So, I created a detailed analysis with nearly 60 of the presumed best neighborhoods in Raleigh NC with over 25 ranking criteria to decide this once and for all with numbers, not opinion.  

More information on the ranking criteria can be found at the bottom of this blog, but all the criteria rolled up into five different categories:  Location, which looks at commutes, proximity to essentials and entertainment, Value, which looks at what house you get for your money, Schools, which encompasses both public and private options, Amenities, and the overall Community feel.

Let’s start with 6-10 at a high level, and then we’ll dive into the Top Five in more detail.

#10 – Wendell Falls (Overall: 7.4, Location: 7, Value: 6, Schools: 6.75, Amenities: 9, Community: 9)

Starting with #10, we have the very popular Wendell Falls.

With some of the best amenities in all of the Triangle mixed with it’s own shopping center, there’s not much that this neighborhood doesn’t have.  

#9 – Falls River (Overall: 7.5, Location: 7.5, Value: 6, Schools: 7, Amenities: 8, Community: 9.5)

At #9, we have the incredibly sought after neighborhood of Falls River.

Nestled in a great location in North Raleigh, Falls River not only is a great place for those wanting a strong community, but has plenty of parks, pools, and outdoor fun to keep the whole family entertained.

#8 – Bella Casa (Overall: 7.5, Location: 8, Value: 6.25, Schools: 8.5, Amenities: 7, Community: 8.5)

Coming in at #8, we have the massive Apex neighborhood of Bella Casa.

Such an amazing location close to a number of parks, Bella Casa is one of Apex’s premiere neighborhoods with quite the variety of home prices and sizes.  

#7 – Riverwood (Overall: 7.5, Location: 6.5, Value: 8.5, Schools: 7, Amenities: 8, Community: 7.5)

#7 brings Clayton into the list with it’s popular neighborhood of Riverwood.

If you’re looking for value, Riverwood provides an excellent variety of homes at great prices for all that you get.  And, it has its’ own boutique shopping center in the center of the neighborhood.

#6 – Lochmere (Overall: 7.5, Location: 9, Value: 6.25, Schools: 6, Amenities: 8.5, Community: 7.5)

And at #6, Cary makes its’ first appearance with the absolutely beautiful neighborhood of Lochmere.  

The amenity rich Lochmere provides a lake house feel with multiple lakes, dense foliage, and even homes with boat docks.  

That’s 6 through 10, so now, let’s work our way down through the top 5.

#5 – Twelve Oaks (Overall: 7.6, Location: 7, Value: 5.5, Schools: 6.75, Amenities: 10, Community: 9.5)

In the number 5 spot, we have Holly Spring’s marquee neighborhood of Twelve Oaks.  

With an above average location score, Twelve Oaks has relatively quick commutes to both downtown Raleigh and RTP, while being very close to major shoppings centers and a multitude of parks and playgrounds around Holly Springs.

It has an average value score, mostly due to the fact that many of the yards are smaller with fewer mature trees since the neighborhood is new, the price per square foot is a little higher than the average for the Triangle, and its’ HOA fees are on the higher end.  

But what it lacks in value, it makes up for it its’ amazing amenities and sense of community.  It’s easy to meet people as it has a very social environment, and there are multiple pools, parks, and even an 18 hole golf course.  

#4 – Bedford (Overall: 7.8, Location: 7.5, Value: 6.5, Schools: 7, Amenities: 9, Community: 9.5)

Moving on to #4 is another one of North Raleigh’s most sought after neighborhoods and perhaps the prettiest on the list, Bedford.

With a solid location score, it has a relatively easy commute to downtown Raleigh and RTP, and is right in the middle of North Raleigh’s amenities as its’ in a convenient location to enjoy the outdoors.

It has a strong value score as the prices per square foot are very reasonable for the area, and you get a home with mature trees and decent yard sizes.

But like Twelve Oaks, Bedford’s draw is in its’ amenities, as it has multiple pools with a dedicated space for young kids, multiple pocket parks, it’s own boutique shopping center, and direct access to the best greenway in the area in the Neuse River Greenway Trail.  

And all of these amenities help to bring neighbors together and create an excellent community for the whole family.

