The notes below are to help you get to know more about what shopping centers in Raleigh and the surrounding area are convenient to where you might be shopping for a new home. This is not a complete list of everything, but it should provide a good guide for you work from. Each center has multiple surround neighborhoods, we just tried to name a few here to be helpful.
All about it: Located on Glenwood Avenue close to I-440 and Blue Ridge Road, this large mall boasts Belk, Sears and Macy’s as its main anchor stores. Other popular stores include H&M, Brooks Brothers, Abercrombie & Fitch, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma. Higher-end restaurants in and around the mall include P.F. Chang's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks.
Why it’s cool: Crabtree, by far, is the prime shopping destination in and around Raleigh and its central location is convenient to downtown, I-40 and RDU Airport.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Brookhaven, Laurel Hills, Glen Lake
All about it: Located on Six Forks Road and close to I-440, this outdoor shopping center is home to larger stores like Target and JCPenney as well as nearly 100 other popular stores such as REI, Ethan Allen, etc. North Hills also offers an array of restaurants at every dining level like Panera, Firebirds, Yard House, and The Cowfish.
Why it’s cool: North Hills Mall was the first two-story, air-conditioned indoor mall between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta which is a lot different than the outdoor, mixed-use development that we know today.
Surrounding neighborhoods: North Hills, Lakemont, Quail Hollow, Northclift
All about it: Built in 2002 and located on Capital Boulevard and just off I-540, this shopping mall is anchored by Belk, Macy’s, Sears, Dillards and Saks Fifth Avenue
Why it’s cool: Shopping center also includes an outdoor portion that features popular restaurants such as The Twisted Fork and California Pizza Kitchen.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Wakefield, Heritage
All about it: Opened in 2012 and located just off I-40 on Fayetteville Road in Durham, Southpoint’s large, traditional anchors include Belk, Macy's, J.C. Penney, Sears and the Triangle’s only Nordstrom. Other popular destinations include Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and PB Teen (Pottery Barn Teen). Um, did I mention Pottery Barn? There is a 17-screen movie theater (including a new IMAX auditorium). You can also choose from a number of great restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, Champps, The Cheesecake Factory, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Maggiano's Little Italy and Zinburger.
Why it’s cool: It’s a hybrid shopping center that is comprised of an indoor traditional mall and a well-developed outdoor section that includes many architectural/artistic features like fountains and statues.
Surrounding neighborhoods: The Hills at Southpoint
All about it: Falls Village is a small shopping center located in North Raleigh on Falls of Neuse Road and is right across the street from the North Ridge Country Club. The Raleighwood Cinema Grill is located here where you can order dinner and drinks while watching a movie. The main anchors are T.J. Maxx and Homegoods. There is a Red Hot & Blue BBQ restaurant, Moe’s and a Smashburger there along with several banks including Wells Fargo and BB&T. It’s just up the street from Sutton Square.
Why it’s cool: Falls Village is surrounded by several popular neighborhoods at varying price points.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Newton Parrish, North Haven, Lantern Square, North Ridge
All about it: North Ridge shopping center is at the corner of Falls of Neuse Road and Spring Forest Road in North Raleigh and is anchored by Harris Teeter (a grocery store chain local to N.C.) and ACE Hardware.
Why it’s cool: There are several great restaurants there including one of my personal favorites, The North Ridge Pub. Other great options include Café Tiramisu, Tribeca Tavern and, yes, there is a Starbucks.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Woods of North Ridge
All about it: Anchored by Fresh Market, Sutton Square is located at the intersection of Falls of Neuse Road and Spring Forest Road. Other stores include S&K Menswear, Pet Supermarket, Play it Again Sports and smaller stores including a UPS location.
Why it’s cool: You have a choice of several restaurants as well, including the longstanding and ever popular Winston’s Grille which should probably be considered a North Raleigh institution these days.
Surrounding neighborhoods: North Ridge, Tealbriar, Falls Church, Stafford Townhomes, Fox Run
All about it: Conveniently located at I-540 and Highway 70, this shopping center features larger stores like BJ’s Wholesale Club, T.J. Maxx, Target, and Barnes & Noble. There’s also no shortage of smaller stores ranging from local boutiques to popular favorites like Pier 1.
