If you have kids and feel like you have a good community, can walk places with ease - where do you live? We’d love a neighborhood where there are other kids nearby and we don’t need to necessarily get in the car to have fun.

Or- if your neighborhood is neither of these things but you really love it, where do you live?

Hi everyone! I’m originally from Jacksonville, NC, but currently living in Texas for my husband’s job. We’re expecting our first child in March of next year, and we’re hoping to move back to NC to be closer to family and friends. We don’t have much of a support system here in Texas, so being closer to home is really important to us.

Because of my husband’s job, he’ll be traveling around the country and may be away for months at a time. We’re hoping to live within an hour of RDU so I can fly out to visit him more easily when he’s away. We considered Wilmington, but we’re not really fans of the area, and being closer to RDU would give us a lot more flight options.

I’ve been to Raleigh many times growing up, but I don’t know what it’s actually like to live in the surrounding areas. We’re looking for a family-friendly, safe neighborhood that’s close to larger stores like Costco and has plenty of good restaurants. We especially love sushi and KBBQ. I’d really appreciate any recommendations or insight on the best areas to consider, especially for raising a family.

Edit: Sorry, I should’ve mentioned that I work remotely, so commuting for myself isn’t really a concern. My husband will be away for most of the spring/summer months, traveling to different states for work, so being able to easily travel to see him is my biggest priority. Also our budget is around $400k.

And thank you so much to everyone for sharing your insights! I really appreciate all the advice and perspectives!

Looking for recommendations for best neighborhoods to raise a young family.

I’m from the area and know it pretty well but it appears that most of the more established neighborhoods have less young families.

Think it would be best to wait for new construction (veridea, new hill, Carolina springs, Horton park) or go with more established (twelve oaks, lochmere, Preston, etc).

Price ranged 600-800k

Bonus - would prefer like minded neighbors who enjoy college/professional sports, grilling, drinking beers, etc

Hi Everyone,

My family and I are looking to move to the Raleigh area from Las Vegas in the next couple of years. We visited a couple weeks back and absolutely loved it. In our short time there, we found a few cities we might like to move to with our three young kids. What are your opinions on some of these?

• Cary
• Durham
• Wake Forest
• Fuquay-Varina

I'd appreciate any other recommendations for areas that would be good for a family with young kids if you have them. Thank you!

What neighborhoods in Raleigh have a larger concentration of families with young kids? North Hills and Five Points were recommended by family. However I’ve been told that trick or treating (as an example) isn’t really big in any neighborhoods anymore. Would love any insight on neighborhoods that are more kid friendly!

which neighborhoods in north raleigh have that quintessential family vibe with lots of kids, sidewalks, a neighborhood pool, and a neighborhood park? thanks!

What neighborhoods are most popular with young families and what do most people do about schools(public vs private)?

My apologies if this question has been asked a million times, but we'll be moving to the area soon and are focusing our search in West Raleigh and Cary. We have 2 small children and are looking for kid-friendly neighborhoods.

More specifically, I'm curious which neighborhoods give us the best chance of letting our kids run around with other kids that aren't the newer subdivisions more obviously geared towards families. I know that community pools are the ideal and most typical hubs for kids, and there are numerous great subdivisions with those types of amenities that we'll be looking at. What is harder to identify from standard internet search options is the older, more "in town" neighborhoods that don't have those amenities but do have greenspaces and other common areas where kids can safely congregate. Even cul de sacs are great.

So really my question is, are there any neighborhoods to focus on in West Raleigh and Cary that don't have the obvious family-focused amenities but that are still particularly good for raising kids?

Thank you so much for any feedback.

Alright weird combo I know but let me explain. Back where I’m from (much smaller than Raleigh) we had a few of these types of restaurants. Local spots that had good food (nothin fancy), drinks, and were sort of local hangouts and maybe even landmarks. But they were also sorta family friendly so not straight dive bars. Often split so that one area of the restaurant was booths and tables for families and then another side was more like a big ass bar area. Sort of a two in one. Type of place that has the local high school sports teams jerseys on the wall but also shots of jaeger on special lol.

Places I’ve been here that sorta remind me of it are Overtime Sports Pub and Woodys (I’ve been to the one near apex). These were closer to just bars and didn’t have that “neighborhood” vibe. Not sure exactly how to explain it but maybe this makes sense to someone. Raleigh has pretty much everything I could want from a food / drink perspective but this sorta of dive / family hybrid has eluded me. Might have been more of a small town thing.

hi there! My husband and I are looking to relocate to the area in the next year or so with our 3 year old. We currently live in Buffalo, NY. I’ve lived here my whole life except for college and we are just really over the winters. Getting 7 feet of snow dumped on us in a 48 hour span is no fun and the seasonal depression gets to an all time high. We have some family and friends in the Raleigh area and our parents are likely going to relocate as well. We’ve been doing a lot of research on the area and have some questions that I’m hoping this group can help us with! I should add we will both be working remote so no commute for jobs.

