Welcome to Mordecai, one of Raleigh's most captivating and historic neighborhoods! I'm Tim Clarke, a seasoned real estate agent with over 17 years of experience in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle market and a proud Raleigh resident for more than three decades. As the founder of the Tim M. Clarke Team, one of the top-rated real estate teams in the area, and a Certified Residential Pricing Specialist, I'm thrilled to share my insights about this remarkable community.
Mordecai's roots run deep, stretching back to the late 18th century when Joel Lane first established the city of Raleigh. The neighborhood takes its name from Jacob Mordecai, a merchant from Pennsylvania who moved to Raleigh in 1785. Mordecai built a home and store along what is now Person Street, helping to lay the foundation for this thriving community.
The centerpiece of the neighborhood is the Mordecai House, built in 1785 - a full seven years before Raleigh was even founded! This Federal-style plantation home, now a museum, stands as a testament to the area's rich history. Over the next century, Mordecai grew into an affluent suburb, attracting notable Raleigh businessmen like Moses Amis, Robert Donaldson, and Duncan Cameron, who built grand Victorian homes in the neighborhood.
By the early 20th century, Mordecai had established itself as one of Raleigh's most prestigious addresses. The neighborhood's development was influenced by the Colonial Revival architectural style, which lent an air of sophistication and elegance to the area.
Mordecai Place is a slice of Raleigh history come to life. This charming neighborhood got its start way back in the early 1900s, making it one of the oldest suburbs in town. It's named after the Mordecai family, who were big shots in Raleigh's early days.
Over the years, Mordecai Place has kept its old-school charm while welcoming new development. This charming historical Raleigh community has undergone thoughtful revitalization and expansion over the years, seamlessly blending its historic charm with modern amenities and conveniences.
The neighborhood developed around the Mordecai House, built in 1785. That's right, this place has roots going back to before George Washington was president! The Mordecai community traces its roots back to the late 18th century when Joel Lane first established the city of Raleigh.
One of the area's early settlers was Jacob Mordecai, a merchant from Pennsylvania who moved to Raleigh in 1785. Mordecai built a home and store along what is now Person Street, helping to develop the area into a thriving new community.
Preserved homes and structures within the area, such as the Mordecai House (built in 1785, 7 years before Raleigh was founded) and its lovely gardens, serve as enduring testaments to times gone by. Once an extensive plantation, the region was transformed into a tight-knit community, now considered one of the city's most inviting neighborhoods.
Over the next century, Mordecai continued to grow into an affluent suburb. Notable Raleigh businessmen like Moses Amis, Robert Donaldson, and Duncan Cameron built grand Victorian homes in the neighborhood. By the early 20th century, it had established itself as one of Raleigh's most prestigious addresses.
A prized possession is the Mordecai House – home to the city's namesake, Joel Lane. The timeless beauty of Mordecai's landscape is owed to its developers and builders, many of whom took inspiration from the Colonial Revival architectural style, lending an air of sophistication and elegance to the neighborhood.
Today Mordecai is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains over 300 contributing historic structures. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful Victorian, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival-style homes dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.
Tree-lined streets like Person Street, Bloodworth Street, and Mordecai Drive feature charming historic houses, many impeccably restored or well-preserved. Popular landmarks include the Mordecai House, a Federal-style plantation home built in 1785 by Jacob Mordecai himself.
The historic house now serves as a museum. Other notable homes include the Bobbitt House, the Devereux Meadow House, the Pope-Leighey House, and the Rogers-Bagley-Daniels-Pegues House.
Mordecai Place has a mix of historic homes and newer builds. Some notable builders in the area include:
These folks know how to blend modern comfort with historic charm. Trust me, I've toured plenty of their homes, and they're top-notch!
Homes in Mordecai Place come in all shapes and sizes. You'll find cozy bungalows around 1,000 square feet, all the way up to sprawling estates over 4,000 square feet. Lot sizes typically range from 0.1 to 0.5 acres, giving you room to breathe without too much lawn to mow!
Let me tell you, the Mordecai Place market is hot! As of 2023, home prices range from about $300,000 for a fixer-upper to over $1 million for a restored historic gem. The median home value is around $550,000, which is higher than the Raleigh average but totally worth it for this location and charm.
The market here moves fast. Homes typically sell within 2-3 weeks of listing. If you're looking to buy, be ready to move quickly. And if you're selling? Well, you're in luck – demand is high, and inventory is low.
Mordecai Place offers a vibrant and welcoming community lifestyle, fostering a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie among its residents. Residents of Mordecai Place enjoy access to a diverse array of amenities and activities.
Mordecai Place offers an attractive mix of old-world southern charm and modern city living. The Mordecai Historic Park, located just a stone's throw away, is a popular destination for families and history enthusiasts alike. The park features guided tours of the historic Mordecai House, trolley rides, and seasonal events.
Additionally, the surrounding area is peppered with various parks, fitness centers, and recreational facilities that cater to a wide range of interests and hobbies. The vibrant surroundings of Mordecai Place offer residents an abundance of amenities and entertainment options, ensuring a well-rounded living experience.
Historic Oakwood Park and Mordecai Mini Park are both in close proximity, ideal for outdoor recreational activities.
