The Triangle region of North Carolina, centered around the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, has become a sought-after destination for homebuyers. With its vibrant economy, excellent schools, and diverse cultural scene, it’s no wonder that many people are drawn to this area.
Here are the top 10 places to live in the Triangle area, based on factors such as quality of life, affordability, and amenities:
1. Cary
Cary, a suburban town, offers a family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and convenient location.
- Population: 174,880
- Median Home Price: $477,400
- Schools: A+ rated public schools
- Amenities: Vibrant downtown, abundant green spaces, excellent schools, parks, shopping centers, and restaurants
Key Points:
- Suburban Charm with Urban Amenities: Cary offers a balance of small-town feel with easy access to city conveniences.
- Family-Friendly: Known for its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods.
- Diverse Community: Hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals.
- Outdoor Recreation: Offers numerous parks, greenways, and trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Economic Growth: Benefits from its proximity to Research Triangle Park, a major technology hub.
- La Farm bakery
- The Umstead Hotel
- SAS Headquarters
- Andia’s Ice Cream
- Koka Booth Amphitheater
Popular Neighborhoods:
- Preston: A prestigious gated community with a golf course, clubhouse, and swimming pool.
- Amberly: A master-planned community with a variety of housing options and amenities.
- Cary Park: A family-friendly neighborhood with a lake, parks, and trails.
- Lochmere: A waterfront community with a variety of housing options and access to Lake Crabtree.
- MacGregor Downs: A golf course community with a clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis courts.
Click here to see some of our beautiful properties in Cary.
2. Morrisville
Morrisville is a thriving town located in the heart of the Triangle region. With its diverse community, rapid growth, and strong economy, Morrisville offers a high quality of life for residents of all ages. Known for its excellent schools and family-friendly atmosphere, Morrisville is a popular choice for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to city amenities.
- Population: 29,756
- Median Home Price: $465,991
- Schools: A+ rated public schools
- Amenities: Morrisville Community Park, Lake Crabtree, shopping centers, restaurants, and easy access to Raleigh
Key Points:
- Diverse Community: Offers a multicultural environment with a large Asian Indian population.
- Rapid Growth: Has experienced significant population growth in recent years.
- Strong Economy: Benefits from its proximity to Research Triangle Park and major highways.
- Excellent Schools: Provides high-quality education opportunities for families.
- Community-Oriented: Known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Popular Neighborhoods:
- McKimmon Village: A planned community with a variety of housing options and amenities.
- Morrisville Town Center: A mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and apartments.
- Timber Creek: A family-friendly neighborhood with a pool, clubhouse, and playground.
- The Preserve at Morrisville: A gated community with custom homes and a clubhouse.
- The Village at Morrisville: A mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and apartments.
Click here to see our beautiful properties in Morrisville.
3. Apex
Apex, a charming town with a vibrant downtown, offers a family-friendly environment, good schools, and affordable housing.
- Population: 65,541
- Median Home Price: $465,991
- Schools: A+ rated public schools
- Amenities: Charming downtown, good restaurants, parks, schools, and easy access to Raleigh and Durham
Key Points:
- Charming Small Town: Offers a suburban atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
- Convenient Location: Located near Research Triangle Park and major highways.
- Excellent Schools: Provides high-quality education opportunities for families.
- Affordable Housing: Offers relatively affordable housing options compared to other Triangle cities.
- Outdoor Recreation: Provides access to parks, trails, and recreational activities.
Popular Neighborhoods:
- Apex Park: A master-planned community with a variety of housing options and amenities.
- Cross Creek Farms: A family-friendly neighborhood with a pool, clubhouse, and playground.
- The Preserve at Apex: A gated community with custom homes and a clubhouse.
- Apex Village: A mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and apartments.
- Apex Town Center: A vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Click here to see our beautiful properties in Apex.
4. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, a charming college town, offers a historic atmosphere, intellectual vibe, and access to the University of North Carolina.
- Population: 58,919
- Median Home Price: $465,991
- Schools: A+ rated public schools
- Amenities: Vibrant college town atmosphere, beautiful campus, excellent schools, arts scene, and cultural attractions
Key Points:
- University Town: Benefits from the presence of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Cultural Hub: Offers a diverse range of arts, music, and entertainment options.
- Historic Charm: Features a beautiful campus and historic architecture.
- Outdoor Recreation: Provides access to parks, greenways, and recreational activities.
- Family-Friendly: Offers a safe and welcoming environment for families.
- Carolina Inn
- Morehead Planetarium
- Lantern Restaurant
- The Crunkleton
- TOPO Distillery
- UNC Chapel Hill campus
- Carrboro and Pittsboro nearby
Popular Neighborhoods:
- Carolina Village: A historic neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes.
