Southwest Raleigh - Raleigh, NC Area Guide

The history of southwest Raleigh is directly tied to the creation and expansion of North Carolina State University, which was founded in 1887 with the goal of providing a practical education in agriculture and mechanics. At the time, most of the area was covered in farmland, and agriculture was the foundation of the local economy. The university was meant to help residents learn about new farming methods and run their family business more efficiently.

By 1987, the university had purchased that land that would eventually house the cutting-edge Centennial Campus located in the eastern edge of the neighborhood. In response to an ever growing student population, Southwest Raleigh developed into a prime location for housing and other amenities.

Residents can view regular exhibits at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design or visit the nearby North Carolina Museum of Art, Joel Lane Historic house and Contemporary Art Museum.

The Mission Valley Shopping Center sits at the northeast corner of the neighborhood and serves as the local destination for dining and entertainment. At Cup A Joe, patrons are encouraged to set up shop and get comfortable. Snag a seat in one of the plush armchairs, order a cup of coffee and settle into a good book or get some work done. This local hotspot also has an outdoor patio, a menu full of sweet treats and a friendly staff of experienced baristas.

This mall also houses plenty of nationally popular shops that provide good places to grab a quick bite to eat. D.P. Dough specializes in calzones and delivers to all parts of the neighborhood. Bruegger's Bagels, Papa John's Pizza and Baja Burritos also have locations here to serve students and local residents.

In addition to these chain restaurants, Mission Valley also houses local favorites with an international flare. The Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant features authentic cuisine prepared by rigorously trained chefs. Meals come served on large platters meant to be eaten with your fingers and shared with a group. Traditionally, Ethiopians believe that food is meant to be eaten in a group to celebrate friendship and loyalty. Bring your friends and bond over the Abyssinia Special Yebeg, which consists of cube-cut pieces of lamb tenderloin sauteed with fresh onions, tomatoes, green peppers and rosemary.

For a large selection of authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, visit El Cerro. Diners can choose between traditional tacos made with corn tortillas, chicken, lime and cilantro or opt for the Americanized version, which features flour tortillas and plenty of cheese. One of the best aspects of this restaurant and what keeps locals coming back every week is the drink specials. From margaritas to pitchers of Dos Equis, there is always something on sale.

Stop by the Mission Valley Cinema to catch a movie, or head just down the street to Sammy's Bar and Grill where NC State fans gather to cheer on the Wolfpack, play pool and enjoy the spacious outdoor patio.

Drivers in Southwest Raleigh enjoy easy access to major highways and expressways. Western Boulevard runs along the southern border of NC State and heads directly east into downtown Raleigh. Head west on the same street, and drivers will run into I-440, which circles the entire city of Raleigh. In addition, I-40 lies just south and travels east and west across the entire state. Drivers also have an easy time finding plenty of free parking, although a permit is required to park on campus areas.

Residents also enjoy plenty of public transportation options. With so many students in the area looking for quick and affordable rides to campus, regular bus routes run all day with stops every few blocks. Hailing a cab in more commercial areas can be fairly easy, especially on the weekends, and Uber also services the area. Pedestrians can easily travel the neighborhood on foot or by bike. Designated bike lanes and plenty of sidewalks line the streets.

Both Lake Johnson and Lake Raleigh sit inside the borders of Southwest Raleigh and are connected by an extensive greenway system with well-paved paths perfect for bikers and joggers. At Lake Johnson, visitors can walk the dog around the looping trail, watch the sunset over the lake, rent a paddle boat or canoe or enjoy fishing. Lake Raleigh also welcomes families, dogs and fishermen and features the added bonuses of a Frisbee golf course, soccer fields and a fitness trail with exercise pit stops along the way. Residents can use both parks free of charge and sign up for nature walks, yoga classes and other activities hosted by the parks.

The cost of living in Southwest Raleigh runs on par with most sections of the city. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $750 per month. Drivers enjoy gas prices that average about 9 percent below national averages. Residents can use the Wolfline bus system for free or pay $2 per ride to use the Triangle Transit buses, which travel all the way to Durham and Chapel Hill. The local bars run daily drink specials, making it easy to find a $2 special on a pint of beer.

Southwest Raleigh mainly houses restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores; however, a few specialty stores occupy spaces in the Mission Valley Shopping Center and other nearby strip malls.

Stock up on stylish name brand clothing at the Uptown Cheapskate consignment shop. It carries a selection of modern men's and women's clothing for a variety of age groups. Clean out your closet and receive cash or store credit for old clothes.

One of the best shopping experiences in Raleigh sits at the northwest corner of the neighborhood on the state fairgrounds. The Raleigh Flea Market attracts treasure hunters and antique lovers from all over the country. Over 600 vendors set up shop every Saturday and Sunday to sell a wide variety of items, including Civil War collectibles, handmade turquoise jewelry, antique furniture and army surplus clothing.

For additional shopping options, residents can drive a few miles west to the Cary Crossroads Plaza in Cary, or head north to the Crabtree Valley Mall. Both locations host popular retail chains such as Target, Sears, Barnes & Noble and The Gap.

Residents can fill their pantries at the Food Lion location off Avent Fairy Road or drive just a couple miles to the North Carolina State Farmer's Market, which opens everyday to sell fresh produce.