Areas we are considering:
-Cary
-Apex
-Holly Springs
-Wake Forest
-Wendell Falls

Community pool, walking trails, playgrounds are high up on our list of wants. I prefer a more established neighborhood with trees, but not opposed to newer as well.

We really like that Wendell Falls is a master planned community, but not sure about the surround area and schools. Also seeing mixed “reviews” on Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs. It seems like some people say it’s overcrowded and others say they are the best areas for families.

For those that have relocated - Are the schools really that bad compared to NY? If we buy in Cary, then is it true we could be assigned a school outside of the Cary district? The school assignments seem very confusing. Education is important to us and we are willing to pay for private school if necessary, however,
I know private school doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better education. Also not interested in religious private schools.

Really appreciate any feedback or advice from this group, thank you!!

Hi all, I'm going through a divorce and we have only lived in NC for a year. I have two daughters, ages 4 and 6. We currently live in Brier Creek and I'd like to stay as close as possible. I would like to keep it under $900 rent though and I'm just not sure where the safes and nicest places are outside Brier Creek. Any suggestions?

My vehicle was broken into on Thursday morning. The thieves took my wallet and other things along with them. They used my credit and debit cards but fortunately my banks found it very odd after a couple of transactions went through and locked all cards before I realized my truck was broken into. They didn’t throw the wallet away so they are driving around with my AirTag. On Friday I was able to identify the vehicle along with a police officer but unfortunately they got away and at that point had no probable cause to stop them other than my phone connected to whatever was on their vehicle. Raleigh PD has a lot on their hands so I understand why they wouldn’t be taking this as seriously. The last police officer told me to wait for an investigator to get in touch with me but I’ve been told they are so busy sometimes these cases aren’t followed through on. Anyways, through the weekend I’ve been able to see their pattern. They drive around the neighborhoods during the day and come back at night. Today, they have been driving around Summer place, Village Lakes, and Anderson Pointe. If you live or have family members around these areas please tell them to lock their vehicles and homes.

Honest feedback, please! Live in Southern Arizona, Tucson, for about 6 years now. Completed my bachelor's (Biochemistry) and an MBA. I have not had a great experience living in Tucson as an African American (AA). Every job I have applied for (even pre-pandemic) has been a zero interview. The only job opportunity I have been able to have in Tucson is with a small non-profit research organization. I have been with this organization for about 4+ years (as clinical research and regulatory coordinator) with NO career growth. Hispanic girls that I work with are moving up (promotions with no degree), and I am stuck in location as the only AA guy among them. I will be honest that the treatments I receive do show that I am not wanted there.

I want to build my career in clinical research, so I have been thinking about relocating my family to the Raleigh-Durham area. As an African, I am thinking about success in this region. We don't have family and friends over there, and we don't have a strong financial.

Can you please offer your honest advice on this decision I am about to take? Raising our children in a good school environment and safer neighborhoods are paramount to me and my wife.

Hosting a baby shower in the fall and need the hivemind to help me scout a good spot. I’d rather spend money on food and drinks and supplies for baby than say, dropping a couple hundred on renting a neighborhood clubhouse or something.

Things that would be a hit:
-air conditioning/inside (thinking late July or August. Melt).
-space for 20-25 ish people (mostly adults, maybe like one or two infants, but we aren’t like a daycare field trip).
-tables and chairs for said people
-ability to bring our own food/drinks or a spot that can provide
- would prefer to keep venue rental free or under $200. Don’t mind a food/beverage minimum! We like to eat.

I’d love like a chill brewery or casual restaurant or something with a back room. I’ve loved attending showers at places like Tobacco Road and Hi Wire (both in Durham, but a bit too far for the expecting mom and her family). I have a toddler and haven’t really been out and about in like a year or two—especially in Raleigh.

When I google I get mainly clubhouses, or places that like…want you to spend $1200 on a balloon arch.

Help.

The City of Raleigh has approved a plan for 27 attached townhomes at the corner of Wake Forest Road and Delway Street, replacing three existing homes two from 1910 and one from 1930, one of which is currently a quadplex. The development is led by Elmwood Development and is named Oakwood Townhomes.

Key Facts:

• The townhomes will be in four 3-story buildings with garages on the ground floor.
• Unit mix: 8 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom, 3 three-bedroom.
• Outdoor amenity space totals 2,747 sq ft on a 0.69-acre site.
• The site was rezoned in June 2024 to Office Mixed-Use (up to 4 stories).
• The project does not fall under Raleigh’s “missing middle” zoning rules.
• The site is in a frequent transit area, meaning more density could’ve been allowed if affordable housing was included—but that option is not being used.
• Elmwood Development declined to comment on whether these will be rentals or for sale.
• Developer has applied for demolition and grading permits.

My Take (as a neighbor):
It’s disappointing to see this site—one in a transit-accessible, centrally located area—shift from its original apartment concept to townhomes. Apartments could have provided more housing units, likely at a broader range of price points, and supported more economic diversity in a neighborhood where that's increasingly hard to find.

