A West Raleigh neighborhood mostly with mid-century ranch homes, but also includes an increasing number of modern homes. Modern homes can be found on Arbutus Drive, Laurel Hills Road and Laurel Ridge Road. Glen Laurel neighborhood is included in activities of Laurel Hills, which include the Laurel Hills Homeowners Association and Laurel Hills Garden Club.
The Laurel Hills Glen Laurel Directory provides a history of the neighborhood:
Laurel Hills was developed in the early 1950's by J.Y. Phelps. Our neighborhood was named for the beautiful mountain laurel that grew on the undeveloped hills of this land. Much of the mountain laurel is still present - we can see these breathtaking blooming plants in many yards and along the banks of the Crabtree Creek Greenway each spring. Laurel Hills still has plant material that usually grows in the mountains, like galax, arbutus, rhododendron, wild azalea, lady slippers, ginger and blood root. These native plants were the inspiration for many of the street names in our neighborhood. Laurel Hills became a lovely community to live in, for its beautiful landscape and also for its growing sense of neighborly spirit. Out of this spirit, the residents started two community organizations that are still going strong today.
Nearby amenities include Laurel Hill Park and the Raleigh Greenways. Access to the Crabtree Creek Greenway is provided by a trailhead at the Laurel Hills Clubhouse (4330 Galax Drive), by which neighbors can easily walk/run/bike to Crabtree Valley Mall to the east and Oak Park neighborhood to the west. A future extension of the greenway will allow direct access to William_B._Umstead_State_Park.
History
J.Y. Phelps, Sr., began development of Laurel Hills subdivision in the 1950's after building two ponds int he area for family recreation. Both ponds, one on White Pine and the other on Laurel Hills Road, remain and are beautiful attractions in the neighborhood.
The neighborhood was named for the beautiful mountain laurel that grew on the undeveloped hills. Much of that mountain laurel is still present today with breathtaking blooms every spring in many yards and along the banks of Crabtree Creek. Due to the unusual micro climate (north facing slope leading to Crabtree Creek valley), Laurel HIlls is home to many plants typically considered indigenous to the mountains including rhododendron, galax, arbutus, white pine, pinks (wild azalea), lady slippers, ginger, jack in the pulpit and blood root. Mrs. Phelps was inspired by their beauty to name many of the streets after the plants that still inhabit the hills and yards.
Laurel Hills was not incorporated into the city until 1991. Historically, homes have been built on heavily wooded lots that average 1-2 acres giving the subdivision a rural feel in the city.
Laurel Hills Garden Club
Since 1960, The Laurel Hills Garden Club (LHGC) has served the Laurel Hills community by maintaining the neighborhood entrance and participating in efforts to beautify the landscape both locally and statewide. The Club selects a home to receive the "Yard of the Month" award as a way of acknowledging the efforts of homeowners to keep the neighborhood beautiful. The Club sponsors a Junior Garden Club at Stough Elementary School and participates in other efforts to educate young gardeners. Other activities include producing a neighborhood phone directory for the residents of Laurel Hills. Members also participate in local and statewide flower shows and garden tours.
Laurel Hills Garden Club meets September through May in the home of a garden club member. The meetings bring informative programs to its members and their guests. Programs include topics such as flower arranging, landscape design and beautification, and decorating for the holidays. Meetings are held at 7:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of the month. New members are always welcomed.
The Laurel Hills Homeowners Association
The Laurel Hills Homeowners Association (LHHOA) was organized in the early 1960's by the homeowners of the subdivision. Some of them still live in Laurel Hills today! It is a nonprofit organization open to all residents of Laurel Hills. The LHHOA has been a constant and reliable association in the neighborhood since its inception. It provides the residents with a place to assemble for community interaction and a neighborhood forum.
Meetings
The LHHOA usually meets on the first Friday night of the month, except January and July. Meetings include speakers who provide information relevant to current interest of the neighborhood or just good entertainment and fun. The meetings provide the opportunity to meet and greet. Each meeting is typically started with a potluck or member prepared meal. The LHHOA sponsors a New Year's Party in January and an Independence Day celebration in July complete with parade. Both parties are open to all residents of Laurel Hills and take place at the Clubhouse (4330 Galax Drive). Residents of Laurel Hills are encouraged to join the LHHOA and become active members of the community. Token membership dues are paid annually.
Rental
One of the many perks of membership is the privilege to rent the Clubhouse for personal activities such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, and anniversaries. Members may also rent the Clubhouse for organization meetings, office parties, and choir practice. The Clubhouse accommodates 60 to 70 people and has a complete kitchen.
Much of the content above comes from a brochure welcoming new neighbors and from the neighborhood directory.