Mordecai Place is a green oasis in the city. Here are some outdoor spots you'll love:
There's always something happening in Mordecai Place. Some annual events to mark on your calendar:
Don't miss the Mordecai House tours – they're a great way to dive into local history. And the Raleigh City Farm is right nearby, offering fresh produce and fun events.
Mordecai Place is zoned for some great schools. Here's the lowdown:
For private options, St. Timothy's School and Ravenscroft School are both nearby and highly regarded.
Daycare-wise, check out Bright Horizons at Blount Street or Primary Beginnings Child Development Center. Both get rave reviews from local parents.
Mordecai Place puts you right in the heart of Raleigh's action. You're just a hop, skip, and a jump from:
For entertainment, catch a show at the historic Raleigh Little Theatre or the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Movie buffs will love the Rialto Theatre, showing indie and foreign films.
Thanks to its central location, Mordecai Place is only minutes away from some of Raleigh's best shopping destinations.
The community offers convenient access to a variety of shopping and entertainment options. The nearby Village District, a historic shopping district formerly known as Cameron Village, features a diverse array of boutiques, specialty stores, and national retailers. Additionally, the vibrant Glenwood South district, known for its lively nightlife and entertainment venues, is just a short drive away.
Lastly, other popular shopping centers like the North Hills and Crabtree Valley Mall provide a multitude of retail options to satisfy any fashion-forward shopper.
Your health is in good hands in Mordecai Place. Nearby medical facilities include:
For emergencies, Raleigh Fire Station 1 and the Raleigh Police Department are both within a mile. You're well-covered here!
Mordecai Place enjoys excellent highway access, making it convenient for residents to navigate the Raleigh-Durham area and beyond.
Mordecai Place is perfectly situated for easy travel. You're just a stone's throw from:
These routes can get you anywhere in the Triangle in a jiffy!
Pro tip: For RTP, try taking Wade Avenue to I-40 during rush hour. It can save you some headaches!
Safety is a top priority in Mordecai Place. The neighborhood has a lower crime rate than the Raleigh average, thanks in part to an active community watch program.
According to recent data:
Remember, no neighborhood is crime-free, but Mordecai Place residents look out for each other. It's that community spirit that makes this place special!
After 17 years in Raleigh real estate and 30+ years living here, I can confidently say that Mordecai Place is one of the city's hidden gems. It's got that perfect blend of history, charm, and modern convenience that's hard to find elsewhere.
For buyers, my advice is to act fast when you find a home you love. The market here moves quickly, and great properties don't stay available for long. Don't be afraid to make a strong offer – the long-term value in this neighborhood is solid.
Sellers, you're in a great position. Mordecai Place homes are in high demand. Focus on highlighting your home's unique features, especially any historic elements. A fresh coat of paint and some basic staging can go a long way in this market.
To residents, both new and long-time, I say get involved! Join the Mordecai Citizens Advisory Council, attend community events, and really soak in all this neighborhood has to offer. The connections you make here can last a lifetime.
Mordecai Place isn't just a neighborhood – it's a community. It's a place where you can put down roots, raise a family, and be part of something special. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious, I'd love to show you around and help you discover all that Mordecai Place has to offer.
Ready to make Mordecai Place your home? Give me a call! Let's find your piece of Raleigh history together. Trust me, you won't regret it!
If you're looking for a new home in the Raleigh-Durham area, want to learn more about this charming community or if you already live in the neighborhood, give one of our agents a call.
Mordecai traces its history back to the late 18th century. It was one of Raleigh's first suburbs and began development in the 1780s. Many of its historic homes date from the late 1800s to early 1900s.
Popular architectural styles in Mordecai include Victorian, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Federal. Historic homes showcase beautiful details like wraparound porches, ornate trim, and charming gardens.
Notable attractions include Mordecai Historic Park, Mordecai House Museum, scenic walking trails, and historic homes. Nearby amenities include restaurants, shops, parks, the farmer's market, museums, and entertainment in downtown Raleigh.
Due to its popularity, Mordecai has seen rising home prices. Expect prices ranging from 300,000 for a smaller fixer-upper up to 900,000 for a fully renovated historic home.
Yes, many vintage homes offer opportunities for sympathetic renovation and upgrades while retaining historic charm. Investors and homeowners often modernize kitchens, baths, and systems while respecting original architecture.
Top-rated Raleigh public schools like Ligon GT Magnet Middle School and Broughton High School serve the neighborhood. Private school options are also available.
Yes, Mordecai is considered very safe with low crime rates. The active neighborhood association helps maintain community standards.
Yes, Mordecai offers easy access to major Raleigh employers via Capital Boulevard and Hillsborough Street. The area has walkable amenities and quick access to downtown.
Very much so! Tree-lined streets and the Capital Area Greenway Trail make Mordecai ideal for walking and biking. Public parks provide recreation right in the community.
The Mordecai Civic Association advocates for the neighborhood. They host community events and help preserve the area's history and character.
17 years as a Realtor in the Research Triangle, Tim seeks to transform the Raleigh-Durham real estate scene through a progressive, people-centered approach prioritizing trust & transparency.
