North Raleigh / North Hills

North Hills / North Raleigh offers some of Raleigh's most sought-after living in the city's northern corridor. At the heart of this area, North Hills serves as the region's modern mixed-use midtown destination, combining residential living with retail and entertainment experiences. Originally developed in the 1960s and transformed into today's dynamic district, North Hills features a range of available apartments and over 130 shops and restaurants spread across distinct neighborhoods. Residents have access to boutiques in the innovative Makers Alley, while North Hills Park provides 32 acres of recreational space with pickleball courts and baseball fields. With more than 450 community events held annually, including the popular Midtown Beach Series, this neighborhood fosters an engaging social atmosphere that brings neighbors together year-round.

The community's cultural scene centers around initiatives like the North Hills Art Walk , which showcases nearly 30 outdoor murals and sculptures throughout Midtown. Dining options range from beloved brunch spots like Another Broken Egg Café to upscale establishments such as Level7, while entertainment includes regular live music performances. Educational opportunities are supported by the highly rated Wake County Public School System. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby Shelley Lake Park's trails or participate in recreational activities at Midtown Park, creating numerous opportunities for recreation within this well-connected community.

Public transport

Public transportation connects residents to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods through GoRaleigh's bus system. Route 8 provides regular service from the North Hills Mall and Lassiter Mill Road directly to downtown Raleigh, while Route 24L links the North Hills neighborhood to Capital Boulevard and Spring Forest Road. Bus stops are conveniently located throughout the neighborhood. While service frequency varies throughout the day, these routes offer reliable connections for commuters who prefer public transit.

Airports

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves as the primary airport for residents, located approximately 15 miles from the neighborhood, offering extensive domestic and international flight options. While direct public transit to the airport is limited, GoRaleigh's Route 100 provides some airport connections on weeknights and Sundays through the Regional Transit Center. Most residents rely on rideshare services, taxis, or personal vehicles to reach RDU, with the drive typically taking 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Cars and driving

The area offers strong highway access for commuters, with Interstate 440 (the Beltline) providing quick connections around Raleigh and downtown access within 15-20 minutes. U.S. Route 1 (Capital Boulevard) runs north-south through the neighborhood, while U.S. Route 70 (Glenwood Avenue) connects east-west to downtown and western suburbs. The neighborhood's central location makes it convenient for residents working in Research Triangle Park or other parts of the metro region.

Pedestrians and bicycles

The neighborhood offers some pedestrian-friendly spots, particularly around Midtown Park and the retail district. The North Hills Trail provides 2.5 miles of paved pathway connecting to the Crabtree Creek Trail system, while the Mine Creek Greenway offers 7.9 miles of scenic routes for biking and running. While dedicated bike lanes are limited in the immediate neighborhood, the BikeRaleigh map helps cyclists navigate available routes.

North Hills connects residents to Research Triangle Park's thriving economy and diverse career opportunities. The neighborhood's proximity to major employers provides convenient access to technology, finance, and business services roles across the greater Raleigh region.

Real estate and construction

Kane Realty's Main District redevelopment and regional projects create positions for construction managers and development specialists.

Transportation and warehousing

Research Triangle Park's 385 companies generate logistics opportunities, with firms like C&O Warehousing offering roles with competitive salaries.

Leisure and hospitality

Wake County's multi-billion-dollar tourism industry supports tens of thousands of jobs at hotels like Hilton North Hills and local restaurants and entertainment venues.

Technology services

Research Triangle Park's tech workers access roles at IBM, Cisco, and Apple, with North Hills providing convenient housing for innovators.

Educational services

Wake County Public Schools and nearby NC State University create teaching and administrative opportunities in highly-rated educational institutions.

Finance and insurance

Jewelers Mutual's innovation hub and JPMorgan Chase's regional presence offer careers in insurance technology and traditional banking services.

Government

Federal agencies at Research Triangle Park, state government positions, and Wake County offices provide stable public service career paths.

Business services

Consulting, legal services, and marketing firms serve Research Triangle companies from North Raleigh / North Hills' convenient business location.

Healthcare

WakeMed North Hospital, UNC REX Healthcare, and specialized medical practices offer clinical, administrative, and research positions throughout the region.

North Raleigh / North Hills residents have access to one of North Carolina's most distinguished educational systems through the Wake County Public School System, the state's largest district, recognized for academic excellence and innovation, with multiple National Blue Ribbon recognitions. Higher education opportunities include North Carolina State University's main campus, just minutes away, offering world-class research programs and continuing education, and Wake Technical Community College. Meredith College and Shaw University expand academic options within the greater Raleigh area.

From innovative fusion dining to scenic lake trails and public art installations, North Raleigh / North Hills offers culinary experiences, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Residents enjoy boutique shopping with family-friendly parks, creating entertainment options centered around the area's dining scene, green spaces, and community amenities.

Our top picks

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

This creative restaurant brings together two cuisines with its inventive sushi-burger fusion concept. Located in the heart of North Hills, Cowfish offers a playful dining experience that has become a neighborhood favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.

Midtown Park

The centerpiece of North Raleigh / North Hills' outdoor recreation features beautiful fountains, open green spaces, and hosts seasonal community events. This well-maintained park provides a perfect spot for families to gather, children to play, and residents to enjoy outdoor concerts and farmers' markets throughout the year.

Cucciolo Terrazza

This upscale Italian restaurant features seasonal dining with authentic cuisine that attracts food enthusiasts from across the Raleigh area. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional Italian preparation makes it a standout dining destination in North Raleigh / North Hills.

Shelley Lake Park

Just minutes from North Raleigh / North Hills, this expansive park offers scenic trails around a lake, fishing opportunities, and various water activities. The park's natural beauty and well-maintained trails make it a popular spot for exercise, family outings, and peaceful nature experiences.

North Hills Art Walk

This outdoor cultural attraction features rotating murals and sculptures throughout the neighborhood, creating an engaging public art experience. The art installation transforms everyday strolls through North Hills into opportunities to discover new artistic displays and appreciate local creativity.

STIR

This sophisticated seafood restaurant specializes in fresh catches and features an impressive raw bar that draws seafood lovers from throughout the region. STIR's upscale atmosphere and expertly prepared dishes make it a go-to destination for special dining occasions in North Hills.

Makers Alley

A vibrant cluster of micro-retail spaces, showcasing hyper-local artisans. The alley brings together distinctive shops, wellness stores, and food vendors, anchoring the heart of the innovation district with creativity and community.

North Hills Park

This community park offers sports facilities, playgrounds, and open spaces perfect for families and recreational sports enthusiasts. The park's well-equipped facilities and maintained fields provide residents with convenient access to outdoor fitness and recreational activities.