Why Raleigh is One of the Fastest Growing Cities in the Nation

If you're considering relocating to the Raleigh area, you're joining over a thousand new residents who move here each month. With just under 500,000 residents, Raleigh has become one of the nation's most desirable cities—and for good reason.

A City of Accolades

Raleigh stands proud as North Carolina's state capital and second-largest city. The Wall Street Journal has named it among the top three hottest job markets in America, while it's also rated the number one best city for working women. Raleigh ranks third on the STEM job growth index and has been recognized as the eighth biggest boom town in America. Most impressively, for 14 consecutive years, Raleigh has ranked in the top 20 best places to live nationally.

Jobs and Affordability

While state government may have originally drawn people to Raleigh, today it's all about the jobs. With more than 20,000 job openings on any given day, many in the high-paying tech sector, major employers like Cisco, SAS, IBM, Apple, and Google have established Raleigh as a technological powerhouse.

Unlike other tech hubs, Raleigh remains remarkably affordable with housing prices lower than the national average—in some areas 30-40% lower. As of May 2024, the median home price sits at approximately $353,000. Coupled with lower utility, transportation, and property tax expenses, Raleigh offers an excellent quality of life without breaking the bank.

Diverse Neighborhoods

Raleigh's neighborhoods offer something for everyone, from 19th-century cottages to modern condos. The urban core has exploded with new construction, while historic areas like Oakwood feature beautiful homes built in the 1800s. Inside the I-440 "Belt Line" (as locals call it), you'll find some of Raleigh's most sought-after residential areas. North Raleigh stretches to Wake Forest with everything from townhomes to golf course living, while Brier Creek offers innovative planned communities with great amenities.

Educational Excellence

Forbes has ranked Raleigh the second most educated city in America, with institutions like NC State University, Meredith College, and Wake Tech Community College. Families with children will appreciate the Wake County school system, which consistently outperforms schools across the state and nation. The city offers numerous magnet schools, several high schools with the International Baccalaureate program, four early college high schools, 11 charter schools, and more than two dozen private schools.

Outdoor Paradise

Known as "the city in a park," Raleigh boasts over 10,000 acres of parkland and 180 miles of greenways. Must-visit outdoor spaces include Umstead Park with its nearly 5,600 acres of trails, the 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park with monumental outdoor art, historic Pullen Park with its vintage carousel, and Dorothea Dix Park hosting music festivals and outdoor activities. Sports fans can enjoy NC State Wolfpack games and the Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes hockey team.

Culture and Entertainment

Downtown Raleigh features the North Carolina Museum of History, Museum of Natural Sciences, Marbles Kids Museum, and the Contemporary Art Museum. The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts hosts the NC Symphony, Opera, Theater, and Ballet. Music venues range from the 20,000-seat PNC Arena to intimate downtown spots like the Lincoln Theater.

The city hosts impressive music festivals including Hopscotch, Dreamville, and the International World of Bluegrass Festival. The culinary scene boasts more than 1,200 restaurants, with James Beard-recognized chefs like Ashley Christensen. The nightlife scene thrives downtown and on Glenwood South, anchored by the Raleigh Beer Garden—the largest in the world with over 350 beers on tap.

Your Next Home

Raleigh's blend of economic opportunity, affordability, and quality of life makes it perfect for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. If you're considering making Raleigh your new home, we would love to help. Contact us at (919) 555-7890 to start your journey to the City of Oaks.