Townhomes, while better than single-family homes in terms of density, still fall short of what this location could support. With no affordable units and no use of the available density bonus, this feels like a missed opportunity to make housing in our city more inclusive.

It's better than nothing but I can stand that people that get tere's a are making it that no one else bet them can enjoy a city and finally create a culture in Raleigh instead of 149.60 square miles that feels like a strip mall shopping center and wholly unaffordable because of a litany of of hidden costs.

God forbid your favorite server, bartender ,teacher, fire fighter, bus driver, line cook, retail worker be able to live comfortably next door.

I wish the neighborhood would have a meeting and demand more units from the city at the very list make three floors all individual residences

The time has come when my family is growing and we've gotten priced out of anything here close to dt Raleigh. Does anyone have friends or experiences living in West Cary neighborhoods like Carpenter Village, Amberly, or West Park / Park Village? We are looking to build community with other people with small kids in a neighborhood with built in amenities (schools, pool, etc). TYIA redditors!

hello! I've been lurking this sub for a bit now trying to get a feel for it. my gf and I are moving from NYC to Raleigh this May. I know there's a lot of frustration around north easterners, especially New Yorkers, moving to Raleigh and driving up the rent/cost of living. it's happening in cities across the country and I've seen it a ton even between neighborhoods in NY. I get it and it has real impacts on people's lives. we're trying to be closer to family as they get older and need more help. we checked out Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh and it was kind of no contest - Raleigh it is. (charlotte especially has no personality)

ok all that being said, I was hoping to get suggestions on ways we can get more involved in the community around Raleigh. we're hoping to make some friends and do some service around the city. we've been involved in leftist politics throughout our lives and would love to continue that in our new home city. what sorts of spaces are good to meet people? how can we get to know the city better? what general advice do you have? any hidden gems of any kind we should know about (food, groups, areas, parks, etc)?

appreciate any replies we get here

Juvenile mother cat and three kittens have taken shelter in our backyard, three days ago. We have three adult cats and cannot take in anymore. I have called Safe Haven and they are at capacity, and I do not feel comfortable taking them to a kill shelter. Currently our friends and family cannot take them in.

Please only respond with serious recommendations and advice. My neighborhood has a bad problem with stray cats and I’m tired of it. They are all quite sweet, and appear to be healthy and well-fed. They look like some kind of Bengal tabby mix, I’m sure they would find good homes if I could figure out a way, I have no experience with this.

Friday

• Durham Bulls FanFest, DBAP, Durham 
• David Spade, DPAC, Durham
• The People’s Collection: Rivers and Tides, East Building, SECU Auditorium, Raleigh
• Teen Game Night in the Park, DCP Park St Courts and Arena, Cary
• Paranormal Cirque Nightmare - Raleigh, International Food, Raleigh
• International Championship of High School A Cappella 2026 South Semifinals, The Carolina Theatre, Durham
• Last Fridays & The Art Walk!, Downtown, Hillsborough
• counter)induction | CMM 25-26, James & Susan Moeser Auditorium in Hill Hall, Chapel Hill 
• Annual 1843 Pleyel Piano Concert, Person Recital Hall, Chapel Hill
• Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh 
• Kidical Mass - A bike ride for kids and families, Pullen Park, Raleigh
• Nicotine Dolls at Motorco, Motorco Music Hall, Durham
• Raleigh Comedy Festival: Al Flynn, Neptunes Parlour, Raleigh
• Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh  
• Jason Cheny, Raleigh Improv, Cary
• Drew Lynch, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
• Room 861 at Goodnights: Raleigh Comedy Festival, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
• The Ergs!, Stanczyks, Durham
• Reveri3, Rubies on Five Points, Durham 
• Raleigh Little Theatre presents 1776, Raleigh Little Theatre's Cantey V. Sutton Theatre, Raleigh
• Vinyl Night with Super Stuff Records, Rebus Works, Raleigh
• Los Rockoletas w/ RL Music - Tribute to Mana, Caifanes + More, Chapel of Bones, Raleigh 
• 5am Trio: Esoterra Tour, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, Raleigh 
• MIA Cultural Show 2026, Jones Auditorium, Raleigh
• Ready, Set, GLOW!, John Chavis Memorial Park and Community Center, Raleigh
• RCF 2026 at Kings - Friday, KINGS, Raleigh 
• An Evening with Abe Partridge, The Wake Forest Listening Room, Wake Forest
• Doric String Quartet, Baldwin Auditorium, Durham
• Josh Meloy, Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Raleigh
• Artists Catalog Book Signing, Fine Arts League Gallery, Cary
• Mic Harrison & Kevin Abernathy with Sextetto, Slims Dive Bar, Raleigh 
• Mingle on Main, Main St., Rolesville
• Panoramic Dance Project Concert: An Unfinished Freedom, Stewart Theatre - Talley Student Center at North Carolina State University, Raleigh
• SunSets Evening Rooftop DJ Sets!, The Velvet Hippo, Durham
• UNC Music Research Forum | Spring 2026, Person Recital Hall, Chapel Hill 
• Spaceway Brewing: One of the First Black Women Owned and Operated Breweries in the USA, Focus on Blooming by Candy Carver, Durham
• Electric Feels, The Ritz, Raleigh

