Living in Raleigh

Are you relocating to Raleigh? With a booming job market, an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities, and fabulous restaurants, you won’t ever be bored living in the City of Oaks!

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ABOUT
RALEIGH

Yates Water Mill Raleigh North Carolina

LIFE IN
RALEIGH

Raleigh North Carolina homes

WHERE TO LIVE IN
RALEIGH

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THINGS TO DO IN
RALEIGH

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FAQs ABOUT
RALEIGH

What Time Is It in Raleigh?

Raleigh is located in the Eastern Time Zone and does follow Daylight Saving Time.

What is the Cost of Living in Raleigh?

The cost of living in Raleigh is equal to the national average and 6% higher than the North Carolina average.

What is the Population of Raleigh?

According to 2020 Census data, the population in Raleigh is 467,665.

What is the Crime Rate in Raleigh?

The crime rate in Raleigh is 3% higher than the national average, and the city is considered safer than 29% of U.S. cities.

What is the Weather Like in Raleigh?

The weather in Raleigh is warm, temperate, and humid. Summer temperatures average around 79 degrees in July, while winter temperatures average around 41 degrees in January. Raleigh typically receives an average of 46 inches of rainfall as well.

Life in Raleigh

The City of Oaks has a lot to offer! Here, you’ll get a taste of southern hospitality while experiencing beautiful weather, a growing job marketing, and incredible local culture. Learn more about what it’s like to live in Raleigh below!

Yates Water Mill Raleigh North Carolina

The Raleigh Lifestyle

Raleigh is one of the best places to live in the South! With an affordable cost of living matching the U.S. average and a low unemployment rate, it’s no surprise that Raleigh is a popular place to live. With its temperate climate and abundant green space, the City of Oaks is an ideal place for those seeking mild weather and tons of outdoor recreation.

Raleigh Demographics

Because Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., its population continues to grow and diversify! In fact, this North Carolina city is much more diverse than many other U.S. cities, which you can see reflected in the city’s food, festivals, and arts scene. Raleigh also has a strong LGBTQ population, supported by community resources like the LGBT Center of Raleigh.

Jobs in Raleigh

Many people moving to Raleigh do so because of its exceptional job market. The City of Oaks is one of the best cities for jobs, largely because of Research Triangle Park (RTP). RTP employs almost 55,000 people at over 300 companies. Along with top industries like education, manufacturing, and trade, technology is an emerging sector in Raleigh. In fact, many large tech companies and a variety of startups have recently moved their offices to The Triangle.

Education in Raleigh

Attend the state’s largest college, NC State University (NCSU), ranked in the top 10% of universities worldwide. Earn a degree on your schedule with programs tailored for working adults at William Peace University. Major in biology, business administration, and more at the first historically Black college in the South, Shaw University. Take advantage of study abroad programs, get involved in community-based learning, and enroll in one of 90 majors available at Meredith College. Immerse yourself in a faith-based learning environment, collegiate athletics, or the Falcon Battalion Army ROTC program at Saint Augustine’s University. Or find accelerated workforce training, more than 100 online programs, and courses with easily transferrable credits at the largest community college in North Carolina, Wake Technical Community College.

Where to Live in Raleigh

Whether you plan to buy or rent, you’re sure to find a great place to live in Raleigh! The city has all kinds of affordable neighborhoods that are ideal for families, young professionals, retirees, and more. Take a look at our neighborhood guides to find the right Raleigh area for you!

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Find the Best Raleigh Neighborhoods

downtown Raleigh

Dec 14, 2022

Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh For Families

Raleigh, NC skyline at dusk

Dec 19, 2022

Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Raleigh

skyline view of downtown Raleigh at night

Dec 19, 2022

Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh for Singles & Young Professionals

Jan 23, 2023

Buying a Home in Raleigh

Considering buying a home in Raleigh? You’ll need to take into account budget, commute times, and affordability. But with low property taxes, great city amenities, and excellent public transportation, it’s no wonder that over 50% of Raleigh residents are homeowners.

downtown Raleigh

Jan 30, 2023

Renting a Home in Raleigh

Thinking about renting in Raleigh? Rent prices in Raleigh are lower on average than in comparable cities like Charlotte. Whether you want to be in the heart of the city or closer to its suburbs, there are all kinds of good options for renting a home!

Aerial view of downtown Raleigh, NC at dusk

Things to Do in Raleigh

Looking for things to do in Raleigh? The City of Oaks is filled with historical landmarks, outdoor activities, and excellent dining, so there’s no shortage of fun experiences to have. Check out some of the top things to do when living in Raleigh!

