15 Things To Know BEFORE Moving to Raleigh NC {2026 Guide}

Living in Raleigh, NC

Do you want to live in Raleigh, NC? Find out why 70+ people are moving to Raleigh Daily in 2026! 

Anyone considering moving to or already living in Raleigh, NC, should read this article first. People love living in Raleigh, and if you are curious about it, you will probably want to check out the homes for sale.

As one of the best places to live in the United States, Raleigh is the anchor of the Research Triangle with a robust economy, genuine quality of life, and blend of suburban and urban sophistication. 

Whether you are a young professional seeking career growth, a family prioritizing education, or a retiree looking for comfort, Raleigh welcomes all. Home to 1.5 million people in the greater region, it is no wonder so many people want to call Raleigh home. 

Once you finish this article, you may still have questions. Please join our moving to Raleigh Facebook group. It's a private group that is meant to add additional value to anyone who is contemplating relocating to our great city.

At any time, you should feel free to reach out to our amazing group of Realtors® who can offer their first-hand knowledge to you personally. Every situation is unique, and that is where our Agent's experience comes in.

If you are considering making Raleigh your home, here are the 15 most important things you need to know about what life is really like in North Carolina's capital city.

Here is what you need to know about living in Raleigh. 

1. The People 

One of Raleigh's defining characteristics is its population mix. While you will certainly encounter traditional southern hospitality and charm, the city is far more diverse and cosmopolitan then stereotypes might suggest. 

As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, about 60% of current residents were born outside of North Carolina, bringing perspectives and cultures from across the United States and the world. 

People here tend to be educated, career-focused, and family-oriented, creating communities where you will find both professionals networking and neighbors organizing block parties.

Raleigh is a city, and it's a small town at the same time. It's large enough so that you're always meeting new people and small enough to run into the ones you know constantly. 

The overall vibe is approachable and optimistic, less pretentious than some coastal cities but more progressive and diverse than many other Southern metros.

2. Thriving Job Market 

Raleigh sits at the heart of the Research Triangle, which is one of the nation's premier tech and research hubs formed by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This region is home to Research Triangle Park, the largest research park in North America, hosting over 300 companies and 50,000 employees working in biotech, pharmaceuticals, technology, and advanced manufacturing. 

Major employers include Red Hat, Cisco, IBM, SAS Institute, Fidelity Investments, and Lenovo, alongside a thriving startup ecosystem supported by strong venture capital presence.

The unemployment rate consistently runs below the national average, and the diversity of industries means the economy remains resilient during downturns. Whether you work in software engineering, life sciences, healthcare, education, or professional services, Raleigh's job market offers opportunities at every career stage.

The presence of three major research universities also creates a culture of innovation and continuous learning that permeates the professional environment. Many residents commute from one of the amazing Raleigh suburbs for work or school. 

With a median household income of $86,309, Raleigh is considered among the best in the country. Additionally, Raleigh has a job satisfaction rating of 3.3 to 3.5, making it one of the top places to be happy in the workplace.

3. Housing Affordability 

While Raleigh's housing market has heated up considerably in recent years due to population growth, it remains more affordable than comparable metros on the coasts or even closer competitors like Austin or Nashville.

Whether you are searching for a house in Downtown Raleigh, North Raleigh, or a suburb of Raleigh, you will find the homes are priced reasonably for the quality of life and economy.

The median home price hovers around the mid-$400,000s, though significant variation exists by neighborhood. You will find new construction suburban homes in the $350,000-$500,000 range in areas like Apex, Cary, and Wake Forest, while established neighborhoods closer to downtown like Hayes Barton or Mordecai command premium prices.

Whether you're shopping for homes in Wendell, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, or Raleigh, you'll have easy access to the city at an affordable price. Many people in Cary have moved from the Northeast. 

The key advantage is that salaries in Raleigh's strong job market often keep pace with housing costs better than in other growth cities, and North Carolina's relatively low property taxes and no state tax on Social Security benefits help stretch budgets further.

For those willing to live 20 to 30 minutes outside the immediate metro area, considerably more affordable options exist in towns like Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, or Garner.

4. Food Scene 

Raleigh's culinary landscape has exploded over the past decade, evolving from a good barbecue hotspot into a legitimate food destination. Home to some of the best restaurants in the country, multiple Raleigh restaurants were selected for the first-ever Michelin Guide to the American South. 

