Is moving to Raleigh NC in your future? As one of the fastest-growing cities in the South, Raleigh continues to attract new residents with its unique mixture of big-city amenities and small-town charm. Known for its thriving job market, excellent universities like NC State and Duke University, and abundant outdoor activities, the Raleigh area offers something for everyone.
Living in Raleigh means enjoying a vibrant city with a rich history dating all the way back to its founding in 1792 as North Carolina’s capital. Today, it’s a part of the Research Triangle Park region, along with Durham and Chapel Hill, a hub for innovation and education.
So, is Raleigh a good place to live? From affordable housing options to easy weekend getaways to the Blue Ridge Mountains, many would say yes. If you’re ready to find your ideal Raleigh home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about life in this corner of North Carolina State.
Is Raleigh NC a Good Place to Live?
Raleigh NC is a good place to live. Living in Raleigh offers all four seasons, local schools, a diverse cultural scene, and plenty of Southern charm. Additionally, you can enjoy a small-town feel while still having easy access to big-city amenities.
Where Is Raleigh NC?
What county is Raleigh in? Raleigh is in Wake County and Durham County in the central part of North Carolina. It’s part of the Research Triangle Park metro area, along with Chapel Hill and Durham. Geographically, Raleigh sits in the Piedmont region, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and west of the Atlantic coast, giving residents living in Raleigh easy access to both the mountains and the ocean.
Neighboring cities and towns you can explore after moving to Raleigh NC include Cary, Apex, Garner, and Wake Forest, all part of the larger Raleigh area. It’s about a 30-minute drive to Chapel Hill, making for a quick and easy day trip to explore the college town atmosphere and fun offerings there. When living in Raleigh, you’ll also be about 2.5 hours from Charlotte and just under 3 hours from the coast, giving you plenty of options for weekend getaways.
Raleigh Information
- County: Wake, Durham
- Raleigh area: 149.60 square miles
- Raleigh zip code: 27601-27699
- Raleigh area code: 919, 984
- Raleigh elevation: 331 feet
- Raleigh time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Raleigh: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), 13.6 miles away
Raleigh Population & Demographics
What is the population of Raleigh? There are 467,665 people living in Raleigh, which is a 15.7% increase over the past decade. Raleigh is also a part of the Raleigh-Durham-Cary combined statistical area, which has a population of 2.36 million. When living in Raleigh, you’ll walk the same streets as several notable people, such as NFL player Juston Burris, actress Evan Rachel Wood, and singer Ryan Adams.
The Raleigh median household income of $82,424 is higher than both the North Carolina average ($69,904) and the national average ($78,538), likely due to the many high-paying jobs in the city.
Additional Raleigh Demographics:
- Median age: 34.7
- Sex ratio: 51.5% female, 48.5% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 53.8% White (51.4% non-Hispanic), 27.5% Black or African American, 8.0% two or more races, 4.7% Asian, 0.4% American Indian
- Foreign-born population: 13.6%
- Educational attainment: 92.5% high school degree (or higher), 52.9% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
Transportation
Is Raleigh a good place to live in terms of transportation and traffic? Living in Raleigh comes with the convenience of many great transportation options. The city is served by major highways like I-40, I-440 (the Beltline), and US-1, making it easy to commute to the downtown area and to surrounding metropolitan areas. While rush hour traffic can be busy, it’s generally less intense than in many larger cities.
For those relying on public transportation, GoRaleigh operates a bus system that serves the city and its suburbs, with connections to GoTriangle for regional service to Durham, Chapel Hill, and other parts of the Triangle. Raleigh is also home to Raleigh Union Station, offering Amtrak service for longer trips.
When living in Raleigh, air travel is also a breeze. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is just 20 minutes from downtown and offers flights to other states, Mexico, Europe, and more.
Raleigh Cost of Living
Is Raleigh a good place to live for residents on a budget? You’ll be happy to know that living in Raleigh NC is not expensive. The Raleigh Cost of Living Index is 97.2, meaning that living in Raleigh is 2.8% more affordable than the national average of 100. The average cost of living in Raleigh is also more affordable than in several other North Carolina cities, like Chapel Hill and Asheville.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Raleigh would need to earn $111,886 to make a comfortable living in the city.
