Best Neighborhoods Near RTP | Avoid the Traffic Trap

If you're planning a move to the Raleigh–Durham area to be close to Research Triangle Park (RTP), this guide is going to save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. This isn’t the generic relocation advice you’ll find on Google—or even from scrolling maps. This is hyper-local insight based on on-the-ground experience helping hundreds of people relocate to RTP.

We’re diving into the real spots you should consider—hidden gems, underrated neighborhoods, and the surprising trade-offs no one talks about. Because the truth is:

Living near RTP requires a little compromise.
Whether it’s yard size, home age, commute time, or price—no single area checks every box. But there are several places that hit most of the major factors that matter for RTP commuters.

Let’s break them down.

Northwest Raleigh: The Most Underrated RTP Haven

Most RTP hopefuls immediately flock to Cary, Brier Creek, or South Durham. Some even stretch as far as Apex or Holly Springs. But few people consider Northwest Raleigh—and honestly, it’s one of the biggest hidden gems for RTP commuters.

Commute: 8/10

Expect 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. You’ll take Glenwood Ave or Hop on 540 briefly, but you also have great back-road options to avoid congestion.

Location: 10/10

This is easily one of the most convenient spots in the Triangle. You’re minutes from:

• RDU Airport
  
  
• Crabtree Valley Mall
  
  
• The Lenovo Center
  
  
• Downtown Raleigh
  
  
• Cary
  
  

Homes & Neighborhoods: 6/10

Here’s the trade-off: you’ll find privacy, trees, character, and bigger lots—but not much new construction. Homes are mostly from the ’80s and ’90s, with pockets of newer luxury builds sprinkled in.

• Average list price: $677,000
  
  
• Average price/sq ft: $264
  
  

Neighborhoods worth exploring: Brookhaven, Stonehenge, Leesville.

Leesville / South Durham: The Quietly Growing Hotspot

This area has exploded in popularity thanks to new construction and proximity to both Durham and RTP.

Commute: 7.5/10

Again, 15–30 minutes, but you’re primarily relying on back roads—which can bottleneck quickly during peak times.

Location: 7/10 for Raleigh, 9/10 for Durham

RDU is close by, but expect to hear more overhead airplane noise. Downtown Durham is an easy trip.

Homes & Neighborhoods: 8/10

You get great value here:

• Older homes with character and trees
  
  
• New construction communities with amenities
  
  

Top communities include:
Sweetbrier (Mungo Homes), Solana (Pulte Homes).

• Average home price: $740,000
  
  
• Lots of $500K options
  
  
• Price/sq ft: ~$246
  
  

Living Inside the RTP Bubble

If convenience is your #1 priority, living right near RTP can’t be beat.

Commute: 10/10

You’re already there.
No 540. No I-40.
Just 10 minutes or less to most RTP offices.

Location: 8/10

Incredibly central—but congested at times with plenty of plane noise.

Homes & Neighborhoods: 7/10

Tons of new construction, townhomes, and apartments. Just expect:

• Smaller lots
  
  
• Busy surroundings
  
  
• Higher density living
  
  

Popular communities: Kitts Creek, Davis Park Townes

• Average price: Upper $400Ks–mid $600Ks
  
  
• Price/sq ft: $220–$230
  
  

If having a big yard is important, Brier Creek is the closest area offering that.

South Durham: Huge Value, Great Location

Neighborhoods like Hope Valley Farms and Woodcreek offer some of the best deals near RTP.

Commute: 9/10

About 15 minutes on average.

Location: 7/10 for Raleigh, 9/10 for Durham

A great balance between both cities.

Homes & Neighborhoods: 8/10

Older homes, larger lots, and prices rarely seen this close to RTP:

• $300K–$500K for most properties
  
  
• Newer homes in Hope Valley Farms trend higher
  
  
• For luxury + country club living: Historic Hope Valley
  
  

Cary: The Triangle’s Most Popular Choice

Cary is the classic RTP relocation pick—but the commute depends heavily on where in Cary you live.

Commute:

• North & West Cary: 9/10 (15–20 mins, no major highways)
  
  
• South & East Cary: 6/10 (30+ mins and heavy I-40/US-1 congestion)
  
  

Location: 9/10

Central, convenient, but can feel crowded.

Homes & Neighborhoods: 10/10 (Quality), 8/10 (Cost)

Cary is the most expensive city in the Triangle.

• Typical range: $700K–$1M+
  
  
• Luxury options everywhere
  
  
• Older, smaller homes in 27513 help offset the average
  
  

Top neighborhoods: Amberly, Cary Park, Preston

Apex: Charming, Popular, and Crowded

Apex is one of the “Best Places to Live in America,” but its RTP commute can be… tricky.

Commute:

• Using 540 (toll): 8/10 — 20–30 minutes
  
  
• Using US-1 → I-40: 4/10 — slow, frustrating, and packed
  
  

Location: 8/10

When it’s good, it’s great. When it’s congested, it’s rough.

Homes & Neighborhoods: 10/10

Very similar to Cary:

• $600K–$800K averages
  
  
• Popular neighborhoods: Scotts Mill, Bella Casa
  
  
• High demand + strong community feel
  
  

Two More Underrated Spots You Shouldn’t Overlook

1. Twelve Oaks (Holly Springs)

If you’re willing to take 540, this is a fantastic option:

• Resort-style amenities
  
  
• Reasonable prices
  
  
• Easy back-road access that avoids Hwy 55 gridlock
  
  

2. North Raleigh – ZIP 27614

This area is loaded with variety:

• Older, affordable homes on large lots
  
  
• High-end new construction
  
  
• Peaceful, wooded feel without being too far out
  
  
• Roughly 30-minute commutes via back roads
  
  

Conclusion

If you’re moving to RTP, the “best” area truly depends on what matters most to you—price, commute, space, privacy, newness, school ratings, or lifestyle.

Every area has trade-offs, but the good news is that the Triangle has tons of excellent options for every type of buyer.

If you want help narrowing it down, or you’d like to see homes in these areas, our team would love to be your guide.

We have full neighborhood videos breaking down each of these communities in more detail—so be sure to check those out as well.