 

#3 – Heritage (Overall: 7.8, Location: 7, Value: 6, Schools: 8, Amenities: 10, Community: 9)

Into the top three now, and the #3 spot goes to Wake Forests’ marquee neighborhood of Heritage.

With just about everything you could ever need right around the corner, the only drawback of Heritage’s location is its’ distance from downtown Raleigh and RTP.  

But you get a decent overall value in Heritage with reasonable prices per square foot in comparison to neighborhoods with similar amenities, and mature trees, which is a major draw to people of the community.  

Heritage’s main appeal though is its’ top notch amenities.  It has two different pool locations complete with kids areas, a water slide, and even a lazy river.  And it’s parks are just different, as they are impeccably maintained and offer plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.  

Heritage also has its’ own 18-hole golf course and clubhouse for golf lovers.

And the community holds multiple events throughout the year and helps to foster an incredible community feel throughout the neighborhood.

#2 – Amberly (Overall: 8.0, Location: 8.5, Value: 6, Schools: 7, Amenities: 10, Community: 8.5)

Down to #2, which takes us back to Cary in the amenity rich neighborhood of Amberly.

With one of the better location scores on the whole list, Amberly is an incredibly convenient neighborhood for those working in RTP, and has everything you need within minutes.

While its’ price per square foot is a little higher than the average for the area as its’ in Cary, it still has a solid value score as you will get a newer home with reasonable HOA fees for the amenities.

And speaking of the amenities, they are amazing.  One of its’ pools could be mistaken for a mini-water park, it has multiple pocket parks around, tennis and pickle ball courts, a mini-soccer field, and its’ own lake with walking trails surrounding it.  

And to top it off, the center of the neighborhood comes complete with its’ own shopping center that has restaurants, grocery, and retail options, and there’s even a dedicated event space for where the community holds many of its’ outdoor get togethers.  

#1 – Prestonwood (Overall: 8.1, Location: 9.5, Value: 4.5, Schools: 8.5, Amenities: 10, Community: 9)

We’ve arrived at the #1 spot, so without further ado, the top spot goes to Cary’s staple neighborhood of Prestonwood!

This may come as a surprise to many considering its’ lower than average value score, but Prestonwood excels at every other category to put it at the top of the list.

It’s in an absolute prime location.  You can quickly get to downtown Raleigh, the PNC Arena area where the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State Wolfpack play, as well as enjoy a quick commute into RTP and Durham if needed.  

You’re also right in the middle of the best of what Cary has to offer from both a parks and entertainment standpoint, as you’re right by multiple major shopping centers and just minutes from Bond Park, Lake Crabtree, and more.

House wise, you will pay a premium for houses here, many of the homes are on the older side now, and the club membership dues are costly, but you do get mature trees with decent sized lots.

Amenities wise, Prestonwood is known to be the best around when considering its’ country club.  There are multiple pools with a massive pool deck overlooking two beautiful ponds, and it has a major tennis program with tons of tennis and pickle ball courts.

The clubhouse is stunning with multiple dining options, and the golf course is one of the best in the Southeast, and has 54 holes to play!

And there’s always some event going on at the clubhouse, so its’ easy to meet people.

So there you have it, the top 10 best neighborhoods in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas based on numbers.

Overall, even though I may rank the neighborhoods slightly different myself, I do agree with this list overall.  

I was a little surprised not to see a Durham or Chapel-Hill neighborhood in the top 10 though.  Croasdaile in Durham did come in at #11, and Meadowmont in Chapel-Hill came in at #16 as the two closest to break the top 10.

Check out our other breakdowns of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh NC analysis based on value, location, and amenities.

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

Please reach out via our contact information below:

Phone:  919-504-5265

Email:  Alison@thewgroupraleigh.com

Website:  www.thewgroupraleigh.com

Ranking Criteria

Location (25%)

 – 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 (25%)

 – 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 (15%)

 – 70% – GreatSchool.org School Rating

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

Amenities (20%)

 – 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 (15%)

 – 40% – Areas Conducive for Kids to Play

 – 30% – Community Events Held

 – 30% – Neighborly Feel