10 Best Raleigh Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
October 18th, 2024
Best Places to Live in Raleigh for Young Professionals
Are you searching for the best neighborhood in Raleigh, NC, for young professionals? Here are ten great neighborhoods to call home in Raleigh as a young professional.
Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places to live in the country. U.S. News and World Report ranked it among the top 25 cities for young professionals. With a median age of 34.6, life in Raleigh centers around young professionals and families.
As part of Research Triangle Park and located near top-rated universities, including North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University, young professionals thrive here.
Home to big businesses and some of the world's most educated professionals, Raleigh offers a strong economy as well as high-quality education, healthcare, and entertainment.
Experiencing huge population growth, Raleigh has become one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the country and has attracted many tech giants such as Apple, Meta, and Amazon to the area.
Ranked number 21 on a list of the fastest-growing places in the United States for 2023 and 2024, most young professionals in the area love living here for its thriving economy, diverse job opportunities, and top-rated amenities.
While Raleigh is known as a very family-oriented city, its diverse community, fun activities, and many neighborhoods ideal for young adults make it a great spot to live after college while growing a career.
With sought-after neighborhoods and tight-knit communities all over the city, finding the right one to fit your lifestyle is essential to loving life in Raleigh. Here are the top ten best places for young professionals to live in Raleigh, with information on local favorites.
Check out these Raleigh neighborhoods ideal for young professionals
Chapters
1. North Hills
North Hills is an excellent neighborhood in Raleigh for singles and young professionals. Located only about 12 minutes North of the Raleigh city center, North Hills is in a prime spot of the city and is a lively place to call home.
Recognized as an affluent neighborhood, North Hills is best known for its shopping center full of high-end retailers and top-rated restaurants. As the perfect Raleigh destination, this mixed-use development features premier hotels, upscale apartment complexes, commercial offices, and gorgeous homes for sale.
Providing residents with a luxury lifestyle in an urban atmosphere, North Hills is an excellent spot for young professionals to meet new people, explore, and have a good time. Various events throughout the year bring the community together, including Midtown Music Fest, Midtown Farmers Market, and summer fitness classes, so it is no wonder that North Hills is so popular.
Local Favorites:
Coquette: Order classic French dishes in a traditional brasserie setting.
STIR: Enjoy scratch-made dishes and craft cocktails.
Level 7: Grab a drink at this roof bar and cocktail lounge at AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills.
2. Five Points
Five Points is located in the heart of Raleigh, halfway between Downtown and Midtown, making it a premier destination for young professionals, singles, and families. Named for its five-point intersection where five roads come together, this up-and-coming Raleigh neighborhood is close to the action of Downtown but still offers a relaxing way of life.
Considered a very walkable neighborhood, Five Points features laid-back restaurants, local craft breweries, and fun activities for all ages. Offering an eclectic vibe with charming single-family homes and townhomes, Five Points is one of Raleigh's most sought-after places to live.
Local Favorites:
NOFO @ the pig: Enjoy classic southern food in a former Piggly Wiggly supermarket.
Lola's Beach Bar: Visit this vintage beach bar with a dog-friendly outdoor patio.
Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery: Order popular desserts and food inspired by the 1940s in a diner-like atmosphere.
3. Brier Creek
Brier Creek is situated on the northwest side of Raleigh and is the perfect place to live for young professionals focusing on climbing the corporate ladder and building a long-term career.
Found near the Raleigh Durham International Airport and Research Triangle Park, this neighborhood is loved by many residents for its proximity to work and shorter commute times to the office.
Providing upscale suburban living and lively shopping areas with world-class retailers and delicious restaurants, Brier Creek offers beautiful modern homes and many opportunities to stay social and make friends.
The Brier Creek County Club is located here and features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, restaurants, tennis courts, a fitness center, pools, and other top-tier amenities.
Local Favorites:
Brier Creek Beer Garden: Offering a wide range of craft beer and bar food.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe: Serving southern food and all-day breakfast.
Azitra Indian Culinary Nirvana: Order sophisticated Indian food, creative cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits.
4. The Village District
The Village District is a fun shopping mall and beloved neighborhood in Raleigh, located near NC State University's main campus. Considered a favorite destination for shoppers, this area has many shops, local businesses, eateries, professional offices, apartment buildings, and beautiful private homes.
Best known for its walkability, historic charm, classic architecture, and modern amenities, this mixed-use development was the first planned community in Raleigh and is excellent for young professionals and college students.
Local Favorites:
Cantina 18: Enjoy Mexican fusion dishes and craft margaritas.
Ajisai Japanese Fusion and Sushi: Order sushi rolls and favorite Japanese dishes.
Fab'rik: Shop from a great collection of women's clothing.
5. Downtown
Downtown Raleigh is one of the best places to live in the city and is ideal for young professionals due to its access to live entertainment, top-rated restaurants, outdoor green spaces, world-class museums, and exciting nightlife.
Downtown Raleigh features many historic homes, new apartment complexes, and townhomes. There is always something new to see and explore, which is why it is a hotspot for young professionals, singles, and couples looking to socialize after work and on the weekends.
