Don’t wait to plant your roots in the City of Oaks as Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in North Carolina. Its wealth of opportunities, abundant nature, character, and affordability attract renters in droves.
Whether you want to live near downtown with lots of character or prefer more space and affordability a bit farther out, the city’s diverse neighborhoods give renters plenty of great options. Before you move to Raleigh, explore the best neighborhoods based on atmosphere, amenities, rental availability, and overall livability.
The five best neighborhoods in Raleigh for renters are:
Cameron Village
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh: $1,372/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cameron Village: $1,537/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Cameron Village: 750 square feet
Why Cameron Village is good for renters
Cameron Village is one of Raleigh’s most beloved historic neighborhoods, where nature and city blend to create a unique suburban atmosphere. Residents enjoy being next to Jaycee Park and Fred Fletcher Park, and near independently-owned restaurants and shops on Hillsborough Street, Clark Avenue, Glenwood Avenue, and Fairview Road.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
60Cameron Village has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
30Cameron Village has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
90Cameron Village has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
50Cameron Village has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because of its convenience and amenities, rents in Cameron Village tend to be on the higher side compared with some other Raleigh areas.
North Hills
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh: $1,372/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in North Hills: $1,602/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in North Hills: 777 square feet
Why North Hills is good for renters
North Hills is both a residential neighborhood and a major retail and dining destination. It has everything from boutique shops to national brands with lots of restaurants in between within the North Hills Mall area.
The community was designed with parks and outdoor spaces in mind; North Hills Park and Shelley Lake Park are connected by paved greenways and trails, perfect for walking or biking. This abundance of green space also makes the area one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in Raleigh.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
60North Hills has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
20North Hills has a transit score of 20 out of 100 |
90North Hills has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
50North Hills has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Many of the apartment communities in North Hills sit along busy commercial corridors.
Brier Creek
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh: $1,372/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Brier Creek: $1,354/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Brier Creek: 837 square feet
Why Brier Creek is good for renters
If you want a modern neighborhood with recently built apartment communities and upscale shopping, Brier Creek is the place for you. Brier Creek Parkway has become one of Raleigh’s most recognized shopping and dining strips with a mix of local spots and well-known retailers.
It’s not just city fun as the sprawling William B. Umstead State Park, with its thousands of acres of trails, lakes, and forests, is only a short drive away. US-70 can get you to downtown and frequent fliers appreciate being near Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Somewhat Bikeable |
40Brier Creek has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 |
30Brier Creek has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
80Brier Creek has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
30Brier Creek has a bikeability score of 30 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Though Brier Creek has everything residents need within its borders, the area is car-dependent with daily errands or nights out often requiring a drive.
Triangle Town Center
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh: $1,372/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Triangle Town Center: $1,226/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Triangle Town Center: 739 square feet
Why Triangle Town Center is good for renters
Look no further than Triangle Town Center to have shopping and dining at your fingertips. You’ll not only find the Triangle Town Center Mall, but also the network of surrounding plazas filled with more retail and restaurants. Getting around the neighborhood without a car is easy thanks to well-maintained sidewalks.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Somewhat Bikeable |
50Triangle Town Center has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 |
30Triangle Town Center has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
100Triangle Town Center has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
20Triangle Town Center has a bikeability score of 20 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Triangle Town Center is on the edge of Raleigh, so it takes longer to get around via I-540, US-1, and US-401.
Parkland/Hidden Creek
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh: $1,372/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Parkland/Hidden Creek: $1,313/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Parkland/Hidden Creek: 774 square feet
Why Parkland/Hidden Creek is good for renters
Parkland/Hidden Creek offers a quieter life in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas. The neighborhood is packed with apartment communities, giving renters a wide range of choices. Despite its close proximity to downtown, it remains one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Raleigh.
Shopping centers border both sides of the neighborhood, so dining, groceries, and essentials are always nearby. Plus, large parks and scenic lakes are just a short drive away for easy weekend escapes.
|
Somewhat Walkable |
Minimal Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
30Parkland/Hidden Creek has a walkability score of 30 out of 100 |
10Parkland/Hidden Creek has a transit score of 10 out of 100 |
100Parkland/Hidden Creek has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
40Parkland/Hidden Creek has a bikeability score of 40 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Parkland/Hidden Creek is spread out, so daily errands typically require a quick drive.
Ready to Make the Move?
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Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
This article was originally published on December 15, 2025, and has been updated to reflect April 2026 data.
FAQs
Is Raleigh a good place to live?
Yes, Raleigh is a good place to live for renters as Raleigh is known for its combination of urban and green spaces. The city offers parks, cultural attractions, and a growing job market.
What’s the average rent in Raleigh, NC?
The average rent in Raleigh is $1,372 per month. This is 16% lower than the national average rent of $1,639 per month.
Is Raleigh an expensive place to live?
Raleigh is not an expensive place to live, especially compared to some of the bigger U.S. cities. Raleigh’s overall cost of living is 5.3% lower than the national average, and rent prices are 16% lower than the national average.
What salary do you need to live in Raleigh, NC?
According to out cost of living data, a salary of $71,000 per year is recommended for a single adult with no dependents to comfortably live in Raleigh.
