2023 Most Diverse Suburbs in the Raleigh Area

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Wendell, I have lived here almost all of my life. It's just different living in a small town, It's so much better than a city. There is a lot of real estate going on right know because everyone is moving here. Everything is pretty close and that's really nice cause you kind of know everyone. Also It's definitely safer than most other places. I might be biased but if you live in Wendell you are definitely a pretty swell fellow.... Read 28 reviews

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• Population 9,847

• Town in North Carolina

• grade B

• grade B

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• Population 2,506

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Butner is a small town, that has a lot more than anyone would ever think. They have many good food places, lakes, small owned businesses, and great people. Butner is right next to Creedmoor, and the combine to create a small but beautiful city. Butner has many country roads with beautiful forests and a lot of different types of people you will see. When you go to Butner, you normally will also go to Creedmoor, giving you access to everything you will ever need. This is a nice small town you can visit, maybe not plan a vacation, but the living experience here is great!... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

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• Population 8,295

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  84 reviews

Current Resident: I love how knightdale is a growing community that is packed with large families. This makes for family friendly neighborhoods where everyone goes all out for holiday’s. As well as when something happens and or a challenge lands on all of our door steps, we come together as a community in both the good and tragic. One thing I would like to see change is the amount of accessible parks and or play area. Due to the focus of the area mainly being family oriented there should be more of an area for children to play rather than having them play in the streets. On that note I would also like to see more speed bumps and speed limits in the neighborhood’s knowing that children play in their front yards and the road. Other than that Knightdale is a great place to live it’s growing capacity is filled with love so weather you have a family or not, your young or old it’s a good place to be.... Read 84 reviews

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• Population 18,614

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: Very cute and kind of busy little town. The people are so friendly, there is a few good places to eat, a great steakhouse and two really cute/friendly bars. I haven't had any negative run ins with locals. The shopping is minor - a few boutiques but they have some really cute items.... Read 29 reviews

• grade B

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• Population 6,958

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: When people have asked me about Youngsville since I moved in July of 2022, I describe it as very homie and comforting. Usually, you can be surrounded by all the hustle and bustle of some towns and cities that it forces you to get tense when driving to work, school, and church. In Youngsville though, you get a nice 5-10 minutes for yourself before you encounter any fast pace action. Even the traffic, when there is traffic, in Youngsville does not feel bad because everyone feels the same way. Youngsville is very chill, very old-fashioned but upcoming, and its highlight is its downtown area. It's almost like God put a painting into place downtown. It's easily imaginable. One tight road with shops on both sides. 4 barber shops, a thrift store, an antique store, an ice cream parlor, and a deli. As I said, very comforting. In Youngsville, there's so much to find in the little it offers.... Read 22 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

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• Population 2,503

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Four Oaks! The schools are great and everyone is really friendly! There are parks for children to play at and there is a walking trail.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B

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• grade A

• Population 2,191

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  141 reviews

Current Resident: One of the appealing aspects of Clayton is its friendly community. The town prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and tight-knit neighborhoods. Residents often engage in community events and activities, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Clayton offers various recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The town features several parks and green spaces where people can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. The Clayton Community Center provides facilities for sports, fitness classes, and community gatherings. Another advantage of living in Clayton is its proximity to the Triangle area, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This location allows residents to access the employment, educational, and entertainment opportunities available in the larger cities while still enjoying the quieter pace of life in Clayton.... Read 141 reviews

• grade B+

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• grade A

• Population 25,486

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  80 reviews

Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. As well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby. There's a lot of lovely and delicious restaurants to choose from in Morrisville, so I would like to name just a few. 1. Blaze Pizza. Location: 1024 Market Center Drive. 2. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Location: 3200 Village Market Place. 3. Carmen's Cuban Cafe & Lounge. Location: 108 Factory Shops Road. 4. C&T Wok. Location: 130 Morrisville Square Way. 5. G.58 Cuisine. Location: 10958 Chapel Hill Road. 6. Another Broken Egg Cafe. Location: 1121 Market Center Drive. 7. Full Moon Oyster Bar. Location: 1600 Village Market Place. 8. Babymoon Cafe. Location: 100 Jerusalem Drive #106. 9. Two Guys Grill Inc. Location: 4149 Davis Drive. 10. Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken. Location: 9575 Chapel Hill Road.... Read 80 reviews

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• Population 28,824

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  103 reviews

Current Resident: Living in Garner has been a great experience so far. I have been living in this area for over 13 years now. Over the recent years there has been an abundance of growth and building up the community. Especially in the White Oak area and around that specific area. Also a new community center is being built within the community, which will be a great addition to the area. Before the pandemic, we had parades, a variety of performances and a plethora of other exciting and fun activities. Garner is a great place to be right now!... Read 103 reviews

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• Population 30,859

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: Angier is my hometown. I have grown up surrounded by beautiful farmland. Downtown is cute and unique. I love grabbing a coffee and walking around. The town is know for its beautiful Crepe Myrtle trees. Couldn't ask for a better childhood home.... Read 17 reviews

