ABSOLUTE BEST RALEIGH NC NEIGHBORHOOD LOCATIONS

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Which top Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area neighborhoods are in the absolute BEST locations in the triangle?  

I’m Alison Wojnarowski with the W Real Estate Group in Raleigh, and to determine the top neighborhoods that in the most convenient locations in the triangle, we turned to the numbers.

We created a detailed analysis with nearly 60 top neighborhoods with over 25 ranking criteria to determine which neighborhood is in the absolute prime location in the triangle.

More information on the ranking criteria can be found in the description below, but the heaviest focus of these rankings obviously involve the Location category, which looks each neighborhood’s commute times, proximity to both essentials and major entertainment, and the number of outdoor activities nearby. 

Let’s start with 6-12 at a high level, and then we’ll dive into the Top Five in more detail.

#11 & 12 - Historic Oakwood & Mordecai (Overall Location: 8.0)

#10 - Cary Park (Overall Value: 8.1)

#9 - Amberly (Overall Value: 8.3)

#8 - MacGregor Downs (Overall Value: 8.3)

#7 - Lochmere (Overall Value: 8.5)

#6 - Duke Park (Overall Value: 8.5)

Six through ten are shown here, and first you’ll notice Historic Oakwood and Mordecai that are on the outskirts of downtown Raleigh.  In an amazing place to enjoy downtown’s amenities, the only the thing stopping them from landing higher on the list is the lack of essentials in their immediate vicinities.

Cary Park and Amberly are right next to each other on the Northwest side of Cary, which are perfect for commutes to RTP, and have everything you need within minutes.

MacGregor Downs and Lochmere are in south Cary, and are in very versatile locations as they offer quick commutes to both downtown Raleigh and RTP, have multiple shopping centers right around them, and the quick drive into downtown Raleigh and the PNC Arena allow for easy access to entertainment.

And for those who want to be close to downtown Durham, you’ll want to check out Duke Park.  It’s within minutes of downtown, and just north of it are multiple shopping centers.  And it has its’ own park right in the middle of it. 

Now let’s look at the top 5 in more detail.

#5 - North Ridge (Overall Value: 8.6)

Coming in at #5 is the North Raleigh gem of North Ridge.  This amazing location allows for quick access to I-540 as well as multiple back roads to get into North Hills and Downtown Raleigh.  

It’s very close to quite a few parks, like Millbrook Exchange, Durant Nature Preserve, and the Neuse River Greenway.

Mixed with its’ great amenities, this neighborhood is one of Raleigh’s premiere communities.

#4 - Croasdaile (Overall Value: 8.7)

Moving on to #4, Croasdaile, which is a Durham neighborhood that is great for those wanting to be by downtown Durham.

You’ll enjoy quick commutes into both downtown Durham and RTP as you’re going against the majority of traffic since you’re on the Northwest side of Durham.  

And you’re short drives from some of my favorite trails along the Eno River, as well as Duke Forest and Duke Gardens.

#3 - Brookhaven (Overall Value: 8.8)

Next up is #3, the mid-town Raleigh location of Brookhaven.  

While Brookhaven is one of Raleigh’s top neighborhoods, there are plenty of neighborhoods around Brookhaven like Stonehenge and Valley Estates that are great options and are equally in the same beneficial location.

Brookhaven has shopping centers all around it, and is minutes from Crabtree Valley Mall and North Hills.  

But overall, Brookhaven really feels like its’ in the center of all the action.  It’s no more than 20 to 25 minutes from everything.  You’re close to Brier Creek and Durham, North Raleigh, downtown Raleigh, the PNC Arena and fairgrounds, and all the amenities of Cary, so you really get to enjoy all that the triangle has to offer.

And commute wise, Glenwood Avenue will take you into downtown Raleigh and near RTP to some back roads.  While it’s a crowded road, it’s no where near as bad as some of the worst roads in Raleigh, so your commutes aren’t too bad.

And that leads to another benefit, it’s off Creedmoor and Millbrook roads, and while they are main roads, they aren’t typically too crowded.  So you can pull out of your neighborhood and not be in bumper to bumper traffic.

Park wise, you’re close to Shelley Lake, Lynn Lake, Umstead Park, the best playground in the area in the Sassafras park, and so much more.  

#2 - Prestonwood (Overall Value: 9.0)

Moving on to #2, Cary’s staple neighborhood of Prestonwood.

It’s quick commutes to both downtown Raleigh and RTP make this neighborhood a go to for those who want to enjoy the best that Cary has to offer and spend less time behind the wheel.

Like Brookhaven, you’re also not next to any roadways with major congestion, and you’re short drives to the vast majority of the area’s major amenities like the PNC Arena, Fenton, North Hills, and both downtown Raleigh and Durham.

And park wise, you’re in the middle of Cary, which has parks everywhere you turn.  Prestonwood is right next to Bond Park and a short drive to Lake Crabtree, as well as smaller parks like Carpenter, Thomas Brooks, and North Cary park.

#1 - North Hills (Overall Value: 9.0)

And we have arrived at the #1 spot, which is the incredibly popular neighborhood of North Hills.

This one doesn’t need much of an explanation, as you’re right next to the most popular entertainment location in Raleigh at the North Hills Shopping Center, and minutes away from Crabtree Valley Mall.

And being right next to I-440, you’re quick drives to just about everywhere in the Triangle.  You can also utilize lesser traveled roads to get into downtown Raleigh, so it’s a great neighborhood for those working in downtown Raleigh.  And if you work around RTP, you can utilize the major highways for a quick commute without traffic, so make sure to leave early to avoid the congestion.

Park wise, it has its’ own park that is connected to Raleigh’s main greenway system, and is right next to Shelley Lake and Lassiter Mill Park.

So that’s the list based on the numbers.  In my opinion, while I love the North Hills area, my favorites are between the Brookhaven area and Prestonwood areas give their versatility to enjoy just about everywhere in the triangle within minutes.  

If you have any real estate needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out as we would love to help you!

Alison Wojnarowski

Team Leader - W Real Estate Group

Email: alison@wgroup-kw.com

Mobile:  919-504-5265

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Ranking Criteria

Location (75%)

  -  30% - Commute to Downtown Raleigh, RTP, Downtown Durham, Downtown Chapel Hill

  -  20% - Proximity to Major Entertainment (Downtown Raleigh, Durham, Chapel-Hill, North Hills, PNC Arena)

  -  30%. - Proximity to Essentials (Grocery, Gas Stations, Etc..)

  -  20%. - Proximity to Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Value (10%)

  -  20% - Yard Size and Maturity of Vegetation

  -  40% - Avg Price per Square Foot of Homes

  -  20% - Age of Homes - Indicator of Maintenance & Updating Needs

  -  20% - Tax Rate - Measured against average of area

  -  HOA/Membership Fees - Adjustment to overall Value score based on amount

Schools (5%)

  -  70% - GreatSchool.org School Rating

  -  30% - Charter/Private Options within 15 minutes of neighborhood

Amenities (5%)

  -  Points added for the following 10 amenities:  Pool(s), playground/park, walking trails, dog park, golf, tennis, gym, clubhouse, dining options, shopping center.  For multiples in each category, add 1 point per category.  Maximum score of 10.

Community (5%)

  -  40% - Areas Conducive for Kids to Play

  -  30% - Community Events Held

  -  30% - Neighborly Feel and Community