Downtown Raleigh and surrounding neighborhoods now boast James Beard-nominated chefs, innovative farm-to-table restaurants like Beasley's Chicken + Honey and Poole's Diner, excellent ethnic cuisines representing Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Ethiopian, and Mexican traditions, and chef-driven concepts that would hold their own in much larger cities.

The food hall trend has taken root with Morgan Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall showcasing local vendors. Home to 291 food trucks, you will always find something new to try when living in the area. 

Farmers markets operate year-round, and the farm-to-fork movement is strong here, with many restaurants sourcing from nearby farms. International food markets cater to various communities, and the food truck scene thrives, especially around Raleigh's many breweries.

Raleigh is an excellent place for food, and if you're spending your time in Downtown Raleigh, here are some of the best restaurants Downtown.

5. Craft Beer 

Raleigh has established itself as a genuine beer destination with over 30 breweries in the city limits alone and more than 70 in Wake County. Trophy Brewing, Raleigh Brewing Company, and Bond Brothers have earned national recognition. 

Most breweries function as community gathering spaces, family-friendly and dog-welcoming, with food trucks, live music, and events that make them legitimate social destinations rather than just places to drink.

The city hosts major beer festivals including Brewgaloo, which takes over downtown each spring. The beer scene has become so ingrained in local culture that brewery crawls are popular weekend activities. 

6. Weather 

Raleigh's climate is one of its most appealing features for many people relocating. The city experiences genuine four-season weather without the extremes that make life difficult in other regions.

Winters are mild, with average highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Snow does fall occassionaly, enough for a couple of pretty days without the burden of constant shoveling or dangerous road conditions.

Spring arrives early, often by late February, bringing blooming azaleas, dogwoods, and the area's famous cherry blossoms. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures typically in the upper 80s to low 90s, though afternoon thunderstorms provide regular relief.

Fall is genuinely spectacular, with comfortable temperatures from September through November and vibrant foliage in the surrounding hardwood forests. You will enjoy approximately 213 sunny days per year, and the growing season is long enough to maintain lush, green landscapes most of the year.

7. Education Excellence 

For families with children, Raleigh's education is a major draw. Wake County Public School System, the largest in the state with over 160,000 students, includes numerous nationally recognized schools and magnet programs.

Several Raleigh public schools consistently rank among the best in the nation, and the district's year-round school calendar options provide flexibility for working families. Beyond public schools, the area offers excellent private school options including Ravenscroft School, Cary Academy, and various faith-based institutions.

For higher education, Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University, a top-tier research university with renowned engineering, agriculture, and design programs. The broader Triangle includes Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, both consistently ranked among the nation's best universities.

This concentration of educational excellence creates a highly educated population (over 50% of adults in the metro hold bachelor's degrees), enriches cultural offerings, and provides lifelong learning opportunities through lectures, performances, and community programs.

Here are some of the best schools in Raleigh, NC: 

*Data Sourced from GreatSchools. 

8. Art and Culture 

For a city of its size, Raleigh offers a surprisingly rich arts and culture scene. The North Carolina Museum of Art features an impressive permanent collection spanning 5,000 years and a spectacular 164-acre museum park with monumental sculptures and trails that blend art with nature.

The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh) brings cutting-edge exhibitions to the region, while the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast.

The performing arts thrive through Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and the historic Carolina Theatre, hosting Broadway touring productions, concerts, and performances by the North Carolina Symphony and Carolina Ballet.

The vibrant arts scene creates an environment where creativity is valued and accessible, enriching daily life in ways that extend beyond formal venues into public spaces, neighborhoods, and community events.

9. Live Music 

Raleigh's live music scene has grown considerably and offers something for virtually every taste. Venues range from intimate clubs like Pour House Music Hall to outdoor spaces like Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek that attract major touring acts.

The intimate nature of many venues means you can catch music groups in settings where you are close to the stage, and the supportive local music community creates opportunities for emerging artists.

10. Nightlife in Raleigh

Raleigh's nightlife has grown significantly, especially downtown and in the Glenwood South district. You will find craft cocktail bars, speakeasys, wine bars, and dance clubs. 

Most nightlife concentrates in walkable districts, making bar-hopping easy and rideshares convenient. The crowd tends to be younger given the universities nearby, but you will find spots catering to various age groups and interests.

You can look at an interactive guide to Downtown Raleigh nightlife for more information. 

