Raleigh Named One of the Best Places to Live in the States

Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, has again been named one of the best places to live in the United States. With a thriving economy, active nightlife, diverse cultural scene, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, it’s no wonder plenty of people are able to agree on one thing: Raleigh is the place to be.

Whether you’re planning a visit, looking to move, or you’re already one of the lucky ones who call this city home, we’ve created the go-to guide for Raleigh life.

Location and Climate

There’s no doubt you’ve heard it once before: Location, location, location. The right spot on a map can make or break a city. Luckily for Raleigh residents, their hometown has a practically perfect placement. 

Geography 

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Raleigh forms the Eastern part of the well-known “Research Triangle”, named for the three major universities that lie at each point—North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill.

Within the state itself, Raleigh stands apart for its verdant landscape and hundreds of parks and hiking trails, including the Capital Greenway Trail system that runs more than 100 miles. 

Raleigh also sits almost exactly halfway between New York City and Florida, making it ideal for trips along the East coast.   

Climate

Raleigh’s climate can be categorized as temperate, meaning it experiences four distinct seasons. 

Summers are humid and warm, with an average high in the mid-80s to low-90s. Winters are mild compared to other nearby states, with highs in the range of 47 to 53°F and lows that get just below freezing. Fall and Spring are moderate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s in both seasons. 

No matter the season, Raleigh tends to see a lot of sunshine, making it possible to enjoy the outdoors almost all-year round. 

Economy

According to a Triangle Business Journal report, the Triangle was among the fastest growing economies in the US in 2022. That area, of course, includes Raleigh. 

Major Industries

According to Ral Today, the Raleigh economy is driven most by five key industries: Professional and business services; trade, transportation and utilities; education and health services; government; and leisure and hospitality.

The Research Triangle Park also contributes greatly to the Raleigh economy. At 7,000 acres, this is the largest research park in the country—home to over 300 tech and life science companies and employing more than 60,000 people. While the park stretches throughout the state, a large portion of it is located right in the middle of Raleigh.

Job Market

Among the many perks of living in Raleigh, the job market is easily in a top spot. Forbes ranked the city number one best place for business and careers in the country for four of the previous five years, and it has been ranked the fifth best job market in the United States, according to a national study conducted in early 2023.  

These promising numbers have helped Raleigh maintain a spot on nearly every list for investment dollars that funnel billions into the economy.

Major employers in the area include:

• Duke University and Duke Health Systems
• The State of North Carolina
• Wake County Public School System
• Wal-Mart
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• WakeMed Health & Hospitals
• Food Lion
• North Carolina State University. 

Housing and Cost of Living

As costs go up around the country, some of the most desirable cities are seeing a rise in cost of living that is reaching nearly astronomical heights. In Raleigh, though, the cost of living remains 4% below that of the national average—and just 1% higher than that in the rest of the state. 

Housing Market

Let’s take a look at both how much it costs to buy a house in Raleigh, and how much it costs to rent in the city. 

Redfin gave the housing market in Raleigh a Redfin Compete Score of 64, meaning it can be classified as “somewhat competitive.” They estimate that the average home on the Raleigh market receives two offers, and is sold within 39 days. 

The median sale price of a home as of early 2023 was $400,000, which actually marks a decrease since last year. 

For all that the Raleigh area has to offer, the market still presents plenty of opportunities for first-time homebuyers or those looking to relocate. 

For those looking to rent, the average monthly rent for a Raleigh apartment is between $1,553 and $1,832 in 2023. This of course depends on the exact location of the apartment, the size, and the amenities included. 

Cost of Living Index

The cost of living in Raleigh is only slightly above the national average, making it a great option for those looking to relocate to save a bit of money without sacrificing their standard of living, dining, and entertainment. 

Numbeo estimates that the average monthly cost of living for a family of four is around $4,177.80, before the cost of rent. For a single person, that cost goes down to $1,194.20. 

