Raleigh is an excellent blend of Southern charm and modern development. Drawing in IT companies and talent, Raleigh has been growing rapidly as part of the region’s Research Triangle, but it still retains its easygoing, friendly style, as well as its affordability.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT RALEIGH |
|---|
| Raleigh has a double-sided flag with the city seal and the coat of arms or Sir Walter Raleigh. |
| It is called the "City of Oaks". |
| A Guinness Book of World Records belongs to the Raleigh Beer Garden for most beer taps. |
For those wanting to relocate to an area near Raleigh without committing to the big city life, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best suburbs.
10. Pittsboro
Population: 4,839
Median Home Value: $849,100
Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.9 minutes
School Ranking: A-
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 117
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 14
Don’t underestimate Pittsboro’s small size; this suburb is proof that great things can come in small packages. With only a little under 5,000 residents calling Pittsboro home, there’s plenty of small-town charm to be found.
There’s also plenty to do, from visiting the Small Museum of Folk Art to enjoying a glass of wine at the Starrlight Mead winery. Discover a Victorian era courthouse in the charming downtown. For those that love the outdoors, enjoy the proximity to Lower Haw River State Natural Area where hiking is a common pastime.
Your new home is waiting for you in Pittsboro!
9. Hillsborough
Population: 9,757
Median Home Value: $430,100
Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.1 minutes
School Ranking: B+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 454
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 29
Hillsborough is another small suburb, located northwest of Raleigh. This town has a wealth of art galleries, annual festivals and mountain views. History fans will love the architecture throughout the town, with several houses and historic sites from the 18th and 19th centuries available for touring. Hillsborough was the site of the third provincial congress.
This centrally located town is ideal for artists, writers, and outdoor lovers. With unique shops, find all sorts of fun finds. Homebuilders are developing new homes in Hillsborough, so check out what they have to offer!
8. Wake Forest
Population: 54,337
Median Home Value: $435,000
Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.2 minutes
School Ranking: A
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 837
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 84
As its name implies, Wake Forest is full of greenery and nature. Several hiking trails will take you through the woods, with even more natural beauty waiting just beyond the borders. Wake Forest also has a thriving downtown known as “The Renaissance Area” for its boutiques and art galleries.
Create memories at Falls Lake State Recreation Area where not only can you hike, but boat, camp, cycle, and fish. Wake Forest has been highly rated as one of the best places to live for families. Check out the homes available in Wake Forest!
7. Zebulon
Population: 9,401
Median Home Value: $275,400
Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.7 minutes
School Ranking: A
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 292
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 37
Located approximately 24 miles east of Raleigh, Zebulon is a small town with a big heart. It has a growing downtown scene, as well as six community parks and a championship disc golf course. Known as “The Town of Friendly People”, Zebulon is always welcoming of new folks.
It's always a good time at a Carolina Mudcat game. This minor league baseball team makes its home in Zebulon. From farmers markets to the historic downtown, Zebulon has its share of charm.
Discover an array of new homes with the amenities and features you crave.
6. Holly Springs
Population: 46,721
Median Home Value: $485,500
Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.6 minutes
School Ranking: A
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 496
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 39
Holly Springs is one of the fastest-growing Raleigh suburbs, and it’s easy to see why. Only 19 miles southwest of Raleigh, Holly Springs has low property and violent crime rates. It also has plenty of parks, shopping centers and dining options to explore and enjoy.
Residents appreciate the craft breweries and delicious restaurants. With several town expansion initiatives in the works, now is a great time to check out the housing market. Look for your new home in Holly Springs!
5. Apex
Population: 72,225
Median Home Value: $514,800
Mean Travel Time to Work: 24.2 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 676
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 39
Apex is a thriving city with many community festivals and parks, as well as a cultural arts center. A former railroad town, Apex has established its downtown area as a historic district. True to its heritage, the city still has a train depot that dates to the late 1800s.
Apex is growing quickly. Just 20 minutes separates Apex from Raleigh making it a convenient commuter locale. Take a look at the homes available in Apex.
4. Cary
Population: 180,010
Median Home Value: $525,200
Mean Travel Time to Work: 22.8 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,260
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 190
With over 180,000 residents, Cary is the largest suburb on our list. There’s a lot to love here, from the natural beauty of the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve to the city’s wide variety of arts and cultural events and centers. With a notably low violent crime rate, residents can have peace of mind while strolling the lakeside park of Fred G. Bond Metro Park or catching a show at the local amphitheater.
