Moving to Raleigh, NC

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• Raleigh At-a-glance 
• What it’s like to live in Raleigh
• Economy and job outlook in Raleigh
• Real estate in Raleigh
• The top neighborhoods in Raleigh
• How to get around in Raleigh
• School and education snapshot
• Weather and climate in Raleigh
• 10 can’t miss things to do in Raleigh

Raleigh At-A-Glance

Ever wondered what it is like living in the capital of North Carolina? Well, get ready for some surprises because Raleigh is not your everyday city and it’s got accolades to prove its worth.

Safety? Check. Affordability? Double check. Quality of life? Triple check. In fact, WalletHub recently rated Raleigh as the second-best state capital for safety and more, #1 in terms of affordability, #4 for quality of education and health and #7 for economic well-being.

Moving to Raleigh also makes sense if you are thinking about the long term, as it is the 3rd best city for senior citizens, as reported by Aging in Place. Yes, the City of Oaks is a smart and delightful choice for all. But don’t just take our word for it, come and experience living in Raleigh yourself!

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A City for Every Stage of Life

Whether you are a college student hitting the books, a veteran finding your next home or a pet parent looking for green spaces, Raleigh has got you covered.

Highly ranked by WalletHub and CoworkingCafe year after year for its air quality, green space and recreational amenities, the city shows it cares for its residents, no matter where they are in life. It also shines as a furball paradise and, if you’re a pet parent, that’s the best news possible!

But Raleigh goes that extra mile and doesn’t just preach work-life balance; it practically shows it wrote the guidebook. Your career aspirations? Covered. Your personal time? Cherished. Health insurance? Of course. Can you work remotely? You bet. All while staying affordable and keeping those commute times in check. But more about work later.

For now, just keep in mind that, whether you are grabbing a craft beer with friends, enjoying a walk with your pet or clocking in remotely, Raleigh has a little something for everyone.

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A Hub for Working Women, Black Professionals and Tech Jobs

Guess what? Raleigh is topping the charts for working women, Black professionals and a sizzling job market! 

A big reason for that? The Research Triangle Park (RTP). It is smack in the middle of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill and is the largest research park in the U.S. Hundreds of companies, from life sciences and tech firms to startups and nonprofits, call RTP home and big names like Cisco Systems, IBM Corp, Fidelity Investments and GlaxoSmithKline are all there. A cool spot in the Research Triangle Park is Frontier RTP. It used to be an old IBM campus, but now it is a place where professionals can connect, grow and enjoy free coworking and events.

RTP aside, the income numbers in Raleigh also look good compared to national and state averages. The median household income of around $73,000 puts Raleigh at 6 percent above the U.S. value and 20 percent above the average in North Carolina, whereas the per capita income of $42,632 means Raleighites earn 13 percent more than the average American and 24 percent more than other North Carolinians.

Unemployment rate: 3.2 percent (as of June 2023)

Average weekly wages for all industries in the Raleigh area: $1,383 (Q4 2022)

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Raleigh Homes: Affordability, Growth and Investment Potential

Thinking about moving to Raleigh? You are definitely not the only one. More than half of the residents own their homes — 51.6 percent to be precise. While that is a bit less than the national average (64.6 percent) and the North Carolina average (65.9 percent), it’s quite similar to Charlotte, the state’s biggest city.

Now, we are in for the money talk. The median home value in Raleigh stands at $285,400. Yes, that is 16 percent higher than the U.S. median and a whopping 44 percent higher than North Carolina’s. But hey, it’s a whole 37 percent less than Chapel Hill’s $454,300. So, all things considered, it’s not too bad, right? Rent values are pretty consistent across the RTP anchor cities and Charlotte, but in Raleigh, it’s about 25 percent more than the North Carolina median of $988.

And, let’s not ignore the recent trends. The Wall Street Journal, citing the Black Knight Home Price Index (HPI), has listed Raleigh among the top 10 markets for home appreciation in the nation’s largest cities between February 2020 and January 2023.

Does this mean investing in a home here could be a smart move for your wallet in the long run? Opinions vary among economists, and moving to Raleigh is a decision that factors in way more than this. While you have already seen a glimpse of its quality of life and economy, perhaps it’s time we took a closer look at neighborhoods, commute and education. That should help make up your mind about living in Raleigh if still in doubt.

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Discover Raleigh One Neighborhood at a Time

From the trendy Warehouse District to the suburban haven of Wakefield, Raleigh has a neighborhood for every lifestyle and budget. Which one will catch your eye?

North Hills: Think upscale shopping, dining and a blend of residential and commercial spaces, all in a safe area in the north part of town.

South Park: A lively hub with a touch of greenery that is close enough to all the downtown action, in a neighborly kind of way.

Warehouse District: Once industrial, it is now a trendy hotspot, home to art galleries, restaurants, apartment buildings and tech start-ups.

Wakefield: A safe northern suburb that is perfect for families looking for traditional homes and outdoor recreation.

Hayes Barton: Historic, peaceful and close to downtown Raleigh, it is popular among affluent residents looking for large homes and lots.

