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I'm planning a reconnaissance trip to the triangle later in July or early August, and in order to maximize my time, I'm wondering if there are "interesting" areas of both downtown Raleigh and Durham where there are clusters of shops, cafes, restaurants (walkable) in each town, with lots of people around. I'd like to walk around both cities and likely won't have more than 5 days to explore the area, and will potentially also look for housing, so suggestions (streets/landmarks) about the best parts of downtowns are welcome. Chapel Hill will be easier to figure out as it's smaller.
I can already tell you that you are looking for an urban lifestyle that you won't necessarily find in Raleigh. This area caters more to the suburban lifestyle. There is some walkable joy to be had, but I just say this to temper expectations.
I know quite a few people that live towards Moore Square and say that it is growing quickly (and there are some decent restaurants in and around this area) but I have also heard that crime of yore is sometimes still an issue and there is quite a bit of vagrancy in the area. I have also heard positive conversations about Mordecai Village and Five Points, but that might be a little too far based on what you are looking for.
Location: Sodo Sopa at The Villas above Kenny' s House.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by take57
Glenwood South
I would suggest there as well,if the OP is under 30. The screen name leads me to believe maybe they are a little older. I really hate saying this but at this point in time downtown Raleigh doesn't have numerous hip areas. It's small and there are areas like city market,Glenwood South,Wharehouse district,Fayetteville st etc but these are small areas themselves. You could probably hit all of them within one day. It's nothing like going into a large city where you can spend the whole day in a neighborhood and still not see everything. I'm hoping one day it will be that way. It's growing and improving but like the other poster said it doesn't fit what the OP is looking for, yet......
I would suggest there as well,if the OP is under 30. The screen name leads me to believe maybe they are a little older. I really hate saying this but at this point in time downtown Raleigh doesn't have numerous hip areas. It's small and there are areas like city market,Glenwood South,Wharehouse district,Fayetteville st etc but these are small areas themselves. You could probably hit all of them within one day. It's nothing like going into a large city where you can spend the whole day in a neighborhood and still not see everything. I'm hoping one day it will be that way. It's growing and improving but like the other poster said it doesn't fit what the OP is looking for, yet......
Hahaha Definitely over 30. Thanks for the info and suggestions. Many medium to larger cities in the US have relatively small downtown areas, but there are some clusters of restaurants and cafes in some of them. Not looking for a big city experience as in Boston or NY or San Francisco. Just wondered where to walk around to get the flavor of Raleigh and Durham on my visit later this summer.
Not really. I'm interested in the triangle due to the presence of 3 great universities for their substantial retirement/lifelong learning programs (Chapel Hill, NC State, and Duke).
Hahaha Definitely over 30. Thanks for the info and suggestions. Many medium to larger cities in the US have relatively small downtown areas, but there are some clusters of restaurants and cafes in some of them. Not looking for a big city experience as in Boston or NY or San Francisco. Just wondered where to walk around to get the flavor of Raleigh and Durham on my visit later this summer.
The Downtown areas would be your best bet, then.
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