Stay active riding bikes along the network of parks and greenways. A thriving economy, easy commute, and a friendly atmosphere makes Cary a great place to live. Find your dream home in Cary today!
3. Carrboro
Population: 21,103
Median Home Value: $507,100
Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.6 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 499
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 58
Carrboro is located approximately 31 miles northwest of Raleigh and directly west of Chapel Hill. Residents love the variety of activities, including the farmer’s market, 2nd Friday Art Walk, and the Cat’s Cradle music venue. For outdoor fun, check out Bolin Creek and the Carolina North Forest, which offer ample hiking and picnicking opportunities.
This diverse community is filled with breweries, unique shops, and farmers markets. Carrboro is a suburb on the move. The communities of Carrboro are waiting for you!
2. Morrisville
Population: 31,703
Median Home Value: $481,800
Mean Travel Time to Work: 21.9 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 863
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 40
Morrisville is well known for its cultural diversity, seen in its population, restaurants and festivals. Lake Crabtree County Park offers boat rentals, playground facilities and more along the shore of the 520-acre lake. The East Meets West Festival draws residents and visitors alike.
Enjoy a great quality of life. Career opportunities are found amongst the major employers like Oracle and Lenovo. With one of the shortest commute times and an excellent education system, Morrisville is a great place for families to call home. Don’t miss your chance to call Morrisville your new home!
1. Chapel Hill
Population: 62,043
Median Home Value: $576,500
Mean Travel Time to Work: 19.6 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,683
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 116
At the top of our list is Chapel Hill, a suburb located approximately 30 miles northwest of Raleigh. Sports fanatics may know this city as the home of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball program, but Chapel Hill is also famous for its wonderful points of interest.
Days can be spent at the Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and North Carolina Botanical Garden. As far as entertainment, Franklin Street is packed with restaurants, stores and bars. The sky’s the limit in Chapel Hill — find your new home today!
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
| Garner | 35,265 | $320,300 | 28.1 minutes | A | 1,611 | 187 |
| Fuquay-Varina | 43,816 | $410,600 | 32.4 minutes | A | 271 | 29 |
| Rolesville | 11,297 | $467,400 | 32.6 minutes | A- | 43 | 2 |
| Wendell | 14,400 | $316,700 | 25.9 minutes | A- | 154 | 14 |
| Knightdale | 20,275 | $331,900 | 26.7 minutes | B | 544 | 60 |
| Siler City | 8,043 | $154,900 | 27.8 minutes | B | 194 | 31 |
| Mebane | 20,212 | $295,600 | 26.2 minutes | B- | 733 | 44 |
| Durham | 296,186 | $335,300 | 22.7 minutes | B- | 11,185 | 1,882 |
| Roxboro | 8,212 | $138,700 | 25.6 minutes | B- | 350 | 89 |
| Angier | 7,283 | $236,100 | 35.1 minutes | B- | 99 | 19 |
Raleigh Is for You!
With so many fun activities, job opportunities and beautiful natural sights, it’s no wonder so many are choosing to relocate to Raleigh. The cities and towns surrounding Raleigh are also rich in culture and community, and they all make a great choice of home for those wanting to live nearby. Find your new home today!
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other North Carolina Resources
Best Suburbs Surrounding Wilmington, North Carolina
Moving to Wilmington, NC? Read Our Relocation Guide
Best Suburbs Around Fayetteville, NC
Best Tiny Home Builders in North Carolina
10 Best State Parks in North Carolina
The 10 Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Allergies
How to Build a House in North Carolina
The Top 13 Best Places to Live in North Carolina
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in North Carolina
Your Guide to Closing Costs in North Carolina
Top Master Planned Communities Near Raleigh, NC
Top Master Planned Communities near Charlotte, NC
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in North Carolina
Best Modular Home Builders in Asheville
The Best Suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina
Moving To Raleigh? This Relocation Guide Will Help
Top 10 Safest Cities in North Carolina
Moving To Charlotte? This Relocation Guide Will Help
Why Charlotte Is the Third Fastest-Growing City in The Country
Sarah Scott
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.