Typical Raleigh Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $19.50
- Gallon of milk: $3.37
- Carton of eggs: $4.69
- Pound of potatoes: $1.63
- Gallon of gas: $3.14
- Average Raleigh utilities per month: $187.56
- Fitness membership (monthly): $40.18
- Movie ticket: $15.00
Source: Numbeo
When living in Raleigh, you’ll also need to pay taxes. The state has a flat income tax rate of 4.75%, while the combined state and local sales tax rate is around 7.25%, depending on specific purchases. Property taxes in Wake County, where Raleigh is located, are relatively moderate, with a current rate of $0.614 per $100 of assessed value.
Raleigh Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
If you’ll be living in Raleigh, then you’ll likely want to explore real estate in the area. Buying a home after moving to Raleigh NC is the perfect chance to explore housing options and try your hand at interior design, making your space your own. Luckily, you can enjoy affordable real estate when living in Raleigh. The average housing prices in Raleigh fall around $435,500, according to Redfin. This is below the national average of $437,864 and is also below other cities in the state, such as Asheville, where the median home price is $547,500.
You can also enjoy an affordable price for renting when living in Raleigh. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Raleigh is $1,597. The most affordable neighborhoods in Raleigh are North Haven ($1,213), Winslow Ridge at Sunnybrook ($1,217), and Glenwood North ($1,220).
Curious about whether you should rent or buy when living in Raleigh? According to the ATTOM Rental Affordability Report, it’s more affordable to rent than to buy in Raleigh.
Best Raleigh Neighborhoods | Best Places to Live in Raleigh NC
If you’re wondering where to live in Raleigh NC, the city offers a great mix of neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle. Whether you’re downsizing your home, relocating for work, or searching for a family-friendly community, these are some of the best areas to live in Raleigh NC.
North Hills | Affluent Area for Residents Living in Raleigh
Often called Raleigh’s “Midtown,” North Hills is one of the best areas to live in Raleigh NC for young professionals. The neighborhood offers upscale apartments, condos, and townhomes, plus walkable access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The community also has a vibrant social scene and is close to Downtown Raleigh.
Five Points | Great Neighborhood for Families Living in Raleigh NC
Known for its tree-lined streets and early 20th-century charm, Five Points is popular with families and anyone looking for a cozy, walkable neighborhood. It’s home to great schools, local parks, and a mix of small businesses like cafes, boutiques, and markets. The neighborhood also offers easy access to Downtown Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle area, making it a great option for commuters.
Oakwood | Hip, Historic Raleigh Neighborhood
One of Raleigh’s oldest and historic neighborhoods, Oakwood is situated just east of Downtown Raleigh and is a great fit for young families, singles, and retirees alike. The area is known for its Victorian homes and proximity to museums like the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the City of Raleigh Museum.
Mordecai | Cozy Area With Beautiful Houses
Mordecai is the perfect neighborhood for residents living in Raleigh who are looking for suburban living close to the city. This neighborhood feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and features large, single-family homes along quiet, tree-lined streets. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in Raleigh NC, making it a popular choice among families.
Raleigh NC Weather & Climate
Is Raleigh a good place to live for nice weather? One of the perks of living in Raleigh is enjoying a fairly mild climate with four seasons. Raleigh’s climate is classified as humid subtropical, which means you’ll experience warm summers, cool winters, and sunny days when living in Raleigh – perfect for year-round outdoor activities.
Does it snow in Raleigh NC? Yes, but only lightly. The Raleigh annual snowfall averages just a few inches, usually enough to enjoy but not enough to cause any major disruptions. On the flip side, the Raleigh annual rainfall is 46 inches, which is spread pretty evenly throughout the year.
The average temperature in Raleigh NC ranges from the mid-40s in the winter to the upper 80s in the summer, offering a great balance for those living in Raleigh who enjoy seasonal variety.
Best Restaurants in Raleigh
One of the best parts about living in Raleigh is the amazing food and drink scene. From fancy fine dining to delicious craft beer, Raleigh restaurants offer something for everyone. These are just a few of the best places to eat in Raleigh.
- Angus Barn: If you love steak, you can’t skip out on Angus Barn. This upscale steakhouse features not only the best steak in the state but also a wine cellar, a lounge, and a cigar bar. 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617, (919) 781-2444
- Death and Taxes: After moving to Raleigh NC, you’ll need to check out Death and Taxes in Raleigh’s Moore Square neighborhood. This joint serves up New American dishes and cocktails in a fancy setting with an open kitchen. 105 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601, (984) 242-0218
- The Fiction Kitchen: If you’re a vegan living in Raleigh, then The Fiction Kitchen is a must-try. This casual spot specializes in vegan and vegetarian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. 2431 Crabtree Blvd Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27604, (919) 929-8400
Things to Do in Raleigh NC
What is there to do when living in Raleigh NC? After moving to Raleigh NC, you’ll never run out of fun things to do. The city offers everything from high-end shopping to informative museums to beautiful parks. Additionally, you can enjoy fun day trips to places like Wrightsville Beach and Fayetteville. Here are a few fun things to do in Raleigh NC.
