Why Raleigh neighborhoods and its communities make the city inviting
Raleigh, the vibrant capital of North Carolina, is a city characterized by its diverse and distinctive neighborhoods. From historic districts to modern urban developments, each neighborhood has its own unique charm and personality. Whether you're a resident or just passing through, here are 18 neighborhoods in Raleigh that you absolutely must explore.
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A breakdown of the neighborhoods in Raleigh and the community they help form
This list is in order by population and was compiled from your choices for the WRAL Voters' Choice Awards and online review sites.
1. Northwest Raleigh: Geographical giant
This expansive neighborhood features the North Carolina Museum of Art, the tranquility of William B. Umstead State Park and shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall. Population: 82,3000.
Things to do
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- Frankies of Raleigh
- Regal Brier Creek
Grab a bite
- Angus Barn
- Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar
- First Watch
Explore nature
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Crabtree Walking Trails
- Lake Lynn Park
Retail therapy
- Crabtree Valley Mall
- Pleasant Valley Shopping Center
- Brier Creek Commons
2. North Raleigh: Where greenery meets entertainment
North Raleigh offers a blend of natural beauty and entertainment options. You can explore parks like Shelley Lake Park, shop at Plantation Point Shopping Center and enjoy trampoline fun at Defy Raleigh. Population: 74,836.
Things to do
- Defy Raleigh
- Raleigh Drive In
- Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
Grab a bite
- The Piper’s Restaurant and Tavern
- Lemongrass Thai
- Casa Cubana Restaurant and Rum Bar
Explore nature
- Shelley Lake Park
- East Fork Mine Creek Trail Head
- Durant Nature Reserve
Retail therapy
- Lafayette Village Shopping Center
- Plantation Point Shopping Center
- Falls Village Shopping Center
3. Northeast Raleigh: Riverside bliss
Northeast Raleigh offers exciting activities, including ice skating at Polar Ice Raleigh, outdoor adventures at Spring Forest Road Park and shopping at Triangle Town Center. Population: 47,383.
Things to do
- Polar Ice Raleigh
- Urban Air Trampoline
- Adventure Park
Grab a bite
- Al’s Tacos and Pupusas
- MATSU Hibachi & Sushi
- Kumbala Sports bar & Grill
Explore nature
- Spring Forest Road Park
- Hedingham Community Park
- Neuse River Greenway Trail
Retail therapy
- Triangle Town Center
- Shoppes at Poyner Place
- Ashton Square Shopping Mall
4. West: A mix of entertainment and education
The West neighborhood offers a mix of fun and learning, with attractions like the NC State Fairgrounds, recreational activities at Lake Johnson Park and shopping at The Raleigh Market. Population: 39,634.
Things to go
- NC State Fairgrounds
- PNC Arena
- Kentwood Park Disc Golf Course
Grab a bite
- Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh
- Ole Time Barbecue
- Mezquite Valley
Explore nature
- Lake Johnson Park
- Powell Drive Park
- The Week Fed Community Garden
- Retail therapy
- The Raleigh Market
- Plaza West Shopping Center
5. Southeast: Sports and green spaces
Southeast Raleigh boasts the Anderson Point Park Amphitheater for sports, scenic trails along the Neuse River and delicious cuisine at Mar-Y-Sol. Population: 29,805.
Things to do
- Anderson Point Park Amphitheater
- Grab a bite
- Mar-Y-Sol
Exploring nature
- Neuse River Trail
- Historic Oak View County Park
- Anderson Point Park
6. Forestville: Nature’s paradise
Forestville is a nature lover's paradise with adventures at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, outdoor relaxation at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve and delicious bagels at Andy’s NY Bagel Café & Deli. Population: 29,075.
Things to do
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
- The Community Garden at 5401 North Community
Grab a bite
- Andy’s NY Bagel Café & Deli
Exploring nature
- Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve
- Neuse Crossing Connector Bridge
- Berkshire Downs West Park and Wetland
7. Southwest: Parks and campuses
Southwest Raleigh invites you to explore the Lonnie Poole Golf Course, relax at Dorothea Dix Park and savor meals at Sammy’s Tap & Grill. Population: 21,948.
Things to do
- Lonnie Poole Golf Course
- Dorothea Dix Park
Grab a bite
- Sammy’s Tap & Grill
- Mi Rancho
- NC Seafood Restaurant at the Farmers Market
8. South: Music and nature
South Raleigh offers musical entertainment at Coastal Credit Union Music Park, outdoor enjoyment at Kingwood Forest Park, and seafood delights at Oak City Fish and Chips. Population: 21,780.
Things to do
- Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Grab a bite
Oak City Fish and Chips
- Jack’s Seafood
- Juiced! Juice Bar
- Exploring nature
- Kingwood Forest Park
9. Hillsborough-Wade: Where parks and education flourish
Enjoy cultural enrichment at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design, family fun at Pullen Park and shopping at the Village District Shopping Mall in Hillsborough-Wade.
