

For decades, cities like San Francisco, New York, and Austin have dominated the tech world. But over the past few years, something big has been happening in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Companies like Apple, Google, and Amgen are making massive investments, startups are thriving, and tech professionals from across the country are moving here in droves.
So, what’s driving all this growth? And more importantly—is now the time to make your move?
Let’s dive into why Raleigh is becoming a powerhouse for tech, business, and lifestyle—and why it might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What’s Making Raleigh the Ultimate Tech Destination?
1. A Research and Innovation Hotspot
At the heart of Raleigh’s rise is Research Triangle Park (RTP)—one of the largest research and tech hubs in the world.
We’re talking 7,000 acres of innovation, home to 375+ companies and 65,000+ employees working across tech, biotech, and advanced manufacturing.
If you’re in the industry, this means opportunity everywhere—whether you’re a seasoned executive, a startup founder, or someone looking for the next big career move.

2. The Talent Pool is Unmatched
Tech companies go where the talent is, and Raleigh delivers.
The city is surrounded by powerhouse universities like:
- Duke University
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
- North Carolina State University (NC State)
That means thousands of STEM graduates every year—and a workforce where nearly half of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
For companies, that’s a dream hiring market. For professionals, it’s a place where you’ll be surrounded by smart, ambitious people building the future of tech.
3. Big Tech is Betting Big on Raleigh
Some of the biggest names in the industry are expanding here, and it’s changing the city’s landscape.
- Apple is building a $1 billion campus in RTP, bringing 3,000+ jobs in AI, machine learning, and software engineering.
- Google has expanded its engineering presence in Durham.
- IBM, Cisco, and Red Hat continue to drive innovation, with Red Hat’s $34 billion acquisition by IBM further cementing Raleigh as a tech powerhouse.
And it’s not just the giants. Raleigh has a booming startup scene, with companies like Pendo (valued at $2.6 billion) and Bandwidth leading the charge.

Simply put—if you’re in tech, Raleigh isn’t just a good option. It’s one of the best places to be right now.
Why Tech Professionals Are Moving Here
If you’re coming from San Francisco, New York, or another major tech hub, you’ll notice something right away: your money goes a lot further in Raleigh.
- Lower Cost of Living – Raleigh is 34% cheaper than San Francisco and significantly more affordable than NYC.
- More Space, Less Stress – A median-priced home in Raleigh is $477,000, compared to $1.3 million+ in San Francisco.
- Shorter Commutes & Better Work-Life Balance – No more fighting traffic for two hours a day just to get to the office.
And it’s not just about affordability—the lifestyle here is different, too.
- Incredible green spaces – Parks, lakes, and trails are everywhere.
- A thriving restaurant and craft beer scene – From fine dining to food trucks, there’s no shortage of options.
- An easygoing, welcoming vibe – Raleigh has a mix of big-city opportunities with small-town hospitality.
For a lot of people, that’s exactly the balance they’re looking for.

How Raleigh’s Tech Boom is Changing Real Estate
As more professionals relocate to Raleigh, the real estate market is evolving fast.
New luxury neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and modern office spaces are popping up to meet demand.
And while prices are rising, Raleigh is still incredibly affordable compared to other tech cities—but for how long?
Now is the time to invest.
Whether you’re looking to buy a home, relocate for a job, or invest in real estate, getting in early means taking advantage of this city’s momentum.

Is Now the Time to Make Your Move?
If you’re in tech and looking for a place with career growth, affordability, and an unbeatable lifestyle, Raleigh is checking all the boxes.
We’ve got two great tools to help:
Download Our Raleigh Relocation Guide – A deep dive into Raleigh’s best neighborhoods, real estate trends, and what to expect. Get it here.
Take Our Neighborhood Match Survey – Answer a few quick questions and get personalized recommendations for where to live in Raleigh.
If you have questions, we’d love to help. Call, text, or email us anytime—we help people just like you relocate to Raleigh every day.
Watch our full video here for even more insights into Raleigh’s tech transformation.
Social Cookies
Social Cookies are used to enable you to share pages and content you find interesting throughout the website through third-party social networking or other websites (including, potentially for advertising purposes related to social networking).