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: $1,351/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cameron Village: $1,584/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Cameron Village: 762 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.
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: $1,351/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in North Hills: $1,527/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.
Keep in mind
Many of the apartment communities in North Hills sit along busy commercial corridors.
Brier Creek
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh: $1,351/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Brier Creek: $1,331/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.
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: $1,351/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Triangle Town Center: $1,239/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Triangle Town Center: 740 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.
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.
South Raleigh (Parkland/Hidden Creek)
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh: $1,351/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in South Raleigh: $1,273/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in South Raleigh: 774 square feet
Why South Raleigh is good for renters
South Raleigh, sometimes called 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.
Keep in mind
South Raleigh is spread out, so walkability varies; daily errands might require a quick drive depending on where you live.
Ready to Make the Move?
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Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s December 2025 reports.
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 $1,351/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 cost of living and rent prices are lower than the national average. The cost of living is 5.1 percent lower while the average rent is 17 percent lower.
What salary do you need to live in Raleigh, NC?
According to Apartments.com, a salary of $72,000 per year is recommended to comfortably live in Raleigh.