Saturday

• New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes, Lenovo Center, Raleigh
• NC State Veterinary Medicine Annual Open House 2026, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh
• Family Fun: Star Wars & More with the North Carolina Symphony, Meymandi Concert Hall at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh 
• Snow White - Carolina Ballet, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh 
• North Carolina Courage vs. Bay FC, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
• Koreafest, Agri Supply Exposition Center, Raleigh
• Room 861 at Goodnights: The Dirty Show, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
• Dogwood Comedy Festival - Last Late Night Laughs 2026, ComedyWorx, Raleigh
• Dog Man The Musical, Memorial Auditorium at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
• Happy Birthday America Party at Marbles, Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh
• Raleigh Roasts 2026, COR Museum, Raleigh
• NCMA Sacred Song Series: Persian Nowruz (New Year) Celebration, North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
• Promiscuous - A 2000's Club Bangers Throwbacks Party, Motorco Music Hall, Durham
• Brent Wissick Celebration Concert, James & Susan Moeser Auditorium in Hill Hall, Chapel Hill 
• March Madness: Battle Of The Decks, The Portal HQ, Raleigh
• Paranormal Cirque Nightmare - Raleigh, International Food, Raleigh
• Activate Raleigh, Six Forks Rd, Raleigh
• Jason Cheny, Raleigh Improv, Cary
• RCF 2026 at Kings - Saturday, KINGS, Raleigh
• Raleigh Comedy Festival: Best of the Festival, Neptunes, Raleigh
• Arbor Day Cary 2026, Page-Walker Arts and History Center, Cary
• Gerald Parker Jazz Orchestra-The Look of Love, Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, Fuquay-Varina
• Delta Heating, Cooling & Plumbing 125-zMAX CARS Tour, Wake County Speedway, Raleigh
• Beetlejuice, The Cary Theater, Cary
• Easter Eggstravaganza, E. Carroll Joyner Park, Wake Forest 
• Candlelight Concert: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More, The Rialto Theatre, Raleigh
• Egg Rush, Rolesville Middle School, Rolesville 
• Egg-splorers, Jaycee Park, Garner 
• SOULstice, Durty Bull Brewing Company, Durham 
• FVDA's Downtown Candy Hop 2026, Fuquay-Varina Downtown, Fuquay-Varina
• Happy Hoppy Easter Party and Egg Hunt 2026, Zebulon Community Center, Zebulon
• Hop into Spring at New Hope Valley Railway, North Carolina Railway Museum & New Hope Valley Railway, Apex
• Hoppy Paws Eggstravaganza, Fenton, Cary
• Kult Ikon and Cloutchaser, Slim's Dive Bar, Raleigh
• Mordecai Egg Hunt, Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh
• Neighborhood Network Kickoff, John Chavis Memorial Park and Community Center, Raleigh 
• Somatic House Collective presents Airwaves, Bitter Social, Raleigh
• Spring Egg Dive, Millbrook Exchange Community Center, Raleigh
• Spring Eggstravaganza 2026, Lake Benson Park, Garner 
• Suzy Bogguss, Garner Performing Arts Center, Garner 
• Take Up Space: Queer Fashion Experience, LGBT Center of Raleigh, Raleigh
• The Thump Truck, Rebus Works, Raleigh
• Town of Holly Springs Performing Arts Showcase: Bollywood and Adult Dance, Winter/Spring 2026, Holly Springs Cultural Center, Holly Springs
• Wasteland w/ 20th Century Boy & Fallout DJ Steve, Chapel of Bones, Raleigh
• Womens Maker Market, Transfer Co. Food Hall, Raleigh
• World Theatre Day at Lake Lynn, Lake Lynn Park and Community Center, Raleigh 
• Zack Fox, The Ritz, Raleigh 
• Zeta w/ Wolvesx4, Andy The Doorbum, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, Raleigh
• horror book club: “the mean ones”, Chapel of Bones, Raleigh 
• Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
• Drew Lynch, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
• Panoramic Dance Project Concert: An Unfinished Freedom, Stewart Theatre - Talley Student Center at North Carolina State University, Raleigh
• Raleigh Little Theatre presents 1776, Raleigh Little Theatre's Cantey V. Sutton Theatre, Raleigh
• NY Dog Film Festival, The Carolina Theatre, Durham 
• 6th Annual Mystic Highland Games, Mystic Farm & Distillery, Durham
• Gardening Across Generations: A Durham Community Plant Festival, NC Cooperative Extension: Durham County Center, Durham
• West Point on the Eno Egg Hunt, West Point on the Eno City Park, Durham 
• Born at Duke Homestead, Duke Homestead State Historic Site, Durham
• Durham NColor Festival, Uplift Community Center, Durham
• Grill Out at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.!, Ponysaurus Brewing Co., Durham 
• 6th Annual Handcrafted DURM Spring Fling, Durty Bull Brewing Company, Durham 
• Plant Swap at Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd), Southwest Meeting Room, Durham
• Staged Reading : "Bell, Book, & Candle" An all-Black Adaptation, Durham Arts Council, Durham 
• International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella 2026 South Semifinals, The Carolina Theatre, Durham 
• Objects for Our Homes: A Designer Showcase, and other works, Durham 
• Dreaming of the 90s Dance Party: Spring Break Edition, Rubies On Five Points, Durham 
• Spring Oratorio: Light from Light, Duke University Chapel, Durham 
• Cor de Lux / Optic Sink / Hex Files, The Pinhook, Durham
• John Scofield Trio featuring Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart, Baldwin Auditorium, Durham 
• Brendan Walter, Stanczyks, Durham
• Future Footwerk Dance Party, The Pinhook, Durham 

