A friend just bought in North Hills for K and I'm not sure if that was smart. Crime rate at 255.7/100K residents is something to {crime_feel}.
The school system in North Hills is actually hit or miss. I feel like Raleigh is becoming more expensive without getting better.
What am I missing here?
56 upvotes
34 Replies
Hudson Clark
I've been in Oakwood for 4 years and The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
50 upvotes
David Martin
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):
- Garner: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Downtown Raleigh: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Brier Creek: great community feel
- Cameron Village: quiet but close to everything
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: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Raleigh is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value space over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider New York.
Hope that helps!
48 upvotes
Eva Flores
Not to be negative but the food scene is overrated. I still like living here overall though. Just keeping it real.
46 upvotes
Peyton Morales
Brier Creek local here. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
46 upvotes
Landon Gray
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):
- Mordecai: safest area, good schools
- Apex: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Cary: best value in the city
- Five Points: good schools, safe streets
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: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Raleigh is lively 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.
DM me if you want more details.
45 upvotes
Wyatt Young
I've lived in both Wake Forest and North Hills. Completely different vibes. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year..
44 upvotes
Clara P.
As someone who lives in Five Points, Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. That said, the suburbs are a different story.
42 upvotes
Easton Nelson
Lol so true.
41 upvotes
Avery R.
Pretty much.
38 upvotes
Ariana Cooper
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Oakwood, Garner, and currently in North Hills. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Oakwood: /mo for a 1-bed
- Garner: about /mo
- North Hills: /mo but underrated
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
36 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramirez
My neighbor would disagree lol.
35 upvotes
Dominic M.
Brier Creek local here. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
33 upvotes
Madelyn Cruz
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Mordecai vs Brier Creek: completely different vibes. Mordecai is more improving with families and quiet streets. Brier Creek is up-and-coming and better for students.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Mordecai. In Brier Creek you can find stuff for /mo.
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
32 upvotes
Luca Patel
Moved here from LA and I'd say I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The cost of living here is excellent compared to what I'm used to.
32 upvotes
Mackenzie Moore
Can confirm.
32 upvotes
Julian Price
I've been in Wake Forest for 4 years and The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.
29 upvotes
Stella Clark
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Fuquay-Varina from Nashville about 8 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Fuquay-Varina and Boylan Heights for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was job market. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. Overall I'd give Raleigh a 6/10 for students.
27 upvotes
Alice Reed
Nah.
25 upvotes
born_aubrey41
Seconding this.
24 upvotes
Elijah Davis
As someone who lives in Garner, The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. That said, it depends on your budget.
21 upvotes
Jonathan B.
Renter's perspective: it's steep but the location is great. I'm in Wake Forest and it's underrated. Definitely shop around though.
19 upvotes
Adeline Harris
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):
- Cary: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Holly Springs: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Mordecai: best value in the city
- Downtown Raleigh: quiet but close to everything
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:**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Raleigh is lively 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 Denver.
16 upvotes
Ruby Allen
Good to know.
16 upvotes
Isaac King
Good to know.
13 upvotes
Parker Martinez
Couldn't have said it better.
13 upvotes
Joseph Taylor
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Downtown Raleigh, Five Points, and currently in North Hills. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Downtown Raleigh: /mo for a 1-bed
- Five Points: about /mo
- North Hills: /mo but pretty good
The parks system here is underrated.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks.
12 upvotes
Victoria Jimenez
Worked in marketing here for 8 years. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. The market is excellent right now if you're in that field.
11 upvotes
Katherine Clark
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Raleigh.
Background: 55, single woman, moved from Indianapolis 5 years ago for family. Currently in Downtown Raleigh.
**Housing:**
The market is excellent right now. We went with Downtown Raleigh because great school district. 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:**
hospitality jobs are competitive here. I was worried coming from Indianapolis but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 17 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Raleigh people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- 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 {industry} scene here is really picking up.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
9 upvotes
Emilia Collins
We pay /mo in North Hills for a 3-bed and I think it's fair for the area. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.
7 upvotes
Angel King
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, and currently in Oakwood. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Fuquay-Varina: /mo for a 1-bed
- Holly Springs: about /mo
- Oakwood: /mo but decent
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks. Happy to answer questions.
7 upvotes
Eleanor
+1
6 upvotes
Valentina Johnson
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Oakwood, Brier Creek, and currently in Mordecai. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Oakwood: /mo for a 2-bed
- Brier Creek: about /mo
- Mordecai: /mo but underrated
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
4 upvotes
Madelyn Mendoza
Weekend warrior here - Raleigh is improving for golfing. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.
3 upvotes
Julian K.
Just to add another data point - we moved from Chicago about 8 years ago. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. No regrets so far.
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