Raleigh Real Estate Market

One of the best things about the Raleigh real estate market is that it doesn’t experience the typical highs and lows you’ll see in other more volatile areas. On the contrary, prices remain on a steady incline, making your future home investment a no-brainer.  

As of November 2021, the median price for a home in Raleigh was $369,000, which is an increase from $365,000 in October. Looking back over the last year, home prices increased by 28.8%, while raising by almost 70% over the past five years. Of all the neighborhoods in Raleigh, Glenwood ranked the most expensive, with a median listing price of $895,000, and Triangle Town Center was the most affordable community, with a $282,500 median listing price. All in all, there’s something in Raleigh for everyone, under any budget.

Raleigh Home & Community Information

Raleigh, NC is home to an estimated population of nearly 440,000 with a brisk growth rate of 59 percent since the 2000 Census. Median household income and home values each outperform state averages by a significant margin. The many excellent colleges and employment options nearby make this a popular city for younger residents with an average age of 33 years checking in about five years below the state average. Raleigh's residents enjoy an affordable cost of living about five percent below the national average.

The homes here are much like the city itself—tons of variety, ample outdoor beauty, and easy access to all of the services you need. The city has a healthy luxury housing market with spectacular, tree-lined estates that offer an ideal mix of privacy and big-city convenience. You’ll also find a great selection of affordable housing options throughout the city, whether you're a veteran of the housing market or shopping for the first time. The city's solid school district means that every neighborhood is a potential fit for families with children.

Things to Do in Raleigh

Whether you prefer a quiet meal with friends or an exciting outdoor adventure, Raleigh has you covered. The city is home to a diverse dining scene serving flavors from around the world, along with plenty of great places to grab a drink. Families with kids will love all of the entertainment destinations in the city that find the perfect balance between entertainment and education. For outdoor fun, try visiting area golf courses, touring local farms, or exploring the natural beauty of the local area. You'll also find a busy schedule of events throughout the year, with activities that are sure to please every member of the family. Get more information about what to do in Raleigh.

Popular Attractions For Raleigh Homeowners 

Whether you’re looking for Raleigh homes with rolling green hills or the fast-paced urban experience of Downtown Raleigh, the city’s got something for everyone. Downtown Raleigh, in particular, has a restaurant for every kind of taste, including steakhouses, Asian cuisine, good old-fashioned American, Italian, French, and more. And many of those restaurants are ranked within the city of Raleigh’s top picks. If you love breweries and bars, there’s a wide selection there, too—on rooftops, on the ground, and even below the ground, including the popular Watts & Ward, a craft cocktail bar located beneath Caffe Luna. 

But the excitement doesn’t end with restaurants. There are also popular museums to stroll through after your lunch or dinner.  One of which – a great one for the kids – is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. You’ll know it by the giant globe sitting out front, almost as tall as the sky. This museum features four levels consisting of dinosaur bones, butterfly conservatories, snakes, bugs, fish, sloths, and other creatures. Exhibits typically swap out every three to six months, so there’s always something new to see. 

Marbles Kids Museum is another highly popular destination for younger kids in the Triangle area. Every week, this place is bursting with activity through two floors of fun, games, interactive experiences, and yes, even a movie theater. 

If it’s shopping you’re looking for, Downtown Raleigh offers antique shops, gourmet gift shops, a denim workshop, bookstores, clothing boutiques, art galleries, and more. 

Prefer live music? Check out the Red Hat amphitheater, with its 5,500 seats at the base of the Raleigh skyline. For a more intimate experience, you’ll enjoy Slim’s Downtown and the Pour House Music Hall. 

Crabtree Valley Mall

If you’re a mall dweller, the Crabtree Valley Mall, located just minutes from Downtown Raleigh, will not disappoint. Built over 40 years ago, the mall boasts some of the greatest selection of stores in the Triangle—over 220, to be exact. You’ll find everything in here, from Madewell to Michael Kors to GameStop to American Eagle to the Lego Store. And if you’re lucky enough to stop by during the holiday season, the mall is decked out with sparkling lights, holiday decorations, a giant Christmas tree, and a meet-Santa experience. 

 One of the best things about the Crabtree Valley Mall—or “Crabtree,” as the locals call it—is that when you’re finished shopping, you have the option to dine at several fine restaurants, including Cheesecake Factory, Seasons 52, PF Chang’s, Kanki (hibachi), and Brio. This easily makes Crabtree a one-stop shop and a perfect destination for both date night and a Saturday afternoon. But if you’re planning on dining, you may want to make a reservation, if the option is available. 

