Thinking of moving to Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill with your family? You want safe streets, great schools, parks and a friendly vibe. Here are top picks, with local insights and what makes them shine.
Cary – Preston, Amberly & Lochmere
- Preston is perfect if you want golf, club amenities and big backyards. Families enjoy the Prestonwood Country Club lifestyle.
- Amberly feels like a mini-resort with its clubhouse, water park-style pool and miles of greenway trails.
- Lochmere has three lovely lakes, tennis and pickleball courts and mature trees that give that calm, southern charm.
- Local tip: Visit Bond Park on a Sunday, it’s got playgrounds, paddle boats, and community events that feel like home.
Apex – Pleasant Park & Downtown
- Pleasant Park is a big hit with kids – splash pad, climbing structures and athletic fields all in one clean, open space.
- Downtown Apex has that small-town feel with festivals, tree-lined sidewalks and friendly coffee shops.
- Local tip: Grab a night snack at downtown and stroll with the family, it’s peaceful and safe.
Morrisville
- A quiet spot that’s easy to get to Raleigh or Durham from. Parents here love morning walks with toddlers or pups.
- Local tip: The sidewalks along Cary Parkway are perfect for stroller rambles or pushing a bike with training wheels.
Holly Springs
- Known for its family events, easy commutes to Raleigh and new neighborhoods where neighbors actually know each other.
- Local tip: Spend a Saturday browsing the farmers market then play frisbee at Bass Lake park.
Wake Forest
- A real hometown feel, with plenty of parks and a tight-knit community.
- Local tip: Take your kids to Falls Lake on the weekend. Pack a picnic and let them explore the trails, it’s a big hit with families.
North Raleigh – Falls River, Wakefield, North Hills, Brier Creek
- Falls River & Wakefield offer greenways, playgrounds and safe streets where kids play outside.
- North Hills feels like a small city, shops, restaurants and park spaces all in one walkable area.
- Brier Creek gives you that modern feel with golf courses, shopping and top-rated schools.
- Local tip: Stop by North Hills on a Friday night. Families bring kids to the green for movies in the park.
Historic Oakwood & Five Points (Raleigh)
- Gorgeous old homes, walkable blocks and friendly neighbors greet you here.
- Local tip: Visit Pullen Park on a free summer evening. They often have live music and lawn games.
Durham – Northgate Park & Colonial Village
- Both popular with families. Near parks, playgrounds and grocery stores so you can keep things easy.
- Local tip: Go to a Durham Bulls baseball game. Kids love the mascot and it’s a fun evening outing.
Up-and-coming – Wendell Falls, Clayton & Chatham Park (Asteria)
- Wendell Falls & Clayton offer affordable, newer homes with walking trails and playgrounds.
- Chatham Park is building a Disney-themed Asteria neighborhood, think family events and big green spaces.
- Local tip: If you want brand new, explore these with a realtor so you can pick a home close to play spots.
Quick Comparison Table
| Place | Schools | Parks & Trails | Feel | Commute to RTP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cary (Preston, Amberly) | A / A+ | Pools, parks, lakes | Resort-style | ~25 min |
| Apex | A+ | Splash pad, greenways | Small town | ~30 min |
| Morrisville | A | Peaceful sidewalks | Suburban quiet | ~20 min |
| Holly Springs | A+ | Good community parks | Friendly suburb | ~25 min |
| Wake Forest | A+ | Falls Lake trails | Hometown vibe | ~25 min |
| North Raleigh + Brier Creek | A / A+ | Greenways & parks | Active suburb | ~20 min |
| Oakwood/Five Points (Raleigh) | A+ | Local parks | Charming old-tree neighborhood | ~10 min |
| Durham neighborhoods | A– | Community parks | Growing families | ~15 min |
| Wendell/Clayton/Chatham Park | A– (new) | Trails & playgrounds | New community | ~30–40 min |
Smart Moves for House Hunters
- 1. Visit early morning, lunchtime and evening. Get a sense for safety and noise.
- 2. Follow neighborhood social pages – what locals say matters more than ratings.
- 3. Spend time in parks, playgrounds and rec centers to feel the community vibe.
- 4. Bring your family along, kids’ reactions say it all.
Planning a Move? Let No Sweat Services Inc Handle It
Choosing a neighborhood is big, but moving should be easy. No Sweat Services Inc takes care of your furniture, boxes and worries with care and attention, so you and your family can focus on settling in.
If you’re thinking about moving to one of these areas, feel free to contact us. We’re here for you, no pushiness, just real help when you need it.