What Everyone Moving to Raleigh North Carolina REALLY Wants to Know - Moving to Raleigh NC

Relocating to Raleigh: Our Family's Journey

Relocating to a new city is a big decision, and if you're considering moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, you likely have a lot of questions. My family and I were in the same situation 7 years ago when we ultimately decided to relocate to the Raleigh area from California.

Raleigh is truly a city on the rise. It's consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, and with that growth comes new opportunities—from booming businesses and job prospects to exciting new developments. Raleigh offers an environment where both individuals and families can thrive.

Award-Winning City

Year after year, Raleigh receives numerous accolades. Raleigh was named the #1 Most Livable City by Far and Wide in 2024 and #1 in Driver Friendliness by WalletHub. Raleigh and Durham were voted #3 Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report. Raleigh is consistently ranked in the Top 10 Tech Cities in the U.S. and is considered one of the safest large cities in the U.S. It's also recognized as one of the best cities for new jobs and the 2nd hottest housing market in the U.S. The list of accolades literally goes on and on!

Visit Before You Decide

Before making the move, I would highly recommend visiting the area first. We had driven through Raleigh, Charlotte, and the Winston-Salem area a little over a decade prior, but we were not prepared for how much it had evolved.

When we returned, it was no longer the sleepy little town that we recalled. It was more progressive (which is great!), but definitely different than being on the West Coast. The pace of life here has a slight shift—but in a good way—and I could feel that Raleigh fit our personality and lifestyle. The friendly atmosphere, vibrant communities, and growth opportunities made it clear that this was where our family wanted to be.

Southern Hospitality Is Real

One of the first things I noticed about Raleigh was how welcoming the people were. My husband is originally from Connecticut, and we spent most of our lives in California. We were not used to strangers saying hello or waving to us as we passed by, but in Raleigh, that's just part of the culture. People acknowledge each other, strike up conversations, and it creates a sense of community that's hard to find in other cities.

I even had my hubby test it when we first arrived, and every random person he stopped to ask a question or strike up a conversation led to at least a 10-minute friendly conversation. He was absolutely blown away and just kept saying how friendly everybody was here.

Has The Influx of Transplants Changed Raleigh's Friendly Atmosphere?

One question—or rather comment—I get asked from a lot of buyers considering relocating here is: "With all the transplants coming from different states like California, New York, and Connecticut, is the Raleigh area losing its friendly atmosphere?"

That's a great question, and honestly, I can still say no, it hasn't. We actually seem to be attracting all of the happy people from those states who want a friendly environment! Of course, you'll always run into some not-so-friendly people (many who may just be having a bad day), but holistically, we are surrounded by many friendly people.

And it's not just me saying it! In 2024, WalletHub voted Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte to be among the happiest cities in America. The Raleigh area ranked 6th best place to live in the U.S., praised for offering more than 200 parks, greenways, museums, a growing art and music scene, and much more.

Perfect Location

Raleigh's location is one of its biggest perks. It's nestled between two other major cities—Durham and Chapel Hill—which are each about 30 minutes away. If you're someone who likes variety, you'll appreciate the different cultures and experiences these nearby cities offer. And if you're craving a bigger urban vibe, Charlotte is just a few hours away.

Thriving Job Market

The Raleigh-Durham region, often referred to as the Research Triangle Park, boasts one of the most dynamic and diverse job markets in the United States. It's consistently ranked as a top area for job seekers and professionals due to its strong economy, thriving industries, and highly educated workforce.

This global innovation hub hosts over 300 companies, including tech giants like IBM, Cisco, Red Hat, and SAS Institute. Major healthcare systems such as Duke Health, UNC Health, and WakeMed provide thousands of jobs.

The unemployment rate in Raleigh-Durham is typically below the national average. As of 2025, the unemployment rate hovers right around 3-4%, indicating a healthy job market.

Future Job Growth

The Raleigh-Durham area is forecasted to experience job growth of 47% over the next decade, far outpacing the national average of 33%. Demand for software engineers, data scientists, and IT professionals will continue to grow, with strong growth expected due to the ongoing expansion of biotech companies and advancements in medical technologies.

With North Carolina investing in renewable energy initiatives, roles in clean energy development and environmental engineering are set to rise. Raleigh's high-quality living and infrastructure also make it a hotspot for remote work expansion.

Nearly half of the population holds at least a bachelor's degree, fueled by universities and colleges in the area. North Carolina is consistently ranked as a top state for businesses due to its low corporate taxes and supportive economic policies.