Top Raleigh Attractions
- North Carolina State Capitol: A must-see when living in Raleigh, the North Carolina State Capitol houses the Governor’s offices and historical artifacts.
- JC Raulston Arboretum: One of the best Raleigh family activities, this attraction includes gardens, plant collections, and plenty of green space.
- Mordecai Historic Park: This house is the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson and is now a historic museum.
- Boylan Bridge: If you aren’t sure what to do in Raleigh NC, head over to the Boylan Bridge to enjoy scenic views of Downtown Raleigh.
- North Carolina Executive Mansion: This 19th-century governor’s mansion showcases Queen Anne architecture and elaborate woodwork.
- Nerd Escape Room Raleigh: Head over to this escape room and solve the clues to get out in time.
- RushHour Karting: RushHour Karting is one of the top spots for those living in Raleigh who want an adrenaline rush.
Raleigh Entertainment & Arts
- Pullen Park: Pullen Park is the 5th-oldest amusement park in the United States and is one of the best things to do in Raleigh with kids.
- Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek: If you want to see live music when living in Raleigh, make sure you check out this popular outdoor venue.
- Adventure Landing: This is a top-rated aquatic complex with fun attractions like mini-golf, laser tag, and go-karts.
- North Carolina Museum of Art: One of the best art galleries in the state, this permanent collection features works spanning 5,000 years.
Raleigh Museums
- City of Raleigh Museum: When living in Raleigh, make sure you check out the City of Raleigh Museum to learn more about your new home.
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: This museum features exhibits on North Carolina’s geology, flora, fauna, and fossil collections.
- Marbles Kids Museum: One of the best Raleigh activities for kids, Marbles Kids Museum features interactive displays for kids of all ages.
- CAM Raleigh: Stop by this art museum to admire contemporary artwork, plus film screenings and events.
Raleigh Parks & Outdoors
- Wildwood Green Golf Club: If you're looking for golf courses when living in Raleigh, Wildwood Green Golf Club is a solid choice.
- Historic Yates Mill County Park: Explore this wildlife refuge centered around an 18th-century water-powered gristmill.
- William B. Umstead State Park: This state park features 5,579 acres of woodlands with hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, and fishing lakes.
- WRAL Azalea Garden: Enjoy the peaceful Azalea Garden, complete with winding paths, shaded benches, and pristine lawns.
Shopping in Raleigh
- Crabtree Valley Mall: This open-air shopping center contains classic retail stores and chain restaurants.
- Triangle Town Center: This shopping mall features well-known department stores and fast food.
- North Hills: Head over to North Hills to enjoy furniture stores, grocery stores, and more.
Map of Fun Things to Do in Raleigh
Check out this map of fun things to do when living in Raleigh.
Sports
Is Raleigh a good place to live for sports fans? When living in Raleigh, you can enjoy your fair share of sporting events. Raleigh offers exciting action for fans of both college and professional teams. The city is home to the Carolina Hurricanes, North Carolina’s NHL team, who play at PNC Arena and draw crowds from all across the state.
College sports are also a huge draw in the area, especially with NC State located right in Raleigh. Just a short drive away in Chapel Hill, you’ll find the UNC Tar Heels, and nearby Durham is home to the iconic Duke Blue Devils, both known for their intense basketball rivalry. Living in Raleigh also provides you with easy access to other North Carolina teams like the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, and Charlotte FC.
Raleigh Crime Rate
Is living in Raleigh safe? To learn more about the safety of the city, let’s take a look at the Raleigh crime rate.
- Overall crime rate: 2,834 crimes per 100,000 people (14.8% higher than state average and 21.9% higher than national average)
- Violent crime rate: 500 per 100,000 people (23.4% higher than state average and 35.2% higher than national average)
- Property crime rate: 2,335 crimes per 100,000 people (13.1% higher than state average and 19.5% higher than national average)
Despite higher-than-average crime rates, living in Raleigh is safe. According to AXIOS, homicides and violent crime rates in the Triangle area are falling after seeing an uptick during the pandemic. There are plenty of neighborhoods in Raleigh that are incredibly safe and see little to no crime at all.
