The 10 Budget Friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renters Guide

Raleigh offers not only an exciting urban environment, the centerpiece of a thriving metro area, but it’s also affordable. That is, assuming you know where to rent. It’s a terrific place to go to college, begin a tech career, go for hikes around several trails, visit the area’s “Library of the Future,” or catch an NHL game. In this brief article, I’d like to show you the 10 most affordable neighborhoods in Raleigh so you can enjoy a myriad of lifestyle opportunities without breaking the bank.

Consider these top neighborhood options for affordable living in the Greater Raleigh area.

Downtown Raleigh

What better place to begin apartment hunting than the city’s lively epicenter? The downtown area, although sometimes heavy with traffic and construction, provides plenty of novelties, ranging from the Videri Chocolate Factory to the North Carolina Museum of the Art. Bar hoppers and restaurant patrons will have no shortage of options in Raleigh. I recommend the Flying Saucer for the perfect mixture of cool interior ambiance (hint: lots of “saucers” on the ceiling and walls) together with abundant beer varieties. You could also try the Whiskey Kitchen for either indoor or outdoor dining. I enjoyed both; it makes for a great date night. Once you finish dining or drinking, head over to Boxcar Bar & Arcade for retro games (ranging from Pacman and pinball to Mario Kart and Skee Ball). I think it's a toss-up between Boxcar and Dave & Busters, over which has better games and amenities. The bottom line is you won’t get bored indulging the almost boundless recreational adventures in Downtown Raleigh. Just have a game plan for handling the rush-hour traffic (i.e., avoiding it) anywhere around the BeltLine, busy intersections, and other surrounding highways.

Southwest Raleigh

If you choose Southwest Raleigh, you’ll live practically on top of the NC State Fairgrounds, and not much farther from Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Wolfpack play football. I’ve been to the State Fair once or twice, and it draws an enormous crowd to several dozen vendors and attractions. There’s your chance to explore North Carolina’s finest agricultural accomplishments (including 2,000-pound pumpkins, not exaggerating), chow on some delicious turkey legs or funnel cakes, ride carnival rides, and beyond. Then, if you turn off Centennial Parkway onto Nazareth Street, you’ll find the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the country, built in 2017. Across the street from the cathedral, you’ll reach most of the NC State campus. Just be ready for several roundabout circles. North Carolina’s largest university, with 26,000 undergraduate students, boasts many marvelous landmarks, such as the James B. Hunt Library of the Future, furnishing roughly 1.5 million books.

College View

Next, if you want to live right in the middle of the university atmosphere, look no further than College View. This is where North Carolina’s budding scholars and future professionals find the most convenient living arrangement. It’s close to both NC State and Meredith College. Of course, if you’re going to school, especially without a car, you probably want to be close to the campus without paying exorbitant rates to live in the dorms. You’ll get better alternatives (with better amenities) by checking out Westgrove Tower Condominiums, Oakwood Apartments, or The Grover.

Hunter’s Crossing

I would consider this area a quieter section in contrast to the busier downtown lifestyle. So, don’t sleep on a spot like this if you prefer a somewhat lower population density. Although you’ll notice a lot of mid-to-upper scale homes, there are more than a fair share of rental apartments as well. Either way, this community is a safe home for many young and middle-aged professionals. It could be the best fit for junior doctors, larger families, and anyone else with high neighborhood standards.

Lakeside

So, the obvious perk to living somewhere called “Lakeside” involves staying next to a beautiful body of water. This neighborhood gets its name thanks to its proximity to Lake Johnson, accessible from Avent Ferry Road, complete with a surrounding walking trail. If you want to hike, walk your dog, and enjoy outdoor scenery, then this is the location for you. I’ve never done the entire Walnut Creek Trail (it spans a whopping 15 miles), but it’s very enjoyable and accessible for everybody. It has numerous bridges crossing over the lake, where you’ll find plenty of geese, ducks, and other wildlife. Just be careful not to collide with any joggers. Finally, parents might consider moving to Lakeside if their child attends the nearby Athens Drive Magnet High School for advanced pupils.

University Suites

Aside from being a dependable community for college students, University Suites is just eight minutes north of Lake Wheeler, yet another worthwhile Raleigh hiking/jogging opportunity. Some folks take boats or kayaks onto it when the temperatures permit. It’s also close to Lake Johnson or the Lonnie Poole Golf Course. I’m not much of a golfer, but I can attest to the easy-walking, relaxing trails around both Lake Wheeler and Lake Johnson. University Suites prides itself on being a “Horizon Community,” specifically tailored to meet the needs of college students. That holds true even when they leave to visit their families during summer or winter breaks. So, give this location a try if you are an outdoorsy adventurer attending college in Raleigh.

Sunset Hills

Here’s another outstanding location, which is relatively close to everything. For all you “Caniacs,” Sunset Hills puts you at about 10 minutes' driving distance from the Lenovo Center where the Carolina Hurricanes play. Yours truly has been a spectator at almost 10 games there over the years, and it’s way cheaper than hockey tickets in the northeast or Canada (further evidence of Raleigh’s hidden-gem affordability). Then, for everyday fun, you can hop over to Jaycee Park in Sunset Hills, which is right off Wade Avenue, one of the city’s main roads. In my view, this is one of Raleigh’s “fun for all ages” parts of the town.

Eagle Ridge

This neighborhood may be a little more upscale, but it’s still affordable. Eagle Ridge, home of Eagle Ridge Golf Community, has arguably the safest, cleanest, and classiest atmosphere among the many Raleigh subdivisions. Finally, during the Christmas season, you won’t want to miss the chance to take your children to the enchanting Fieldstream Farm Light Festival. Just the “tunnel of lights” alone is quite splendid. Eagle Ridge is also just a few miles west of Lake Benson. There are plenty of wildlife opportunities for sight-seers, particularly at the White Deer Park Center, another solid choice for a picnic or stroll along the greenway.

Foxcroft

This subdivision would make a wonderful place to raise a family just a tad west of the Neuse River. You can travel safely around these roads and take your little ones to any number of child-friendly spots, such as Hedingham Community Park, whereas pet owners should try the premium training services at All Out Dog Sports. Foxcroft is also just a few minutes' walking distance from Buffaloe Road Athletic Park (which includes a massive indoor swimming facility).

Trailwood

Last, but not least, this delightful neighborhood sits directly between Lake Johnson and Lake Raleigh, offering ample opportunities for outdoor fitness enthusiasts in Wake County. It’s also home to the Lonnie Poole Golf Course, popular among the area’s many semi-pro golfers. I’d say you could save money by renting in this area, allowing you to save some extra cash for a membership there. It’s even a strategic place to live if you want to commute to either Cary or Garner, using Tryon Road as a reliable route. Trailwood is one of the top-rated living options for students and faculty at NC State as well.