Raleigh THE LOCAL’S GUIDE TO
By Mary Holmes
About Mary Holmes
For25years,MarywasasuccessfulbusinessownerinRaleigh,leadingaprivatepediatric speechtherapypractice.Sheworkedcloselywithchildrenwithspecialneeds,manyofwhom facedbehavioralchallengesandhomelessness,strengtheningherabilitytocommunicate, advocate,andproblem-solveincomplexsituations.Herpassionforhelpingothershasbeenthe foundationofeverychapterofhercareer.
Thatsamedriveledhertorealestate,wheresheseamlesslyblendsherbusinessacumen, negotiationskills,anddeepunderstandingoftheRaleighmarkettoserveherclientsatthe highestlevel.Marybringsaconcierge-levelapproachtoeverytransaction.Sheunderstands thatbuyingorsellingahome—especiallyintheluxurymarket—isaboutmorethanjusta property;it’saboutlifestyle,community,andinvestment.Sheexcelsinclear,strategic communication,takesthetimetotrulylistenandunderstandherclients’goals,andis committedtodeliveringanelevated,highlypersonalizedclientexperience.
Mary’sapproachisrootedintrust,communication,andstrategy.Sherecognizesthatrealestate ispersonal,andwhetherguidingarelocation,securinganinvestment,orpreparingaproperty formarket,sheensureseverydetailishandledwithprecision.Backedbytheglobalreachof Sotheby’sInternationalRealty,sheconnectsherclientstoopportunitieslocallyandworldwide.
Outsideofrealestate,MaryremainsdeeplyengagedintheRaleighcommunity.Sheserveson theadvisorycouncilforREACH,advocatingforchildhoodhomelessness,volunteersatThe Women’sCenter,andisanactivememberofChristEpiscopalChurch.Sheenjoysrunning, baking,reading,andspendingtimewithherhusband,David,theirthreechildren,andgolden doodle,Louis.
Forthoseseekingaknowledgeable,well-connected,andresults-drivenadvisor,Maryoffersa trustedpartnershipbuiltonintegrity,expertise,andanunwaveringcommitmenttoexcellence.
Raleigh Livingin
I’m here to give you all the details you need to know about Raleigh whether you already live here or are considering a move here. There are so many lovely things about living here and I’m excited to share them with you.
REASONS PEOPLE MOVE TO RALEIGH
SouthernHospitalitywithaCosmopilitanFeel
Beautiful,HistoricHomes
ReasonableCostofLiving
TightKnitCommunityFeel
VibrantFoodandCultureScene
MildClimateandOutdoorLifestyle
In Raleigh
FivePoints
Bloomsbury Bistro
Hayes Barton Cafe
Mandolin
Ajja
Mac’s
VillageDistrict
Cantina 18
Tazza Grill
Tupelo Honey
Piccola Italia
Ajisai
City Market Sushi
Downtown Madre
Poole’s
Bida Manda
42nd Street Oyster Bar
Oakwood
Crawford and Son
Stanbury
The Standard
Oakwood Pizza
Jolie
ATE NIGHT
In Raleigh
0 Hillsborough Street ond Empire - The Tavern erican
09 Lassiter Mill Road vace ian
1 W Hargett Street Ku panese
7 Harrington Street gulina ian
5 W Hargett Street eathandTaxes merican
In Raleigh
Drift
Ridgewood Shopping Center
A cozy neighborhood café in Raleigh known for its artisanal coffee, relaxed vibe,
A bright, coastal-inspired café in Raleigh offering expertly crafted coffee, healthy bites, and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a refreshing start to your day or a relaxing coffee break.
A modern, minimalist coffee shop in Raleigh offering exceptional espresso drinks, a serene workspace, and a thoughtfully curated ambiance, perfect for productivity or a quiet coffee escape.
A beloved local café known for its meticulously brewed coffee, delicious made-to-order biscuits, and vibrant community feel, making it a popular spot to gather, study, or simply enjoy a cozy coffee moment.
01
Catch a Canes Game
In Raleigh
Experience the excitement of NHL hockey by cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena, known for its electric atmosphere, fan traditions, and thrilling on-ice action.
NCMuseumofArt
Explore an impressive collection of art spanning centuries, with outdoor trails, sculpture gardens, and regular events like movies and concerts in the park.
Enjoy a Concert at Red Hat
Downtown Raleigh’s Red Hat
Amphitheater hosts top-tier concerts with skyline views as the backdrop. From national touring acts to local music festivals, this open-air venue delivers an unbeatable live music experience.
