Is East North Hills safe?
Raleigh, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates East North Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on East North Hills
“Go. East North Hills is an exceptionally safe, prosperous residential enclave nestled just east of Raleigh's bustling Midtown core. Visitors can explore the nearby parks, quiet leafy streets, and upscale retail nodes with virtually no safety concerns beyond routine vigilance.”
About the area
East North Hills is a mature, tree-lined suburban neighborhood in North Raleigh characterized by mid-century ranch homes, modern infill estates, and quiet cul-de-sacs. It sits directly adjacent to the premier North Hills mixed-use shopping and entertainment district, offering quiet residential calm alongside high-end urban amenities.
- Affluent Suburban
- Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in East North Hills
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Cyclists can connect to the Mine Creek Greenway Trail and Ironwood Park connections, though interior streets lack dedicated bike lanes and there is no active dock-based municipal bikeshare system.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both national and citywide averages
- High household median incomes exceeding $110,000 and robust homeownership rates
- Immediate adjacency to upscale retail, fine dining, and medical facilities at North Hills
Cons
- Car break-ins and occasional residential property thefts along perimeter thoroughfares
- Lacks internal pedestrian infrastructure, with missing sidewalks on many interior streets
- Heavier traffic congestion during peak hours along Six Forks Road and Millbrook Road
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the East North Hills residential neighborhood, with only occasional individuals observed near major transit stops along the Six Forks Road and I-440 highway interchange.
What East North Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with neighborhood joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading toward the I-440 Beltline.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and very safe throughout the residential grid, while commercial shopping plazas along Six Forks Road see steady traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-oriented with low ambient foot traffic and well-lit front yards.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very tranquil and safe, though interior neighborhood streets are dimly lit, requiring care when walking.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by GoRaleigh, primarily via Route 8 (Six Forks) and Route 24L (Lead Mine), though service within the residential interior is minimal; Raleigh has no light rail system.
Free, easy street parking is available on almost all residential streets, and the adjacent commercial garages and surface lots in North Hills provide plentiful free parking.
Things to do in East North Hills
- Stroll the paved trails and enjoy the tennis courts and picnic areas at North Hills Park
- Shop high-end boutiques and attend outdoor community events in the North Hills Commons
- Explore the nearby Capital Area Greenway system connections toward Mine Creek and Shelley Lake
Local favorites
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar · American / Fusion Restaurant · 4.6★ (4650)Popular Midtown destination offering inventive custom burgers, fresh sushi, and craft milkshakes.
- Vivace · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (1100)Upscale trattoria serving contemporary Italian fare, handmade pastas, and an extensive wine selection.
- Jubala Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (1350)Artisanal specialty cafe famous for specialty pour-overs, espresso drinks, and fresh sweet Liege waffles.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.