The Vitals
Midtown & North Hills by the Numbers
Raleigh's urban-suburban sweet spot — walkable retail, top dining, and a live-work-play density rare in the Triangle.
~22,000
Midtown Area Population
$112,000
Median HH Income
$580,000
Median Home Value
36.8
Median Age
Who Lives Here
Midtown attracts a mix of young professionals, established families, and empty-nesters who want walkability without sacrificing suburban comfort.
Cost & Economy
North Hills has seen significant investment and densification over the past decade — the mixed-use core continues to expand with new residential and retail.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023, Zillow Research 2025, Walk Score
Welcome to Midtown & North Hills
There's a particular feeling you get when you turn onto one of the tree-lined streets here. The light filters through the canopy. People wave. You can walk to dinner, grab a coffee without getting in the car, and still be at Research Triangle Park in 15–20 minutes.
This is Midtown, with North Hills as its vibrant, walkable heart. It has become one of the most desirable places to live in the entire Triangle because it delivers beauty, convenience, excellent schools, and a genuine sense of belonging.
From Mall to Midtown
North Hills began as a shopping destination. The original North Hills Mall opened in 1960 and was enclosed in 1967, becoming the first two-story, air-conditioned indoor mall between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. For a generation of Raleigh residents it was a primary place to shop, eat, and gather.
By the late 1990s the mall had declined. Local developer Kane Realty acquired the property and surrounding parcels with a different vision: replace the enclosed mall with a low-rise, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use district that would function as Raleigh's Midtown. The redevelopment that followed turned a fading retail center into one of the most successful urban-suburban transformations in the Southeast.
Today North Hills is a walkable collection of shops, restaurants, offices, residences, a hotel, a movie theater, and outdoor gathering spaces. The surrounding neighborhoods — North Ridge, Lassiter, and others — provide the residential fabric that makes the whole area feel like a complete place rather than just a shopping destination.
Local Tip
The walkability of North Hills is the feature people underestimate until they live here. Being able to walk to dinner, the market, or a concert is a lifestyle shift that keeps residents in the area long-term.
Why Locals Love It
Longtime residents consistently highlight the walkability, safety, schools, food scene, and the fact that you can build a full life within a beautiful, connected radius without feeling isolated.
Local Perspective
North Hills has grown with intention. The mixed-use core gives it energy and convenience, while the surrounding established neighborhoods offer space, mature trees, and that classic Southern neighborhood feel.
The Neighborhoods
North Hills Core
The lively, walkable heart centered around the main mixed-use development. This is where most of the energy, shopping, dining, and events are concentrated.
North Ridge
Established single-family neighborhood just north and east of the core. Mature trees, quiet streets, and strong community associations. Classic North Hills living.
Lassiter
The area surrounding The Lassiter at North Hills. A beautiful blend of residential character with easy access to the core's amenities and walkability.
Where to Live
Single-Family Homes
Beautiful established homes with mature landscaping alongside newer construction. Prices generally range from the mid-$600,000s to well over $1.5 million.
High-End Multifamily
The Edition, The Lively, and newer luxury townhome communities offer resort-style amenities with true walkability to shops and restaurants.
Development & Growth
North Hills is in an active but thoughtful phase of expansion, led primarily by longtime local developer Kane Realty. Key projects include Tributary Apartments, The Strand, Vesper, Veranda, and Merit.
These additions increase housing supply, add new retail and dining options, and enhance the live-work-play feel — while the long-term plan emphasizes pedestrian connectivity and greenways.
Education
Midtown / North Hills is served by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). The area has access to well-regarded public schools as well as several of the Triangle's strongest private schools.
Wake County Public School System
Customer Service: 919-431-7400
Student Assignment: 919-431-7333
wcpss.net →·Address Assignment Lookup →Notable Private Options Nearby
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Catholic · 1401 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh
Phone: 919-834-1625
cghsnc.org/ →Contact each school directly for admissions, tuition, and current availability.
Always verify current school assignments by address through WCPSS before purchasing.
The Culinary Scene
North Hills has become one of the strongest dining concentrations in the Triangle. The walkable mixed-use core means you can choose from elevated American, Indian, French-inspired, pizza, and more — often without getting back in the car.
Tamasha
Modern Indian — one of the most celebrated kitchens in North Hills. Consistently packed on weekends.
Coquette Brasserie
French-inspired brasserie in the heart of North Hills. Excellent for date nights and special occasions.
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
Popular all-day dining in Midtown — breakfast, brunch, and dinner with a strong cocktail program.
Giorgio Pizza Bar
Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian small plates in the North Hills district. Lively atmosphere.
Sola Coffee Cafe
Beloved neighborhood coffee shop and cafe in the North Hills area — a morning ritual for many Midtown residents.
Vivace
Upscale Italian-American in North Hills — handmade pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a warm neighborhood feel.
Local Tip
The best way to understand the North Hills dining scene is to walk it. Park once and let the evening unfold — dinner, dessert, and whatever is happening in Midtown Park.
Things to Do
- •North Hills Live outdoor concert series
- •Midtown Farmers' Market every Saturday at The Commons
- •Raleigh Underground Market at Midtown Park
- •Extensive greenways and North Hills Park
- •Easy access to DPAC and downtown Raleigh
Fitness & Exercise
Midtown / North Hills and nearby North Raleigh offer premium and community fitness options.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Verify hours and membership details directly.
Gyms & Full-Service Clubs
Life Time — Raleigh
Luxury athletic club · gym, classes, pools, outdoor amenities
8515 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
YMCA of the Triangle
Multiple Triangle locations with group fitness, yoga, and family programming
Boutique & Specialty
North Hills and Midtown also have rotating boutique yoga, Pilates, cycling, and CrossFit options. Confirm current studios via local search or the North Hills directory.
Spas & Wellness
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa — North Hills
Full-service day spa with massage, facials, and waxing. Membership model available.
Massage Envy — North Hills
Affordable massage and skincare memberships. Convenient for regular recovery.
Yoga, Pilates & Boutique Studios
CorePower Yoga — North Hills
Hot yoga and sculpt classes in the North Hills mixed-use district.
Club Pilates — North Hills
Reformer Pilates classes for all levels. Membership and drop-in available.
Orangetheory Fitness — North Hills
Heart-rate-based interval training. Popular with the working professional crowd.
Outdoor Fitness & Parks
Thinking about this neighborhood?
Ryan can answer specific questions about schools, commutes, pricing, and what life is really like here.
Walk the greenways daily. Introduce yourself to neighbors. Attend the Saturday Farmers' Market. Join the North Hills neighborhood Facebook group. Become a regular at a local coffee shop or restaurant.
Local Perspective
The fastest way to feel rooted is to become a regular somewhere — the same coffee shop, the same park bench, the same Saturday market stall. Familiarity creates belonging faster than almost anything else.
Ryan Ball
Long & Foster
32-year Raleigh resident • NC State Alum • 20 years in mortgage & financial services • 10 years specializing in real estate marketing, photography, video, and drone work across the Triangle.