DixPark Raleigh's largest city park offering scenic walking trails, open fields for picnics, and seasonal events like Sunflower Field blooms and food truck festivals.
HistoricOakwood Wander through this charming neighborhood known for its beautifully preserved Victorian homes, lush gardens, and the historic Oakwood Cemetery with guided walking tours.
StateFarmersMarket
A bustling market offering fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious Southern treats, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll and a bite to eat at the on-site restaurants.
MarblesKidMuseum
Downtown Raleigh
In Raleigh
An interactive, hands-on museum designed for creative play and learning, perfect for younger children. 01
PullenPark
Ashe Avenue
One of the oldest amusement parks in the country, featuring playgrounds, pedal boats, a carousel, and a mini train.
BuffaloeRoadAquaticCenter
Buffaloe Road
A fun indoor water park with water slides, a lazy river, and a play area for younger kids.
TriangleRockClub
Duraleigh Road
A climbing gym with kid-friendly climbing walls and beginner classes.
NCMuseumofNaturalSciences
Downtown Raleigh
A fascinating, educational experience with exhibits featuring dinosaurs, live animals, and interactive displays.
Departure Drive DEFYRaleigh
An indoor trampoline park for energetic play, including dodgeball and foam pits.
ChoosingTheRight NeighborhoodInRaleigh
When moving to a new city, finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right house or apartment. Consider what matters most to you, like schools, parks, or public transportation. Think about practical stuff too, like commute times, nearby amenities, and safety.
To make your search easier, I've pulled together a list of my favorite neighborhoods and communities in the area.
These areas have a great reputation, offer a high quality of life, and are conveniently located. They have much to offer everyone considering them.
Whether you're looking for top-rated schools, beautiful parks, or a friendly and involved community, you'll find something on this list that catches your eye.
Country ClubHills WelcomeTo
Quiet, tree-lined streets with a serene neighborhood feel, all while being just minutes from Downtown Raleigh. Expect a sense of community, established landscapes, and a relaxes lifestyle with upscale living.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Quiet,tree-linedstreetswitheasyaccesstoeverythingyouneed THE INVENTORY
Statelysingle-familyhomes
THE PERKS
Closetorestaurants,playgroundsandtheCarolinaCountryClub.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Thetimelesselegance,charmandbeautifullypreservedarchitecture.
Welcome To
Hayes Barton
Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, Hayes Barton is a historic neighborhood known for its timeless elegance and Southern charm. Established in the 1920s as part of the grand vision of landscape architect Earle Sumner Draper, Hayes Barton showcases tree-lined streets, stately homes, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Its location within the desirable Five Points area makes it a soughtafter destination for those looking to experience classic Raleigh living.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Hayes Barton is renowned for its stunning collection of historic homes, including Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Georgian styles.
THE INVENTORY
Hayes Barton is renowned for its luxurious and architecturally distinctive homes.
THE PERKS
Prime location, historic charm, vibrant community, and prestigious luxury living.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
The historic charm and modern convenience
Welcome To
Drewry Hills
Drewry Hills is an established, upscale neighborhood in Raleigh known for its spacious mid-century homes and lush, wooded lots. Nestled in a serene, tree-lined setting, it offers a tranquil retreat while maintaining close proximity to the city’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment. Residents enjoy a peaceful, communityoriented atmosphere with the prestige of a highly desirable address. With its blend of architectural charm, privacy, and convenience, Drewry Hills is a coveted choice for those seeking luxurious, comfortable living in Raleigh.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Quiet, tree-lined streets with easy access to everything you need
THE INVENTORY
Large single family homes, mid size ranchers and expansive, private lots
THE PERKS
Prime location, tranquil setting, spacious homes, and prestigious Raleigh living.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Charming architecture, scenic streets, friendly community, and easy access to upscale dining and shopping.
Welcome To
Anderson Heights
Anderson Heights is a charming, historic neighborhood in Raleigh known for its elegant homes and picturesque, tree-lined streets. Featuring a blend of classic Colonial, Tudor, and bungalow-style architecture, it exudes timeless appeal and Southern charm. Its prime location offers easy access to top-rated schools, local parks, and the vibrant shopping and dining scenes of Five Points and North Hills.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A charming, historic neighborhood with elegant homes and tree-lined streets.
