7 Things to Know Before Moving to Morrisville, NC

Living in Morrisville

Are you considering a move to Morrisville, NC? Find out why so many people are deciding to live in Morrisville!

Moving to Morrisville, NC, is a popular decision for people relocating to Raleigh. The town is close to the major attractions, including Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Research Triangle Park (RTP). 

Morrisville is a tech town ranked as a top place to live in North Carolina. Thanks to its central location, residents have a ton of great neighborhoods to choose from, easy commutes to work, and access to highly rated schools, part of the Wake County Public School System. 

Morrisville is the northern neighbor to Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs, the western neighbor to Raleigh, and east of Durham and Chapel Hill. It isn't just another suburb—it's a strategic powerhouse that most people completely overlook.

If you are considering a move to Morrisville or intend to purchase a home in the area, contact us so we can connect you with one of our Morrisville Realtors to help you make a wise investment. 

The population of Morrisville, NC, was 11,000 in 2009, and it has steadily risen to over 31,703. The town's growth demonstrates that families and young professionals love living there. With a median age of 35, Morrisville is a highly diverse community with significant international representation. 

Here is what you need to know about living in Morrisville, NC 

1. Location of Morrisville

Location is one of the main reasons people choose Morrisville. Morrisville has much to offer its residents, from great neighborhoods to excellent schools. 

Morrisville is a strategic gem in Wake County, in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle. Just minutes from Research Triangle Park (RTP), Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and major tech hubs, Morrisville offers an exceptional living experience for professionals, families, and anyone seeking a dynamic community.

Morrisville is located close to Raleigh. It is about a 20-minute drive from Morrisville to Raleigh, depending on what part of Morrisville you are coming from. Morrisville's central and convenient location makes it nearly 15-30 minutes to everything.  

2. Cost of Living 

Morrisville is considered an affordable place to live. Its cost of living is 5% higher than the national average, making it cheaper than similar tech-centric areas like Silicon Valley.

While housing might be the highest expense since it is 15% higher than the national average, utilities are 6% lower, transportation is 8% lower, and groceries are 1% higher. 

Cost of Living Item	Average Price in Morrisville, NC
Energy Bill	$187.87/month
Phone Bill	$181.73/month
Doctor's Visit	$156.89
Veterinary Visit	$68.01
Dentist Visit	$129.01
Loaf of Bread	$4.00
Bunch of Bananas	$0.73

*Data sourced from PayScale. 

Even though Morrisville is more expensive than living in Raleigh and Durham, residents pay for what they get since it is such a nice area to call home. Offering a lower cost of living compared to nearby major cities, it is no wonder that many people want to live here. 

3. Real Estate 

Housing expenses in Morrisville are 15% higher than the national average, making it the city's highest expense. The median home price in Morrisville ranges between $450,000 and $600,000.

As of 2025, Morrisville is in a seller's market, which means that more people are looking to buy a home than homes available, increasing competitiveness. 

If you are considering renting, here are the average rental prices in Morrisville:

• 1-bedroom apartment: $1,500 - $2,000
• 2-bedroom apartment: $2,000 - $2,500
• 3-bedroom home: $2,500 - $3,500

Offering housing options for everyone, including modern townhomes, luxury apartments, single-family homes, and new construction developments, finding your dream home in Morrisville is easy and convenient with the help of the experts at Raleigh Realty. 

Home to safe, family-friendly neighborhoods with tight-knit communities, Morrisville's top places to live include Amberly, Sterling Ridge, Hasentree, MacGregor West, and Preston. Each of these communities offers something unique for different lifestyles and preferences.

4. Crime Rate 

Morrisville is considered a relatively safe place to live despite being rated less safe than the North Carolina average. Crime rates are low, and there are no substantial safety concerns. However, paying attention to your surroundings and following general safety tips and tricks daily is still essential.

Since Raleigh is a safe place to live, it is a given that its suburbs are also secure and great places to raise a family. Morrisville is no exception since it is considered safer than 10% of other neighborhoods in the United States. 

With a crime rate of 28.55 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average, Morrisville is consistently ranked as one of the safest towns in North Carolina. 

While paying attention to crime in any area is essential when looking for a good place to live, Morrisville offers its residents the peace of mind of living somewhere with low criminal activity through its active community policing and low violent crime rates. 

	Morrisville, NC	North Carolina
Chance of Becoming a Victim of Property Crime	one in 37	one in 48
Chance of Becoming a Victim of Violent Crime	one in 793	one in 256

*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

5. Things to Do in Morrisville

There are many things to do in Morrisville and the neighboring towns/cities. This gives you access to everything Morrisville offers, including Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, which constantly hold events and fun things to do.

Whether it's food truck rodeos, local farmers markets, festivals downtown, a Carolina Hurricanes game, a Durham Bulls game, or visiting a great restaurant or brewery, you will always have something to do while living in Morrisville.

With so many attractions nearby, Morrisville is a great place to live if you like to stay active, whether it's a hike, greenway trails, or a day on the lake or beach (Jordan Lake is a great spot). 

