Looking for the perfect place to move to? It’s Raleigh! From career opportunities to arts and education to the great outdoors, these are the top ten reasons Raleigh should be your new home.

If you move to Raleigh, your money will go further and you’ll likely make more. According to Pay Scale, Raleigh’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average. Utilities cost 3% less, housing costs 9% less, and groceries cost an impressive 13% less—while the average household income is 3.2% higher. The 2020 U.S. census reported that the U.S. median household income was $67,521, while Raleigh’s was $69,720. A bigger paycheck that goes further can help ease the strain of inflation and rising interest rates, while a lower cost of necessities lets you spend more on meaningful experiences and things that bring you joy.

North Carolina has the country’s strongest economy right now, topping rankings as the #1 Best State for Business. In 2022, Raleigh has received multiple accolades the #1 city for working women, the #4 state capital for economic well-being, and the #3 hottest job market in the United States. Major companies like Apple, Toyota, and Amazon are expanding in the Triangle, creating jobs and attracting top talent, while Raleigh’s small business initiatives encourage diversified, thriving business development. Whether you have your eye on a high-paying tech job or you have your own business plan mapped out, your goals can become a reality in Raleigh.

Raleigh’s climate is classified as humid subtropical, meaning that it’s relatively warm and moist almost all year round. You will experience all four seasons, including a cool and breezy winter. The coldest month of the year is January, with an average temperature of 41°F and just six inches of snow annually. If you like warm, cheerful springs, hot summers, colorful autumns, and mild winters, Raleigh is a great choice for you.

In Raleigh, educational opportunities abound. The city is home to top-of-the-line universities, colleges, and technical schools including North Carolina State University, Meredith College, St. Augustine’s, Wake Technical Community College, and many more. We’re also a short 30-minute drive to the prestigious Duke University and the North Carolina Central University in Durham.

Even if you’re not a student, living in an area anchored by higher education institutions offers many benefits. Generally, college towns enjoy higher real estate values—especially for investors in rental properties. Major universities are typically top employers in their regions, and they drive innovation by attracting research dollars and the country’s top minds. They also function as a foundation for artistic development as well as community and cultural centers. Community colleges and technical schools are beneficial too, improving a city’s overall economy by building a skilled workforce.

Raleigh isn’t just a city with nice homes and high salaries—it’s a place to call home. People here are welcoming, and our neighborhoods strive to create strong communities. Support each other and buy healthy food at local farmers markets, get information and find resources at neighborhood libraries, and celebrate with your neighbors at community events.

New here? The City of Raleigh’s Community page demonstrates a commitment to building a city where everyone will thrive. Connect with numerous resources there, and don’t forget to take a look at the Equity and Inclusion page to learn how Raleigh is embedding equity in every organization and the communities they serve.

Called the City of Oaks, Raleigh is filled with and surrounded by nature. You’ll enjoy more than 200 parks within the city limits, including great spots for your canine friends. To the north, you’ll find the Durant Nature Preserve and the Wilkerson Nature Preserve for exploring, as well as the Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve to the south. All around the city, you’ll find easy access to hiking trails for nature enthusiasts of all ability levels. And if the ocean is your thing, make a weekend trip to one of the many beaches within driving distance.

The restaurant scene in Raleigh is constantly evolving. Zagat recently called Raleigh one of America’s most exciting food cities—ranking it above New York and Miami. Here, you’ll find a new level of Southern comfort food in addition to international cuisine from award-winning chefs. Try some of our most famous restaurants ranked in US News, or go exploring to find your own favorite eatery.

Just make sure you don’t miss Chef Ashley Christensen at one of her incredible restaurants. She’s the only North Carolinian to ever be awarded the James Beard Foundation’s title of Outstanding Chef—an honor given to the best chefs in the U.S. Her latest venture is Poole’side Pies, but you should also try Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, Fox Liquor Bar, Death and Taxes, and the original Poole’s Diner.

There’s no better place to get a craft beer to go with your delicious food! Raleigh is home to more than 30 independent breweries and is the heart of North Carolina’s craft beer scene. Here, you can expect diverse and delicious offerings from brewers who know their stuff. Raleigh tops Thrillist’s list of 13 cities with incredible beer scenes, which notes Fullsteam, Brewery Bhavana, and Trophy as essential, not-to-miss beer spots.

Want to launch your own craft beer brewing career? You can do that here too. Wake Tech Community College offers a full-blown craft beer brewing program, designed to teach students about fermentation, cellar operations, instruments, malting, hops, clarification, racking room operations, bottle shop operations, and more.

The City of Oaks is culturally rich, and the arts are an integral part of who we are. Raleigh Arts offers resources for artists—professional and aspiring—as well as ways for the public to get connected. See fine art at one of Raleigh’s numerous galleries and art museums, visit a public art installation, or hit up a local First Friday event to meet and support local artisans in person. Check out the latest ballet with the Carolina Ballet, or see an upcoming show with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra or Raleigh Jazz.

Art in Raleigh isn’t limited to big names and fancy institutions. Many restaurants feature local musicians playing live on the weekends, and the City of Oaks offers a multitude of jazz clubs, community theaters, and other art venues for you to enjoy.

Can’t get enough? Follow Artsplosure, Raleigh’s nonprofit art and cultural events production studio dedicated to fulfilling their mission: “Art for all.”

Convinced that Raleigh’s the place for you? We couldn’t be happier. Now it’s time to find your next home in the perfect neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for stunning new construction, eco-friendly housing, or a sprawling estate with extra space, Raleigh has it and we can’t wait to help make it yours.

Raleigh’s current median home value is just over $450,000, up around 20% year-over-year. While inflation and rising interest rates have slowed the appreciation rate and decreased homebuying competition, that’s not a bad thing for buyers. Interest rates are up from 2021, but they’re still low in the grand scheme of things—so if you can afford to buy now, we say go for it. Because of our booming economy and population growth, local real estate experts predict that Raleigh home values will keep rising, making now a great time to jump in.

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