North Hills, Raleigh, NC: Midtown Living and Modern Convenience

North Hills, also known as Raleigh’s Midtown, is less than 20 minutes from downtown and maintains a metro atmosphere with plenty of shopping, green space, and a variety of housing options. The neighborhood was first developed in the 1950s and retains some of that mid-century aesthetic.

Mature tree canopy, winding streets and an eclectic commercial district create a unique environment where neighbors are close-knit and involved in Raleigh life.

Overall Vibe & Lifestyle

Locals embrace nature at small green spaces like the Brooks Nature Trail, swim at the North Hills Club’s resort-style aquatics complex, and then watch the latest performance at a Midtown Park event in the heart of North Hills. Residents then retreat to their homes in nearby condos or near-suburban single-family homes.

The neighborhood is lively, especially around the newer mixed-use Park District, yet there are plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation.

Safety & Walkability

The majority of North Hills has sidewalks on at least one side of the road, though there are quieter, suburban sections without sidewalk infrastructure. Residents can access marked bike lanes along Lassiter Mill Road and a shared path along North Hills Drive.

North Hills is generally considered a safe area, with moderate traffic during commuting hours and at events.

Natural & Built Environment

Residents play rounds of pickleball and baseball at North Hills Park or set kids free on the playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 5-12. Locals closer to Quail Hollow Drive regularly visit the 25-acre Eastgate Park and enjoy the two playgrounds, basketball, and tennis courts.

The 4.1-mile Mine Creek Trail greenway bisects North Hills and connects to multiple other greenways, including the Shelley Lake Loop Trail and the Crabtree Creek Trail.

Design & Architecture

Established sections of North Hills include well-maintained mid-century ranch homes and split-level residences from the 1950s and 1960s, while newer developments feature luxury custom homes with transitional/contemporary and modern farmhouse influences. Condos, townhomes and residential towers add another layer of architectural variety, particularly near the center of the mixed-use Park District.

The mix of architectural styles is an example of North Hills’ transition from a postwar suburban community into one of Raleigh’s premier mixed-use neighborhoods.

Housing at a Glance

Metric	Description
Age	North Hills features a mix of established and newer homes. Many residences were built during the late 1950s, and significant redevelopment began in the 1990s.
Type	Housing options are diverse, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, apartments and mixed-use residential developments.
Styles	Architectural styles range from classic mid-century ranch homes and modernist designs to contemporary luxury residences with transitional and modern farmhouse influences.
Size & Layout	Single-family homes average approximately 3,000 square feet, while townhomes average around 2,000 square feet. Homes range from compact two-bedroom condos to expansive custom estates with 5 or 6 bedrooms.
Unique Features	Many homes are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, parks and entertainment, while the redeveloped Park District incorporates sustainable features such as pedestrian-friendly streets and electric-vehicle charging stations.
Real Estate Market	Desirable and competitive. The average home value, including condos, is approximately $600,000, but many homes exceed $2 million.

Real Estate Snapshot

North Hills ranks among Raleigh’s most desirable neighborhoods thanks to its central location, walkable mixed-use district, diverse housing options and ongoing investment. Buyers are drawn to the neighborhood’s combination of established mid-century homes, modern townhomes and condominiums, and newly built luxury residences.

Properties within walking distance of the North Hills shopping and dining district, as well as newer custom homes with upscale finishes, typically command the highest prices and generate the strongest buyer interest. Homeowners often view their purchase as a long-term investment rather than a short-term opportunity.

Amenities & Local Conveniences

North Hills is a busy metro neighborhood with a range of amenities and commercial zones, concentrated around the mixed-use Park District.

• Parks and Recreation: The sprawling 144-acre Shelley Lake Park borders North Hills, offering community classes such as pottery at the Sertoma Arts Center, along with paved trails, a fishing pier, basketball courts, playgrounds and gorgeous public art.
• Entertainment: Residents can watch movies at the Regal North Hills or attend a concert at Midtown Park.
• Shopping: The North Hills Shopping Center is the spot to shop local brands like Uniquities Boutique and national stores like Anthropologie. Residents also have their pick of grocery stores from the ALDI and Lidl off Wake Forest Road to the Park District Harris Teeter.
• Dining: There is a range of restaurant options, from the New American spot STIR to the fine-dining RH Rooftop Restaurant, which features a 60,000-square-foot design gallery.
• Community Events: Locals shop the Saturday Midtown Farmers’ Market for baked goods, fresh produce and crafts. Members of Northbrook Country Club can dine out with neighbors at Food Truck Friday events.

Schools & Education

North Hills is served by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), the largest public school district in North Carolina. It’s in a unique area of town with several elementary school zones. Depending on the home’s location, elementary students may be zoned for Brooks Elementary School, Douglas Elementary School, Root Elementary School, or Lynn Road Elementary School.

Middle school assignments generally feed into Carroll Middle School or Oberlin Middle School, while most high school students attend Sanderson High School. As with any public school assignment, attendance boundaries can vary by address and should be verified directly with the district.

Commuting & Location

The neighborhood is just north of I-440 and between US-70 and Capital Boulevard, giving residents quick access to major transportation corridors. North Hills is largely walkable, but most locals need a vehicle to commute to work.

Destination	Drive Time (Approximate, Non-Peak)
Downtown Raleigh	15-19 minutes
Raleigh-Durham International Airport	16-20 minutes
Lenovo Center	12 minutes
North Carolina State University	12-16 minutes
North Carolina Museum of Art	9 minutes

Quirks & Perks

Everything you need is in North Hills, from groceries to entertainment to outdoor recreation, making the area highly convenient. The number of North Hills amenities means there are many visitors, leading to more traffic on weekends and during events.

There are several large businesses located in the Park District, creating opportunities for residents to live, work and play all within a few blocks.

Neighborhood Logistics

Many single-family homes do not have a homeowners association or a monthly fee, but condos typically have a fee. Property taxes are also typical of the neighborhood’s location and relative to home size.

For residents who value convenience, walkability, modern amenities and a variety of housing options, North Hills delivers one of the most well-rounded lifestyles in Raleigh.

Note on imagery: We use AI-generated visuals to illustrate the neighborhood’s atmosphere and architectural style. To protect homeowner privacy, these images are artistic representations and do not depict specific existing properties.