TinaLovesRaleigh: Why The Triangle IS The Place to Be
Location. Location. Location. It’s the number one factor when choosing your next home—and I’ve got you covered. Follow me on Instagram at @TinaLovesRaleigh, where I share real-time updates and insights to help you discover the best places to live, work, and play in the Triangle.
From restaurants, schools, and universities to transportation, shopping, nightlife, parks, and cultural attractions—TinaLovesRaleigh is your go-to source for everything you need to know about life in Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area. Plus, you’ll find valuable real estate insights designed to help you make informed, confident decisions about where to live, work, and thrive.
Living ITB: Raleigh’s Most Popular Boroughs Explained
Living Inside the Beltline (ITB) is more than a location—it’s a lifestyle choice embraced by many Raleigh residents. ITB properties offer a premium location that balances home, work, and play with ease. These highly desirable homes typically start at $300K and up, offering access to some of the city’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods.
From Five Points, Historic Oakwood, and Mordecai to Hayes Barton, Boylan Heights, Cameron Village, Cameron Park, North Hills, Lake Boone, University Park, Glenwood South, and the Warehouse District—each borough has its own charm and character. Whether you're drawn to modern architecture, charming bungalows, or stately historic mansions, ITB living offers something for every style.
Residents enjoy access to some of Raleigh’s top-rated public schools, a strong local housing market, and unbeatable proximity to downtown nightlife, acclaimed restaurants, cultural attractions, parks, and a true sense of community.
Looking Outside the Beltline (OTB)? Explore North Raleigh Estate Living
If you’re seeking privacy, space, and estate-style living just outside the Beltline, North Raleigh is the perfect destination. With homes starting around $1M, communities like Southern Hills Estates, North Ridge, Hasentree (Wake Forest), The Barony, Devon, Linville, and Bay Leaf Farm offer luxurious homes on expansive lots—ideal for those looking for acreage, privacy, and sophistication.
North Raleigh combines tranquil living with convenient access to downtown Raleigh, RDU International Airport, and the Research Triangle Park (RTP). It’s a top choice for those who want the best of both worlds: luxury and location.
Parks + Recreation + Cultural Resources:
Raleigh has over 200+ parks that offer nature preserves, art centers, dog parks, athletic facilities, playgrounds, lakes, historic sites and greenway trails. Falls Lake State Park; Lake Lynn; Lake Johnson; Shelley Lake; Lake Wheeler; Umstead State Park are five of the most popular parks in the Raleigh area. With over 180 miles of hiking and greenway trails, now you’re ready to explore.
RESTAURANTS:
Raleigh has some of the best restaurants in the United States. James Beard Award winners and finalists make up the culinary landscape. Talented chefs and restaurateurs: Ashley Christensen, Cheetie Kumar, and Scott Crawford, just to name a few.
My favorite Raleigh restaurants and cafes: Bida Manda, Brewery Bhavana, Hummingbird, Crawford and Son, Death & Taxes, and Gonza Tacos y Tequila. If I am around the North Hills area (aka Midtown), you can find me at: Vita Vite, Happy + Hale, or Jubala. My go-to favorite places to work: Sola Coffee Cafe and Ladyfingers.
I do venture out of Raleigh because is so easy to get around, and it would not be fair to mention that I when I am in Cary/Morrisville I often frequent the lounge at the Umstead Hotel , Asali Desserts and Cafe, or Fount Coffee + Kitchen (best gluten free eats). In Durham, Mateo Bar de Tapas, Rue Cler, Pizzeria Toro, and The Durham Hotel , which has a beautiful view from the rooftop.
SHOPPING:
There are so many places to shop, whether it is well-known retail shops or local boutiques, and it keeps growing. Brier Creek Commons, The Village District, Crabtree Valley Mall, Lafayette Village, North Hills are some of the popular shopping destinations.
TRANSPORTATION:
Raleigh is easily accessible by car, bus, rail or air.