Trying to find the perfect home under the perfect blue skies of North Carolina? That's not surprising since North Carolina has a lot to offer. This humble guide is here to help you take a peek at all your options, from hipster night-life and artsy districts, to family-rearing suburban dwellings, to wide-open country land.
If you're not a local, there's a few things you should know about the city when you're thinking about where to live. Raleigh is split into two main areas: inside the Belt Line and outside the Belt Line. Inside the Belt Line, you will find artsy urban hubs, sky scrapers, and, of course, the capital. There are also quaint suburban-style areas with small duplexes and house rentals. The area outside the belt line goes from suburban to rural, with many tight-knit, individual communities chock-full of Carolina character.
Also, another notable aspect of Raleigh is the large amount of parks, greenways, and lakes located in this city, even in the more urban areas. This unique characteristic makes it ideal for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Furthermore, North Carolina has near perfect weather, and you will want to be outside most of the year, so make sure you’ll have an easy, go-to neighborhood spot.
Finally, Carolina mosquitoes, or ‘skeeters, like to hang out in pines and ponds all summer long. So, if you’re one of those people that always gets eaten up, beware of beautiful pond views in woodsy apartments.
This is the kind of city where, if you got around on foot, someone would pull over and ask if your car broke down. In short, you will need a car to get by around here. With that in mind, you can shorten your commute by living near work, or settling into an apartment near the Belt Line (I-440) or the newly constructed parts of I-540. Traffic never gets too congested, and parking is plentiful, even downtown.
Raleigh is one of those places where sometimes it can be harder to find an apartment that doesn't accept pets than one that does. That's great news for pet lovers. If you are moving with a furry friend, and you're looking on Apartment List, simply select “Dog-Friendly” or “Cat-Friendly” in your preferences when you start your search.
Even though pets are common in Raleigh, you might still run into
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Weight restrictions: While dogs are popular even in the busiest parts of the city, be aware that many buildings (especially high-rises) have weight limits for pets, often stricter than other locations.
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Building size and amenities: Larger buildings and those with dedicated pet amenities like dog runs are more likely to be pet-friendly.
Rental rates are high across the country, and Raleigh's rates are no exception. At an average of $1,460 for a one-bedroom, Raleigh's rates are around the same as Houston, TX ($1,399) and Dallas ($1,501). Keep in mind, though, that those cities have populations of around 2 million and 1 million respectively, whereas Raleigh has only about half a million people. Indianapolis, which is considered a more affordable city, is around $1,229 a month and has over 800,000 residents. By contrast, Chicago, which is on the more expensive side, runs around $2,317 a month for a one-bedroom.
Using a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income, then you would need to earn around $60,000 a year to afford the average one-bedroom in Raleigh, which is currently around $1,460 per month.
Raleigh is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in North Carolina because it has a strong economy and lots of jobs, great weather, and offers small-town hospitality in a big-city setting. Rental rates in Raleigh are high for a city of its size, but still affordable for many Americans.
As we noted above, Raleigh is split into two distinct districts (inside and outside the Belt Line). With that in mind, let's take a look at the best neighborhoods in each area.
Capital
This district is where business gets done, where history evolves, and where the people of North Carolina rub shoulders with state lawmakers. There are great apartments for both swanky young hipsters and old timer urbanites. Unassuming buildings hold surprisingly spacious rooms of modern design and awesome skyline views.
Fayetteville Street
Also known within North Carolina as Main Street, this area has undergone a renaissance resulting in quite the enjoyable downtown ecosystem. In 2006, the pedestrian mall was replaced by a traditional street lined with wide sidewalks, public art, & outdoor cafes. Residents can enjoy the Fayetteville Street Farmers Market for their homegrown, straight-from-the-farm fix.
Glenwood South
Live here if you enjoy dancing, live music, shopping, and an all around eclectic atmosphere. Shopaholics can delight in the Designer’s Downtown Market, and those seeking a sleek, modern home will be able to choose from luxury lofts and apartments, as well as newly built condos located above restaurants, shopping, and even dance clubs. There are also a couple of luxury apartment projects currently under construction, which will include central open-air courtyards that provide the beauty of a protected urban park.
Moore Square
Cobblestone streets, old lampposts, art galleries, an urban park, and a giant copper acorn make this district downright adorable during the day. At night, local pubs teeming with live music and good old beer-swilling soul create a distinct nightlife character that you should be so lucky to enjoy. The perks of living here would be the obvious: it’s scenic, fun, walkable, & in a convenient location. But, on top of that, this district hosts a First Friday, as well as the Artsplosure Festival, and the World Beer Festival. Naturally, a young and energetic crowd has invaded this popular entertainment district, so be prepared to battle for these highly sought-after rentals.
Warehouse District
Old warehouses and historic buildings, dance clubs, BBQ at the Pit, and the Cuegrass Festival are the main attractions here. If you like pure urban living, then these rows of massive warehouses and brick buildings will make a hipster feel at home.
Other popular neighborhoods inside the Belt Line include Boylan Heights, Cameron Park, Mordecai, Glenwood-Brooklyn, Coley Forest, Five Points, and Historic Oakwood.
Midtown
Located just north of the Belt Line, this is a sprawling area of parks and greenways, shopping, and convenient suburban living.
Uptown
This is an enclave of rural country land a bit farther north. The popular New Hope and Wilder’s Grove neighborhoods are located here.
West Raleigh
Home to North Carolina State University and Meredith College, this area attracts a large student and intellectual population. It also features many scenic parks and old churches.
North Raleigh
Far north, you will find an expansive suburban area full of both historic homes and newer architecture. There are plenty of large shopping areas for work or pleasure, as well as many scenic neighborhoods, such as Bier Creek, Wakefield, and Stonehenge.
South Raleigh
South of the Belt Line, you will find the least populated area of Raleigh. This area is easy on the eyes, with those wide-open spaces that many people so often crave. Apartments here are simply adorable, with single-story ranch house settings, cottage communities, and townhomes that match the charm of these southern neighborhoods. The eastern section features many historical communities that date back to the civil war. It is bordered to the west by the popular suburban city of Cary, worth checking out for their monthly art crawl.
