Raleigh is experiencing one of the most significant development cycles in its history, with numerous residential, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects transforming the city from 2026 through 2027 and beyond. Whether you’re a homebuyer, investor, or simply curious about the city’s growth, this guide covers the major new developments reshaping Raleigh’s neighborhoods and skyline.
Downtown Raleigh Mixed-Use Projects
Downtown Raleigh continues to attract major investment with transformative mixed-use developments that blend residential, office, retail, and hospitality uses. These projects are redefining the urban core and attracting both residents and businesses.
The Creamery in Glenwood South represents one of the most ambitious residential projects in Raleigh. This mixed-use development will feature a 37-story residential tower set to become one of Raleigh’s tallest buildings, alongside significant office space, ground-floor retail, and a public plaza. The project is expected to bring hundreds of new apartments to the district when complete in 2028. The Creamery’s scale and location in the vibrant Glenwood South neighborhood make it a landmark development driving renewed interest in downtown living.
The Exchange in Midtown is a sprawling 40-acre mixed-use development projected for completion in 2027. This massive project will deliver nearly 1 million square feet of office space, 300 hotel rooms, and up to 1,275 residential units. The development represents significant growth in the midtown corridor and offers a comprehensive urban environment with live-work-play amenities. The Exchange combines residential options at various price points with substantial commercial and hospitality components.
Downtown South marks another significant addition to the downtown landscape with a projected groundbreaking in 2026. Located near Dix Park, this development could significantly alter the southern downtown area and create new connections between downtown and the regional park system.
The Depot Historic District project in the Warehouse District showcases adaptive reuse combined with new development. Featuring a 170-key boutique hotel and over 30,000 square feet of street-level retail, the project preserves the historic 1912 building while adding outdoor spaces, public plazas, and pedestrian-friendly connections to the Raleigh Convention Center and the upcoming Red Hat Amphitheater. Completion is projected for 2028.
Residential Communities Throughout Wake County
Beyond downtown, Wake County is seeing a wave of new residential communities offering diverse housing options for different stages of life and buyer preferences.
The Richmond at Helmsley by Smith Douglas Homes is a boutique neighborhood of 24 exclusive townhomes in the heart of Raleigh, with estimated completion in February 2026. The intimate scale and high-end finishes appeal to buyers seeking new construction with personalized design.
The Dogwood Collection at Oberlin Preserve offers new residential properties with delivery expected in March 2027. These homes provide modern amenities on carefully preserved lots, combining contemporary living with natural surroundings.
Carriage Farms features new homes on expansive wooded lots, each showcasing high-end craftsmanship and professional design. The community caters to buyers seeking spacious, well-appointed properties in a more suburban setting.
Lowery Estates in Wake Forest by Homes By Dickerson offers meticulously crafted homes blending seamlessly with the area’s natural beauty, appealing to families and buyers seeking planned community amenities.
Renaissance at White Oak provides convenience with extensive amenities including a pool house with swimming pool, playgrounds, pocket parks, a dog park, and scenic trails—ideal for active families.
Winston Ridge in Youngsville features new homes ranging from 2,100 to 2,800+ square feet with up to four bedrooms, offering variety for different household sizes.
Infrastructure and Transit-Oriented Development
Raleigh’s growth extends beyond buildings to include transformative infrastructure investments that will shape development patterns for years to come.
The New Bern Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is perhaps the most significant infrastructure project underway. Construction officially began with Phase 1 infrastructure work, and the project is on track for the first corridor to open along New Bern Avenue in late 2027. The Raleigh City Council awarded the first phase construction contract for $28.7 million and the second phase for $64.7 million. This BRT corridor will support transit-oriented development and provide rapid, reliable transit connectivity.
Raleigh’s complete BRT network will ultimately include four corridors—the New Bern Avenue (Eastern), Southern, Western, and Northern corridors—with full service expected by 2035. The BRT projects are expected to unlock significant equitable development opportunities and make transit-oriented housing increasingly valuable.
Downtown Raleigh Infrastructure Projects
The Red Hat Amphitheater is finishing its design phase with utility work continuing under South Street and construction fencing going up. The amphitheater is anticipated to open in the 2027 season, providing a major venue and entertainment destination for downtown.
Following the amphitheater’s completion, construction will begin on the Raleigh Convention Center with anticipated opening in 2029. These projects will further establish downtown as the city’s cultural and economic hub.
Moore Square East is seeing affordable housing development with Harmony Housing developing a mid-rise project featuring 160 units of affordable housing. Expected to break ground by the end of 2025, this development provides crucial Raleigh best neighborhoods with greater access to jobs and transportation.
Tech Corridor and Economic Growth
Raleigh’s growth extends into the technology sector and broader economic development. BuildOps Inc., a construction software company, plans to create a new downtown Raleigh hub expected to bring nearly 300 high-paying jobs to the city by the end of 2029. The company selected Raleigh for its physical hub due to the concentration of similar tech companies and the region’s renowned tech talent pipeline.
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s market report cited $1.5 billion in projects under construction, rising demand for office and living space, and approximately 1 million square feet of office space added to the downtown submarket in recent years. This growth reflects broader regional momentum across the Triangle.
Investment Opportunities and Market Outlook
These developments represent significant investment opportunities for buyers and investors. Raleigh home prices by neighborhood offers modern amenities, energy-efficient features, and warranties that resale homes cannot match. From downtown urban lofts to suburban single-family homes, the range of new projects caters to diverse preferences and budgets.
The convergence of residential development, transit infrastructure, tech sector growth, and downtown revitalization positions Raleigh for sustained growth through the remainder of the 2020s. Prospective homebuyers and investors should monitor these major projects as they progress, as completion timelines and neighborhood transformations will shape market dynamics.
What’s Next for Raleigh Development
As 2026 unfolds, several of these projects will reach completion milestones. The Richmond at Helmsley and Oldham & Worth apartment building are expected to wrap up early in the year. The New Bern Avenue BRT construction will progress through 2027, and downtown projects like The Exchange and Depot Historic District will advance toward completion.
For those considering a move to Raleigh or looking to invest in Raleigh housing market update, this period of active development offers abundant new choices. Whether drawn to downtown urban living, planned communities, or suburban single-family homes, Raleigh’s development pipeline delivers options across the market spectrum.
The next two years will be transformative for Raleigh, with each completed project adding to the city’s appeal as a growing, dynamic center for residents, workers, and businesses throughout the Triangle region.