An insider’s guide to one of Raleigh’s most established neighborhoods, from Brad Murray, Broker/Owner of Murray Real Estate Group.
What makes Five Points special — and where does the name come from?
Five Points is Raleigh’s classic, established address — a cluster of historic neighborhoods just inside the Beltline, about two miles north of downtown, known for grand homes, tree-lined streets, and a walkable village at its heart. The name comes from its distinctive intersection, where five roads converge — Glenwood Avenue, Fairview Road, and Whitaker Mill Road chief among them. That intersection anchors a group of historic neighborhoods that radiate out from it: Hayes Barton, Bloomsbury, Georgetown, Vanguard Park, and Roanoke Park, each with its own character.
This is one of the most prestigious and enduring parts of Raleigh — a name that carries real weight in local real estate. After nearly two decades selling across Downtown Raleigh and inside the Beltline, I’ll give you the honest read on what it takes to buy and sell here.
Who is drawn to Five Points?
Five Points draws people who want a true, established neighborhood — and who tend to stay in it for the long haul. You’ll find families relocating for the walkable charm, professionals moving in from larger cities, and longtime residents who’ve been here for decades and can’t imagine leaving. The common thread is a desire for permanence: grand, character-rich homes, mature streets, and a community that feels rooted rather than transient.
It’s the opposite of a starter neighborhood. People buy in Five Points to put down roots, which is part of why homes here hold their value and rarely sit for long.
What’s it like to live there?
The heart of Five Points is its walkable village — long-running restaurants, neighborhood coffee shops, quiet local bars, and independent shops, all clustered around that landmark intersection. Institutions like NOFO @ the Pig (a beloved café and market in a former grocery store) and Hayes Barton Cafe have anchored the area for years, and the historic Rialto Theatre still shows independent films just as it has since the 1940s. Beyond the shops, it’s leafy and residential: mature tree canopy, side walked streets made for evening walks, and a string of parks — Roanoke, Fallon, Vanguard, and more.
It’s also genuinely convenient — about two miles to downtown, easy access to the I-440 Beltline, and roughly fifteen minutes to RDU. You get an established, quiet residential feel without giving up proximity to everything.
What kind of homes are in Five Points, and what do they cost?
The housing is a mix of cherished historic homes and selective new infill. You’ll find Craftsman bungalows, Arts & Crafts homes, and stately Colonial Revivals dating from the early 1900s through mid-century, alongside newer infill — custom single-family homes and townhome projects — built to fit the established character.
On price, this is the high end of the Raleigh market. Homes here rarely trade below the high-$600,000s to $700,000s, the median runs around $900,000 to just over $1 million, and the grandest estates and newest custom builds reach into the multiple millions. One important nuance: Five Points isn’t priced all one way. Some pockets — Hayes Barton especially, with its large, architect-designed homes — sit at the very top of the market, while other streets and the areas closer to downtown offer a more attainable (still premium) way in. Knowing which pocket fits your budget and your goals is half the work here.
A defining feature of this market: inventory is thin and homes move fast. Well-prepared listings often go under contract in a matter of days, and the gap between asking and selling price is narrow — both signs of just how sought-after this area is.
Why work with a Five Points specialist?
Because this is a market where local knowledge translates directly into dollars. Inventory is tight and competition is real, so buyers need someone watching for the right home — sometimes before it’s widely seen — and ready to move decisively. Sellers need pricing that’s precise, because the value swings meaningfully pocket to pocket and home to home, and a historic property has to be positioned to the buyers who appreciate it. And across the board, the older housing stock rewards an agent who knows what to look for behind the charm. I work this market every day, and I’d be glad to help you buy or sell well in it.
Five Points is one of the standout neighborhoods of the greater downtown area. For the full picture of Raleigh’s central neighborhoods, see our Downtown Raleigh guide.
Buy Smart. Sell Well. Move Confidently.
Brad Murray · Broker/Owner, Murray Real Estate Group 519 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC 27601 · 919-649-6393 · murrayregroup.com
Recent Comments