If you’ve spent any time in Raleigh, you know it’s growing fast. Cranes dot the skyline, and new neighborhoods seem to pop up overnight. But tucked into the city’s core are a handful of older neighborhoods that have stood the test of time. These places aren’t just pretty—they’re personal. They’ve got front porches, deep roots, and a kind of quiet magic that doesn’t come with new construction.
If you’re someone who cares about craftsmanship, character, and walkable streets where neighbors wave as they pass, Raleigh’s historic districts are worth getting to know. Here’s a local’s take on seven of the city’s most beloved historic neighborhoods—and what makes each one special.
Historic Oakwood
Let’s start with the big one. Oakwood is Raleigh’s poster child for historic charm. It’s full of Victorian beauties, Colonial Revivals, and cozy bungalows, all nestled under a canopy of mature trees just a short walk from downtown.
What stands out in Oakwood isn’t just the architecture—it’s the attention to detail. You’ll see original wood siding, hand-carved trim, wraparound porches, and color schemes that look straight out of a storybook. The folks here take preservation seriously, and it shows.
Each December, the Candlelight Tour opens a few of these homes to the public, giving a peek at lovingly restored interiors, from pocket doors to clawfoot tubs. Oakwood also has a tight-knit community vibe—neighbors organize events, keep up the gardens, and know each other’s dogs by name.
Boylan Heights
Just southwest of downtown and perched on a gentle hill, Boylan Heights feels a bit quieter, but no less charming. Developed in the early 1900s, it was one of Raleigh’s first planned neighborhoods, and you’ll notice that in how the streets flow and how the houses sit just right on the lots.
Architecturally, it’s a mix of Colonial Revival, transitional Victorians, and Craftsman homes. Think sleeping porches, detailed brackets, and handmade touches everywhere you look. Big oaks line the streets, and the views from the Boylan Bridge remind you just how close you are to everything downtown has to offer.
Boylan Heights also puts on a neighborhood-wide ArtWalk every December, turning front porches into mini galleries. It’s walkable, creative, and full of personality.
Mordecai
If you’re looking for a little more variety, Mordecai is your spot. It’s one of Raleigh’s oldest neighborhoods, anchored by the historic Mordecai House (built in 1785!). Around it, homes range from modest mill houses to stately Colonial Revivals, often side by side with a little new construction modernism mixed in.
There’s something democratic about Mordecai—it didn’t develop all at once, and you can feel that in the mix of styles and sizes. Some homes are simple and sweet; others are more ornate. But what ties them all together is a sense of authenticity and the easy walkability to Person Street’s restaurants, bakeries, and breweries.
This is a neighborhood where history isn’t just in the buildings—it’s in the way people live and care for them.
Forest Park (Formerly Cameron Park)
Tucked between Glenwood South and Hillsborough Street, Forest Park is one of Raleigh’s most quietly elegant historic neighborhoods. The streets are lined with early 20th-century homes, large trees, and deep front porches and it’s been said that the temperate is at least 5 degrees cooler here in the summer than the rest of the city due to the shade. With 3 large parks within it, it’s got a peaceful, tucked-away feel even though you’re steps from everything. Forest Park has recently changed its original name—part of a broader community-led effort to better reflect its values and move forward with intention.
Five Points
Not so much one neighborhood as a collection of them, Five Points includes Hayes Barton, Roanoke Park, and Vanguard Park. All of them grew up in the 1920s through 1940s, and the architecture reflects that period—Tudor Revivals, Colonial Revivals, and plenty of Craftsman bungalows. What used to be a working class neighborhood has turned into quite an upscale destination and you’re just as likely to see new construction as a renovated and charming bungalow.
Plus, you’re never far from something to do. The commercial strip at the center has been a neighborhood hub for generations—grab a milkshake at Hayes Barton Café or a beer at Lonerider and you’ll probably run into someone you know.
Glenwood-Brooklyn
This neighborhood started out as a streetcar suburb, offering Raleigh workers a place to call home within easy reach of downtown. While the homes in Glenwood/Brooklyn are more modest than in Oakwood or Hayes Barton, they’re no less full of charm.
It’s a bungalow lover’s paradise: wide porches, tapered columns, exposed rafter tails, and thoughtful woodwork. You’ll also see some American Foursquares and simple Victorians mixed in. The lots are smaller, and the community feel is strong—people chat on the sidewalk, and you’re just a few blocks from Glenwood South or Five Points depending on your mood.
Nearby Fletcher Park is convenient for dog walkers and the Village District is a nice walk, or quick bike ride away.
South Park
South Park has a deeper story. South Park is one of Raleigh’s oldest and most historically significant African American neighborhoods, shaped by generations of working- and middle-class families since just after the Civil War. Tucked southeast of downtown, it developed alongside East Raleigh and includes densely packed homes with deep roots—some dating back to the 1850s. You’ll find an eclectic mix of architectural styles here: from shotgun houses and triple-A cottages with charming porch details to Craftsman bungalows and side-gabled homes typical of the early 20th century. Urban infill has exploded in this area, replacing empty lots and smaller shotgun houses with three story modernist homes.
What’s With the Designations?
If you're looking at buying in one of these neighborhoods, you might hear terms like National Register District or Local Historic District. Here’s the short version:
So, Is a Historic Home Right for You?
If you’re drawn to quality craftsmanship, walkable streets, and a little quirkiness, a historic home might be calling your name. But buying one comes with unique considerations—everything from how you renovate to what you can change on the outside.
It helps to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of Raleigh’s historic neighborhoods. Because in these parts of town, you’re not just buying a house—you’re becoming part of a story. And in a city growing as fast as Raleigh, these stories are worth holding onto.