Here’s how the cost of living breaks down in Raleigh, for a single month:

• Utilities: 2% higher than the national average
• Food: 8% lower than the national average
• Healthcare: 3% higher than the national average
• Transportation: 6% lower than the national average
• Goods and services: 5% lower than the national average

Education

Because of Raleigh’s location in the Research Triangle, education is world-class in this city. From preschool all the way through university, families will be relieved to learn just how many opportunities their children have for safe and quality education. 

Public Schools

Raleigh is home to the Wake County Public School System, which happens to be part of the largest school district in North Carolina. 

Public schools in Raleigh earned an 8 out of 10 rating from publicschoolreview.com, placing them in the top 30% of North Carolina schools. They estimate that Raleigh schools “have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 47% statewide average)”. 

Given the sheer number of schools in the area, those numbers are even more impressive. 

• Preschools: 384
• Elementary Schools: 133
• Middle Schools: 74
• High Schools: 53
• Public District Schools: 91
• Public Charter Schools: 15
• Private Schools: 371

Among the top-rated are Quest Academy, Abbott’s Creek Elementary, Magellan Charter, and Combs Elementary. 

Colleges and Universities

Raleigh is known for its universities, and many residents note that it was their quest for their graduate or undergraduate degree that motivated their move. 

The capital city is home to 10 traditional universities and colleges, as well as several satellite campuses for other institutions.  Those include:

• North Carolina State University
• Meredith College
• Shaw University 
• Wake Technical Community College
• William Peace University 
• Campbell Law School
• Saint Augustine’s University 
• Shaw University 
• The College at Southeastern

In addition to these, Raleigh is located at one of the corners of the “Research Triangle”, completed by Duke University in Durham and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This means Raleigh is only about 30 minutes from even more colleges and universities, and that the educational and research opportunities here are magnified by the relationship between the three. 

Healthcare

The same institutions that make Raleigh a hub for education and research have also made it an international center for world-class medical care and research. The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce even estimates that the city has one of the highest concentrations of health care professionals in the country.  

Hospitals

Raleigh is well-equipped with many of the most impressive  healthcare facilities in the region, many of which consistently rank highly on lists of the best hospitals in the country. Those hospitals provide comprehensive, reliable care to North Carolina residents—even ranking No. 6 in a 2023 biannual ranking of the nation’s safest hospitals.

Some of the highest-ranking of these include: 

• UNC Hospitals
• UNC Rex Hospital
• Duke Regional Hospital
• WakeMed Raleigh Campus  

Duke University Medical Center and UNC Medical Center are also located nearby. Both of these are consistently named two of America’s best hospitals according to the U.S. News and World Report.

Access to Healthcare

With all of the rapid growth in Raleigh and its surrounding areas, some have questioned whether or not the healthcare system has been able to keep up. Luckily, the city strives to match this quick growth, and has fared better than many other parts of the country. 

On top of the major hospitals, Raleigh also has numerous clinics and other healthcare center scattered throughout its urban and rural areas. The North Carolina Community Health Program, for instance, is just one example of the expansive healthcare infrastructure in the city, offering access to healthcare to cities’ most vulnerable residents. 

All of these clinics, hospitals, and programs come together to reflect and encourage Raleigh’s commitment to affordable and quality healthcare for all. 

Culture and Entertainment

In order for a city to really earn the title “Best Place to Live”, it needs to be a great place to live, work, and play. For those moments when you need a little R&R or some fun on the town, Raleigh impresses yet again. 

Arts and Culture

From art museums to galleries to live theater venues, Raleigh is a hub for arts and culture in nearly every form.  The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, for instance, hosts concerts, theater productions, and other live performances throughout the year. 

That’s just one of many, though. Other performance venues include:

• Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
• Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• Red Hat Amphitheater
• PNC Arena
• North Carolina Symphony
• North Carolina Opera
• North Carolina Theatre
• Carolina Ballet
• Raleigh Little Theatre
• Raleigh Symphony Orchestra
• Lincoln Theatre
• The Pour House Music Hall

For those looking for something other than live performance, there are also plenty of art and history museums to explore, including: 

• North Carolina Museum of Art
• North Carolina Museum of History
• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
• Marbles Kids Museum
• Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh)

In 2016, Raleigh’s City Council even adopted “Creative Life”, an arts plan and 10-year roadmap for the cultural future of the city. 

