Information
Landmark: North HillsCity: Raleigh
Country: USA North Carolina
Continent: North America
North Hills, Raleigh, USA North Carolina, North America
Overview
North Hills, often called “Raleigh’s Midtown,” is a lively, upscale district in Raleigh, North Carolina, where apartments rise above bustling shops, cafés spill the scent of fresh coffee onto the sidewalks, and offices overlook leafy open spaces-bringing work, play, and home together in one place.Over the past few decades, the district has transformed from a conventional mall into a lively, walkable urban hub, now buzzing with cafés and street music and considered one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.North Hills traces its roots to 1960, when the North Hills Mall opened its doors as a modest strip mall with a row of bright shop windows.This early mall stood out as the first two-story, air‑conditioned indoor shopping center between Washington, D. C., and Atlanta, a cool, glass‑walled milestone in the Southeast’s retail history.In 1967, the mall closed itself in, a shift meant to suit shoppers’ new tastes and keep out the winter wind.Back in 2001, Kane Realty Corporation snapped up the property, aiming to turn the tired old mall-its floors scuffed and lights flickering-into a vibrant, modern district where shops, homes, and offices could thrive together.It was the start of a sweeping redevelopment project, designed to reshape the area so it could meet Raleigh’s evolving needs-like adding busy sidewalks where quiet streets once ran.In November 2004, North Hills reopened with shops, cafés, office space, and apartments, trading its old mall layout for a lively, walkable neighborhood where you could smell fresh bread from a corner bakery.Since reopening, North Hills has kept growing, adding new shops and bright awnings along its streets.The redevelopment will roll out in phases, bringing in distinct new districts - the Main District with its busy streets, the Innovation District buzzing with fresh ideas, and the Park District alive with green space.The expansions brought new amenities, more housing choices, sleek office towers, and pockets of green where you can hear the rustle of leaves-turning North Hills into a true place to live, work, and unwind.North Hills boasts more than 130 spots to shop, eat, and find services, from boutique clothing stores to cafés where you can smell fresh coffee drifting out the door.Retail: The district offers an eclectic blend-sleek high-end shops, charming little boutiques, and familiar national brands with bright window displays.JCPenney may be gone, replaced by Restoration Hardware’s sleek showrooms, but shoppers can still browse Target’s busy aisles, Madewell’s soft denim, and J. Crew’s polished styles.Specialty shops and local boutiques flourish in spots like Makers Alley, tucked inside the Innovation District, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind places such as Green Rabbit with its bright shelves of children’s toys, Ky’s Kandles pouring small-batch scents, and Trendlend offering fresh fashion and accessories.Dining in North Hills offers a lively mix of flavors, from cozy cafés with fresh-baked bread to bustling restaurants serving dishes from around the world.You can choose from health-focused spots like True Food Kitchen, classic American plates at Village Tavern, crisp salads at Sweetgreen, or rich, homemade pasta at Leo’s Italian Kitchen.The district also boasts popular rooftop spots like the RH Rooftop Restaurant, where guests can savor upscale dishes while looking out over twinkling city lights.North Hills was built to be a lively gathering place, buzzing with concerts, festivals, and cultural events that draw in both locals and visitors.Midtown Park is a lively hub of green in the heart of the city, where neighbors gather for the Midtown Beach Music Series or stretch together during Wellness Wednesdays, all under the shade of tall oaks.Regal Cinemas 14 is a sleek, modern theater with stadium seating and the newest films on screen, just a short stroll from shops and the scent of fresh coffee drifting out of nearby cafés.Kings North Hills is an upscale bowling lounge where friends can share laughs over sizzling sliders and cold drinks, making it a go‑to spot for social nights and group gatherings.Every Saturday from April to November, the Midtown Farmers’ Market buzzes with the scent of fresh herbs as local farmers and artisans gather to share their goods, draw neighbors in, and keep small businesses thriving.North Hills offers an array of places to live, from sleek luxury high-rises with glass balconies to cozy townhomes, attracting a vibrant mix of city residents.The Eastern, finished in 2022, rises 36 stories above Raleigh as the city’s tallest building, with 376 apartments and views that stretch past the treetops.With rooftop pools shimmering under the sun, sleek fitness centers, and breathtaking skyline views, it draws in professionals and city lovers chasing an energetic, on-the-go life.The Innovation District mixes sleek office towers with nearby homes, creating a lively neighborhood where entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives swap ideas over coffee.One standout is the Captrust Tower, a sleek glass high-rise filled with busy corporate offices.Places like Vine North Hills and Channel House offer stylish homes just steps from offices and boutique shops.At Sustainability and Accessibility North Hills, we’re dedicated to building a city that grows responsibly-think green spaces, clean sidewalks, and thoughtful design that respects the environment.The district includes electric vehicle charging stations, making it easier for drivers to plug in and support greener travel.Some buildings have solar panels built right into their walls and roofs, quietly cutting down their carbon footprint.Programs that turn food scraps and yard clippings into compost to cut down on waste.The city’s layout puts walking first, with tree-lined sidewalks, streets that welcome pedestrians, and plenty of open green space.It encourages people to stay active-walking to work, biking to the store-and lessens the need to rely on cars.Public transportation serves the district well, with buses easy to catch and major roads close by-think the steady hum of cars along I-440 or the quick turn onto Six Forks Road-so getting around is a breeze.Just five miles north of downtown Raleigh, North Hills sits where city convenience meets its own lively, close-knit vibe, with quick access to shops and tree-lined streets.Close to major highways, it’s just minutes from the greater Raleigh area and Raleigh–Durham International Airport, making it a smart pick for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.North Hills has grown into Raleigh’s cultural and economic hub, drawing people together with thoughtful design and lively events-think open-air concerts under string lights.It’s where the community comes together for festivals, farmers’ markets with fresh bread and ripe peaches, live music, art shows, and yoga on the lawn-bringing people closer and making everyday life a little richer.In this district, homes, offices, and cafés sit side by side, making it easy to live, work, and play without the grind of a long commute, all while keeping neighborhood shops thriving.North Hills helps drive Raleigh’s urban growth and economic vitality by blending office towers, shop-lined streets, and modern apartment living into one bustling community.North Hills shows how modern urban redevelopment works, turning a faded 1950s mall into a lively mixed‑use district where café tables spill onto sunlit sidewalks.