Why it’s cool: Brier Creek Commons offer a fantastic variety of restaurants from fast food to upscale dining including Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse, Brixx Wood-Fired Pizza, Champa Thai & Sushi just to name a few.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Brier Creek, Alexander Place, Harrington Grove, Dominion Park, Cornerstone Park
All about it: Beaver Creek Commons shopping complex, located off US Highway 64 and NC Highway 55, is the largest retail center in Apex. Anchored by a Super Target and Lowes Home Improvement, the diverse shopping center also includes other stores like AC Moore, Office Max, PetSmart, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ulta Beauty and HomeGoods.
Why it’s cool: The name! Beaver Creek Commons shopping complex is conveniently located close to downtown Apex, as well as many large neighborhoods. It offers great family entertainment at the Regal Cinemas Beaver Creek Stadium Theater. It is well lit with safe sidewalks for walking between its many stores and restaurants, including Carrabba’s, Chili’s, Panera, Red Robin, LongHorn Steakhouse and Tyler’s Taproom.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Haddon Hall, Olive Chapel Park, Scotts Mill, Walden Creek, Holland Crossing
All about it: With over 60 stores, services and restaurants, there is something for everyone at Crossroads Plaza. The center features a powerful lineup of anchors including Marshalls, Ross, HomeGoods, Michaels, Old Navy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bed Bath & Beyond, and DSW.
Why it’s cool: There are many wonderful restaurants in Crossroads Plaza that offer any variety of food you would like. Their selection includes Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Greek Fiesta, Jason’s Deli, Noodles & Company, Remington Grill, Kashin Japanese Restaurant, and Cold Stone Creamery.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Franklin Chase, Bryarton, Walnut Hills
All about it: A large indoor mall in the center of Cary, this shopping center features dozens of stores including anchor stores like Belk, Dillard’s, JCPenney, and Macy’s. It's an old mall with a premium location that is due for updates in the future. We anticipate this could be an amazing place in the next 10 years (Think North Hills in Raleigh.) It also has a full food court and a Dave & Busters.
Why it’s cool: In addition to its wonderful stores and restaurants, Cary Towne Center features a very large indoor play area with over 2,000 square feet for children to enjoy.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Greenwood Forest, Walnut Hills, Coronado Village
All about it: Nestled among Raleigh's top-expanding neighborhoods, this center features two strong anchors, Harris Teeter and Kohl’s. Other stores and services include Massage Envy, Learning Express, Starbucks, and GNC.
Why it’s cool: Falls Pointe also includes many restaurants including Greek Fiesta, Z Pizza, Kiko Japan Express, and San Carlos Italian Bistro.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Falls River, Bedford at Falls River, Wood Spring, Durant Trails, Alyson Pond, Sheffield Place
All about it: Lafayette Village is a European-style village in North Raleigh. Located on over six acres off I540 and Falls of Neuse Road, it offers locally owned gourmet restaurants and upscale shopping. Lafayette Village features patio dining along the Village Green, secure underground parking, office suites, and recurring events from live music to artist exhibits. Architecturally designed and built to depict a European village – not unlike one in France or Italy – the thematic center encourages strolls through paved walkways and quaint boutique shops.
Why it’s cool: A perfect date or family night, Lafayette Village often shows Movies On the Green. Make it a complete evening by visiting one of their many restaurants before or after the show, including Driftwood Southern Kitchen, Paparazzi Ristorante Italiano, Sushi One, Simply Crepes, Upper Crust Pie & Bakery, Village Grill, and Vinos Fino’s Wine and Tapas Bar.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Raintree, North Ridge, Bent Tree, Thorpshire Farm, Manchester, Coachman's Trail, Trego, Swans Mill
All about it: Shoppes at Midway Plantation is a shopping destination that offers more than 425,000 square feet of retail space with several popular chains and more. Their major stores include The Home Depot, Target, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels, Dick’s Sporting Goods, BestBuy, and PetSmart.
Why it’s cool: Conveniently located off at I-540 and Knightdale Boulevard, this is the perfect destination for shopping or dining out.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Widewaters, Planter's Walk, Princeton Manor, Edenburghs Keep
All about it: With a slogan of “Shop, Dine & Enjoy: It’s All Right Here,” White Oak Crossing is a destination for all your needs. Their flagship stores include Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy, BJ’s, Kohl’s and Target.
Why it’s cool: One word, Cabela's. The location at I-40 and Hwy 70 draw people from all over. White Oak Crossing includes a Regal Cinemas theater and many restaurants, including Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s, Kaze Japanese Steakhouse, Logan’s Roadhouse, and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Everwood, Heather Woods, Summers Walk, Heather Hills, Sutton Springs