More information on the ranking criteria can be found in the description below, but the heaviest focus of these rankings involve the Value category, which analyzes yard sizes and foliage, average price per square foot and ages of homes, the tax rate, and HOA fees.  

Amenities are also included at a lesser percentage as part of the overall value calculation, and in these rankings, location is a very minor factor.

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

#9 Tie – North & South Lakes (Overall Value: 6.9)

There’s a 3-way tie for ninth place, so we will start with the first one being Fuquay-Varina’s North and South Lakes.  With a mixture of newer and older homes, this neighborhood provides incredible value and has the amenities to go with it.

#9 Tie – Lochmere (Overall Value: 6.9)

The next one at #9 is Lochmere, which has low prices per square foot for Cary.  You also get larger yards with plenty of privacy from the mature trees.  Now many homes are on the older side, but the amenities you get for what you pay for provide incredible value. 

 

#9 Tie – Wendell Falls (Overall Value: 6.9)

And the final neighborhood in the three way tie is Wendell Falls, which has the amenities that make it feel like it shouldn’t fall on this list.  But, with its location being in Wendell, the prices per square foot are low, and you essentially get a new house.

#8 – Portofino (Overall Value: 7.0)

#8 brings Clayton into the mix with it’s beautiful neighborhood of Portofino.

This equestrian community is geared towards the higher price point, but what you get for your money will amaze you.  And the lots are pretty large as well.

#7 – Sunset Ridge (Overall Value: 7.1)

At #7 is one of Holly Springs’ best neighborhoods in Sunset Ridge.

In an amazing location with very nice amenities, it’s hard to imagine the prices are as reasonable as they are.  The neighborhood has very mature vegetation with good size yards, and in addition to having its’ own lake, it’s also right next to many of Holly Springs’ best parks like Bass Lake.

 

#6 – Amberly (Overall Value: 7.2)

And at #6, we have Cary’s popular neighborhood of Amberly.

If you’re okay with a small yard, Amberly provides incredible value.  The prices per square foot are lower than most areas around Cary and you get a home on the newer side.  And for those prices, you get some of the best amenities around.

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

#5 – Heritage (Overall Value: 7.2)

In the number 5 spot, we have Wake Forest’s Heritage.

The prices per square foot in Heritage are typically less than the average for the area, and many parts of the neighborhood are still relatively new.

Yards are generous sizes for the area and you get mature trees.  Mix that with incredible amenities, and you can see how it ranks up there in value.

 

 

#4 – Bedford (Overall Value: 7.3)

Moving on to #4, Bedford in North Raleigh is packs a punch.

With some of the best prices in Raleigh for what you get, Bedford should be at the top of many people’s lists looking for the best value.  

This beautiful neighborhood offers the Charleston feel with streets lined with trees and picket fences, and has some of the best amenities around outside of those neighborhoods with country clubs. 

 

#3 – Flowers Plantation (Overall Value: 7.3)

Moving into the top 3, with the #3 spot going to Clayton’s staple neighborhood of Flowers Plantation.

This is the largest neighborhood in the Triangle, but overall, its’ prices per square foot are very low in comparison to the greater Raleigh area.  

It’s a mature neighborhood with certain areas having generous lot sizes with plenty of trees.

There is a very large YMCA at the edge of the neighborhood and multiple shopping centers built around it, and the new Waterfront District located right next to it will be its’ own North Hills.

#2 – Treyburn (Overall Value: 7.4)

Down to #2, which brings Durham into the fold, with its’ stunning country club neighborhood, Treyburn.

Like Portofino, Treyburn is a neighborhood for those with a higher budget, but the value is incredible.  The prices per square foot of these homes are essentially half of what you would see for homes of this size and style in other areas of the triangle.

The neighborhood has large lots with mature trees, and being outside city limits, taxes are low.  

The country club is very nice with a massive clubhouse, multiple pools, and an 18-hole golf course.

The one downside is its’ location, as its’ north of Durham, but if you enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Treyburn stretches your money further. 

 

#1 – Riverwood (Overall Value: 8.2)

We’ve arrived at the #1 spot, which brings us back to Clayton, Riverwood.

Riverwood has some of the lowest prices per square foot around the triangle when considering houses of this relative age, size, and style.  

You will get a home that would be around 50% higher if placed in Raleigh, and while there are plenty of neighborhoods with similarly priced homes, Riverwood’s amenities are what separate it from the pack.

It is a beautiful neighborhood with its’ own shopping center built right in the middle, has an athletic club, a lake with walking trails, and is within walking or biking distance to an elementary and middle school.  

Hard to beat all of that for such a low price.

So these are the top 10 best neighborhoods in Raleigh NC and the triangle as a whole that provide the best value, based on a numerical analysis.

You’ll notice that if you’re looking for value and are okay being a little further out from downtown Raleigh, Clayton has quite a few options.

For more neighborhood videos, check out the overall best neighborhoods in Raleigh NC, the best neighborhoods in Raleigh NC with resort amenities, and also check out the best neighborhoods in Cary NC.

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 (5%)

 – 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 (65%)

 – 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 (2.5%)

 – 70% – GreatSchool.org School Rating

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

Amenities (25%)

 – 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 (2.5%)

 – 40% – Areas Conducive for Kids to Play

 – 30% – Community Events Held

 – 30% – Neighborly Feel and Community