Boylan Heights: A sought-after area west of downtown, sporting a mix of historic homes and a lively arts scene.

Five Points: Looking for a blend of suburban and urban? Try this collection of five mini-neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, single-family homes and a growing number of shops and restaurants.

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Raleigh Combines Car-First Approach With Essential Transit

While Raleigh is primarily a car-dependent city with limited transportation alternatives and basic bike infrastructure, according to WalkScore.com, it does fairly well in terms of traffic. It ranks 69th in the US on the TomTom Traffic Index, a respectable position considering its population size. Typically, a 10-mile drive in Raleigh takes around 15 minutes, and the average commute to work is 24 minutes, which is below both the state and national averages.

If you don’t have a car, you will largely depend on public transportation — GoRaleigh or GoTriangle. GoRaleigh operates the local bus service, with most routes starting and ending in downtown Raleigh. There are also special routes that operate as cross-town routes or with limited stops to expedite travel. One such speedy route is Wake Tech Express, which serves Wake Technical Community College and is free with a valid Wake Tech ID.

GoTriangle, on the other hand, offers regional bus service, paratransit services, vanpools and ride-matching. One notable feature of this service is the Bus on Shoulder System (BOSS), which allows certain buses to use freeway shoulders at low speeds to bypass traffic and maintain schedules.

For air travel, Raleigh-Durham Airport is the second busiest in North Carolina, conveniently located between the two Triangle cities and easily accessible from major highways. 

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Explore a Bright Future in Raleigh’s Schools and Beyond 

Did you know Raleigh is not just about BBQ and sweet tea? It is actually a brainy bunch over there! More than half of the folks in town have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Yup, that’s right — it is in the top five among all U.S. state capitals!

Now, let’s talk schools. NC State is right there in Raleigh, and it is a big deal, especially if you are into engineering, business or management. But the brainy vibes start way before college. Schools like Quest Academy and Raleigh Charter High School are crushing it, constantly landing in the top one percent of schools in North Carolina.

And let’s not forget the private schools. Ravenscroft and The Raleigh School? Top of the line! They offer everything from an Anime club to a science Olympiad and have gorgeous campuses to boot.

So, if you are thinking about moving to Raleigh and education is on your mind, rest easy. And remember, with the Research Triangle Park right in the backyard, a world of opportunity awaits after graduation.

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Feel the Seasons Change in Raleigh

Imagine a place where you get to experience the charm of all four seasons–that’s Raleigh for you! Spring here is a breath of fresh air, quite literally, and then comes the summer, hot and humid — so don’t forget that sunscreen and those shades.

As the leaves change, fall brings a chill in the air, a perfect prelude to the crisp winter days. And although snow is a rare guest, it does make an appearance now and then. Oh, and a little insider tip: If you are strolling downtown in winter, it might feel a tad chillier than what your weather app shows, thanks to the city’s sneaky wind-tunnel effect.

With July being the toastiest and January the nippiest, the mild climate is just one of the many reasons why Raleigh is hailed as one of the best spots to live, work and play. In fact, Architectural Digest named Raleigh the second most climate-resilient city in the U.S. in 2023, highlighting its readiness and adaptability for climate change and the fact that it boasts 217 days of “good” air quality per year.

Summer average (June – Aug): 89℉ high, 68℉ low

Winter average (Dec – Feb): 54℉ high, 33℉ low

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10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Raleigh

Raleigh, where culture meets nature and sports meet craft beer. A city where you can find something that resonates with you, no matter if you are into art, nature, sports or just looking for a good time.

Ready to put living in Raleigh into practice? Here are 10 essential spots that showcase the best of what the city has to offer:

1. North Carolina Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in an exceptional array of masterpieces and engaging exhibits at one of the South’s premier art museums.
2. Pullen Park: Relax and play at the fifth oldest amusement park in the U.S., featuring pedal boats, a historic carousel and mini-train rides.
3. PNC Arena: Be part of the excitement at this state-of-the-art venue, hosting everything from Carolina Hurricanes hockey games to live concerts.
4. Raleigh Beer Garden: Sample a variety of local craft beers at the world’s largest beer garden with over 350 beers on tap!
5. Umstead State Park: Reconnect with nature on the hiking, biking and horseback riding trails of this expansive park that also offers picnic shelters and seasonal boat rentals.
6. Marbles Kids Museum: Spark your little one’s creativity with hands-on displays, larger-than-life IMAX films, and areas designed for imaginative play.
7. JC Raulston Arboretum: Stroll through one of the largest collections of landscape plants adapted for the southeastern United States. It is open every day and it is absolutely free.
8. Neuse River Greenway Trail: Set out for a picturesque journey on this 27.5-mile trail that’s ideal for a leisurely walk, a brisk jog or a refreshing bike ride.
9. North Carolina State Fair: Celebrate the best of North Carolina at this annual October event, featuring agricultural exhibits, amusement rides, competitions and live entertainment.
10. Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts: Experience a range of live performances, from ballet and opera to contemporary music and comedy.

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