North Hills - Raleigh, NC

North Hills originally opened as an outdoor strip mall in 1960, and in 1967 it became the only enclosed mall between Washington D.C. and Atlanta. As the mall grew in popularity, the surrounding neighborhoods grew.

With the rise of larger shopping malls in the Triangle region, North Hills began to suffer economically, and in 2003 the mall was closed. Plans were laid to turn this once thriving location into a mixed-use development, encompassing retail, entertainment, and residential housing. The new North Hills development opened in 2004 to great fanfare, and the district has been a success ever since. Residents love the convenience and the urban setting, with almost everything you need from shops, grocery stores, movie theaters and restaurants all within walking distance.

The biggest annual event is the Christmas tree lighting, which brings the community together and gets everyone geared up for the shopping season.

Good food is as abundant as the many Oak trees that fill the landscape in North Hills. Though there are some nationally known restaurant chains, many of the popular spots are regional and local favorites.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is a unique concept restaurant that marries two different types of cuisines into one delicious menu. Specializing in both sushi and burgers, this eatery is well known for its tasty food, and exceptional service. Their hand-held sandwiches feature many ingredients popular in sushi, while their sushi incorporates much that you love about burgers. If you are feeling timid about diving into some of their fusion options, start with the Taste Explosion Roll. It is packed with Angus beef, jalapeños, and cheese, served up sushi style. It may seem unconventional, but it will only take a few bites to win you over.

Nightlife is plentiful for the residents here. With Downtown Raleigh just a short drive away, as well as having quite a few places to go in the neighborhood, locals find no shortage of entertainment. Many residents love World of Beer, which has 50 different beers on tap, as well as live music and over 20 televisions to watch sporting events. They also have a great menu and a beautiful mezzanine to enjoy it on during warmer evenings.

Getting around the North Hills area is simple and convenient. It lies right off of Interstate 440 at exit 8, sitting a mere minutes from most of the major destinations in the Triangle area. Public transportation is provided by CAT (Capital Area Transit) with a reliable bus system that is capable of carrying its passengers throughout the region.

North Hills has friendly areas for both walkers and bikers. Many of those that live in the area enjoy the freedom of being able to reach their destinations on foot, all while enjoying the beautiful Carolina climate.

If you are headed down the to heart of the shopping center, parking is free and there are plenty of conveniently located parking decks, but you may have a hard time getting a spot right in front of your favorite store.

Getting around North Hills or heading to downtown Raleigh is as easy as calling a cab, setting up a ride with Uber or hopping on a bus. Residents can find plenty of bus stations throughout the neighborhood that connect with other lines to get you wherever you need to be.

Midtown Raleigh is convenient to the Raleigh Durham International Airport, located a mere 15 minutes away off Interstate 40, which runs through the city.

Raleigh is known for it’s system of outdoor greenways and parks, which are great for exercise enthusiasts and kids, and they are all pet friendly. North Hills Park has 32 acres, with tennis courts, a playground and a shelter for cooking out. It is a great place for the entire family to enjoy wildlife and birdwatching. The William B. Umstead State Park is located a few minutes away, and is teeming with trails for hiking and horseback riding. It is a local favorite, and is located in the center of the Triangle region.

You can enjoy all the parks free of charge and fill your schedule with popular outdoor events such as annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot or the Jordan Lake Heritage Days in the fall. If you love the outdoors, there is something going on just about every weekend.

Residents of the North Hills area enjoy a cost of living that right on par with most of Raleigh and slightly lower than the national average. One of the more appealing aspects of this area is living in an urban environment that is priced reasonably. Apartment rentals typically start at around $700 for a one-bedroom unit and sit higher in price, depending on the size of the unit.

Transportation costs are quite reasonable, with gas prices trending with the national average. Residents can take advantage of an electric-vehicle charging station nearby, and public transportation in and out of North Hills costs just $1.25 per bus ride, or $2.50 per day for an unlimited bus pass. Expect to pay $5 for a pint of your favorite locally brewed beer.

One of the most appealing aspects of the neighborhood is the wide variety of national and locally owned shops that reside in the area. Along with national chains such as Target and JCPenney, there are also many local stores such as Apricot Lane Boutique, Cameron Clothes, and Charlotte’s Jewelry and Gifts. These locally owned stores cater towards more high-end customers looking for a one-of-a-kind outfit or custom-made jewelry.

There are numerous spas, gyms, and juice bars that cater to the health conscious. The national grocery store chain Harris Teeter that is a local favorite, with several smaller deli’s and specialty wine and cheese shops. For ease of mobility, the best times to shop tend to be during the day in the middle of the week.

When picking up groceries, you have your choice of specialty shops such as the Butcher's Market where you can pick up specific cuts of beef and sushi-grade fish, or popular local chains grocers such as Harris Teeter. For organic food visit Whole Foods and pinch pennies at Trader Joes, both of which are right in the neighborhood.

For a taste of locally grown produce, you can visit the Farmers Market off Lake Wheeler Road, just minutes away, at the south end of Raleigh. This landmark opens daily and keeps serving customers until 4 p.m.