Raleigh has grown faster than almost any other US city in the past decade, and property crime has tracked that growth. The gentrification dynamic is pronounced here: South Raleigh and Southeast Raleigh corridors (historically high crime) are transitioning rapidly as new residents move in, creating exactly the security gap where new residents are targeted because they haven't hardened their homes yet.
Raleigh's Housing Stock
Raleigh has significant older brick construction in downtown and inner neighborhoods, and vinyl-sided wood-frame construction throughout the suburban ring. Both accept bar installation well. The rapid new construction boom has created large inventory of newer vinyl-window homes requiring interior-frame mounting.
Neighborhood Assessment
Higher priority: South Raleigh (downtown south), Southeast Raleigh, Walnut Terrace, Method
Moderate priority: North Raleigh (inner), Five Points area, parts of Northeast Raleigh
Lower risk: North Hills, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest — suburban communities with lower rates
Cost Reference
$155–$285/window installed; $60–$90 DIY.