When living in Raleigh, you’ll be served by the Raleigh Police Department.
Economy & Jobs in Raleigh NC
Will you be exploring the job market when living in Raleigh NC? Raleigh is home to a thriving job market, especially as a part of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, one of the country’s largest and most successful research parks. As such, it’s a hotspot for tech and biotech research. Healthcare is also a huge industry in Raleigh, with companies like PRA Health Sciences and Mallinckrodt based in the city.
Other companies headquartered in Raleigh include Advance Auto Parts, Japan Tobacco International, and Capitol Broadcasting Company, which are all also some of the best places to work in Raleigh NC.
According to Payscale, the average salary in Raleigh NC is $79,000, which aligns with the average income in Raleigh NC of $82,424.
When living in Raleigh, you’ll have plenty of major companies to choose from. According to the city’s latest Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the top employers in Raleigh NC are:
- State of North Carolina: 24,083 employees
- Wake County Public School System: 17,000 employees
- WakeMed Health and Hospitals: 9,773 employees
- North Carolina State University: 9,019 employees
- UNC Rex Healthcare: 6,900 employees
- Wake County: 4,389 employees
- City of Raleigh: 4,304 employees
- Conduent Business Services: 3,487 employees
- Duke Energy Progress: 2,800 employees
- First Citizens Bank: 2,400 employees
If you want to explore jobs when living in Raleigh, then check out the city job board or search for ‘Raleigh jobs’ on Indeed.
Healthcare
When living in Raleigh NC, you’ll have access to high-quality healthcare. The city is home to several major hospitals, including UNC Rex Healthcare, Duke Raleigh Hospital, and WakeMed Health & Hospitals, all offering comprehensive care across a range of specialties. For everyday needs and non-emergencies, there are also numerous urgent care centers conveniently located throughout the city, so you can get quick treatment when you need it.
In addition to these well-respected institutions, living in Raleigh puts you near leading research hospitals and specialists in the greater Triangle area, including those affiliated with Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Raleigh Schools
If you’ll be living in Raleigh with children, then you’ll be happy with the abundance of education options. The Raleigh school district is part of the Wake County Public School System, one of the largest and best school districts in Raleigh NC. Some standout Raleigh high schools include Leesville Road High School, Enloe High School, and Wake STEM Early College High School, all known for academic excellence. For younger students, top-rated elementary schools in Raleigh NC include Jeffreys Grove Magnet Elementary, Lacy Elementary, and Briarcliff Elementary.
Families seeking private education when living in Raleigh also have strong choices. Well-regarded private schools in Raleigh NC include Ravenscroft School, St. David’s School, and Cardinal Gibbons High School.
Higher education is also a key part of life in Raleigh. The city is home to North Carolina State University, a nationally ranked public research university with strong programs in engineering and life sciences. Nearby, Duke University in Durham and UNC Chapel Hill offer additional access to two of the top universities in the nation.
When living in Raleigh, make sure you check out all of the Wake County libraries.
Raleigh Utilities & DMV Change of Address
When living in Raleigh, you’ll need to take care of the necessary utilities. If you’re moving to the state for the first time, you’ll likely need to start from scratch and sign up for brand-new utilities. If you’re moving from elsewhere in North Carolina, then you may simply need to transfer your utilities. These are just a few main utility providers you’ll need to know about when living in Raleigh.
- Electricity: Duke Energy
- Gas: Enbridge Gas
- Water: Raleigh Water
After moving to Raleigh, you’ll also need to change your address and vehicle registration. According to the NC Department of Transportation, you must change your address within 60 days of moving to the state or moving within the state. To do this, you’ll want to get in touch with the NC Division of Motor Vehicles. If you’re moving from within the state, you can change your address online or visit a self-service kiosk. If you’re coming from out of state, you’ll need to visit a NC Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office in person.
Ready to Start Living in Raleigh?
So, is Raleigh a good place to live? All signs point to yes! Living in Raleigh offers something for everyone, including fantastic weather, a low cost of living, and an abundance of fun things to do and people to meet. If moving to Raleigh NC is in your future, Then get in touch with the Raleigh movers at College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk.
We are ready to make your moving experience smooth and stress-free, whether you need help moving with pets or unpacking like a pro, we’ve got you covered. To discuss your move and get started with a free quote, give our team a call at919-648-0700