Introduction: A Community at the Heart of Raleigh
Walk along the shaded sidewalks of North Hills today, and you’ll find a bustling, modern destination — a vibrant blend of eateries, shops, and green spaces humming with activity. But behind this contemporary façade lies a fascinating history, one that weaves together family farms, bold visions of the future, and a community spirit that has persisted through decades of change. As a longtime Raleigh resident, I’m proud to share why North Hills remains such a beloved place to live, work, and play.
Humble Beginnings: Family Farms and Open Fields
North Hills' roots stretch back to a time well before skyscrapers or shopping centers. In the early 20th century, this area north of downtown Raleigh was dominated by rolling farmland. Families like the Lassiters, Crabtrees, and Honeycutts tended tobacco and corn fields near what are now Six Forks Road and Lassiter Mill Road — the same roads that pulse with traffic today, but once echoed only with the quiet rhythms of rural life.
The transformation began in the postwar boom of the 1950s, when Raleigh’s population surged and families sought new homes outside the city’s core. Developers eyed North Hills’ gently sloping terrain — a series of low, forested ridges just north of the city center — as ideal for building the future of Raleigh suburbia.
The Birth of North Hills: A Name with Meaning
The name “North Hills” is part tradition, part marketing vision. The “North” acknowledges its position relative to Raleigh’s historic heart, while “Hills” describes the rolling landscape that distinguished the area from the flat city blocks of downtown. In 1960, developer J.W. York announced plans for a modern shopping plaza and residential community, coining “North Hills” as a place meant to represent growth, upward mobility, and a new way of life.
On November 11, 1960, the North Hills Shopping Center debuted at Lassiter Mill Road and the newly extended Six Forks Road, proudly billed as Raleigh’s first true enclosed mall. Shoppers flocked to Belk’s department store, JCPenney, and a variety of local boutiques — experiencing “mall culture” years before it swept the rest of the nation.
Key Milestones That Shaped the Neighborhood
- 1967: First Indoor Shopping Mall in North Carolina
North Hills earned a historic milestone in 1967 by transforming into the state’s first fully enclosed and air-conditioned shopping mall. This bold step drew families from across Raleigh and beyond and quickly became the anchor of the community.
- 1972: The Village District Rivalry
While North Hills gained popularity, the rise of another shopping destination — Cameron Village (now The Village District) — created a friendly rivalry, with both centers vying for residents’ attention. North Hills continued to stand out with its modern amenities and creative events.
- Late 1970s–1980s: Suburban Expansion
The surrounding area grew rapidly as new residential neighborhoods popped up along Rowan, Lassiter Mill, and Ramblewood Drive. Schools such as Brooks Elementary and parks like North Hills Park made the area family-friendly, while local churches and the nearby Crabtree Creek Greenway fostered community connections.
- 2004: The Renaissance of North Hills
After years of decline amid changing retail habits, North Hills underwent a massive revitalization. Kane Realty Corp. reimagined the property as a “midtown” destination, blending high-rise apartments, offices, hotels, and pedestrian-friendly public spaces alongside the shopping core.
Landmarks and Institutions: Anchors Through the Years
- North Hills Mall Sign
For decades, the retro neon North Hills Mall sign by Lassiter Mill Road was an unofficial Raleigh landmark, greeting shoppers and residents alike with a nod to days gone by.
- JCPenney Building & Belk’s
While these retail giants have since given way to a more diverse set of businesses, their hulking buildings were once symbols of suburban prosperity — and for many, the site of first jobs or holiday shopping traditions.
- North Hills Club
Established in 1961 on North Hills Drive, the North Hills Club boasts a storied history as a gathering place for tennis, swimming, and neighborhood events. Its growth mirrors that of the neighborhood itself, embodying the spirit of active living.
- St. Raphael Catholic Church
Founded in 1966, St. Raphael’s quickly became a cornerstone of spiritual life for the area’s growing Catholic community.
- North Hills Park
Tucked off North Hills Drive and Rowan Street, this welcoming public space opened in the 1970s and continues to serve as a playground, picnic site, and trailhead for the Crabtree Creek Greenway.
Evolving With the Times: A Neighborhood Reinvented
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about North Hills is its ability to reinvent itself. The 2000s brought a new vision: a walkable “midtown” with all the energy of downtown Raleigh but the comfort of a close-knit suburb. The transition was not always easy — longtime residents remember the heartache of watching the old indoor mall close in 2003, giving way to new construction and modern high-rises.
Yet, today’s North Hills thrives by honoring its heritage. The Lassiter District, Park District, and Main District each offer their own character:
- The Lassiter District echoes the area’s mid-century homes and tree-lined lanes, with shops and residences named after the Lassiter family.
- The Park District centers around Midtown Park and lively arts events, integrating lush landscaping with urban plazas.
- The Main District remains a retail and dining hub, paying subtle homage to its roots as North Carolina’s first indoor mall.
You’ll still find neighbors gathering for summer concerts on the green, children biking down Yadkin Drive, and families shopping for the holidays — just as they did decades ago.
Conclusion: The Spirit of North Hills
Ask any longtime resident what makes North Hills special, and you’ll hear stories not just of buildings or businesses, but of belonging. From picnic memories at North Hills Park to shopping sprees on Six Forks Road, or Sunday mornings spent at a bustling farmers market, North Hills lives at the intersection of history and community.
As North Hills continues to grow and change, it remains a testament to Raleigh’s enduring optimism — a place where history is not just remembered, but celebrated afresh each day. And for those who call it home, there’s no place quite like it.