Raleigh is a growing metropolis that offers everything from stellar universities and major company hubs to fine dining and more. Raleigh is also becoming one of the top cities for millennials to settle in—and for good reason.

The neighborhoods within this city are friendly and offer a mix of classic southern charm combined with modern amenities. The craft beer scene is top notch, the housing market is for buyers, and there are careers aplenty for those in design, tech, marketing, and business. When making a move to this capital city, the sky's the limit for opportunities and amenities.

If you’re looking to buy a home, but you don’t want to go over your budget, here are four affordable neighborhoods in Raleigh.

Downtown Raleigh

Homebuyers who want to live right in the middle of the city should consider Downtown Raleigh. This neighborhood is booming with new developments in order to keep up the housing demand. Although buyers will get less square footage for their money in this neighborhood, it’s a small sacrifice to make when living in a central location that has easy access to some of the best bars, cafes, restaurants, and venues in town. 

The restaurants in Downtown Raleigh are eclectic, fitting every palate and dietary need with ease. Wilmington Street is home to some great eateries like comfort-food heaven Beasley's Chicken+Honey and the authentic Lebanese establishment Sitti. Downtown Raleigh isn’t known for being the most car-friendly neighborhood, but it’s a great choice for those who don’t mind walking or taking public transit.

A median sale price of in the high $300s is typical when looking to buy in this part of the city, but keep in mind that homes range significantly in square footage and price, from the mid $100s to just over $2 million. Condos and townhomes dominate the real estate makeup of downtown, with new options popping up almost every year.

Brier Creek

With a welcoming vibe, Brier Creek is a family-friendly neighborhood that offers plenty of parks and playgrounds, such as Brier Creek Park or Gateway Community Dog Park. This community is also home to the Briery Creek Country Club, a luxurious golf course subdivision that offers members social activities, amenities, and recreational facilities.

Brier Creek also boasts several public and private school options to suit any family’s educational needs. From open-air shopping centers like Brier Creek Commons to one of the area’s many dining and entertainment options, there’s no shortage of activities for the entire family to enjoy.

With a median sale price in the high $200s, this tranquil residential community consists of attached homes as well as large single-family homes featuring traditional brick-style exteriors that are common in the South.

North Hills

North Hills is one of Raleigh’s most diverse neighborhoods in terms of arts and entertainment offerings, as well as the variety of homes for sale. This midtown neighborhood has a median sale price in the mid $400s, and homes feature plenty of Americana-style brick exteriors, but there are also new builds featuring “modern farmhouse” designs.

This is a popular neighborhood that provides tons of local amenities like top-rated schools, restaurants, shopping, and plenty of entertainment options. Take advantage of North Hills’ location and visit one of the local farmers markets or outdoor concerts, enjoy a sweet treat from local businesses like Edible Art, or dine on french cuisine at Coquette.

Five Points

Five Points is a historic neighborhood with stately homes and minimal traffic, which makes it a favorite among homebuyers seeking a quiet, residential environment. Detour from downtown for a change of scenery and take an evening stroll here—the area has period homes and new builds alike.

Featuring a wide selection of architectural styles ranging from Tudor and Spanish Colonial to American Colonial and Craftsmen Bungalow, Five Points is easy to explore as you admire some of the most beautiful and innovative homes in Raleigh. It isn’t difficult to see why so many homeowners put down roots in this charming neighborhood with sophisticated architecture and well-maintained yards and sidewalks. The median home price in Five Points is in the mid $500s, but it’s possible for buyers to score a reasonably priced residence under $300,000.