Oakwood Historic District

Raleigh, NC

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$705,000 (Jan 2025); recent peak $1.1M (June 2025)
Median Home Price
80–85 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Public schools rated above average; magnet and private options popular with families.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Person St (west), N Boundary St (north), Linden Ave (east), and E Lane St (south); adjacent to downtown Raleigh.

Zip Codes

27601

Market Data Summary

Price Range$600,000–$1.3M+ (historic homes, renovated properties at upper end)
Price per Sq Ft$397–$560
Inventory LevelsLow inventory; high buyer competition, especially for renovated historic homes.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomes

Architectural Styles

VictorianQueen AnneCraftsmanColonial RevivalBungalow

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.1–0.25 acres (urban lots)
Home Age RangeLate 1800s–early 1900s (historic core); some newer infill construction
Construction QualityHigh for renovated/restored homes; some properties may require significant updates due to age.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of established professionals, young families, and retirees. High educational attainment. Many residents involved in Raleigh’s civic and cultural life.

Community Vibe

Tight-knit, historic, and walkable. Strong neighborhood association and active preservation community.

Typical Residents

  • Professionals
  • Young families
  • Retirees
  • Artists and creatives

Family Friendly

Yes—sidewalks, parks, and community events. Some homes may be less suited for large families due to historic layouts.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Oakwood Park
  • Historic Oakwood Cemetery
  • Nearby Mordecai Historic Park

Dining Options

  • Crawford and Son
  • Stanbury
  • Person Street Bar
  • Two Roosters Ice Cream

Shopping Centers

  • Person Street Plaza
  • Seaboard Station (nearby)

Local Businesses

  • Person Street Pharmacy
  • Jubala Coffee
  • Standard Beer + Food
  • Edge of Urge Boutique

Education & Schools

Public schools rated above average; magnet and private options popular with families.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Conn Magnet Elementary
  • Partnership Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Daniels Magnet Middle

High Schools

  • Broughton High School

Private Schools

  • St. David’s School
  • Ravenscroft (short drive)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • GoRaleigh bus lines (Person St corridor)

Major Roads

  • Person St
  • Wake Forest Rd
  • Capital Blvd

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5–10 minutes to downtown Raleigh; 20–25 minutes to RTP; 20 minutes to RDU Airport.
WalkabilityExcellent—sidewalks, bike lanes, close to downtown.
ParkingOn-street parking; some homes have driveways or alley access. Can be tight during events.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Professionals relocating to Raleigh
  • Historic home enthusiasts
  • Young families
  • Empty nesters

Key Selling Points

  • Historic character
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Strong community
  • Access to downtown culture and dining

Pricing Considerations

Price aggressively for renovated homes; allow room for negotiation on homes needing updates.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may require costly repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent upgrades, and connect buyers with reputable local contractors.

Objection: Limited parking and small lots.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, proximity to amenities, and potential for on-street permit parking.

Objection: Higher price per square foot than newer suburbs.

Response Strategy:

Focus on unique historic value, location, and long-term appreciation potential.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong long-term, but short-term volatility possible (recent YoY swings). Historic status supports value retention.

Rental Demand

High—proximity to downtown, universities, and hospitals. Short-term rental restrictions may apply.

Buyer Competition

Intense for move-in-ready and renovated homes; less for fixer-uppers.

Best For

  • Owner-occupants seeking character
  • Investors targeting high-end rentals
  • Buyers valuing walkability and culture

Potential Concerns

  • Older home maintenance costs
  • Limited yard space
  • Parking constraints

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on historic homeownership (maintenance, tax credits)

2

Network with local preservation groups and contractors

3

Stage homes to highlight both historic charm and modern updates

4

Monitor regulatory changes affecting rentals and disclosures

5

Leverage neighborhood events and community vibe in marketing

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Boylan Heights
  • Mordecai
  • Cameron Park

Market Positioning

Premium historic neighborhood with urban lifestyle appeal.

Competitive Advantages

  • Historic designation
  • Walkability
  • Proximity to downtown and cultural amenities

Price Comparison

Higher median prices and price per sqft than most Raleigh neighborhoods, but lower than some luxury enclaves.

Investment Metrics

3.5–4.5% (for long-term rentals)
Cap Rates
4–5% gross yield possible for updated properties
Rental Yields
22–25 (reflects premium for ownership)
Price-to-Rent
Modest; best for appreciation and lifestyle buyers
Cash Flow
Stable long-term; possible 3% dip in 2025, but strong fundamentals.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

May face affordability and maintenance concerns; best suited for those valuing character over space.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by location and lifestyle; often seek renovated homes with modern amenities.

Downsizers

Appreciate walkability and low-maintenance lots; historic stairs may be a challenge for some.

Investors

Focus on high-end rentals or value-add renovations; must account for historic restrictions.

Relocators

Drawn by proximity to downtown, culture, and strong community identity.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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