Introducing DigsDigest:

A new RALtoday series where we profile local residents in search of the perfect digs.

Most Americans move during the summer months, and houses begin to turn over in the spring — so chances are, you or someone you know is in the early throes of finding + moving into a new place. Since our team knows firsthand how fun (read: agonizing) house hunting can be, we thought we could play a little House Hunters-esque game to remind you: you’re not alone.

Here’s how it works: we’ll tell you a little bit about someone locally who is searching for a new home in RAL. (In this case, we had a couple, Hank and Lara, who reached out to ask which neighborhood is best for their budget). Then, we’ll show you three real houses that are currently on the market and meet the criteria. Finally — unlike on the real House Hunters — we’ll let you pick which home our readers should choose. Beats yelling at the TV when a couple picks the “wrong” place, right?

As we all know, the real estate market in Raleigh and around the Triangle can be quite a wild ride — our city is full of economic opportunity, new development, great restaurants, hip music venues + fun cultural events. (And it’s easy on the eyes.)

Increased demand on the housing inventory had definitely boosted market values over the past few years, so first, let’s look at some numbers:

🏡 Median home value in Raleigh: $268,400
💸 Median price of homes currently on the market: $330,000
📈 Expected increase in sales over the next year: 6%
🔑 Percentage of residents who are homeowners: 67%

Next up, it’s time to meet our prospective buyers:

Ages: 28 + 31 (working young professionals)
Budget: $400,000
Location: Downtown or downtown adjacent
Bedrooms needed: 3
Bathrooms needed: 2+
Pets: Two dogs and one cat

Here are their must-have amenities:

Laundry hookup
Parking (off-street preferred)
Hardwood floors
Fenced or fenceable yard
Walkable neighborhood
Historic charm

Hank and Lara are set on finding a single-family house downtown, within walking distance to local amenities such as parks and coffee shops + are hoping to do it within a budget of $400,000. Can it be done? Here’s what we found:

House #1: 2000s build a stone’s throw from downtown

📍729 S. Bloodworth Street
📐1,224 square feet
🛏️ 3 bedrooms
🛁 3 bathrooms
💰 $395,000

Built in 2004, this home has hardwood floors in the living areas, updated kitchen and bathrooms, private driveway + fenced-in yard. The location has a walkability score of 69, is a 3-minute drive from downtown, and a 10-minute walk to nearby coffee shops and restaurants. View the complete listing here.

PROS: Serious downtown walkability. At budget.
CONS: New-ish build doesn’t have as much character as a historic home.

House #2: Cute ranch with easy access to I-40, Cameron Village + greenway

📍3428 Wade Avenue
📐 1,582 square feet
🛏️ 3 bedrooms
🛁 2 bathrooms
💰 $315,000

This 1950s ranch is located at the corner of Faircloth Road, within walking distance to Whole Foods and Ridgewood Shopping Center + greenway access at Meredith College. Cameron Village is a 4-minute drive and downtown Raleigh is a 10-minute drive. The home has hardwood flooring and tile throughout, a large yard, and a private driveway with carport. View the complete listing here.

PROS: More square footage. Walk to grocery store, shops + greenway. Under budget.
CONS: Outdated appliances + laundry units in kitchen. Busy road frontage.

House #3: Quiet neighborhood with historic charm + a zen garden

📍714 Glascock Street
📐 1,572 square feet
🛏️ 3 bedrooms
🛁 2 bathrooms
💰 $399,900

This home was built in 1950, features a small driveway, and has hardwood flooring, custom cabinets and built-in shelving throughout the living areas. A large yard also features a zen garden pond and detached garage with room for storage. With a walkability score of 53, the house is 5 minutes from Oakwood Dog Park and a 4-minute drive to Person Street + downtown. View the complete listing here.

PROS: Large lot + private yard. Some updates to the kitchen and bathrooms. Within budget.
CONS: Very few amenities within close walking distance.

Alright, now that you’ve seen Hank and Lara’s choices — help them pick their dream home. You know what our buyers are looking for, so which house should they choose? Let us know using the poll below. ⬇️

Poll