THE INVENTORY
Large single family homes, mid size ranchers and townhomes
THE PERKS
Prime location, community-oriented atmosphere, and easy access to top-rated schools and local amenities.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Picturesque tree-lined streets, beautiful historic homes, vibrant community spirit, and close proximity to shopping and dining.
Welcome To Coley Forest
Coley Forest is an established neighborhood in Raleigh, known for its tree-lined streets and elegant homes. Nestled conveniently between Glenwood Avenue and Wade Avenue, it offers a tranquil setting while maintaining easy access to downtown Raleigh, shopping, and dining. The community exudes a timeless charm, with a mix of traditional and modern architectural styles. Its prime location and serene atmosphere make Coley Forest a sought-after address in Raleigh.
WHAT TO EXPECT
An exclusive, upscale neighborhood with spacious homes and a peaceful, wooded setting.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Beautiful tree-lined streets, elegant architecture, quiet community atmosphere, and close proximity to Raleigh’s finest restaurants and boutiques.
MEDIAN PRICE
$1,345,000
MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET 8
SchoolsInRaleigh
Raleigh is home to so many amazing schools. Most families have no problem finding the right fit. There’s a wide range of options from neighborhood public schools to charter schools to private options. I’ve included a list on the next page. If you’re interested in learning more about any of these schools, it’s likely that I can connect you with a client or friend who has children there to give you a better sense of what it’s like.
For details on all public schooling options, click HERE.
Lower Schools in Raleigh
GradesK-8
A private Catholic school, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade It offers a faith-based education focused on academic excellence, moral development, and community service. The school emphasizes small class sizes, a supportive community, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes arts, athletics, and spiritual growth.
An independent, non-sectarian school,, known for its child-centered, inquiry based approach to education, encouraging curiousity, creativity and critical thinking GradesPreK-5
GradesPreK-8
St Timothy's School in Raleigh is a well-regarded independent Episcopal school known for its strong academic program and nurturing community. Serving students from prekindergarten through eighth grade, the school emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and a well-rounded education.
Grades9-12
Aprivateco-educationalcollegeprepartoryCatholichighschoolfor grades9-12,knownforitsstrong academicandathleticprograms.
02
SaintMary’sSchool
HillsboroughStreet
Grades9-12
AnindependentEpiscopalcollegeprepatoryboardinganddayschoolfor girlsingrades9-12,witharichhistory datingbackto1842
03
Ravenscroft
FallsofNeuseRoad
GradesPreK-12
Aco-educationalindependentschool servingstudentsfrompre-kindergarten through12thgrade,emphasizinga balanceofacademics,arts,and athletics.
STEP 1
Buying A Home In Raleigh
ConnectWithMe
Ifwehaven’tsetupatimetomeet,reach outnow.We’llestablishyourgoalsand desires.Assessingyourneedsand wantsisthefirstandmostimportant stepinthehomebuyingprocess
STEP 2
DetermineYourBudget+ GetPre-Approved
Gettingpre-approvedforamortgageis vitalpriortobeginningyourhome search.Itwillgiveyouaclearerideaof yourborrowingcapacityandhelpyouin yoursearch.Alendercanhelpyou determinehowmuchyoucanaffordto spendonahome.I’dbehappytoshare mylistofrecommendedlocallenders.
STEP 3
StartYourHomeSearch
We'llsetupanMLSsearchsothatyou arenotifiedimmediatelyofany propertiesthatcometomarket.I'llwork hardtofindhomesbeforetheyeven cometothemarket.You'llattendopen housesandtogetherwe'lltour properties.
STEP 4
WriteTheOffer
Onceyoufindapropertyyoulove,I'll guideyouinpreparingacompetitive offer.We'llconsidermarketconditions, recentcomparablesales,andthe property'scondition I'llnegotiateon yourbehalftosecurethebestpossible terms.
STEP 5
UnderContract
Oncewe'reundercontract,it'scrucialto conductinspectionsandperformalldue diligence.I'llcoordinatetheinspection processandwe'llreviewtheinspection report.I'llguideyouthroughany necessarynegotiationswiththeseller We'llworkthroughanycontingencies stipulatedinyourcontractandensure financingandclosingpreparationsare takencareof.
STEP 6
Settlement
Beforetheclosing,we'llconductafinal walkthroughtoensurethepropertyisin theagreed-uponcondition.Atthe closing,you'llsignthenecessary documents,paytheclosingcosts,and officiallytakeownershipoftheproperty.
Are you ready to buy or sell in Raleigh?