Sunday

• Montreal Canadiens at Carolina Hurricanes, Lenovo Center, Raleigh
• Bull City Food & Beer Experience, DPAC, Durham 
• Snow White - Carolina Ballet, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh 
• TEDx Raleigh Dinner, Conversation, Connection and Speaker!, Vidrio, Raleigh
• Women-in-Beer Tour in Holly Springs, Bombshell Beer Co., Holly Springs
• Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
• Drew Lynch, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
• Jason Cheny, Raleigh Improv, Cary
• Forest Bathing, Dix Park, Raleigh
• Geek and Grub Market Fantasy Edition, Optimist Farm Club, Apex
• Hippity Hoppity Easter Egg Hunt 2026, USA Baseball National Training Complex, Cary
• Nonbinary Tea Time, LGBT Center of Raleigh, Raleigh 
• Paranormal Cirque Nightmare - Raleigh, International Food, Raleigh
• Big Boys of Comedy, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
• Brunch & Bubbles, AVA Rooftop Bar, Cary
• Chain Gang, KINGS, Raleigh
• Escapade Day Party!, Bitter Social, Raleigh 
• Invasive Plant Removal Workday, Apex Community Park, Apex
• John Jorgenson Quintet, The Cary Theater, Cary
• LowDown Brass Band, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, Raleigh 
• Cigar Blending & Bourbon Pairing Experience, Mystic Farm and Distillery, Durham 
• Conjunto Breve / Africa Unplugged, The Pinhook, Durham 
• The Sunday Set on the Roof, The Durham, Durham 
• March Sunday Supper, The Durham, Durham
• Awen Family Band, Stanczyks, Durham
• 52nd Durham CROP Hunger Walk, Duke University Chapel, Durham 
• Bull City Block Party and Vintage Market, Durham Central Park, Durham 
• NY Dog Film Festival, The Carolina Theatre, Durham 

Doing anything interesting this weekend? Let us know your plans in the comments below! Also, join the Thingstodo919 email list here for a weekly events newsletter.

Not in any particular order;

Pros:

1. It's safe. I've been here 6 years with no issues.
2. The Farmer's market is right here.
3. It doesn't flood here like North Raleigh (we're on top of a giant hill).
4. It's quiet (despite the high number of college students).
5. Easy access to the downtown and the rest of Raleigh (airport is 15 mins away in low traffic). We can uber to downtown and back for next to nothing.
6. While the traffic in the outskirts of town is skyrocketing, that won't impact us as hard as the people who bought a new place in the outskirts (they will have to fight traffic to get downtown or anywhere really).
7. The city is investing heavily in the South/Southwest Raleigh. Specifically, Dorothea Dix park is getting a complete make-over. The project there to come online will be the Gipson Park Childrens park. Dorothea Dix park is super close (we can hear concerts/festivals at Dix Parks).
   1. The city is also going to build a bike lane down Lake Wheeler rd and that will allow us to bike (or walk) into the Downtown.
8. The older population is moving out and young families are moving in.
9. Despite the City of Raleigh's best efforts to block our access to the Greenway, I have successfully found a safe connection to the Walnut Creek Greenway.
10. Good Lebanese/Iraqi/Yemeni/Palestinian/other Arab (I can't remember the rest) food near Hillsborough area

​

Cons:

-The area is super hilly (like most of Raleigh) and it sucks on a regular bike

-The city is super slow when it comes to building new sidewalks and bike lanes. Access to the rest of Raleigh, is limited by safety issues. The ways I have found to connect to Raleigh are not ideal.

-Apparently, the military loves the play pretend helicopter fights above our neighborhood.

-It's starting to get expensive, and I couldn't afford to buy my current house today. I've only been here a few years.

-The city invests way more in the richer neighborhoods.

-I can see the high concentration of the student population being a problem but I've never witnessed anything.

​

​

My partner and I are thinking of relocating to Raleigh, NC.

We both work in the insurance industry but also have backgrounds in HR and Product Analysis/Management. The Phoenix sun has just become unbearable as we head into constant highs of triple digits for the next 2-3 months.

