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Pros and Cons of Moving To Raleigh
What are the pros and cons of living in Raleigh, NC? Consider these ten pros and cons if you are considering moving to Raleigh!
Are you thinking about moving to Raleigh, North Carolina? Raleigh is not only the capital of North Carolina, but also a growing technological and business hub that offers a big city feel with plenty of southern charm. Best known for its fantastic education, convenient location, hidden gems, and unique culture, Raleigh is no wonder why it is one of the best places to live in North Carolina and a sought-after destination in the Southeastern United States.
With a fast-growing population, Raleigh is the second biggest city in North Carolina, right behind Charlotte. It is often a popular place for young professionals and families to settle down since it is a kid-friendly city with plenty of opportunities to flourish.
As local real estate experts who've helped countless families find their perfect home in the Triangle area, we at Raleigh Realty understand that every city has strengths and challenges. Here's our honest assessment of what makes Raleigh special and what potential newcomers should consider before relocating.
Here are the pros and cons of calling Raleigh home
One of the biggest reasons so many families and young professionals move to Raleigh is its affordability. With a cost of living 2% lower than the national average, the city has much to offer without the high prices of other similar-sized metropolitan areas.
Not only are the costs of goods and services generally below average but there are also lower property taxes, making Raleigh a great place to purchase real estate. Many people from the northeast and California are choosing to move to Raleigh for the cost of living alone.
What makes Raleigh unique is its exceptional value proposition. Residents enjoy big-city amenities and economic opportunities without the big-city price tag. A dollar stretches further here.
| Cost of Living Item | Average Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC |
| Energy Bill | $187.87/month |
| Phone Bill | $181.73/month |
| Doctor's Visit | $156.89 |
| Dentist Visit | $129.01 |
| Veterinary Visit | $68.01 |
| Loaf of Bread | $4.00 |
| Gallon of Milk | $4.71 |
*Data Sourced from PayScale.
A good salary to live comfortably in Raleigh is around $102,752 annually. Overall, Raleigh has more affordable housing options and is considered a cheaper place to live than Charlotte and Durham.
While many families love living in Raleigh, the area is also very sought-after by retirees. It is considered one of the best places to retire in the country, partly for its affordable cost of living and housing options.
Raleigh is the place to be if you are looking for beautiful homes for sale. As one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States, many people moving to Raleigh are looking for single-family homes in safe neighborhoods.
While housing prices have increased in recent years (like most desirable metros), Raleigh remains remarkably affordable compared to similar tech hubs and state capitals.
With a current median list price of $767,597, most homes spend an average of 49 days on the market, and the average price per square foot in Raleigh is $290.
Featuring many up-and-coming neighborhoods, Raleigh and the entire Triangle area are bursting with new construction as more and more people decide to move to the area and call Raleigh home.
No matter what you are looking for in a home or what home style you prefer, Raleigh has endless options for you and your family. The many great suburbs of Raleigh located just outside the city center also offer plenty of great homes.
Raleigh's housing market offers great diversity, from historic neighborhoods like Oakwood and Boylan Heights to modern urban living in downtown condos and warehouse district conversions.
Located in the heart of Research Triangle Park, Raleigh is best known for its employment opportunities, one of the many reasons why so many people are moving here.
Recognized as one of the most significant innovation hubs in the country, this East Coast city is home to a rising number of technology, life sciences, and biotech companies.
Technology giant Apple is set to build a campus in the Research Triangle Park region by 2026, creating thousands of new jobs and further boosting the Raleigh economy.
Raleigh is also a great place for small businesses and startups. The city supports entrepreneurship and offers many resources for business owners. Raleigh is a great place to call home if you are moving for work or a new job opportunity.
The unemployment rate (3.2%) consistently tracks below national averages, and the area's wages tend to be competitive nationally while offering greater purchasing power locally due to the lower cost of living.
The Triangle region boasts some of the nation's most highly regarded educational institutions. As part of the Wake County Public School System, the most extensive school system in the state, it offers specialized magnet programs, early colleges, and career academies.
The concentration of top universities (NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and Duke) creates a culture of lifelong learning and provides residents with access to continuing education, cultural events, and intellectual stimulation.
No matter what you want to study or whether you want to get an undergraduate or graduate degree, there are plenty of schools to choose from to reach your goals.
If you love all things adventure, then look no further than Raleigh. This North Carolina city is full of fun outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round. Featuring many parks, hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, there is always something to do throughout the week for all ages. Bring your pets along and visit one of the pet-friendly hotels, parks, restaurants, and more.