11. Sports

Sports culture runs deep in Raleigh, though it's dominated by college athletics. NC State University's football and basketball games create electric atmospheres. Rivalry games against UNC and Duke are cultural events that divide households. 

Professional sports are represented by the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team, which has built a devoted following and reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006, with recent playoff success reigniting fan enthusiasm.

The minor league Durham Bulls (baseball) and North Carolina FC (soccer) provide additional options nearby. While Raleigh lacks NFL, NBA, or MLB teams, fans travel to Charlotte (two and a half hours) for Panthers and Hornets games. 

12. Beach Access

One of Raleigh's advantages is being just two to three hours from North Carolina's beautiful coast. Home to some of the best beaches on the east coast, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, and Beaufort offer family-friendly, less crowded alternatives to more commercialized destinations. 

For those seeking more isolation, the Outer Banks stretches north with wild horses, historic lighthouses, and the site where the Wright Brothers first flew. Weekend beach trips are a summer adventure for many Raleigh families, and the relatively short drive means you can escape for even just a day if needed.

13. Mountain Access 

While the beach satisfies summer recreation needs, the mountains provide year-round appeal. The Blue Ridge Mountains, including popular destinations like Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock, are roughly two and a half to three hours west of Raleigh.

This proximity allows for weekend getaways to hike portions of the Appalachian Trail, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit mountain waterfalls, or enjoy Asheville's arts scene and brewery culture.

In winter, ski resorts like Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Appalachian Ski Mountain offer downhill skiing and snowboarding without the expense or travel required to reach major Western resorts.

14. Golf Communities 

Golf thrives in Raleigh's climate, with over 50 courses in the greater metro area and the ability to play year-round. Raleigh offers excellent variety from upscale private clubs to quality public courses at reasonable rates.

Notable options include Lonnie Poole Golf Course, Devil's Ridge Golf Club, and Prestonwood Country Club's various championship courses. The density of golf courses in the area is the reason for the nickname "The Sandhills."

The number of golf course communities in the Raleigh area is huge. The proximity to Pinehurst, home of multiple U.S. Opens and considered one of the finest golf destinations in America, means world-class courses are available for special occasions.

15. Parks and Outdoor Recreation 

Raleigh's commitment to green space and outdoor recreation is evident throughout the city. The municipal parks system includes over 180 parks covering more than 8,000 acres, with facilities ranging from neighborhood playgrounds to comprehensive recreation centers.

The Raleigh Greenway system features over 100 miles of paved trails connecting parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, creating extensive networks for walking, running, and cycling that you can access from most parts of the city.

Umstead State Park, a 5,599-acre wilderness area within the city limits, offers mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and camping that make you feel far removed from urban life despite being minutes from downtown. Lake Crabtree, Lake Johnson, and Lake Lynn provide paddling and fishing opportunities.

Methodology 

To determine the best things to know about moving to Raleigh, data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Raleigh News and Observer, GreatSchools, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Wake County Economic Development. 

FAQs 

What are the pros and cons of moving to North Carolina?

Moving to Raleigh has many pros and cons. The pros of living in Raleigh include the weather, housing affordability, job opportunities, and family-friendly environment. The cons include increased traffic, lack of professional sports teams, and high humidity. 

What County is the city of Raleigh, NC, located in?

Raleigh, NC, is primarily in Wake County, though many people do not realize that parts of northwest Raleigh extend into Durham County. 

When purchasing a home in Raleigh, it makes sense to be sure you are buying in the right county because, too often, folks will purchase a home in Raleigh that is districted to Durham schools or pay Durham taxes.

Can you move to Raleigh without a job? 

Many people who move to Raleigh do so without a job and find work once they arrive here. There are so many great employers and a lot of job openings. The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 3.2% which is great compared to other cities. 

Moving to Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

Raleigh is a great place to live in North Carolina that is experiencing rapid growth. What sets Raleigh apart is its tree-lined neighborhoods, extensive parks and greenways, economic opportunities, moderate cost of living, and high quality of life. 

While Raleigh is not perfect, its drawbacks are minor compared to what Raleigh offers. Whether you are considering a move from across the country or just a few states away, Raleigh deserves serious consideration.

Are you ready to find your dream home in Raleigh, NC? Our team of top local Real Estate Agents love helping people make the move. Contact us to help with your relocation or with any questions you may have!