Food Scene

Described as “one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the state” by Eater magazine, the Raleigh food scene is diverse and constantly evolving. Beyond the traditional southern cuisine they’ve mastered, there are plenty of innovative and exciting culinary creations being served in some of the most beautiful spaces you can imagine. 

Whether it’s a food truck or fine dining, you can find a meal for every budget and every taste. According to Trip Advisor, here are some you should check out ASAP:

• Second Empire
• Saint Jacques French Cuisine
• Bida Manda
• Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh
• Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant 
• Sitti 
• Gonza Tacos Y Tequila
• Brewery Bhavana
• Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
• Winston’s Grille

In addition to some of the best dining in the state, Raleigh also hosts plenty of food-lovers festivals, like the annual Raleigh Food & Wine Festival.

Outdoor Activities

Year-round mild weather and abundant green spaces in Raleigh make it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to be too far away from the hustle and bustle of a city. In fact, Men’s Health magazine recently named Raleigh the third sportiest city in America

The city boasts over 10,000 acres of parkland, including the popular Umstead State Park and William B. Umstead State Park. Those who call Raleigh home can also take advantage of  180 total miles of greenway trails for biking and walking. 

If being on or near the water is important to you, Raleigh comes through with plenty of lakes and rivers perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Transportation

Quality public transportation in a city is inextricably linked to quality of life. When these methods of transportation are safe, affordable, and convenient, they can make all the difference in job performance, childcare accessibility, ability to get to health-related appointments, and so much more. 

Public Transportation

Options for public transportation in Raleigh include the bus, Amtrak train service, and bikeshare programs. Bus systems include GoRaleigh, GoRaleigh Access and Transit Authority, as well as the GoTriangle regional transit system designed to connect the cities and institutions that make up the Research Triangle. 

Traffic and Commute

While it’s true that Raleigh has experienced growth in recent years, traffic here has remained manageable. According to the TomTom traffic index, drivers in Raleigh lost around 51 hours in traffic in the year 2021, down nearly half from the 95 hours estimated in 2019. 

Though rush hour—usually from 7-9 am and 4-6 pm—can put traffic at a crawl, even the most frustrating moments in Raleigh traffic are breezy compared to other, larger cities. The congestion here ranks below the national average, with Raleigh being ranked 52nd out of 100 cities according to WalletHub. 

Safety

You can’t put a price on peace of mind: When you feel safe where you live, you’re more likely to stay. Here’s how Raleigh stacks up in safety. 

Crime Rates

Raleigh is often ranked one of the safest cities in the United States, with crime rates well below the national average. 

Neighborhoodscout.com estimated the rate at 27 crimes per one thousand residents, much lower than many of the big cities so many people relocate to Raleigh from. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Raleigh include: 

• Bayleaf
• Leesville
• North Carolina State University 

It’s important to note that the crime rate in Raleigh is a bit higher than the state average. However, when compared to other similarly-sized cities across the country, Raleigh has a significantly lower crime rate. 

Community Safety

In order to maintain those feelings of security in the community, Raleigh remains dedicated to community safety. That includes programs like the Raleigh Police Department’s Community Policing partnership, in which the police and the public “share responsibility for identifying, 

reducing, eliminating and preventing problems that impact community safety and order”. 

These programs aim to build strong relationships between law enforcement and residents, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to live up to when you’ve been named one of the best places to live in the country. Raleigh doesn’t just meet these expectations, they go above and beyond. From the excellent quality of life, to the thriving economy, to the diverse culture, Raleigh residents have a lot to be grateful for. 

FAQs

Interested in a Hot Tub in Raleigh, North Carolina?

Visit our showroom Raleigh. Call 888-884-3742 or Fill Out the Form Below to Contact Us Today

Your Name*

First Name Last Name

Email Address*

Phone Number

Message

By submitting this form, you are consenting to our privacy policy.

Name

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.