Moving To Raleigh? This Relocation Guide Will Help

North Carolina’s capital city, known as the “City of Oaks” because of its stunning mature oak trees, has a rich history and is a growing metropolitan area with a friendly southern personality.

An affordable cost of living, plenty of job opportunities, good schools, and tons of fun things to do add to the appeal of living in Raleigh,. Raleigh and its neighboring cities, Durham and Chapel Hill, have a combined population of around 2.15 million. Each city is home to a major university - North Carolina State University, Duke University, and University of North Carolina - leading to the area’s nickname, the “Research Triangle.”

With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that Raleigh is frequently listed as one of the best places to live in the United States.

Raleigh Area Communities

Cameron Park

Close to North Carolina State University, Cameron Park is a quiet, charming, and historic residential neighborhood northwest of downtown Raleigh. Many families, young professionals, and graduate students live in this area, which offers historic architecture, good schools, and easy access to the rest of the city.

Cary

Just east of Raleigh is Cary, a fast-growing suburban town that started out as a small settlement in 1750 before becoming a railroad town in the 1800s. Its long history can still be seen today in its iconic buildings and historic homes, but there are also plenty of options for those who want newer homes and access to shopping centers.

Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the area, and is especially appealing for young professionals or anyone looking for city life. Downtown Raleigh is more affordable than other comparable city centers, and you can find a mix of single family homes, townhouses, and high-rise condos.

Morrisville

Morrisville is a cozy suburban town northwest of Raleigh offering residents that small-town feel with easy access to the city. Morrisville is a diverse, safe town with good schools and lots of green spaces.

Oakwood

Oakwood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Raleigh, with some homes dating back to the 1800s. Close to downtown and with streets lined with large mature oak trees, Oakwood is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods and offers a quiet escape that feels like you’re stepping back in time.

Chapel Hill

Part of the three cities known as the Research Triangle, Chapel Hill is only 30 miles away from central Raleigh. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a major part of the town’s economy and personality, and its roughly 57,000 residents enjoy the historic college-town vibe.

Brier Creek

Located right in the middle of Raleigh and Durham, Brier Creek is a fast-growing family suburb with a stunning golf course, tons of housing options, and quick access to interstates and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Durham

The third part of the Research Triangle, around 25 miles northwest of Raleigh, Durham is a mid-sized city home to Duke University, a blend of new and old housing options, and a diverse food scene. It’s also a relatively affordable city, making it a great option for families, students, and professionals alike.

Five Points

Five Points, just north of downtown Raleigh, is named for five of Raleigh’s historic neighborhood that meet at one - slightly confusing - intersection. Five Points offers great restaurants, shopping, and a unique blend of home types ranging from plantation-style houses to charming bungalows.

Top Raleigh School Districts

Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Raleigh Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of North Carolina, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child. 

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Students Served: 11,982

School Breakdown: 12 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 5 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 13

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics

Communities Served: Carlton Acres, Lakewoods, Stoney Brook, Rangewood, Clark Hills, part of Colony Woods, part of Soneridge, Northwood, Laurel Springs

Wake County Schools

Students Served: 157,839

School Breakdown: 119 elementary schools, 41 middle schools, and 31 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 16

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics

Communities Served: Wake County, Asbury

Orange County Schools

Students Served: 7,627

School Breakdown: 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 13

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics

Communities Served: Hillsboro

Johnston County Schools

Students Served: 34,857

School Breakdown: 24 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, and 12 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 15

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics

Communities Served: Johnston County

Durham Public Schools

Students Served: 34,023

School Breakdown: 32 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, and 15 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 15

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics

Communities Served: The city of Durham, Barclay to Sandlewood, Stephen’s Woods, River Forest, Old Farm, Willow Hill, Huntington Place, Glen Forest, Gorman, Rocky Knoll, Fairntosh, Treyburn, Willardville, Orange Factory, Deer Forest, Quail Roost, Hampton, Red Mountain

Franklin County Schools

Students Served: 8,533

School Breakdown: 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 16

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics

Communities Served: Youngsville, Centerville, Louisburg

Top Employers in Raleigh

Education, technology, and healthcare help make the Research Triangle's economy thrive.

Duke University & Health System

Duke University and Health System is the largest employer in the Research Triangle, providing almost 40,000 jobs in the medical sector and in the higher education sector.

State of North Carolina

Over 24,000 people in the Raleigh Area work for the State of North Carolina, providing vital government services to people of North Carolina.

Wake County Schools

Wake County's public school system employs almost 20,000 people working as teachers and as support staff, so children in the Research Triangle can get the best education possible. 