Morrisville is about two hours away from Charlotte if you want to catch an NBA (Hornets) or NFL (Panthers) game, and two hours to the coast, where you can find some pretty awesome beaches. Most folks spend a week or two a year in the sun at some of North Carolina's best beaches.

Living in Morrisville means there is always something to do. There is something for everyone, from diverse international restaurants to excellent nightlife nearby. 

Check out these local favorite fun things to do in Morrisville, NC: 

Lake Crabtree County Park: Visit this 520-acre park in western Wake County that features 16 miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, and opportunities for boating and fishing. 

Triangle Rock Club - Morrisville: This indoor rock climbing gym offers rope climbing, bouldering, and a fitness area with yoga classes. 

Park West Village: Go shopping at this popular retail complex, home to popular chain stores, local boutiques, top-rated restaurants, and a movie theater. 

Drive Shack: Bring your friends and family to this entertainment venue with a driving range and golf games. 

Fred G. Bond Metro Park: Considered the largest municipal park in Wake County, this park features a lake, walking trails, athletic fields, an amphitheater, and a playground. 

6. Restaurants and Breweries in Morrisville

Morrisville has some great restaurants and breweries in the town and neighboring towns. Cary also has some of the best restaurants near Morrisville.

Check out these local favorite restaurants and breweries in Morrisville, NC: 

The Full Moon Oyster Bar: One of my favorite restaurants in Morrisville is the Full Moon Oyster Bar. This restaurant has all sorts of dishes for seafood lovers and plenty of other options for people who may not be fans of seafood. It is an excellent restaurant for the entire family in Morrisville.

The Babymoon Cafe: A great Italian restaurant in Morrisville that serves dishes for everyone. The Babymoon cafe in Morrisville-Raleigh is excellent for Italian and takeout pizza. If you live in Morrisville, you know what I am talking about. 

Rey's Steakhouse: One of the better places to visit if you're in Morrisville for a trip, and if you live here, Rey's is likely a staple restaurant. Although located in Cary, Rey's brings everyone from all over the Triangle area in for some truly great dining experiences.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar: Another great Morrisville restaurant is Bad Daddy's Burger Bar. The name says it all: It is an excellent place for burgers and beer. 

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: An upscale restaurant in Morrisville, Firebirds serves everything from seafood to steak in a lodge-like setting. If you're looking for a great night out with a great meal, Firebirds is worth checking out.

7. Job Market and Economy in Morrisville 

The key industries in Morrisville are technology, biotechnology, research and development, healthcare, and finance. The major employers in the area are IBM, Cisco Systems, NetApp, SAS Institue, Red Hat, and numerous startups and tech companies in the Research Triangle. 

If you are moving to Morrisville for a job, multiple commuting options make getting to and from work convenient. With easy access to major highways, residents can take advantage of relatively short commute times to major employment centers, public transportation through GoTriangle, and bike-friendly infrastructure. 

Pros and Cons of Relocating to Morrisville 

Pros of Living in Morrisville: 

• Proximity to major tech companies
• Excellent job market
• Diverse and inclusive community
• High-quality education systems
• Strategic location
• Lower cost of living compared to similar tech hubs
• Rich cultural experiences

Potential Cons of Living in Morrisville: 

• Higher housing costs compared to some surrounding areas
• Can feel crowded during peak tech industry seasons
• Traffic can be challenging during rush hours
• Limited public transportation compared to larger cities

Methodology 

Factors such as the cost of living, real estate market, location, crime rate, things to do, local amenities, and the job market and economy were considered when deciding the best things to know about living in Morrisville, NC. Data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Payscale, and NeighborhoodScout. 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about moving to Morrisville, NC. 

Is Morrisville, NC, an excellent place to live? 

As one of the best places to live in North Carolina and the Triangle area, Morrisville is a fantastic place for families to call home due to its dense suburban feel, low crime rate, affordable housing, and access to top-rated schools. 

Why move to Morrisville, NC? 

Best known for its strong sense of community, access to local amenities, and abundance of businesses deciding to move to the area, Morrisville is a sought-after place to live just outside of Raleigh. 

Is it expensive to live in Morrisville, NC?

With a cost of living that is 5% higher than the national average, Morrisville is a relatively affordable place to live compared to other cities of similar size. 

How far is Morrisville, NC, to Raleigh, NC? 

Morrisville is about a 20-minute drive from Raleigh. This is one of the reasons so many folks move to Morrisville: its proximity to Raleigh. 

Moving to Morrisville, NC - Final Thoughts 

Morrisville offers a unique blend of technological innovation, cultural diversity, and a high quality of life. Its strategic location, robust job market, and excellent community amenities make it an attractive destination for professionals and families.

Before moving to Morrisville, it is recommended to visit the area, research specific neighborhoods, consider job opportunities, understand the local housing market, and connect with the local real estate professionals at Raleigh Realty.