Getting to Know Raleigh (A Quick Snapshot)

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and the second most populous city in the state behind Charlotte, and it has transformed into one of the most desirable cities in the U.S., blending Southern charm with dynamic growth, innovation, and culture. 

Often referred to as a “Goldilocks city,” Raleigh is not too big, not too small, and if you are thinking of moving to Raleigh is has just the right mix of opportunity and livability.

Raleigh exudes a welcoming charm that blends its historical roots with modern vibrancy. It’s a place where innovation thrives, young professionals find opportunities, and families enjoy a high quality of life. 

Whether exploring its cultural districts, enjoying its green spaces, or participating in its diverse community events, Raleigh offers something for everyone, making it a city that truly “checks all the boxes.”

Raleigh is nicknamed the City of Oaks for the age-old oak trees that line the city streets and help bring a Zen like spirit to our lifestyle. 

Raleigh has a strong sense of community. Our neighboring municipalities are just short drives away, and many residents live in them, while still accessing and enjoying what Raleigh itself has to offer. When we talk of Raleigh, we are often incorporating the whole of Wake County. We are blessed to have such abundance and sisterly love where we live, which extends even further across the Triangle. 

According to Wake County Economic development our region adds 64 new people every day, 43 of which move here and 21 are born here. 

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Key Highlights:

Personality and Growth:

• Once a quiet Southern city, Raleigh began its remarkable growth in the 1960s with the establishment of the Research Triangle Park (RTP). This hub for tech and research industries attracted major corporations like IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, and Cisco, alongside tens of thousands of highly educated workers.
• Raleigh’s population has grown from 100,000 in 1960 to over 467,000 in 2020, reflecting its appeal as a top destination for families, professionals, and students.
• Raleigh is often celebrated for its balance—big-city amenities with a small-town feel, making it welcoming and accessible to new residents.
• 41.1% of the Population Aged Between 25 and 54
• 55.7% of the Population has a bachelor’s degree or Higher

Educational and Economic Opportunities:

• The city boasts one of the nation’s best school systems, from pre-K to higher education, with institutions like NC State University.
• Its economy thrives on tech, medicine, and research, with RTP providing jobs to approximately 65,000 people.
• With nearly half of the population having a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is almost double the state and national average, Wake County is one of the best places to live in work in the world.

Culture and Recreation:

• Raleigh is home to numerous parks, including Pullen Park, known for its carousel and train rides, and Moore Square, a four-acre urban green space hosting concerts and farmers’ markets.
• Dorothea Dix Park is the city’s largest urban park on the edge of Downtown. It’s currently transforming into the most amazing community gathering space following their 40-year plan. Once the city’s mental health hospital, it is now the home of magnificent oak trees, walking trails, hammock forests, sunflower fields, picnic areas, annual festivals, and the Gipson Play Plaza (opening spring 2025) 
• Artspace in downtown provides an eclectic mix of artist studios and workshops.
• Most museums in Raleigh are free – often earning it the moniker of “Smithsonian of the South” for its quantity and quality of free museums. The NC Museum of Art with its Ann & Jim Goodnight Sculpture Garden and greenway trails is world-class! 
• Seasonal events and festivals reflect the city’s community spirit.

Transportation and Accessibility:

• With Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and its central location in North Carolina, Raleigh offers easy access to both national and international destinations.
• The city’s infrastructure supports a mix of suburban and urban lifestyles.

Accolades:

If you are thinking of buying a home in Raleigh, take comfort from the fact that it consistently ranks as one of the top places to live, work, and raise a family in the U.S. Recent awards highlight its resilience, climate-friendly initiatives, and position as one of the hottest job markets in America. Here are a few recent accolades (you’ll see more throughout this guide).

• NO 1 Most Popular Urban Area to Move to in 2024 moveBuddha
• Top 100 best places to live in the USA 2024 Livability – Raleigh, Cary, & Durham all made the list 
• NO 3 Best City to Start a Career (Raleigh, NC) Elevate Leadership
• NO 7 Best City for New College Graduates 2024 Zumper
• NO. 3 Best Place to Live in the United States (Raleigh, NC) U.S. News & World Report, May 2023 
• NO. 1 Best Large Metro for Homeownership (Raleigh, NC) LendingTree, June 2023 
• NO. 1 Top State for Business (North Carolina) CNBC, 2023 (2nd in 2024) 
• NO. 2 Top State for Best Business Climate (North Carolina) Business Facilities, 2023 
• Best City to Start a Tech Career (Raleigh-Durham Chapel Hill, NC) GoBankingRates, August 2023 
• NO. 4 Millennial Magnet (Raleigh-Durham, NC) Business Facilities, 2023 
• NO. 1 City for Veterans to Live (Raleigh, NC) WalletHub, October 2023

Planning a move to Raleigh? We can help. Be sure to download our FREE Moving to Raleigh Relocation Guide to take the stress out of your move! And if you are looking for a Raleigh realtor, click here.

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