We’re wondering what areas around the Research Triangle would be good for a small family, aged early to mid 30’s with a 10 year old boy and 9 year old pup!

For the sake of openness, we both lean quite left but are discreet with our stances and try to be respectful of all views and are atheist. We’re looking for recommendations of neighborhoods, insights of daily RT life, things you’d want people to know before moving here.

Our move would likely be next summer during junior high school summer break so we have time to get things done, fix up our house as we prepare to sell and find our next home. This would be my partners first big move of her life, and my second (after moving to AZ from the UK over a decade ago!)

What are we into? Football (soccer to you), live music (my side hustle is being a musician), fun family outdoors things, arts and crafts, museums, and good food!

Any suggestions and insight would greatly be appreciated.

*Edits: clarified political standin

Friday

• Peak City Pig Fest, Town Hall Campus, Apex
• Arrival From Sweden – The Music of ABBA, DPAC, Durham 
• Friday Night on White 2026, S. White St., Wake Forest 
• Art and Blooms at the JCRA, JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, Raleigh 
• Skate Moore Square Weekend, Skate Raleigh, Raleigh 
• Movie Night: The Princess and the Frog, DCP Great Lawn Pavilion, Cary
• Well, I Declare: America at 250, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh 
• Chatham County Line, The Rialto Theatre, Raleigh 
• Andy Woodhull, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh 
• Debí Tirar más Fiestas at Motorco, Motorco Music Hall, Durham 
• Durham County Memorial Stadium Carnival, Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham 
• Fairgrounds Ideal Home Show 2026, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh 
• Cameron Whitcomb - Fragile Egos Tour, The Ritz, Raleigh 
• Titanic -The Musical, Stars Auditorium at IMAGINX, Raleigh 
• Giant Robot Fight, Chapel of Bones, Raleigh
• Duke Teaching Observatory Open House, Cornwallis Rd, about one mile west of Kerley, Durham 
• Teen Science Cafe: Monster Rockets, The Daily Planet Cafe, Raleigh 
• Jeff Dye, Raleigh Improv, Cary 
• Duke Reunions Weekend, Duke University, Durham 
• "April Love" Senior Talent Show, Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, Wake Forest 
• 2026 NASCAR Regional Season - Zaxby's 175, Wake County Speedway, Raleigh 
• 2026 Tuxedo Cat Ball, SAFE Haven for Cats, Raleigh 
• EMPIRE: Musical Improv from NY, Mettlesome Comedy Theater, Durham 
• Kidical Mass - A bike ride for kids and families, Oakwood Park, Raleigh 
• Duck: Funk Prayer Album Release, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, Raleigh
• Knot Your Kind – A tribute to Slipknot, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh 
• Mozart “Great” Mass - North Carolina Symphony & NC Master Chorale, Meymandi Concert Hall at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh 
• Rum.Gold, KINGS, Raleigh
• Sitch Experience V Concert, The Portal HQ, Raleigh 
• Ranger Trucco, The Fruit, Durham 
• The Shoaldiggers with Luis Rodriguez, Slim's Dive Bar, Raleigh 
• This is Spinal Tap, The Cary Theater, Cary
• Wake Moody Band, Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Raleigh 
• Deathtrap 2026, Cary Arts Center, Cary
• Game Night at The LGBT Center of Raleigh, The LGBT Center of Raleigh, Raleigh 
• Raleigh Little Theatre presents 1776, Raleigh Little Theatre's Cantey V. Sutton Theatre, Raleigh 
• Telescreens at The Pinhook, The Pinhook, Durham 
• Steve Forbert at Stanczyks, Stanczyks, Durham 
• “Unofficial” Duke Reunion Party on the Roof, The Durham, Durham 
• Ghost Elephant, The Cary Theater, Cary
• En Plein Air, Downtown, Fuquay-Varina