Raleigh's nickname, "City of Oaks," reflects its commitment to preserving nature within urban environments. The city maintains over 100 miles of greenways and 28 trails.
Lake Johnson, Falls Lake, and Jordan Lake offer water recreation within minutes of downtown. William B. Umstead State Park, which covers 5,600 acres, is located here and is the perfect place for hiking, camping, horseback riding, paddling, fishing, and picnicking.
Raleigh is also within a four-hour drive to the mountain city of Asheville and is a three-hour drive from the beaches of the Outer Banks, both of which make perfect day or weekend trips.
Combining traditional Southern friendliness with a forward-thinking, diverse mindset, Raleigh is a welcoming and growing area with great restaurants, trendy bars, breweries, museums, and live music venues.
No matter how you spend your free time, there is always something exciting in and around the city.
Offering plenty of free and family-friendly activities, you will never be bored when living in Raleigh, which is why its fun things to do are one of the many pros of living in the area.
The housing market in Raleigh is very competitive and in high demand as more people move to the area and need housing. Due to buyer-friendly conditions, it is an excellent time to purchase a home in the area, which could be challenging if everyone else is also looking to buy at the same time.
Multiple offer situations have become common in desirable neighborhoods, and home prices have appreciated faster than wages in recent years. While still affordable compared to many metros, the days of extreme housing bargains are largely past.
The real estate market in the Triangle region is predicted to keep growing as big companies move to the area and attract more job seekers. Buying a home in Raleigh is a great investment opportunity, but be prepared for a competitive real estate environment.
When snow or ice does occur, even in small amounts, the region lacks the infrastructure to quickly clear roads. Schools and businesses often close with just a few inches of accumulation. While this happens infrequently, it can be an adjustment for transplants from northern states.
The population in Raleigh is exploding, and there is no chance of it slowing down soon. About 64 new people are added to the region daily to enjoy all that Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle region offer.
With considerable population growth comes increased traffic on significant highways and backroads. Although considered a con, lots of traffic is essential to consider if you will commute to and from work in Raleigh.
Regarding Raleigh driving and commute times, the one-way commute takes about 24 minutes, shorter than the national average, but still takes a reasonable amount of time.
Most residents drive a car since everything in the area is spread out. Still, public transportation options are available, and most of them consist of bus routes through GoRaleigh, GoTriangle, and the R Line.
Interstate 540 is undergoing an extension and is being constructed in two phases. This 540 project will extend the Triangle Expressway and connect the greater Raleigh area's towns and cities.
Though this is a toll road, the complete 540 Interstate will help lower traffic and reduce commute times. The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
While Raleigh's climate is generally pleasant, July and August can bring stretches of high humidity and temperatures in the 90s.
These weeks require reliable air conditioning and can limit outdoor activities during midday hours. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer months.
Humidity might not be an issue for everyone. Still, it will shock new residents, especially those from California or elsewhere on the West Coast, where humidity levels are not as nearly as bad.
One of the best ways to beat the heat and high humidity during the summer is to hang out in your backyard swimming pool or visit a splash pad at a local park with your kids.
Methodology
We used data and information from several sources and our knowledge of the area to determine the pros and cons of living in Raleigh.
The majority of the data was sourced from Payscale, Wake County Economic Development, WRAL, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
FAQs
Is Raleigh, NC, a good place to live?
Raleigh is considered one of the best places to live in North Carolina since it is extremely family-friendly, features beautiful and affordable real estate, and offers a booming job market since it is located in Research Triangle Park.
What city is safer, Charlotte or Raleigh?
Raleigh is considered to be a safer place to live than Charlotte, which has a lower violent and property crime rate. Charlotte has 41% more violent crime than Raleigh.
What is the safest suburb of Raleigh?
Cary is one of the best and safest suburbs in Raleigh and is considered one of the safest places to live in the country for its low violent and property crime rates.
Pros and Cons of Living in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts
For most residents, Raleigh's advantages far outweigh its challenges. The city offers an exceptional quality of life, combining economic opportunity with affordability and natural beauty.
If you are looking for an affordable city with beautiful real estate and easy access to healthcare, then Raleigh is a fantastic option for you and your family.
Though the humidity may be high and the traffic might be increasing due to Raleigh's popularity, these are all minor issues in the grand scheme of things. Raleigh is a land of opportunity and offers its residents a rewarding and high-quality life.
If you are ready to find your dream home in Raleigh or the Triangle area, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. Our team will provide a personalized consultation to find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood for your lifestyle.