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• Population 5,312

• Suburb of Durham, NC

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  45 reviews

Current Resident: It's a cool, graduate student and young family-friendly little town. You can find great restaurants and great community programs. It's a small town but there are different people from different many countries with complete different backgrounds and that's what I like about Carrboro, diversity! Also, they have a really good school system especially for ESL and EL(English learner students like myself).... Read 45 reviews

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• Population 21,237

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.44 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: There are often a lot of great community activities to engage in. I also like the small-town feel of Selma, everyone knows everyone. I think it's great that so many people are kind and open here.... Read 9 reviews

• grade C

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Population 6,317

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  504 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up in Raleigh all of my life until I graduated high school. After doing such, and now being over half an hour from all of my friends that I had previously lived 5 minutes from, it made it much harder for me to maintain the same lifestyle I previously had. The neighborhood I live in, while noisy due to the close proximity to the highway, provides a nice community environment as many neighbors are always out with their kids or pets on walks or just playing in the yard. They are very friendly and open to getting to know one another and hosting community activities like pool parties and yard sales.... Read 504 reviews

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• Population 171,603

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  44 reviews

Nearby Resident: Love the Escape room they have there, Ready Set Escape, located in Smithfield (not in the town of, but nearby) The Ava Gardner Museum is nice, and they have some great local spaces, like Sami's Pizza. The Outlet shopping is ok, but the town needs a Home Depot to compete with Lowes They're supposed to be growing with more houses and such soon, so hopefully! But definitely love that Escape room... Read 44 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

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• Population 11,168

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.25 out of 5  4 reviews

• grade B

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• grade A

• Population 4,757

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  123 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Fuquay-Varina my entire life. I have watched it grow from a tiny town with a single Winn Dixie to the booming suburb it is today. The experience has been bitter sweet to say the least, but it's home! The major downside is the traffic for sure. For a small area, there is plenty to do and always a new business opening up to add to the variety Fuquay has to offer everyone.... Read 123 reviews

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• Population 33,135

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  220 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here for quite a while, and I believe that this town is lovely! There are plenty of excellent schools, and it is incredibly family-friendly. It's also an excellent location in the middle of the state because the mountains (Boone/Asheville) are only 2.5-3 hours away, and the beaches (Wilmington/Carolina Beach) are roughly the same distance! Carrboro, Durham, Cary, and Raleigh are close, so there are lots to do and see.... Read 220 reviews

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• Population 60,920

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I have always lived in Benson. The community is amazing! There are celebrations and gatherings in the grove for people who live here and people who travel to Benson. Mule Days is a big celebration in Benson. People travel to Benson to celebrate. There are rodeos and parades. I wish there was more to do around Benson.... Read 21 reviews

• grade B

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• grade A minus

• Population 3,871

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  191 reviews

Current Resident: Wake Forest has been rapidly expanding, which has led to an increase in businesses and social activities. The town is proactive in creating community events and supporting local businesses. It also has a lot of beautiful parks and trails to explore. However, the increase in population has impacted traffic and led to constant congestion.... Read 191 reviews

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• Population 46,387

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.44 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: A small town feel to this place, and such a great place to raise a family. I have grown up here for most of my life. I am 18 years old, nearly 19, and have been here since I was 3 years old. I have never moved from this house in the same neighborhood. There are friendly neighbors, one small grocery store, a dollar general, post office, a park, and even churches. Yes, it may be small, but it is great for making friends as well as having two gas stations. It is your choice where you go, but it is great for a late night after work and returning home in a safe place if needing to fill up for the next day. It is never too noisy, and if one needs help, asking a neighbor or a friend down the road is always an option. There is an elementary school as well as an inspection station for your car, that way you don't have to travel very far to get one!... Read 9 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Population 2,269

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: I currently go to school in Creedmoor and I absolutely love it! The town is small and there isn't much city life but if you are a "small town" person, then this is the town for you. Everybody here is so sweet and family really is the heart of this town. For any holiday you can name, Creedmoor has a celebration for it. Parades, games, trick or treating, you name it, Creedmoor has it! The neighborhoods are safe and the schools are amazing! I absolutely love all my teachers and even though my school is on the older side, it's the education that matters for me! Many AP Classes are offered along with helpful classes for those who are behind!... Read 34 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 4,860

• Suburb of Durham, NC

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  Rating 3.17 out of 5  6 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C

• grade A minus

• Population 1,051

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: I like that its a quiet, small time vibe but still only 25 minutes away from downtown Raleigh! We're starting to grow and adding more local breweries and unique restaurants. The neighborhoods are all connected with well maintained, tree lined greenways where you will always see someone out walking their dogs, riding bikes, or just enjoying family time.... Read 20 reviews

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• Population 8,995

• Suburb of Durham, NC

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Hillsborough is a great small town with a historical downtown area filled with small businesses. The school systems are good but teachers are in very high demand right now. There are many job and entertainment opportunities in Hillsborough and in neighboring towns, 3 major universities are within a short drive, including UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, and Duke. The state's capital, Raleigh, is relatively close by, about a 45 minute drive. Hillsborough is at the converging point of 2 major highways: 85 and 40. Hillsborough is rapidly growing, there are tons of new houses being built.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

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• Population 9,342