Raleigh Greenways

Raleigh is known for is its beautiful greenways, meandering throughout the city and beyond. The Capital Area Greenway System, in particular, consists of public open spaces and trails, perfect for hiking, taking a leisurely stroll, studying nature, biking, and more. You’ll see many people walking their dogs or taking their kids out to enjoy the fresh air and tranquil scenery, some of which even include Raleigh homes. There are over 100 miles of walking paths to discover, with a total of 28 trails winding throughout the city. Each has its own features and character. To make our greenways even more enjoyable and accessible, over 4,000 parking spaces are available.

Schools & Education

The schools in Raleigh are part of the Wake County Public School System which works hard to provide equal education opportunities to all students. It's a large school district, but every classroom is treated with care. Nearby colleges include North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, Duke University, and many more. Find homes for sale in Raleigh by school district.

Raleigh Job Market

Residents of Raleigh, NC will find an inviting employment market, especially in industries involving science, research, technology, and professional services. Its large local school district and many colleges make Raleigh a good place to find employment in education. Business is booming in the city, so there are also great opportunities in sales, management, finance, and retail trade.

Many people seek out Raleigh real estate purely for the job opportunities. In a new study by Forbes, Raleigh, NC was found to rank #2, just behind Austin, in technology growth over the past 10 years. We also ranked #1 in job growth associated with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills. Raleigh has over 4,000 tech companies, keeping over 60,000 people employed in everything from software development to information security. It’s the 5th largest science hub in the country, featuring almost 600 life science companies, many of which are located in Research Triangle Park, a short drive away. Here, you’ll find many major businesses, such as Lenovo, IBM, Cisco Systems, Infosys, Fidelity Investments, and more.

Raleigh Communities

Village District

Situated within a short distance from NC State University, the walkable Village District is a popular outdoor shopping area with top restaurants, shopping, and even a state-of-the-art library. But the best news of all is that you’re actually able to live here, in anything from a ranch-style home to a larger plantation property. Everything is within minutes to all the action in downtown Raleigh, so It’s a popular place for young professionals.

Boyland Heights

A highly popular neighborhood located west of Downtown Raleigh, Boyland Heights was established all the way back in 1907 and features Queen Anne and Colonial Revivals, Dutch Colonials, and foursquares. It also home to the historic Dorothea Dix Central Regional Hospital, which opened in 1856 and closed in 2012.

Hayes Barton

With some of the most sought-after real estate in Raleigh, Hayes Barton features lush landscaping and larger lot sizes. It’s located close to restaurants, businesses, and anything else you could need. Hayes Barton is unique because it offers a prime location near Downtown Raleigh, while also offering real estate with space and privacy.

Mordecai

A smaller, yet historic neighborhood, Mordecai is situated north of the Oakwood community and a little ways from Downtown Raleigh. Search online, and you’ll find Mordecai highly ranked in terms of amenities, low levels of crime, and education—it’s located close to NC State, after all. Fun fact:  Mordecai is birthplace to Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States. 

Downtown Raleigh

Wherever you go to meet new people in the Triangle, you’ll find that a lot of them, especially on the younger side, live in Downtown Raleigh. Why? Because it’s a busy, exciting place, always bustling with activity, dining options, breweries, bars, business opportunities, entertainment, and special events, and of course, great homes close to the action. Since it’s generally more affordable than typical big cities like Charlotte, New York, or Chicago, the average age of residents is 33. As far as Downtown Raleigh real estate available, choose from single-family homes with open yards, townhomes overlooking the skyline, and condos, all within a short walking distance to whatever you need.

South Park

South Park is located just south of Downtown Raleigh. Many homes in the neighborhood were built in the 1930s, but—like so many other neighborhoods in the Triangle—there’s also a selection of new construction homes, for those looking for something fresher. These are two-story detached homes, with 3 to 4 bedrooms. The South Park area is also home to Shaw University, Duke Energy Performing Arts Center, the Chavis Pool, and more. 

Raleigh, NC Real Estate Services When You're Ready To Buy or Sell

When you're ready to find the perfect neighborhood in Raleigh for your needs, our experienced team is here to help. Contact Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy or sell homes in the Raleigh, NC area today!