Local Favorites:
Poole's Diner: Enjoy seasonal comfort food in a retro setting.
Watts and Ward: Visit this popular craft cocktail speakeasy with a vintage library vibe.
Brewery Bhavana: Order dim-sum and craft beer in the heart of Downtown Raleigh.
6. North Raleigh
North Raleigh is a Wake County neighborhood located North of Research Triangle Park and the Interstate-440 Beltline. This growing area is great for young professionals to call home because of its hundreds of restaurants, large retail stores, entertainment complexes, and master-planned communities.
Described as thriving and charming, North Raleigh offers easy access to family-friendly parks, outdoor recreation activities, green spaces, and community events.
Local Favorites:
Relish Craft Kitchen and Bourbon Bar: Order southern comfort food and specialty cocktails from its dog-friendly patio.
Salt and Lime Cabo Grill (Falls of Neuse): Enjoy Baja-style dishes and cocktails for lunch and dinner.
Cape Fear Seafood Company: This locally owned and operated restaurant serves regional American seafood.
7. Falls River
Falls River is not only one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh but is considered an excellent place for young professionals to live. If you are moving to Raleigh, consider residing in Falls River for its family-friendly atmosphere and safe environment.
Located off of Durant Road in North Raleigh, Falls River features mostly midsize, reasonably priced homes. First constructed in 1997, the community has continued to develop over the years and offers beautiful single-family homes.
Local Favorites:
Falls River Cafe: Best known for its tasty food and friendly staff.
Bedford Food and Drink: Visit this local cafe for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
The Pickled Onion Restaurant and Bar: This locally owned and operated sports bar is best known for its full bar, large TVs, and outdoor patio.
8. Glenwood South District
Glenwood South is a neighborhood district in Downtown Raleigh and one of the most well-known streets in the city for its nightlife, restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops. Drawing in large crowds at night and on the weekends, the Glenwood South District is great for young professionals who love to stay up late.
Considered an entertainment district with a large live music scene, this Raleigh neighborhood is excellent for meeting up with friends, grabbing a drink, and discovering new local artists.
Local Favorites:
Raleigh Beer Garden: Featuring more than 350 beers on tap.
Botanical Lounge: Featuring an indoor lounge and rooftop with fun music and delicious cocktails.
Hibernian Irish Pub and Restaurant: Order American-Irish food, beer, and cocktails.
9. Boylan Heights
Boylan Heights is one of eight historic neighborhoods in Downtown Raleigh and is considered one of Raleigh's earliest-planned suburbs. Beloved for its southern charm and attractive architecture, young professionals love calling Boylan Heights home for its convenience, safe streets, and rich history.
Local Favorites:
Flour and Barrel: This new restaurant in Raleigh serves rustic Italian small plates and artisan cocktails.
The Parlor at Heights House: Order craft cocktails, wine, and beer at this 1858 historic mansion.
Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing: Best known for its craft beer, outdoor patio, and beautiful view of the Raleigh skyline.
10. Historic Oakwood
Historic Oakwood is one of the most well-known neighborhoods in Raleigh due to its well-preserved Victorian and early 20th-century homes. Featuring a variety of home styles from Queen Anne to Craftsman, Historic Oakwood is full of tree-lined streets and is a true Raleigh gem.
Located on the edge of Downtown Raleigh, Historic Oakwood is a historic district and the city's first middle-class suburb. Home to cute cafes and popular restaurants, the Oakwood Halloween House is one of the top haunted houses in Raleigh. This community is one of the best that Raleigh has to offer.
Local Favorites:
Transfer Co. Food Hall: This popular Raleigh food hall has a 50,000-square-foot selection of different-style foods.
Whiskey Kitchen: Order whiskey, craft cocktails, and southern fare.
Morgan Street Food Hall: This repurposed warehouse features a variety of local food options, bars, and axe throwing.
FAQs
Is Raleigh, NC, a good place for young professionals?
Raleigh, NC, is a beautiful place for young professionals due to its access to top-rated universities and many job opportunities, specifically in the tech industry, thanks to its location within the Research Triangle Park.
Where do young professionals live in North Carolina?
Most young professionals in North Carolina are in Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte for the booming job markets, fun things to do, and top-rated colleges and universities.
Is Raleigh good for young singles?
Raleigh is a great place to live for young singles due to its large young professional population, vibrant social scene, and fun recreational activities, which provide opportunities to meet new people.
Methodology
Data and information were sourced from U.S. News and World Report, Raleigh Economic Development, and Wake County Economic Development to determine the best Raleigh neighborhoods for young professionals.
Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh for Young Professionals - Final Thoughts
Raleigh is a beautiful and vibrant city that attracts many young professionals because of its booming job market, access to quality education, and affordable housing. Whether you are just starting your career or are working up the corporate ladder, the number of young professionals in Raleigh continues to grow as the area gains popularity.
If you are ready to move to one of Raleigh's best neighborhoods for young professionals, please contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you with your home search.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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