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Michelle R.
housing
Landlord recommendations in Raleigh?
For context, Just retired here from San Diego. Roast me or validate me, I can take it.
82 upvotes
38 Replies
Olivia E.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Raleigh guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- ITB: safest area, good schools
- Oakwood: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- North Hills: hidden gem, locals only know
- Cary: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Raleigh is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Minneapolis.
Feel free to ask specifics.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- ITB: safest area, good schools
- Oakwood: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- North Hills: hidden gem, locals only know
- Cary: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Raleigh is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Minneapolis.
Feel free to ask specifics.
50 upvotes
Matthew
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Raleigh guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Wake Forest: safest area, good schools
- Downtown Raleigh: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Boylan Heights: best value in the city
- Mordecai: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Raleigh is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value community over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider San Francisco.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Wake Forest: safest area, good schools
- Downtown Raleigh: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Boylan Heights: best value in the city
- Mordecai: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Raleigh is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value community over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider San Francisco.
48 upvotes
Aurora Flores
It's gotten worse recently.
47 upvotes
Noah Price
Just to add another data point - we moved from Columbus about 4 years ago. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. No regrets so far.
44 upvotes
Isabella R.
We pay /mo in ITB for a 3-bed and it's steep but the location is great. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
42 upvotes
Linda B.
Worked in government here for 3 years. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. The market is decent right now if you're in that field.
42 upvotes
Everly Foster
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Raleigh guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Five Points: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Apex: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Brier Creek: hidden gem, locals only know
- Wake Forest: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: great compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. Raleigh is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Austin.
Good luck!
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Five Points: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Apex: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Brier Creek: hidden gem, locals only know
- Wake Forest: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: great compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. Raleigh is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Austin.
Good luck!
39 upvotes
Avery C.
My neighbor would disagree lol.
38 upvotes
Aubrey R.
Same experience here.
38 upvotes
Connor Phillips
That tracks.
38 upvotes
Betty C.
Can confirm.
37 upvotes
Amelia R.
Nah.
37 upvotes
Angela O.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Raleigh guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Downtown Raleigh: safest area, good schools
- Holly Springs: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Cameron Village: great community feel
- Mordecai: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Raleigh is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Detroit.
DM me if you want more details.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Downtown Raleigh: safest area, good schools
- Holly Springs: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Cameron Village: great community feel
- Mordecai: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Raleigh is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Detroit.
DM me if you want more details.
35 upvotes
Cooper
Homeowner in Wake Forest since 2017. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Property values have gone up steadily which is concerning for affordability.
35 upvotes
James K.
Yep.
35 upvotes
Vivian Davis
Great question. Here's my honest take after 6 years:
The good:
- Great food scene
- Friendly locals
- Strong arts and culture scene
The not-so-good:
- Chain restaurants everywhere
- Limited diversity in some areas
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. I'd say for families, Raleigh is solid. Feel free to ask specifics.
The good:
- Great food scene
- Friendly locals
- Strong arts and culture scene
The not-so-good:
- Chain restaurants everywhere
- Limited diversity in some areas
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. I'd say for families, Raleigh is solid. Feel free to ask specifics.
34 upvotes
Nora Watson
Big facts.
32 upvotes
Alice D.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Raleigh guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Holly Springs: best food in the city
- ITB: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Fuquay-Varina: best value in the city
- Boylan Heights: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Raleigh is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Raleigh.
Feel free to ask specifics.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Holly Springs: best food in the city
- ITB: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Fuquay-Varina: best value in the city
- Boylan Heights: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Raleigh is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Raleigh.
Feel free to ask specifics.
31 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
Mordecai local here. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
24 upvotes
Autumn J.
Underrated comment.
22 upvotes
nathan_vibes
Been here 7 years, can vouch for this.
20 upvotes
Wyatt
I'd highly recommend checking out Brier Creek. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Plus the food options around there are solid.
17 upvotes
Matthew L.
Totally agree.
16 upvotes
Grayson Morris
Great question. Here's my honest take after 3 years:
The good:
- Nice downtown area
- Low commute times
- Diverse neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Limited public transit
- Tourist crowds
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. I'd say for singles, Raleigh is great. Happy to answer questions.