Things to do
- Gregg Museum of Art & Design
- Memorial Belltower
Grab a bite
- Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
- Raleigh Beer Garden
Exploring nature
- Pullen Park
- Jaycee Park
- Pollock Place Park
Retail therapy
- Village District shopping mall
10. Midtown: North Hills elegance
Midtown is known for its upscale entertainment options like Kings Bowl North Hills, serene parks like Eastgate Park and shopping at North Hills Shopping Mall. Population: 25,527.
Things to do
- Kings Bowl North Hills
Grab a bite
- Bonefish Grill
- Another Broken Egg
- Capital Grille
Parks and trails
- Eastgate Park
- Brooks Nature Trail
- North Hills Park
Retail therapy
- Creekside Crossing & Shops
- North Hills Shopping Mall
11. Atlantic: Urban oasis in Raleigh
Atlantic Raleigh offers family entertainment at Stars and Strikes, scenic beauty at Brentwood Park and Neighborhood Center and diverse cuisine at Pho Far East. Population: 14,558.
Things to do
- Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
- Adventure Landing
Grab a bite
- Pho Far East
- Royal India
- OMTea Boba & Bites
Exploring nature
- Marsh Creek trailhead
- Brentwood Park and Neighborhood Center
- Beadman Lake
12. East: History and diversity
East Raleigh is a neighborhood that proudly wears its historical significance and cultural diversity on its sleeve. It is perhaps best known for being home to the East Raleigh–South Park Historic District, which holds the distinction of being the largest African American neighborhood in Raleigh. Population: 13,545.
Thing to do
- Historic Oak View County Park tour
- Live music venues
- Alamo Draft House
Exploring nature
- Walnut Creek Wetland Park
- John Winter's Park
Grab a bite
- Jack’s Seafood and Soul Food
- Red Pepper Asian
13. Central: The heart of Raleigh
Central Raleigh is at the city's core with attractions like Marbles Kids Museum, the Neighbor to Neighbor Skate Park and savory barbecue at The Pit Authentic Barbecue.
Things to do
- Marbles Kids Museum
- CAM Raleigh
- Red Hat Amphitheater
Grab a bite
- The Pit Authentic Barbecue
- Big Ed’s City Market
- The Fiction Kitchen
Exploring nature
- Neighbor to Neighbor Skate Park
- Junious N. Sorrell Park
- Nash and Moore Square
14. Five Points: Quaint and charming
Five Points boasts charm and character, with dining options like Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, opportunities for outdoor exploration at Conservation Trust for North Carolina and leisure at Fred Fletcher Park. Population: 8,946.
Grab a bite
- Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
- Mami’s Latin Style Rotisserie Chicken
- Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard
Exploring nature
- Conservation Trust for North Carolina
- Roanoke Park
- Fred Fletcher Park
15. Glenwood: A hidden gem
Glenwood hides delightful surprises, including unique dining experiences at Ladyfingers: Glenwood Place Market & Eatery, tranquil parks like Rothgeb Park, and sushi delights at Sushi Mon. Population: 8,566.
Grab a bite
- Ladyfingers| Glenwood Place Market & Eatery
- Sushi mon
- Taco Bamba
Explore nature
- Rothgeb Park
- Beaverdam Creek
- Lassiter Mill Park
16. South Central: A small gem with big attractions
South Central Raleigh features the Walnut Creek Wetland Center, serene parks like John Winter’s Park and culinary diversity at Transfer Co. Food Hall. Population: 6,876.
Things to do
- Walnut Creek Wetland Center
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Gardens
- Camden Street Learning Garden
Grab a bite
- Transfer Co. Food Hall
- Jack’s Seafood & Soul food
- Hady’s Restaurant International Cuisine
Exploring nature
- John Winter’s Park
- Walnut Creek Trail
- Roberts Park
17. North Central: Capital district's cultural hub
North Central Raleigh is a cultural hub with attractions like the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, charming eateries like Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar and green spaces like Oakwood Commons Park. Population: 6,758.
Things to do
- N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences
- N.C. Museum of History
Grab a bite
- Side Street
- Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar
- Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar
Explore nature
- Oakwood Commons Park
- Levelle Morton Park
- George Williams Athletic Complex
18. Mordecai: Historic and cozy
Mordecai is steeped in history, offering experiences like visits to Mordecai Historic Park, delicious burgers at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and antique shopping at TrunkShow Antique Store. Population: 2,747.
Grab a bite
- Bad Daddy’s burger bar
- Watkins Grill
- Stanbury
![The Stanbury]( "The Stanbury")
The Stanbury
Exploring nature
- Mordecaid Historic Park
Retail therapy
- TrunkShow Antique store
- Cabin Antiques
- Union Camp Collective
Each neighborhood in Raleigh has its own distinctive character, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.