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart has a major employment presence in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area, providing almost 20,000 jobs in the retail sector of the economy. 

IBM

Technology and computer hardware giant IBM employs around 10,000 people in the Raleigh Metropolitan Area.

Raleigh Area Museums

North Carolina Museum of Art

Art lovers of all kinds will enjoy the North Carolina Museum of Art, with a collection that covers over 5,000 years of art across the globe. In addition to its 40 art galleries featuring incredible permanent and traveling exhibitions, the museum also puts on performances in its outdoor amphitheater and has sculptural art in its large park.

Marbles Kids Museum

Kids - and adults who are still kids at heart - can explore, play, and learn in downtown Raleigh’s Marbles Kids Museum. The museum’s exhibits focus on encouraging kids to “play with purpose” - on a staircase piano, in a kid’s garden, and in kid-size pretend stores, to name a few.

Gregg Museum of Art & Design

The Gregg Museum of Art & Design is a free museum that is part of the North Carolina State University Campus. The Gregg has a vast collection of art from North Carolina and around the world. Its new facility opened in 2017, and is an interesting combination of the historic Chancellor’s home and a sleek, modern addition.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the oldest museum in North Carolina. It’s Nature Exploration Center includes dinosaur fossils from the region, a hands-on discovery room, a living dry tropical forest conservatory with plants and animals, and much more to explore.

North Carolina Transportation Museum

All aboard at the North Carolina Transportation Museum, southwest of Raleigh on the former Southern Railway Company’s largest locomotive repair facility. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just want to learn a little more about the history of transportation in the area, the museum is a great place to visit. An authentic train depot, historic trains and cars, and a 25-minute train ride throughout the 60-acre site await visitors at this museum.

City of Raleigh Museum

The City of Raleigh Museum, in Raleigh’s downtown area, has exhibits and programming focusing on the history of the area. The nonprofit museum provides a valuable place for Raleigh’s history to be collected, preserved, and displayed. It’s a great place to visit regardless of if you’re a longtime Raleigh resident or just moved to the area.

Artspace

Artspace is a 30,000 square foot nonprofit arts center in a historic downtown Raleigh building. Artspace focuses on bringing the community together through art with art classes, studio spaces for local artists, and unique art exhibits.

Great Parks in the Raleigh Area

Moore Square

Moore Square has provided the community with a green space to gather in the heart of Raleigh since 1792. In the middle of the bustle of downtown, Moore Square’s four acres of open grass space, an interactive water feature, large trees for shade, benches, and pathways. Events are regularly held here ranging from fitness classes to concerts and holiday markets.

William B Umstead State Park

Northwest Raleigh’s 5,579-acre William B. Umstead State Park is a wooded sanctuary with trails for hiking and horseback riding, as well as campgrounds and lakes for fishing and boating. The park is easily accessible by interstate from Raleigh and surrounding cities.

Lake Johnson Park

Lake Johnson Park is southwest of Raleigh and is a stunning, tree-lined 150 acre lake and surrounding park. Over 5 miles of both paved and unpaved trails wind their way around the lake, and the park also offers visitors a chance to get on the water in boats and kayaks.

Anderson Point Park

Anderson Point Park is a hidden gem in east Raleigh. Paved trails run through its hilly green space and a wildlife habitat offers the chance to learn about native flora and fauna. The park is also home to a historic homestead and is connected to the large Neuse River trail.

Neuse River Greenway Trail

The Neuse River Greenway Trail is a 33-mile, paved trail that runs alongside the Neuse River, occasionally crossing the water on suspension bridges. The trail offers a chance to take a longer walk or bike ride and enjoy the beautiful North Carolina nature, and is also connected to several other parks.

Oakwood Dog Park

Oakwood Dog Park is in Raleigh’s historic and popular Oakwood neighborhood. The 12.7 acre park is a great place to bring your dog to run and play off-leash, and there are fenced areas for different size breeds.

Raleigh Sports Teams

North Carolina’s capital city has a lot to offer for sports fans. The Carolina Hurricanes, part of the National Hockey League, are one of the most popular teams in the city, and PNC Arena’s locally-focused food concessions are a great perk.

The three major research universities in the area also make for great sports rivals - North Carolina State University’s NCAA Division I basketball team, the Wolfpack, is a local favorite, as well as the NC State Wolfpack football team.

Raleigh is also home to baseball and soccer teams, and if you’re looking for something a little less crowded, there’s also the Raleigh Flyers, a professional ultimate frisbee team, and the Carolina Roller Derby. Raleigh offers tons of sports fun, regardless of who you cheer for/

Living in Raleigh

Amazing Raleigh Restaurants

No matter what you’re craving, you’re guaranteed to find something delicious in Raleigh’s diverse food scene.

