Best suburbs in Raleigh
The GI Bill of Rights, Ike's interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.
Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.
A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.
What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.
Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Raleigh. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.
Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Raleigh.
#9. Knightdale, North Carolina
- Median home value: $305,500
- Median rental price: $1,409
- Top schools nearby: Raleigh Charter High School (grade A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (grade A+), Quest Academy (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Ravenscroft School (grade A+), Saint Mary's School (grade A+), Cardinal Gibbons High School (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#8. Garner, North Carolina
- Median home value: $288,900
- Median rental price: $1,371
- Top schools nearby: Raleigh Charter High School (grade A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (grade A+), Wake STEM Early College High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Cary Academy (grade A+), Ravenscroft School (grade A+), Saint Mary's School (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#7. Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
- Median home value: $364,200
- Median rental price: $1,560
- Top schools nearby: Raleigh Charter High School (grade A+), Green Level High School (grade A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Saint Mary's School (grade A+), GRACE Christian School (grade A−), Thales Academy Apex JH/HS (grade A−)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
#6. Wake Forest, North Carolina
- Median home value: $397,300
- Median rental price: $1,354
- Top schools nearby: Raleigh Charter High School (grade A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (grade A+), Quest Academy (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Ravenscroft School (grade A+), St. David's School (grade A+), Trinity Academy (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#5. Holly Springs, North Carolina
- Median home value: $449,600
- Median rental price: $1,745
- Top schools nearby: Green Level High School (grade A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (grade A+), Wake STEM Early College High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Cary Academy (grade A+), Saint Mary's School (grade A+), Cardinal Gibbons High School (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#4. Rolesville, North Carolina
- Median home value: $422,000
- Median rental price: $890
- Top schools nearby: Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (grade A+), Quest Academy (grade A+), Wake STEM Early College High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Ravenscroft School (grade A+), St. David's School (grade A+), Trinity Academy (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#3. Apex, North Carolina
- Median home value: $458,200
- Median rental price: $1,668
- Top schools nearby: Raleigh Charter High School (grade A+), Green Level High School (grade A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Cary Academy (grade A+), Camelot Academy (grade A+), Saint Mary's School (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
#2. Morrisville, North Carolina
- Median home value: $429,600
- Median rental price: $1,687
- Top schools nearby: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (grade A+), Raleigh Charter High School (grade A+), Green Level High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Cary Academy (grade A+), Durham Academy (grade A+), Ravenscroft School (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
#1. Cary, North Carolina
- Median home value: $477,400
- Median rental price: $1,538
- Top schools nearby: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (grade A+), Raleigh Charter High School (grade A+), Green Level High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Cary Academy (grade A+), Durham Academy (grade A+), Ravenscroft School (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.