- Governor’s Club: A gated community with a golf course, clubhouse, and swimming pool.
- Ramblewood: A family-friendly neighborhood with a variety of housing options.
- Rosemary Hills: A historic neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes.
- Woodhaven: A newer neighborhood with a variety of housing options and amenities.
Click here to see our beautiful properties in Chapel Hill.
5. Durham
Durham, known for its revitalization and cultural scene, is a rapidly growing city with a unique vibe.
- Population: 644,367
- Median Home Price: $465,991
- Schools: A+ rated public schools
- Amenities: Vibrant arts scene, research triangle, Duke University, cultural attractions, and diverse population
Key Points:
- Research Triangle Hub: Home to Duke University and other major research institutions.
- Cultural Center: Offers a diverse range of arts, music, and entertainment options.
- Growing Economy: Benefits from a strong job market and economic growth.
- Historic District: Features a revitalized historic district with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
- Outdoor Recreation: Provides access to parks, trails, and recreational activities.
- Duke University Durham
- Bulls baseball stadium
- Ponysaurus Brewery
- Sarah Duke Gardens
- M Sushi
- Vert & Vogue
- Mateo
- Museum of Life and Science
Popular Neighborhoods:
- Brightleaf Square: A historic district with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Duke Forest: A residential neighborhood with access to Duke Forest, a 7,000-acre nature preserve.
- Trinity Park: A family-friendly neighborhood with a park, playground, and community center.
- Watts Hospital District: A historic district with a mix of old and new homes.
- Duke Gardens: A residential neighborhood with access to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a botanical garden.
Click here to see our beautiful properties in Durham.
6. Raleigh
Raleigh, an urban atmosphere with a strong economy, cultural attractions, and diverse neighborhoods.
- Population: 1.4 million
- Median Home Price: $419,900
- Schools: A+ rated public schools
- Amenities: Thriving job market, cultural attractions, diverse population, museums, parks, and sports teams
Key Points:
- State Capital: Offers a vibrant and dynamic city atmosphere.
- Strong Economy: Benefits from a diverse range of industries and a growing job market.
- Cultural Attractions: Hosts a variety of museums, theaters, and cultural events.
- Outdoor Recreation: Provides access to parks, trails, and recreational activities.
- Family-Friendly: Offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions.
- Glenwood South nightlife scene
- North Hills shopping center
- NC State University
- State Farmer’s Market
- Red Hat Amphitheater
- PNC Arena
- NC Museum of Art
- Pullen Park
- Cowfish Sushi and Burger Bar
Popular Neighborhoods:
- Historic Five Points: A historic district with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Glenwood South: A trendy neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
- North Hills: A mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and apartments.
- Cameron Village: A historic neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Boylan Heights: A historic neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes.
Click here to see our beautiful properties in Raleigh.
7. Wake Forest
Wake Forest, a small town north of Raleigh, offers a peaceful atmosphere, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community.
- Population: 55,788
- Median Home Price: $477,000
- Schools: A+ rated public schools
- Amenities: Family-friendly atmosphere, affordable housing, and easy access to Raleigh
Key Points:
- Suburban Charm: Offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment.
- Affordable Housing: Provides relatively affordable housing options compared to other Triangle cities.
- Excellent Schools: Offers high-quality education opportunities for families.
- Convenient Location: Located just north of Raleigh, providing easy access to the city’s amenities.
- Outdoor Recreation: Provides access to parks, trails, and recreational activities.
Popular Neighborhoods:
- Millbrook: A master-planned community with a variety of housing options and amenities.
- Heritage Falls: A gated community with a golf course, clubhouse, and swimming pool.
- Wake Forest Town Center: A mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and apartments.
- The Preserve at Wake Forest: A gated community with custom homes and a clubhouse.
- Wendell Falls: A master-planned community with a variety of housing options and amenities.
Click here to see our beautiful properties in Wake Forest.
8. Knightdale
Knightdale, a charming town located just north of Raleigh, offers a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere. With its rapid growth, affordable housing, and excellent schools, Knightdale has become a popular choice for homebuyers in the Triangle area.
- Population: 20,547
- Median Home Price: 374,277
- Schools: A+ rated public schools
- Amenities: Growing town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, easy access to Raleigh
Key Points:
- Rapid Growth: Experiencing significant growth due to its proximity to Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park.
- Affordable Housing: Offers relatively affordable housing options compared to other Triangle cities.
- Family-Friendly: Nice parks and plenty to eat!
Click here to see our beautiful properties in Knightdale.
Thinking of moving to North Carolina to the Triangle area? Give us a call at Brazoban Realty. We would love to help you find your dream home in your dream city. Which one is yours?
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Sources:
Sarah O’Grady for Escaping New York