Compared to other innovation hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City, Raleigh-Durham offers a significantly lower cost of living, making it attractive for both employers and employees.

Urban-Suburban Blend

Beyond city life, Raleigh provides a unique blend of urban and suburban living. You can enjoy the excitement of city amenities while still having a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood to call home.

Cost of Living Comparison

Cost of living was a HUGE deciding factor for us. Comparing Raleigh, North Carolina, to Los Angeles County, there was a huge difference. When looking at housing costs in the first quarter of 2025, the median home price in Raleigh was around $430,000 compared to Los Angeles with a median home price around $1 million (not to mention higher property taxes in California). For rental rates, Raleigh averages around $1,600 per month for a three-bedroom home, while you'll pay around $3,700 per month for a similar three-bedroom home in Los Angeles.

In terms of utilities and daily expenses, Raleigh averages 10% less than the national average due to milder winters and competitive energy rates. Gas prices in Raleigh are typically lower, averaging around $3.50 a gallon (and as low as $2.70), while Los Angeles gas prices are among the highest in the nation at $4.20 to $5.50 per gallon due to state taxes and regulations. Grocery costs in Raleigh are about 7-10% below the national average.

The tax situation is also very different. Raleigh has a 4.75% flat state income tax rate with property tax around 0.75% of assessed home value, versus Los Angeles with a state income tax up to 13.3% for high-income earners and property tax at 1% or more of the home's assessed value.

Overall, the cost of living in Raleigh is around 20-30% lower than the national average, versus Los Angeles, which is 50-70% higher than the national average.

For a more accurate breakdown based on where you're considering relocating from, visit bestplaces.net. Type in the city where you live and "Raleigh, North Carolina," and you'll see the cost breakdown personalized just for you.

Housing Comparison

In Raleigh, North Carolina, homes are typically newer, with many built in the last 20-30 years. The average size is around 2,000-3,000 square feet with larger lot sizes ranging from 1/4 acre up to an acre. Housing styles range from Modern, Craftsman, Ranch, and Colonial, and many neighborhoods are suburban communities with family-friendly amenities like parks and schools. Cost ranges on average from $400,000-$500,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home in a desirable area. Full disclosure: Depending on proximity to amenities and most popular suburbs, prices can increase to an average of $550,000-$750,000, and even in excess of $1 million.

In contrast, Los Angeles, California homes are often older, with many built before the 1980s. The average size ranges from 1,500-2,500 square feet with smaller lots (1/10 to 1/4 acre). Styles include Spanish Revival, Mid-Century Modern, and Contemporary. Neighborhoods tend to be more urban and densely packed suburban areas with less yard space. The cost average is around $1.2 million for a 3-4 bedroom home in a decent neighborhood, with many exceeding $2 million based on location.

Raleigh offers a much more affordable and spacious housing market with a lower cost of living—ideal for families or individuals seeking a suburban lifestyle.

Sports & Entertainment

For all you sports fans out there, Raleigh has a big college sports presence. The city is in close proximity to three major universities—Duke, UNC, and NC State—which means there's always a thrilling college sporting event to attend. Personally, we love watching competitive basketball, and being in the heart of ACC country is a huge plus!

While Raleigh doesn't have a major professional sports team, the college atmosphere more than makes up for it. Plus, Charlotte's pro teams are just a few hours away if you're looking for that experience. You can go see the NBA Charlotte Hornets or the NFL Panthers. And I will say, if you're not already a hockey fan, you WILL be if you attend a Carolina Hurricanes game. They are absolutely fabulous!

Raleigh's entertainment scene has grown significantly in recent years. From concerts and performances to festivals and cultural events, there's always something happening. We have great venue options like the Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena), which is home of the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team. This arena also serves as a premier concert venue for national and international artists. With a seating capacity of over 20,000, it's the go-to spot for large-scale events and big tours.

The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is a world-class performing arts center that features Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and other live performances. The acoustics and atmosphere here are phenomenal, making it a favorite for theater lovers and music enthusiasts alike.

Koka Booth Amphitheater is nestled in a scenic wooded setting. This charming outdoor venue in Cary is a popular spot for concerts, symphonies, movie nights, and seasonal festivals like the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival.

And these are just a few—there are so many more to enjoy! Whether you're into live music, theater, or local art, you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained.

