Welcome to Raleigh, NC! Serving alongside Durham and Chapel Hill as anchors of the Research Triangle, this city’s rich history and hot market make it highly desirable for soon-to-be city dwellers. With its picturesque oak-lined streets, vibrant energy, and institutional innovation, Raleigh is the perfect combination of beauty and brains. Enticing as it sounds, it’s no secret big city living can come with an even bigger price tag. The diverse culture, bustling social life, and ever-present entertainment often come with a cost: your housing price.
While finding an apartment close to all the excitement can be expensive, it is possible to work, play, and rent at a reasonable price. We’ve compiled a list to help you experience Raleigh’s best without breaking the bank.
The Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC:
This is your guide to paying less and living more in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Mordecai
- Average 1BR rent in Mordecai: $861
- Average 1BR rent in Raleigh: $1,322
- Perfect for: Students, Young Professionals, History Buffs
The first neighborhood on our list is beautiful, historic Mordecai. With over 180 pre-antebellum homes seated among renovated bungalows and condos, this neighborhood glows with urban nostalgia. Its prime location just north of Raleigh’s historic district and short downtown commute invites residents searching for convenience, tranquility, and affordable rent.
Take a step back in time at the neighborhood’s namesake property, The Mordecai House. Constructed in 1785, this historic home is the oldest in Raleigh and is complete with original furnishings. Stroll through shaded green paths to find the town center, where streets are fresh with modern amenities. Savor warm pastries from a local bakery or a cappuccino from a specialty café. When you’ve exhausted Mordecai’s roster of eateries, visit Glenwood South to window shop at chic boutiques and sip like a local at lively wine bars.
Ready to explore surrounding areas? City-level convenience is available at an affordable price. A two-mile trip to Raleigh Union Station offers transit in and out of town, and public city bus lines intersect the neighborhood at various stops.
Five Points
- Average 1BR rent in Five Points: $933
- Average 1BR rent in Raleigh: $1,322
- Perfect for: Families, Professionals
The spacious suburbs of Five Points sit two miles north of downtown Raleigh. This lively neighborhood encompasses four historic districts, each contributing to the town’s eclectic and endearing personality. With homes ranging from elegant colonial revivals to mid-century modern cottages, Five Points provides the best of Raleigh’s charm at a cheaper price.
Stroll city streets and take in the town at your own pace. Wind your way through antique stores, coffee shops, and home-style restaurants. Explore the arts at various local galleries and wind down with a drink at a craft brewery. For a breath of fresh air, head to Kiwanis Park, where you’ll find a wealth of hiking trails, sprawling green lawns, and picnic shelters.
While most residents prefer to have a vehicle for convenience, a quick ten-minute commute to Raleigh Union Station allows the adventure to continue outside the neighborhood.
Clayton
- Average 1BR rent in Clayton: $1,038
- Average 1BR rent in Raleigh: $1,322
- Perfect for: Families, Young Professionals, Night Owls
Although Clayton sits thirty minutes south of Downtown Raleigh, its exciting nightlife, impressive art scene, and diverse population bring city energy to the small town. The neighborhood’s unique attractions, top-rated schools, and affordable rent appeal to families and young professionals alike.
Clayton’s lively streets are open to people from all walks of life. Families love soaking in the sun or biking at Sam’s Branch Greenway. Art connoisseurs indulge in exhibits at the Clayton Sculpture Trail, and night owls thrive under the lights of Main Street’s spirited taverns.
While this neighborhood is car-dependent due to its secluded suburban nature, residents won't look far for new experiences. Restaurants, modern shopping centers, and local novelties exist on every corner.
Wilson
- Average 1BR rent in Wilson: $1,058
- Average 1BR rent in Raleigh: $1,322
- Perfect for: Families, Small Businesses, Outdoor Adventurers
Wilson is a suburban dream perfect for renters searching for open space, fine dining, and nearby excitement at a budget-friendly price. Situated right between Raleigh and Greenville, this neighborhood offers the luxuries of city life at a more relaxed pace.
Vibrant greenery, novel outdoor attractions, and a wide selection of restaurants and retailers illuminate Wilson's streets. Stroll through one-of-a-kind Whirligig Park, where fantastical wind-powered sculptures dot the lawn and fresh produce is sold during weekend farmers' markets. Take in rows of flower gardens at the Wilson Botanical Gardens, then head down the street for dinner at your pick of local restaurants.
Interstates 795 and 95 offer easy access to nearby cities. Enjoy the convenience you need at the price you want.
Garner
- Average 1BR rent in Garner: $1,226
- Average 1BR rent in Raleigh: $1,322
- Perfect for: Families, Young Professionals, Nature Lovers
Fifteen minutes from downtown Raleigh, Garner offers a relaxed, suburban atmosphere with the benefits of convenient city access. Located alongside beautiful Lake Benson, this neighborhood might be mistaken for an off-the-grid small town if it weren’t for its numerous restaurants, must-see attractions, and proximity to the city center.
Locals love the balance of fast-paced energy and countryside relaxation Garner provides – spend the day exploring Raleigh’s plentiful museums and shopping centers, then head back to the lake to jog through shaded trails or soak up the sun on the beach. Stop by the Garner Performing Arts Center to catch a play or live music set and end the day with a picnic at White Deer Park.
Garner is a fifteen-minute commute to Raleigh Union Station and is a short distance from Interstate 40, allowing accessible travel in addition to all the neighborhood offers.
Make the Most of Your Move With Apartments.com
Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find an apartment easily. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine. And once you find the perfect location? Narrow the search within a price range that works for you.
No matter the budget, the options are endless with Apartments.com. Ready to get started? Pay less, live more, and rent on.
*Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s June 2022 reports