The Pit

It wouldn’t be the south without BBQ, and The Pit is one of the top barbeque restaurants in Raleigh for a reason - it serves pit-cooked meats and a variety of traditional sides in a casual atmosphere and central location.

Beasley's Chicken & Honey

Beasley’s Chicken & Honey is one of the most popular casual southern restaurants in the Raleigh area, and is a great spot for brunch on the weekends.

Bida Manda

Bida Manda’s Laotian and Asian-Fusion menu and downtown location make for a vibrant dining experience with unique flavors and a fun atmosphere.

The Fiction Kitchen

The appropriately-named Fiction Kitchen is a completely vegetarian restaurant that serves meatless versions of traditionally meat-focused dishes like chicken and waffles, BBQ pulled pork, and brisket and grits.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

The Cowfish serves both sushi and burgers, a bizarre combination that somehow works in this trendy restaurant. While they do offer separate sushi and burger sides of the menu, they also have “Burgushi”, a fusion of the two.

Guasaca

Guasaca is an affordable, Venezuelan restaurant known for its authentic arepas, which diners can customize by selecting their protein, toppings, and sauces.

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern serves upscale New American food in a historic home that’s as much a part of the dining experience as the food itself.

Mami's 

Peruvian food is the name of the game at Mami’s, a family-owned restaurant that is known for its flavorful rotisserie chicken, roasted in ovens specially imported from Peru.

Chubby's Tacos

Chubby’s Tacos serves inexpensive Mexican food in northwest Raleigh, known for its flavorful tacos and salsa bar.

Jubala Village Coffee

Jubala Village Coffee devotes a lot of attention to where they source their coffee beans, which are locally roasted, and it shows in their delicious drinks. They also offer breakfast and brunch menu items.

Vivo Ristorante Pizzeria

For delicious pizza and pasta, Vivo Ristorante Pizzeria is the place to go. They use fresh ingredients for their traditional Italian dishes, and they have a family-friendly focus.

Gusto Farm to Street

Gusto focuses on using fresh ingredients from local farms for its colorful pizzas and salads. Their menu changes depending on the season, making it a fun place to visit again and again.

Salt & Lime Cabo Grill

Salt & Lime Cabo Grill serves Baja-style cuisine in northern Raleigh, and they’re known for their delicious tacos and casual atmosphere.

Cary Crab House

Cary Crab House serves a large variety of fresh seafood and delicious Cajun-style sides. You can choose your spice level, and they serve everything with lots of napkins, so it’s also kid-friendly.

The Cortez

The Cortez serves affordable seafood in downtown Raleigh with a trendy interior and a show-stopping dessert menu.

Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar

If you’re in need of southern comfort food, Relish Craft Kitchen is the place for you. Relish is known for its pimento cheese, shrimp and grits, and skillets of macaroni and cheese, as well as a large collection of whiskeys.

Sitti

Sitti is one of the top Middle Eastern restaurants in Raleigh, conveniently located downtown. They have a diverse menu and stunning food presentation, all for an affordable price.

Dame's Chicken and Waffles

Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, northwest of Raleigh, is the perfect comfort food restaurant. Several variations on chicken and waffles with interesting and delicious flavor combinations, make for a great brunch, lunch, or even dinner.

Great Attractions for Raleigh Stay-cations

Pullen Park

Pullen Park is more than just a green space - this 66.4-acre public park is the oldest in North Carolina, and has several small rides, a small lake, concessions, an aquatic center, an arts center and theatre, trails, and more. Park-goers can enjoy paddle boats on Lake Howell, kiddie boats on a small pool for young children, a miniature train ride that goes throughout the park, and a historic carousel dating back to 1912. The Pullen Aquatic Center has an Olympic-size swimming pool, the theatre puts on year-round performances, and the Pullen Arts Center offers many arts classes. There is a lot to do and see in this historic park.

North Carolina State Capitol

The North Carolina State Capitol building is in the middle of downtown Raleigh. The building has been dedicated a National Historic Landmark, and today holds the offices of the Governor of North Carolina. With free admission and free guided tours, visiting  the State Capitol is is a great way to learn about the North Carolina government.

JC Raulston Arboretum

Part of North Carolina State University, the JC Raulston Arboretum offers free admission into one of the largest collections of landscape plants in the southeastern United States. Interesting exhibitions about plants and gardening occur throughout the year, and the Arboretum also serves as an important center for research. Both beautiful and educational, the JC Raulston Arboretum is a great weekend activity.