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Dining

In North Carolina, barbecue is a big deal. Head to The Pit—one of the best places for barbecue in Raleigh—for delicious Barbecue Fries, Fried Mac ‘N’ Cheese, or Chopped BBQ Turkey. Or sample a BBQ Pork Platter or Beef Brisket Platter at Big Al’s BBQ. Barbecue joints aren’t the only restaurants in Raleigh you’ll find! The city offers a variety of cuisines. Share entrees like the Bone-In Tomahawk or Espresso Rub Filet Mignon at Angus Barn. Or savor delicious seafood like Shrimp & Grits, Lump Crab Cakes, or Crispy NC Catfish at Glenwood Grill.

Nightlife

Flex your standup skills during an open mic night or see professional comedians like Steve Hofstetter perform at Goodnights Comedy Club. Belt your favorite tune during Karaoke Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays every week at LGBTQ-friendly nightclub, Flex. Enjoy stunning Raleigh skyline views as you sip craft cocktails like the Bad Cat or the Highly Refined Pirate at Highgarden’s rooftop bar. Enter through the hidden bookcase door to order drinks like the Bent Umbrella or Cham Raleigh at local speakeasy The Green Light Bar. Hit the dance floor or see a drag show at Legends Nightclub. Test out your pinball skills, play air hockey, or shred a solo on Guitar Hero while enjoying one of their rotating American craft draft beers at The Boxcar Bar + Arcade. Or get tickets to acts like Mother Mother at The Ritz.

Shopping

You’ll be sure to get some retail therapy while in the City of Oaks! From small local boutiques to designer stores and malls, there are tons of places where you can shop and find great deals! Head to DECO Raleigh for handmade crafts and unique home decor. Shop all your favorite brands at Crabtree Valley Mall, the largest enclosed mall in the region. Or enjoy the outdoor breeze while browsing over 100 businesses in the Village District.

Entertainment

Looking for fun things to do in Raleigh? Outdoor recreation is a popular pastime among residents of this North Carolina city! Go horseback riding, fishing, or picnicking at William B. Umstead State Park. View sculptures or pedal your bike ride around the stunning 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. Catch major air on the outdoor BMX course at Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex. Take your dog on a walk, admire the daffodil fields, or throw a frisbee around with friends at Dorthea Dix Park. Attend events like Moonlight in the Garden in one of the largest, most diverse collections of landscape plants at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Hike to the local camera obscura by British artist Chris Drury, the Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky. Or take a day trip to some of the best beaches near Raleigh like Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or the Outer Banks.

Art & Culture

Don’t miss out on the arts and culture in Raleigh! Appreciate Ancient Greek vase paintings, Jewish ceremonial objects, and Egyptian sarcophagi at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Marvel at rotating Contemporary art exhibits or attend First Fridays for art exhibitions, live music, and food trucks at CAM Raleigh. Get tickets to stunning live dance performances from the Carolina Ballet at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Dive into North Carolina’s history with interactive displays and memorabilia—along with exhibits like The Power of Women in Country Music—at the North Carolina Museum of History. Learn about prehistoric North Carolina, view a sperm whale skeleton called Trouble, or watch experts present on different topics at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the largest natural history museum in the Southeast.

Festivals

The North Carolina State Fair is hosted in Raleigh every year! One of the state’s biggest attractions, almost a million people attend this 11-day event each year to ride roller coasters, listen to live music, compete in horse shows, and more. But that’s not all Raleigh offers! See pride-themed performances from drag to spoken word and comedy at Out! Raleigh Pride. Celebrate global culture with performances and delicious cuisine at The N.C. International Festival. Watch more than 200 independent films and enjoy live music at the Raleigh Film and Art Festival. Dig into German food and beer, cheer during the Weiner Dog Races, and clap along to live music performances at the annual Triangle Oktoberfest. Or jam out to a full week of live music at the world’s largest urban bluegrass music festival, IMBA Bluegrass Live!

Family-Friendly Activities

On the lookout for things to do with kids in Raleigh? Let your little ones play with interactive exhibits about music, plants, and fitness at Marbles Kids Museum. See dance performances, live music, or spoken word at youth-focused performing arts organization TheGifted Arts. Decorate your outdoor space with plants, patio furniture, and yard art from Logan’s Garden Shop. Teach your kids about urban farming or buy fresh, local produce at the pay-what-you-can Seasonal Farmstand at Raleigh City Farm.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RALEIGH

Is Raleigh a good place to live?

Raleigh is a top city for students, young professionals, families, and retirees! And because of the city’s close proximity to Durham and Chapel Hill, residents can find all kinds of higher education and job opportunities in this North Carolina metro!

Does it get cold in Raleigh?

Though winter temperatures in Raleigh average around 41 degrees, the city can experience colder temperatures from time to time. On average, Raleigh receives about 4 inches of snow per year.

How do I get around Raleigh?

While there are options for public transportation thanks to GoRaleigh, the best way to get around in Raleigh is with a personal vehicle.