Oakwood
Among the higher-priced areas
Historic district near downtown.
Why people love it
- Research Triangle jobs
- Top universities nearby
- Greenway trails
- Leafy suburbs
Honest tradeoffs
Growth-driven traffic and rising housing costs.
Neighborhoods at a glance
If you’re looking for something specific, start here.
Established & historic
Oakwood · Five Points · Wake Forest
Newer builds
Cary · Apex
Walkable to shops
Oakwood · Five Points · North Hills · Apex
Quick access to nature
Cary · Wake Forest
Close to downtown
Oakwood · Five Points
Local neighborhoods
Five Points
Among the higher-priced areas
Established area with local shops.
North Hills
Among the higher-priced areas
Mixed-use center with newer housing.
Cary
Among the higher-priced areas
Large suburb with parks and greenways.
Apex
Mid-range for the metro
Small-town downtown with newer homes.
Wake Forest
Mid-range for the metro
Northern town with a historic downtown.
Price ranges are described in general terms, not current figures. Check real listings for the homes you’re considering.
Local favorites
Outdoors
- Umstead State Park
- Neuse River Greenway
- Lake Johnson
Things to do
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- NC Museum of Natural Sciences
- Dix Park
Food areas
- Downtown Raleigh
- Morgan Street Food Hall
- Downtown Durham
Schools
District lines don’t always follow city names. Confirm the assigned school for the exact address.
Everyday life
- Getting around
- Car-based; RDU airport serves the Triangle.
- Climate
- Four seasons with hot, humid summers.
- Healthcare
- Duke Health, UNC Health and WakeMed.
Check before you commit
- School assignment for the exact address
- Homeowners insurance quotes before making an offer
- HOA or special district fees
- Commute at rush hour from the actual street
- Ask your CPA how the move affects your situation
General information only. For tax questions, consult your CPA.
Common questions
What is the Research Triangle?
Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, anchored by NC State, Duke, UNC and Research Triangle Park.
Prepared October 2026. Neighborhood descriptions and local favorites await local review; linked school resources are starting points, not confirmed address assignments. Confirm details locally.