, along with higher education institutions like North Carolina State University, Shaw University, William Peace University, Saint Augustine’s University, Meredith College, and Saint Mary’s School. These institutions helped to shape the city’s identity and attracted many residents who were employed in these fields. Over time, Raleigh continued to grow and develop, with new housing developments and neighborhoods being built to accommodate the increasing population. Today, Raleigh remains a vibrant and dynamic city with a diverse mix of housing options and a thriving business community.
The Triangle Area Comes Together-RTP
The success of the Research Triangle and Research Triangle Park (RTP) is largely due to the research capabilities of three universities: NCSU in Raleigh, UNC in Chapel Hill, and Duke in Durham. IBM played a significant role in the growth of RTP in the 1960s. Today, the area is home to many well-known research-oriented companies, with a focus on information technology, pharmaceuticals, and biotech.
Thanks to RTP and the strong presence of these companies, the Triangle area has become a desirable place to live and work. Interstate 40 links the cities together and serves as the backbone of the region’s infrastructure. All of these factors have contributed to the area’s growth and development over the years.
Continuing on
Signs are that Raleigh and the Triangle Area will continue growing and developing as great place to be. Take a look at the “Crane Watch” interactive map from the Triangle Business Journal to see the major projects they are monitoring.