The good:
- Nice downtown area
- Low commute times
- Diverse neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Limited public transit
- Tourist crowds
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. I'd say for singles, Raleigh is great. Happy to answer questions.
15 upvotes
Adeline Davis
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Holly Springs from Minneapolis about 3 years ago. Initially I missed home a lot. But after settling in, Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Holly Springs and Wake Forest for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was traffic. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Overall I'd give Raleigh a 6/10 for remote workers.
I moved to Holly Springs from Minneapolis about 3 years ago. Initially I missed home a lot. But after settling in, Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Holly Springs and Wake Forest for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was traffic. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Overall I'd give Raleigh a 6/10 for remote workers.
14 upvotes
sd_wesley
Renter's perspective: honestly it's worth it. I'm in Wake Forest and it's solid. Definitely shop around though.
13 upvotes
Cora
Renter's perspective: I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. I'm in Brier Creek and it's hit or miss. Definitely shop around though.
12 upvotes
Julie R.
Brier Creek local here. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
10 upvotes
Ariana T.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in North Hills, Cary, and currently in Wake Forest. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- North Hills: /mo for a 2-bed
- Cary: about /mo
- Wake Forest: /mo but excellent
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks. Feel free to ask specifics.
I've lived in North Hills, Cary, and currently in Wake Forest. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- North Hills: /mo for a 2-bed
- Cary: about /mo
- Wake Forest: /mo but excellent
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks. Feel free to ask specifics.
9 upvotes
Nicholas R.
Moved here from Raleigh and I'd say Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. The food scene here is hit or miss compared to what I'm used to.
9 upvotes
Ezekiel Morris
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Raleigh.
Background: 48, family with kids, moved from Pittsburgh 9 years ago for family. Currently in Brier Creek.
**Housing:**
The market is great right now. We went with Brier Creek because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Wake Forest - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
education jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Pittsburgh but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 13 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. Raleigh people are reserved at first once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. For young professionals, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 48, family with kids, moved from Pittsburgh 9 years ago for family. Currently in Brier Creek.
**Housing:**
The market is great right now. We went with Brier Creek because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Wake Forest - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
education jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Pittsburgh but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 13 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. Raleigh people are reserved at first once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. For young professionals, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
7 upvotes
Olivia R.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Raleigh guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Oakwood: safest area, good schools
- Wake Forest: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Apex: hidden gem, locals only know
- Five Points: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Raleigh is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Nashville.
Hope that helps!
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Oakwood: safest area, good schools
- Wake Forest: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Apex: hidden gem, locals only know
- Five Points: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Raleigh is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Nashville.
Hope that helps!
7 upvotes
Landon Gray
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Cameron Village, Brier Creek, and currently in Oakwood. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Cameron Village: /mo for a 3-bed
- Brier Creek: about /mo
- Oakwood: /mo but solid
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks.
I've lived in Cameron Village, Brier Creek, and currently in Oakwood. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Cameron Village: /mo for a 3-bed
- Brier Creek: about /mo
- Oakwood: /mo but solid
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks.
6 upvotes
Lydia Bailey
Great question. Here's my honest take after 4 years:
The good:
- Good schools in certain areas
- Diverse neighborhoods
- Strong local businesses
The not-so-good:
- Sprawl is real
- Property taxes
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. I'd say for remote workers, Raleigh is solid. Hope that helps!
The good:
- Good schools in certain areas
- Diverse neighborhoods
- Strong local businesses
The not-so-good:
- Sprawl is real
- Property taxes
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. I'd say for remote workers, Raleigh is solid. Hope that helps!
6 upvotes
Brooks Sanders
Seconding this.
5 upvotes
milwaukee_emily
I've lived in both Apex and Mordecai. Completely different vibes. The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
5 upvotes
Melanie O.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Downtown Raleigh vs ITB: completely different vibes. Downtown Raleigh is more pretty good with trendy restaurants and coffee shops. ITB is lively and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Downtown Raleigh. In ITB you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
Downtown Raleigh vs ITB: completely different vibes. Downtown Raleigh is more pretty good with trendy restaurants and coffee shops. ITB is lively and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Downtown Raleigh. In ITB you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
2 upvotes
Elijah Carter
Following because I'm curious too.
0 upvotes