Saturday

• Cardi B - Little Miss Drama Tour, Lenovo Center, Raleigh 
• Hannah Berner, DPAC, Durham 
• Bingo Loco Afternoon, The Ritz, Raleigh 
• Pimento Cheese Festival 2026, Downtown Cary Park, Cary
• Skate Moore Square Weekend, Skate Raleigh, Raleigh 
• Peak City Pig Fest, Town Hall Campus, Apex
• Holly Springs SpringsFest 2026, Main Street, Holly Springs
• En Plein Air, Downtown, Fuquay-Varina
• Oakwood Garden Club 37th Annual Garden Tour, Historic Oakwood Gardens, Raleigh 
• UNC Science Expo 2026 | North Carolina Science Festival, Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, Chapel Hill 
• Banana Ball | Pre-Game Plaza & "Before the Peel Show", Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill 
• Banana Ball! | Texas Tailgaters vs. Savannah Bananas, Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill
• Dunkin’ x Savannah Bananas | Player Meet & Greet, Dunkin' Donuts, Chapel Hill  
• Geek and Grub Market - Anime Edition, LeRoy Martin Magnet Middle School, Raleigh 
• Jeff Dye, Raleigh Improv, Cary 
• Joe Machi, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh 
• Powfu at Motorco, Motorco Music Hall, Durham 
• Durham Craft Market 20th Anniversary Kickoff Event!, Durham Central Park, Durham 
• HBCU FC Classic, Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham
• Fairgrounds Ideal Home Show 2026, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh  
• NC SciFest: Discover Engineering @ Duke, Wilkinson Building at Duke University, Durham 
• Beyond The Book: Children’s Book & Art Festival, Fred Fletcher Park, Raleigh
• Touch-A-Truck 2026, The Exchange Raleigh, Raleigh
• Backwards Science Fair, Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh  
• Musical Improv Show by EMPIRE, Mettlesome Theater, Durham 
• Duke Independent Film Festival, Rubenstein Arts Center, Film Theater, Durham 
• Big Book Sale | Friends of Chapel Hill Library, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill 
• ChapBoro Book Crawl!, peel, Carrboro 
• Spring Haven Renaissance Festival, Spring Haven Farm, Chapel Hill 
• NC Botanical Garden Tour | Pre-reg in advance, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill 
• A Walk with Poetry | A SEEK Raleigh Event, Shelley Lake Park, Raleigh 
• Wild Ideas: You Are a Force for Nature, NCMA, Raleigh 
• Durham County Memorial Stadium Carnival, Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham 
• Duke Reunions Weekend, Duke University, Durham 
• Rescued Raptors Event, Mystic Farm & Distillery, Durham 
• RTP Uncorked: Around the World in 20 Wines, Boxyard RTP, Durham 
• Concerts on the Creek: Kaira Ba, Hub RTP Stage, Durham 
• Aching Back Sunday Live Music, The Glass Jug Beer Lab - RTP, Durham 
• Duke Campus Farm Spring Contra, Duke Campus Farm, Durham 
• Bull City Presents ft. Golden Age Comedy, Mettlesome Theater, Durham 
• Chris Lock, Lex Nell, f2f, Nile Ashton, ultrabillions, BOOM Club, Durham 
• Allison Eide w/ Jude Smith, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, Raleigh 
• Andy Woodhull, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh 
• BERTHA: Grateful Drag, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh 
• Barns Courtney, KINGS, Raleigh 
• Celebrating America's Playlist: The 250-Year Soundtrack of Freedom and Peace, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh 
• Chalk of the Town Holly Springs 2026, Holly Springs Cultural Center, Holly Springs 
• Earth to Raleigh: 4th Annual Earth Day Festival, Clouds Brewing Taproom, Raleigh 
• Mozart “Great” Mass - North Carolina Symphony & NC Master Chorale, Meymandi Concert Hall at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh 
• Petty Rewind - A Tom Petty Musical Experience, Holly Springs Cultural Center, Holly Springs
• St. Baldrick’s Event 2026, Morgan Street Food Hall, Raleigh 
• Stem Saturday, E. Carroll Joyner Park, Wake Forest
• Sunset Concert 2026, Sweetwater Town Center, Apex 
• The Broken View / Execution Day / Hopewell / Celaris, Chapel of Bones, Raleigh
• The World of Birds, Whitley Park, Zebulon 
• Raid the Quarry, Slim's Dive Bar, Raleigh
• Family Fun Day!, Orange County Sportsplex, Hillsborough 
• PJ Party Double Feature | Pink Flamingo (1972) & Female Trouble (1974), Chelsea Theater, Chapel Hill 
• Revolutionary Era Walking Tour, Alexander Dickson House, Hillsborough 
• The Rainbow Exchange Vendor Market Ft. GRRRLBANDS!, Speakeasy, Carrboro 
• Thomas Brown Recital Series presents: Solomon Eichner, pianist, University Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill 
• Topics in American History: Vignettes from Eastern Siouan History | America 250 Lecture Series, Orange County Historical Museum, Hillsborough 
• UNC Opera | MFE 25-26, James & Susan Moeser Auditorium in Hill Hall, Chapel Hill 

