Welcome to the All My Sons Guide to Raleigh. If you are thinking of or planning to Raleigh, use this as a resource to learn more about the different Raleigh neighborhoods. “The City of Oaks” is a haven for business, technology, education, culture, and family life.
NORTH RALEIGH North Raleigh is located outside of the I-440 beltline. The North Raleigh area is a fast-growing suburban area that includes the neighborhoods of Glenwood and Brookhaven with Falls Lake to the north. There are many subdivisions in North Raleigh, many that were developed during and after the 1950s. North Raleigh is also home to the Carolina Country Club and large shopping areas like the Crabtree Valley Mall. Neighborhoods in North Raleigh include: North Hills, Crabtree Valley, Brookhaven, Brentwood, Brier Creek, Stonehenge, Falls River, Northridge, Stonebridge, Wood Valley, Crossgate, Bent Tree, Westlake, Springdale, Dominion Park, Durant Trails, Millbrook, New Hope, Lake Park, Village on the Green, Bedford, Stone Creek, Wakefield, Windsor Forest and Wood Valley.
DOWNTOWN RALEIGH The area of Downtown Raleigh is considered to be a trendy neighborhood. Many old buildings and factories have been converted into living spaces. The area is home to many historic buildings like the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel and the Cotton Mill building, the City Market, and Governors Square. Downtown Raleigh is home to the RBC Center, where both North Carolina State and the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL call home. The Raleigh Convention Center is also located downtown. Culturally, Downtown Raleigh also houses the Performing Arts Center, the North Carolina Museum of History, and the Museum of Natural Sciences. Peace College, Shaw University and St. Augustine’s College also offer a variety of resources to students and the public. Neighborhoods include : Cameron Park, Boylan Heights, Country Club Hills, Coley Forest, Five Points, Glenwood-Brooklyn, Hayes Barton, Moore Square, Mordecai, Belvidere Park, Woodcrest, Historic Oakwood, Capital Park, Pilot Mill, Mordecai, Glenwood Village, Chavis Heights, South Park, University Park, and Belvidere Park.
The most famous Downtown Historic neighborhoods are: Historic Oakwood is a 19th century neighborhood that is northeast of the city center, within walking distance of downtown. The neighborhood is famous for its Victorian homes in a variety of colors and the Christmas tour of homes. Historic Mordecai is the Historic division of Mordecai that is within walking distance of the state government complex. The area is near Peace College and features older bungalow-style homes. Boylan Heights contains early 20th century large homes in a variety of different architecture styles, many of which that have been fully restored. It is located near the State Farmers Market. BOYLAN HEIGHTS – edge of downtown, wooded, older homes, many restorations Glenwood/Brooklyn is composed of neighborhoods between Glenwood Ave and Hillsborough St. The area contains old homes, specialty shops, and antique stores. The area homes range from bungalows to large colonials. Five Points area of Raleigh is an eclectic village that is populated by many old North Carolina families. The Five Points area contains the neighborhoods of Bloomsbury, Hayes Barton, Roanoke Park, and Vanguard Park. The Five Points area is a desirable location for many young and first-time homeowners. The area is simple, efficient and is considered to be an escape from an urban lifestyle. The name “Five Points” was given due to the fact that the area is the center of a five-way intersection. The area was a planning movement that was initiated by the city of Raleigh. Within Five Points, there is a variety of architecture and many renovated homes. Within Five Points is the famous neighborhood of Hayes Barton, which was named after the original hometown of Sir Walter Raleigh. The neighborhood was established in the 1920s and 1930s, is home to a number of stone manors and brick colonial homes, and is considered one of the most desirable areas of Raleigh. The area is also home to the world-renown Rialto Theatre. Capitol Area/State Government District is the area of downtown that contains mostly NC state government building and offices. It is the center of Raleigh, where the Capitol Square is located and looks like a traditional southern town with confederate monuments and memorials. There are a total of 6 government buildings, the State Supreme Court, and a number of old 19th century churches.
EAST RALEIGH East Raleigh is known to be the best deal when looking for newer homes. The area is near the I-440 beltline and east of Knightdale. Neighborhoods in East Raleigh include: New Hope and Wilder’s Grove.
WEST RALEIGH/SOUTHWEST RALEIGH West Raleigh is east of Cary and at the cross of Hillsborough Street and Western Boulevard. West Raleigh is considered to be “Old Raleigh”, and includes neighborhoods like Westover, Laurel Hills, Umstead, Tysonville, and Asbury. West Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University, Meredith College, Pullen Park, Lake Johnson, the Cameron Village outdoor mall (which consumes 6 city blocks), and the North Carolina Museum of Art.
SOUTHEAST RALEIGH Southeast Raleigh is the least developed and least dense area of Raleigh. It is east of downtown and Cary and west of Garner. The area is diverse, with many older African American historic neighborhoods that date back to the Civil War. The area is also home to the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion. Neighborhoods include: Lake Wheeler, Swift Creek, Riverbrooke, Enchanted Oaks, Chavis Heights, Hedingham, Skycrest Village, Wilder's Grove, Southgate, Walnut Creek, Rhamkatte, Parkland, Biltmore Hills, and Carolina Pines.