No car, no problem: These are the 10 most walkable neighborhoods in Raleigh
As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is a bustling city filled with restaurants, cultural and educational institutions, and a plethora of mighty oak trees (no wonder it’s called the City of Oaks).
But between the college campuses and the tree-lined streets, where are Raleigh’s most walkable neighborhoods? Well, only one is described as a “walker’s paradise” in a recent Walk Score survey.
Walk Score, owned by Redfin, collects and interprets data to determine the walkability of any address in the United States and some cities abroad. When grading how walkable a neighborhood is, Walk Score takes into consideration proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, medical services, schools and restaurants. It also takes into account population density, how long blocks are and how dense intersections can get.
Raleigh has an Walk Score of 31, meaning that it’s a Car Dependent city that requires a vehicle for most errands.
But like any city, Raleigh is a city of neighborhoods, all with their own Walk Scores, several of which are considered Very Walkable. Going neighborhood by neighborhood, we’ve compiled the most walkable neighborhoods according to Redfin’s Walk Score tool.
We’ve also included recommendations on where to go for a stroll in each neighborhood.
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Note: Walk Score is measured on a scale from 0-100 broken out into five classifications. Here’s what those scores mean:
0-24: Car Dependent where almost all errands require a car
25-49: Car Dependent but only most errands require a car
50-69: Somewhat Walkable meaning some errands can be done by foot
70-89: Very Walkable meaning most errands can be completed by foot
90-100: Walker’s Paradise meaning daily errands do not require a car
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East Raleigh
Walk Score: 95, Walker’s Paradise
Where to go for a walk: East Raleigh is home to one of the largest metro parks in the city: Lions Park. Here, locals and visitors can play on multiple fields, enjoy the playground or even take their bike for a spin on the Capital City BMX track.
Cameron Village
Walk Score: 77, Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Though mostly a residential neighborhood, locals can go for a tranquil walk in the nearby Fred Fletcher Park.
Glenwood-Brooklyn
Walk Score: 77, Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: For a fun stroll through the city head to Glenwood South, one of the city’s most energetic streets lined with restaurants, art galleries, stores and more.
Oberlin Village
Walk Score: 75, Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Bordering Oberlin Village is Jaycee Park. Not only does the park have space for people to play, there’s also a dog park, so your four-legged friend can have some fun as well.
Battery Heights
Walk Score: 72, Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Bordering Battery Heights is Roberts Park, a 7.2-acre greenspace with playgrounds, sports fields and covered picnic areas equipped with grills.
Mordecai
Walk Score: 69, Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: The Mordecai House is the oldest house in Raleigh and is situated in Mordecai Historic Park, a 3.9-acre park. Stop by the park’s visitor center for a tour.
Boylan Heights
Walk Score: 69, Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Just across the Rocky Branch stream is a trailhead for the Rocky Branch Trail, a 3.9-mile trail that is part of the Greenway system. Following the Rocky Branch stream, it’s a peaceful place to walk through nature.
Oakwood
Walk Score: 68, Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: For over 140 years, the historic Oakwood Cemetery has been the final resting place for prominent North Carolinians as well as veterans and locals. It’s also a beautiful and peaceful place to go for a walk or take a walking tour.
College Park
Walk Score: 60, Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: The nearby Chavis Park is a popular place to go for a walk. Here you’ll find a playground, art exhibits, water features and even a historic Chavis Park Carousel.
University Park
Walk Score: 60, Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Stop and smell the roses in The Raleigh Rose Garden. It’s a great spot to go for a casual walk, take photos and learn more about different kinds of roses.
