Firstly why Raleigh, North-Carolina?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Raleigh
- State: North-Carolina
- Population: 474,708 people
- Raleigh’s quick summary would be The state capital, known for its Research Triangle Park, vibrant arts scene, and historic downtown.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 30,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 30,000 annually
- Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 4,000
- Number of Homeless people: 600
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to major universities and a booming tech industry attracting students and professionals
Perk #1: Raleigh Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 64%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $68,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Raleigh is $68,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Raleigh’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 105 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,250
- Property Tax %: 1%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,450
- Rent for an average house: $2,400
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Glenwood
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake-Forest, and probably could include Garner
- Avg. Age of Homes in Raleigh: 39 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.3%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Raleigh’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Raleigh are Education, Technology, and Healthcare
- Raleigh Job Scene: strong job market in tech and education
- The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for its strong presence in research, education, and biotech
- Raleigh Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Raleigh: 7%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 28
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Raleigh
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-440 runs around Raleigh facilitating regional access
- Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Capital Boulevard
- Transportation Score: 55 out of 100 described as Good Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Raleigh: 150,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.3
- No. of Car Washes: 12 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Raleigh: ncdot.gov/dmv
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 75 of 100
- Local Airport: Raleigh-Durham International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Raleigh’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
- General Weather in Raleigh is best described as experiences hot summers and mild winters with occasional snowfall
- Winter Weather in Raleigh i’d describe as mild with occasional rain
- Spring Weather in Raleigh can be described as mild with rain possible
- Summer’s in Raleigh are mostly hot and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Raleigh is usually mild and dry
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 42 days in summer
- Days in a row in Raleigh below Freezing: 5
- Average Annual Rainfall: 47 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally maintained through regulations
- Raleigh Winter Air generally good air quality with slight fluctuations
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Raleigh Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Raleigh 12
- While the number of trade schools inside Raleighs’s city limits are 3
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Raleigh Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Raleigh Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Raleigh only Doctors is about 250
- Local Hospitals here is 10
- Full-time Raleigh only Police Officers is about 590
- Crime Rate Index: 35/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Raleigh’s Monthly utility bill average is $110
- Raleigh’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
- Raleigh’s Water Quality Score: 75
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Raleigh
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: state capital known for its universities and family-friendly parks
- You might enjoy concerts at the PNC Arena
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Raleigh offers a diverse nightlife featuring bars restaurants music venues reflecting the urban energy of the area
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Raleigh
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a mix of local restaurants and upscale dining options
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 70 scattered around Raleigh
- The Popular Sports Team is N.C. State Wolfpack
- Top Level Political Climate in Raleigh can be described as state capital with a progressive influence on local governance
- Raleigh’s Longer standing religious establishment is Hope Community Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Raleigh Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Raleigh has 50 Parks?
- Raleigh City Park is Raleigh’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Raleigh Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-2pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor festivals
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Raleigh Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Raleigh can be described as fast-paced city known for its tech industry and education
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Raleigh visiting museums exploring parks local activities
- The Cities people commute to from Raleigh are Durham 25 miles away Cary 13 miles away Apex 14 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Raleigh or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Capital Boulevard. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Raleigh’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Glenwood is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Raleigh are Durham 25 miles away Cary 13 miles away Apex 14 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Raleigh has 5 days in a row below freezing and 42 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Raleigh people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
600 homeless people living in Raleigh. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general state capital with a progressive influence on local governance could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Raleigh.
Retiree & Senior Life in Raleigh
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for property tax exemptions aimed at lower-income households
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Gardens of Wakefield
- Raleigh Senior Center features a variety of classes health programs and social events for seniors
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Raleigh, North-Carolina?
If Raleigh, North-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Raleigh, North-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!