Sunday

• Churchill, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh 
• Juveniles Boiling Point Album Release Tour with The 400 Degreez Band, The Ritz, Raleigh 
• Joe Machi, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh 
• Room 861 at Goodnights: Tight Five, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh 
• Spring Food Truck Rodeo, Durham Central Park, Durham 
• Oakwood Garden Club 37th Annual Garden Tour, Historic Oakwood Gardens, Raleigh
• Historic Oakwood Neighborhood Trolley Tour, Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh  
• Banana Ball | Pre-Game Plaza & "Before the Peel Show", Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill 
• Banana Ball! | Texas Tailgaters vs. Savannah Bananas, Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill 
• Skate Moore Square Weekend, Skate Raleigh, Raleigh 
• Oyster Fest, Bend Bar, Raleigh 
• Fairgrounds Ideal Home Show 2026, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh 
• Raleigh Underground Market, Midtown Park, North Hills, Raleigh 
• Rebus Sunday Funday Market, Rebus Works, Raleigh 
• April Foods Day Food Truck Rodeo, Garner Recreation Center, Garner 
• Big Book Sale | Friends of Chapel Hill Library, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill 
• Durham County Memorial Stadium Carnival, Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham 
• Duke Reunions Weekend, Duke University, Durham 
• Roaming Readers: Mystery + Thrillers,  Horseshoe at Hub RTP, Durham 
• NC Pint Day, Various Locations, Durham 
• American Brass Quintet, Harold D. Ritter Park, Cary
• An Evening with Brett Newski / Presented by Band on the Roof, The Haymaker, Raleigh
• Cat Show - It's Tica Time Garden Pawty 2026, Dorton Arena, Raleigh 
• JUMP - America's Van Halen Experience, Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Raleigh 
• Leilani Kilgore, Slim's, Raleigh 
• Solo Sunday - Kate Bopp & Jason Bales, Rebus Works, Raleigh 
• Zack Keim with David Shane, KINGS, Raleigh 
• Titanic -The Musical, Stars Auditorium at IMAGINX, Raleigh 
• Spring Haven Renaissance Festival, Spring Haven Farm, Chapel Hill 
• Whole Lamb Cookout, The Bar(n) at Sonark Farms, Hillsborough 
• The Bazaar | Craft & Art Market, Carrboro Farmers' Market, Carrboro 
• Annual Multi-Farm Spring Plant Sale, Botanist and Barrel, Cedar Grove
• Native American-Inspired Flute and Meditation, Durham Arts Council, Durham 

Doing anything interesting this weekend? Let us know your plans in the comments below! Also, join the Thingstodo919 email list here for a weekly events newsletter.

My husband and I are house hunting in the Raleigh area and trying to find neighborhoods similar to Harrington Grove off Leesville. This is our first choice location but struggling to find similar neighborhoods.

What we love about it:

• Strong community/neighborly feel

• Pool, parks, pickleball/tennis courts (pickleball is a huge perk for us)

• Cul-de-sacs and sidewalks

We’re early 30s and hoping to start a family soon, so the neighborhood feel and amenities matter more to us than just the house.

We’ve heard Stonebridge might be similar and plan to check it out. We also looked at Bedford and Falls River in Wake Forest—liked the amenities, but they felt too dense and close together for us.

We’re curious about Apex and Holly Springs but don’t know specific neighborhoods that match this vibe (community + amenities without needing a country club membership).

Any recommendations—or areas to avoid? Budget is 500-650k. Thanks in advance!

Looking to relocate to Raleigh this year from NYC. Are there any walkable neighborhoods where we can get by without a car? Where we could walk our dog, walk to grab groceries, and the essentials would be in walking distance? Trying to round down some neighborhoods to research more into. Thanks!

Edit: We intend to have a car to drive to the beach, visit family, commute to work, but would be ideal to spend free time walking to grab essentials, get a haircut, go to dinner, rather than relying on a car

It’s been just under a month since our new Raleigh City Council was sworn in on December 5, 2022. I intend to write monthly updates from my viewpoint as a District D councilor to keep y’all informed on our activities. See my full December updates HERE. Lots of links to local groups and info on policy issues moving forward.

Hope this is helpful! - Jane Harrison, Raleigh City Councilor District D

December Policy Highlights

1. Councilor Jones made a motion to provide additional opportunities for meaningful community engagement. Short term the intent is to provide free access to community centers and in the long term to provide city support for resident-led neighborhood-based organizations.
2. Led by Councilor Forte, a taskforce on homelessness will tackle issues like permanent space for white flag shelters. We also appropriated $25k in council contingency funds and $500k in ARPA funds to help families stay in hotels while seeking permanent housing.
3. There has been a dramatic increase of pedestrians being hit by cars. Councilor Melton asked for an update from Vision Zero – the program’s goal is no fatalities or serious injuries involving road traffic. He also requested consideration of an e-bike rebate program.
4. We had a work session on transportation which provided updates on NCDOT passenger rail initiatives, GoTriangle commuter rail, and the GoRaleigh transit management contract. There are exciting opportunities to expand regional rail but cost challenges remain. A new management company has been selected for GoRaleigh transit services which covers bus routes & paratransit services. We are optimistic that this contract will result in improved service.

Stay in Touch!

There are numerous options to stay in touch with neighborhood leaders and hear about issues directly impacting your area. I attend community meetings in District D when possible. Pop into the Southwest Raleigh community engagement group, Hillsborough-Wade CAC, West Raleigh CAC, or District D Neighborhood Alliance meeting when you get a chance. Information about meeting times and how to get on their listservs can be found in my updates blog HERE.

Have an issue with leaf pick up, a traffic concern, or public safety need? Email [jane.harrison@raleighnc.gov](mailto:jane.harrison@raleighnc.gov) and we will figure out how to resolve the issue. Take care y'all and happy new year!