9 Things to Know About Living in Raleigh

North Carolina’s capital, the city of Raleigh, is known as The City of Oaks and is renowned for its stunning oak trees lining the streets in the heart of the city. However, Raleigh is more than just a pretty picture, and it’s a popular choice when for folks looking for somewhere to settle down or on the hunt for a new adventure.

If you’re thinking about moving to Raleigh, then there are some important factors you’ll need to consider. Every city has its positives and negatives, and it’s a good idea to wise up before making a commitment. Here’s what you need to know about Raleigh and what it might be like to live there.

Southern Hospitality

Things are just different down South, and Raleigh is no exception. This is a city that sees no shortage of friendly faces, and you can rest assured that you’ll be welcomed into the community no matter who you are or where you come from. That small-town vibe is one of the things that keeps people rooted here, and the feeling of comfort and familiarity will welcome you like a warm hug.

Part of what makes this possible is, of course, the people. Raleigh is home to some of the nicest and friendliest people in the world, as well as some of the happiest.

Thriving Job Market

Not only are the people friendly, but there’s no shortage of work. Many people choose to move to Raleigh for exciting job opportunities, a better career, and an improved quality of life. Raleigh also has a job satisfaction rate of 3.5 (out of 5) as of 2020, making it one of the highest ranked cities in the U.S. and full of happy and fulfilled people.

If you’re on the lookout for a new job, then directing your search towards Raleigh might be in your best interests!

Cost of Living

Of course, having a job is not the same thing as being able to make ends meet. Depending on where you’re coming from, the cost of living in Raleigh might be a little higher than you’re used to. On average, the cost of living in Raleigh is about 2% higher than the average city in North Carolina. However, this is still 3% lower than the national average.

It’s always a good idea to use a cost of living calculator to help you figure out whether or not your budget will align with a move to a new city.

Cultural Delights

Raleigh is populated with more than just friendly faces and a welcoming atmosphere – it’s also home to a bustling cultural scene, including stunning museums, theatres, and music festivals. There is no shortage of art and cultural activities to help you tap into the city’s rich heritage.

Whether you want to be informed and learn about the history of Raleigh and North Carolina, or simply entertained by beautiful exhibits, exciting events, and a booming live music scene, there are plenty of options to keep you occupied.

Green Spaces

If you’re not into the city life, though, Raleigh will pull through with its abundant nature and greenery. This city is a great place for nature and outdoor activities with its vast lakes, greenway trails, pretty parks and gardens, and playgrounds for the little ones. The beautiful weather will pull you outdoors in your free time, and you’ll have no shortage of things to do and places to explore.

And if you’re a beach bum, Raleigh is only a short 2-hour drive from the sandy shores of Carolina Beach, which makes for a stunning weekend getaway destination or even a quick day trip for when you just need a breath of that ocean air.

Weather Considerations

That being said, Raleigh experiences four very distinct seasons! The winter months are doused in a thick layer of beautiful snow, but the summertime is warm and breezy, and perfect for outdoor adventures.

However, along with the lovely climate, it’s important to be aware that Raleigh is also at risk for facing flooding and hurricanes. While these so-called disasters are typically quite mild, making sure that you prepare your home for flooding and other natural disasters is still vital, and being aware of the possibility should play into your final decision.

Educational Opportunities

Raleigh also boasts some of the best schools in the country, and has been ranked as the second most educated city in America. There are plenty of excellent public and private schools to choose from, and even schools that have different calendar options.

When it comes to tertiary education, universities like NC State University, Meredith College, and Duke University, are all a short distance from Raleigh and will make for outstanding options for parents who want to keep their kids close to home, or for anyone looking to further their education.

Traffic Congestion

Of course, nobody is perfect, and even Raleigh is subject to some nasty traffic conditions. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of the city’s popularity and outstanding job market is that there are a lot of people on the road trying to get to work every day, which leads to some frustrating moments in rush hour traffic.

However, that being said, the city does offer a free bus system and the streets are safe and clean, which encourages citizens to opt for a bike ride or a walk whenever possible. Making an effort to have less cars on the road will help reduce traffic congestion, and Raleigh is doing its best in 2023.

Making the Move: How to Get Started

If you’ve been convinced and you’re ready to pack your bags, then it might be time to start planning your move.

Getting started on a move like this will entail doing some more in-depth research on the different areas and suburbs, exploring job opportunities, checking out nearby schools, and figuring out what might help you get there. The best course of action in this case is to take a trip to Raleigh to explore the city in person. This way, you’ll be able to get a feel for the place and decide whether or not it’s a true fit for you.