Beautiful single story home in the oakwood neighborhood

The Triangle is full of neighborhoods with personality — from historic enclaves in Raleigh to resort-style golf communities in Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Whether you’re inspired by classic architecture, lakeside living, or gated estates, each area offers something unique for design lovers.

Roux MacNeill Studio has the opportunity to work in many of these neighborhoods over the years. These are some of the notable ones to know, according to our interior design team:

MacGregor Downs (Cary)

MacGregor Downs is one of the Triangle’s most established communities, built around a private golf course and country club. Custom homes sit on large, wooded lots — many with water or fairway views.

What makes it special: A mix of established brick colonials, traditional Southern homes, and modernized interiors.
Vibe: Timeless, family-friendly, with an active country club lifestyle.
Design note: Renovations here are often handled by firms like Rufty Homes (One of Roux MacNeill Studio’s favorite collaborators!)
Local tip: Spend an afternoon at Downtown Cary Park — a stunning family-friendly green space with a kids’ play area, food kiosks, and plenty of community events. Grab a beer and watch the kids play on the Triangle’s best playground!

Beautiful dark, lit home at dusk in the Raleigh neighborhood

Hayes Barton (Raleigh)

Part of the historic Five Points area, Hayes Barton is one of Raleigh’s most distinguished neighborhoods. Its curving streets are lined with Georgian, Tudor, and Colonial Revival homes dating back to the 1920s and 30s.

What makes it special: Old Raleigh prestige and beautifully preserved architecture. And it’s close to the hustle & bustle of downtown Raleigh without feeling too urban.
Vibe: Elegant and quiet, with deep roots and history.
Design note: Preservation architects like Maurer Architecture have worked on historic homes here to create new homes that blend seamlessly into the neighborhood. Builders like John C. Sanders & Company (another favorite Roux Mac collaborator) have also created custom estates in the neighborhood.
Local tip: Catch an indie film at the historic Rialto Theatre or grab a slice at Lilly’s Pizza, a true Roux Mac favorite!

Two story white brick home in the Raleigh Neighborhood

North Ridge (Raleigh)

Centered around North Ridge Country Club, this community offers a wide variety of homes — from mid-century ranches to expansive new custom estates.

What makes it special: Golf course and lakefront living in a convenient North Raleigh location.
Vibe: Active, social, and family-oriented.
Design note: Larger custom estates here have been designed by one of the area’s premier home designers Frazier Home Design.
Local tip: For an elegant yet approachable dinner nearby, check out Northside Bistro & Cocktails. This refined New American spot serves creative, globally inspired dishes in a relaxed, stylish setting — perfect for a date night or dinner with friends.

Budleigh (Raleigh)

Close to downtown and the Village District, Budleigh offers a mix of 1940s brick traditionals and new custom homes tucked under mature trees.

What makes it special: A residential pocket with both history and new energy.
Vibe: Walkable, close-knit, and convenient for families.
Design note: Some beautiful infill custom homes here are the work of the amazing team at design/build firm Dixon/Kirby.
Local tip: Walk to The Village District for shopping and grab a casual lunch at Village Deli (one of our team’s favorite go-to spots!).

Regency (Cary)

Regency is known for its lakes, wooded lots, and proximity to Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The neighborhood has a blend of traditional and contemporary homes, many with striking architectural details. Our interior design studio has certainly made our mark here, with many projects completed over the years.

What makes it special: Large homesites, water views, and quick access to Cary’s cultural hub.
Vibe: Upscale and community-oriented, with plenty of green space.
Design note: Rufty Homes has built some of the custom homes in Regency.
Local tip: Enjoy a summer NC Symphony concert or outdoor movie under the stars at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Rosemont (Durham)

Rosemont is a very exclusive gated luxury community just minutes from Chapel Hill and Durham. Homes here are expansive estates, many on multi-acre wooded lots.

What makes it special: Privacy, exclusivity, and impressive custom design.
Vibe: Quiet and prestigious, appealing to those seeking space and seclusion.
Design note: One of our favorite collaborators, Loyd Builders have created sprawling estates here.
Local tip: Hike the wooded trails and riverside paths at Eno River State Park.

Governors Club (Chapel Hill)

Set in the rolling hills of Chapel Hill, Governors Club is a premier gated golf community. The neighborhood is built around a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and offers sweeping views of the countryside.

What makes it special: Gated security, custom estates, and one of the Triangle’s most prestigious golf clubs.
Vibe: Resort-style living with a sophisticated, international community.
Design note: High-end custom builders such as Bold Construction (another Roux MacNeill Studio collaborator!) are well-known in Governors Club.
Local tip: Stroll along Franklin Street or see a performance at Memorial Hall on UNC’s campus.

Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh is where history meets modern living. Former warehouses have been transformed into lofts and studios, while sleek new towers rise beside historic landmarks. It’s also home to Roux MacNeill Studio, where interior design inspiration happens every day.

What makes it special: A lively mix of industrial history and cutting-edge new development.
Vibe: Energetic, walkable, and full of restaurants, galleries, and cultural events.
Design note: Many adaptive reuse projects downtown have involved forward-thinking architecture firms like 2SL Design Build, who blend old and new with creativity.
Local tip: Some of our favorite things to do here: catching a performance by the North Carolina Symphony at Meymandi Concert Hall, or dining at Rob’s favorite local restaurant — Death & Taxes, a modern wood-fired spot by chef Ashley Christensen.

Wrapping Up

From the historic charm of Hayes Barton to the resort-style amenities of Governors Club, the Triangle has neighborhoods to match every lifestyle and design preference. With rich architecture, talented builders, and plenty of local flavor — whether that’s a symphony performance, a fine restaurant, or a walk in the park — these communities offer inspiration at every turn.