Frankie's Fun Park

Frankie’s Fun Park, an amusement park in northwest Raleigh, is fun for all ages. Laser tag, a batting cage, arcade games, race track, bumper boats, rides, virtual reality, and mini golf are just a few of the entertaining attractions at Frankie’s.

Raleigh Little Theatre

Raleigh Little Theatre, one of the oldest community theatres in the country, offers a variety of musicals and plays all year long that appeal to all ages and interests. The Theatre focuses on building a relationship with the community, providing educational events in addition to performances. The Little Theatre is also home to the Raleigh Rose Garden, a stunning garden with a long history and over 1,000 roses.

Raleigh Beer Garden

The Raleigh Beer Garden has the Guiness world record with the largest selection of draft beers on tap - over 350 - making it more of an experience than just a place to grab a pint. The Raleigh Beer Garden has a variety of indoor and outdoor seating, including a rooftop patio and a garden. Events are regularly held here, and they also have a large food menu and games like ping pong and corn hole.

Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts

The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is the heart of performing arts in Raleigh. Four performance venues in the large center feature Broadway shows, the North Carolina Opera, the North Carolina Symphony, the Carolina Ballet, and much more. Its central location in downtown Raleigh means it’s close to lots of great restaurants that you can enjoy before catching a show.

The Raleigh Murals Project

Downtown Raleigh has tons of cool wall murals thanks to the Raleigh Murals Project, a collective of local artists who focus on bringing art into the community. Follow the online map to find these colorful walls, which make the perfect backdrop for pictures and also offer a unique opportunity to learn about the Raleigh art community.

Shopping

Raleigh has it all when it comes to shopping. Several traditional shopping malls, outdoor shopping centers with big-name stores, quirky art studios, historic markets, and even a European village are all part of the shopping scene in North Carolina’s capital city.

City Market

City Market has been a downtown Raleigh staple since 1914, when it served as a place to buy food from local farmers. Today, the market is a popular destination for tourists and Raleigh residents alike, and is home to locally-owned shops and restaurants that offer produce, haircuts, gifts, and much more.

Raleigh Flea Market

The Raleigh Flea Market is open every weekend on the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, and with over 600 vendors, you never know what you’re going to find. The market has been happening regularly since the early 1970’s, and is a family-friendly way place to explore antiques, homemade items, clothing, collectibles, jewelry, and so much more. Two large buildings house permanent vendors, while outdoor stalls change regularly, offering a lot of variety for shoppers.

North Hills

North Hills, in northern Raleigh, offers a large variety of local shops and boutiques as well as upscale brand-name and designer stores. It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon window shopping or browsing the racks, and its popular restaurants and breweries make a great way to take a break from all of that shopping.

Lafayette Village

Be transported to a charming European village at Lafayette Village, a shopping and dining center designed to look like it’s in France or Italy, but in reality is easily-accessible by interstate in northeast Raleigh. Charming boutiques, bistros with outdoor seating, gourmet and specialty foods, and even a miniature Eiffel Tower can all be found here, and you’ll instantly feel like you’re on a European vacation.

Places of Worship

Houston is the most diverse city in the United States, and has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.

Hope Community Church

Hope Community Church has campuses across the Research Triangle, including ones in Apex, Morrisville, Downtown Raleigh, and Garner, so you can find the right church in the right location for your family.

Islamic Association of Raleigh

The Islamic Association of Raleigh offers extensive religious services for Muslims in the Research Triangle in addition to offering a number of children's services, including a full time Islamic school.

Beth Meyer Synagogue

The Beth Myer Synagogue is an egalitarian, Conservative Synagogue. It strives to be a welcoming space for the diverse members of its congregation. 

Van-Hanh Pagoda

The Van-Hanh Pagoda is a beautiful Vietnamese temple. It's large compound offers the perfect space for all people to enjoy a peaceful meditation experience.  

Hindu Society of North Carolina Temple

The Hindu Society of North Carolina operates a Temple in Morrisville to foster a true sense of community in the Hindus of the Raleigh Area. 

Beth Shalom

Beth Shalom is a Reform synagogue. Its congregation strives to bring peace and freedom to the world. 

North Durham Islamic Association

The North Durham Islamic Association has a large, diverse congregation. It is open for all daily prayers, and has a monthly community dinner, where members can enjoy fellowship and friendship. 

Sree Venkateswara Temple of NC

The Sree Venkateswara Temple of NC is a beautiful temple dedicated to upholding Hindu religious activities as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads in addition to providing compassionate services to the entire community.

Kadampa Center

The Kadampa Center preserves the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in the Gelugpa Tradition. It welcomes all people and offers many classes on Buddhism and meditation. 

Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic church that offers religious services, a religious school, and a range of community services, geared towards creating a body of loving believers.