Beach Access

If you love the beach, Raleigh's inland location might be a little bit of a drawback. While it's not a quick drive to the coast, North Carolina's beaches are only around 2-3 hours away. For me, weekend trips to the beach are definitely a help to satisfy that coastal craving.

But if being close to the ocean is a must-have for you, it's worth considering whether this is a deal-breaker. In California, we were only 6 miles from the beach, and we personally missed the beach so much that we ended up buying a second house here at Emerald Isle Beach so we can keep a slice of the beach close to us!

Outdoor Paradise

If you're an outdoor lover, the Raleigh-Durham triangle is a park paradise. William B. Umstead State Park spans 5,600 acres featuring hiking trails, bike paths, camping, fishing, and picnic areas, with over 20 miles of trails, including the scenic Company Mill and Sycamore Trails. Eno River State Park in Durham covers 4,000 acres with five access points along the Eno River, offering hiking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. The Eno rock quarry and scenic trails like Cox Mountain Trail are particularly popular spots.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area encompasses 14,000 acres with opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, along with sandy beaches and plenty of wildlife, including bald eagles. Falls Lake State Recreation Area features a 12,000-acre lake with boating, fishing, camping, and hiking trails. The Falls Lake Trail is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Lake Crabtree County Park offers mountain biking trails and fishing on a 520-acre lake, while Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina, is a family favorite featuring a playground, carousel, train rides, and pedal boats. Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham showcases 55 acres of themed gardens, including native plants, a Japanese garden, and water features.

These are just a handful of the many wonderful outdoor areas we have to enjoy year-round. Whether you're into hiking, cycling, picnicking, or simply enjoying nature, Raleigh-Durham offers an unparalleled variety of outdoor experiences.

Climate & Weather

Raleigh's mild weather was a major factor in our decision to move here. Winters are much more tolerable than in the Northeast, with temperatures rarely dropping into the teens or below freezing. On average, winter high temperature is right around the low 50s but can drop into the 30s at night. This means you can spend more time outdoors, whether it's hiking the trails, walking in local parks, or enjoying seasonal festivals.

The summer humidity can get intense—it took us about two seasons to really acclimate, especially coming from a dry heat climate to wet, sticky humidity. On average, summer high temperatures are in the mid-80s to mid-90s with high humidity.

But avoiding snow shoveling and icy roads, and being able to enjoy all four seasons, is definitely worth it! Plus, the spring and fall seasons in Raleigh are absolutely beautiful, with crisp air and colorful trees. It's when it most feels like California weather to us.

You'll notice just how green and lush it is here, and that's because, on average, we get 45 inches of rainfall each year, compared to California with only around 10 inches.

Bugs and Snakes: The Truth

One of the biggest questions I get asked about are the bugs and the snakes. Yes, we do have both, but it's not like you step outside to walk your dog or check your mail and get swarmed by either!

Typically, we'll have bugs during the spring and summer months, just like a lot of other states, but we do have pest services. Mosquito Joe has become my best friend—they put a protective barrier around our house so our kids and dogs can go out and play, and we can sit outside and enjoy our deck in the evenings.

As for the snakes, some people live here for years and never see a snake, while others have seen one or two (or maybe even a dozen). Typically, if you're in a highly wooded area or near water sources, you're more likely to run into them, especially in the summer and fall months. But once it gets cold, they go into brumation, so you won't run into them.

We've run into quite a few, but we live on 3 acres, back up to an 85-acre farm, and we have a water source. But if you just stop a moment and let them pass by, they will slither right back into the bushes. They don't tend to be aggressive unless you try to poke them with a stick or pick them up!

All in all, I would say the bugs and snakes should NOT be a reason not to consider this beautiful city or surrounding towns.

Is Raleigh Right for You?

With good schools, vibrant arts and culture, and proximity to both the mountains and the coast, the region appeals to individuals, families, retirees, and professionals seeking work-life balance.

Relocating to Raleigh was one of the best decisions our family ever made. It's a place where we found community, opportunity, and a lifestyle that suits our needs perfectly.

Of course, every city has its pros and cons, and Raleigh is no exception. But in our experience, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.

If you're considering making the move, I encourage you to come on down for a visit and explore all that Raleigh and the surrounding areas have to offer. Interact with the locals and see for yourself if it's the right fit for the lifestyle you're looking to live.

Ready to Make the Move?

If you're considering relocating to the Raleigh area and looking to purchase a home, I would love to help! Feel free to reach out with any questions about the area or the moving process.