Living in Raleigh, NC
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Raleigh, NC? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Raleigh, NC

Moving to Raleigh, NC, means living the good life. Here, you’ll find the perfect combination of arts and culture, outdoor recreation and a rocking music scene, all wrapped in a scenic bow.

In recent years, Raleigh has experienced a renaissance and is one of the most sought-after Southern cities, thanks to its close-knit culture. The 476,137 people who call it home can attest to the city’s vibrant culture and endless opportunities to have fun. The city has two prolific nicknames. It is known as the “Smithsonian of the South,” and it’s easy to see why. There are several amazing free museums, from the dozens of galleries at the North Carolina Museum of Art to the Natural Science Museum. Raleigh is also known as the “City of Oaks,” as residents enjoy dozens of oak trees that provide shade throughout the city. And, if you’re looking to get out and about, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs. 

When it’s time to get down to business, the city has a mighty strong economy with plenty of jobs in cutting-edge industries. More than 60,000 innovators come together each day at the 7,000-acre Research Triangle Park to lead the way in fields like biotech and solar energy. Plus, you couldn’t ask for better weather, and North Carolina’s cost of living is lower than in other states. Wins all around!

This state capital is in central North Carolina, perched along Interstate 40, which ties it to the other cities in the Research Triangle, Durham and Chapel Hill. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is about 15 miles away, serving up flights for all your plans. When you’re ready to explore, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Durham is just 25 miles northwest, where you can tour Duke University, stroll Sarah P. Duke Gardens or cheer at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
• Chapel Hill sits 30 miles west, buzzing with UNC energy, historic Franklin Street and the NC Botanical Garden.
• Greensboro is about 75 miles west, offering the Science Center, Civil Rights Museum and Bicentennial Garden.

Local residents enjoy relatively mild weather, with short, cold winters and warm, muggy summers. The area gets little snow, but rain is plentiful year-round.

As the state capital, Raleigh is a center for government and politics and a thriving place to live. Of course, there’s a higher concentration of government and related jobs, which broaden employment opportunities. And because it’s located in the Research Triangle, there are plenty of technology jobs. Professional and business services, education and health services and technology are the largest industries here. Some of the largest employers include the State of North Carolina, Duke University and Health Services, IBM and Cisco Systems. 

The cost of living in Raleigh is slightly lower than the national average. The median home value in Raleigh is $456,019, and the average household income is $131,172. 

North Carolina residents pay a state income tax, and local residents can expect a 7.25% sales tax rate in 2025.

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Residents won’t want for things to do. Art enthusiasts can explore the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh), showcasing emerging artists, and the North Carolina Museum of Art, featuring an outdoor park and extensive collections spanning ancient to contemporary works. History and science buffs can explore exhibits at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the James B. Hunt Library, a technologically advanced architectural marvel. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits at Marbles Kids Museum and outdoor fun at Pullen Park, which features a carousel, a train and pedal boats.

Beyond museums and parks, the city has vibrant markets like The Raleigh Market, offering a variety of goods from antiques to handmade crafts and unique shopping experiences at places like Raleigh Denim. The city hosts numerous events, including the First Friday Gallery Walk and outdoor movie screenings at the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden. With a thriving arts and music scene and an array of local boutiques and breweries, Raleigh provides dynamic experiences for residents.

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Get out and about in Raleigh with a range of outdoor activities. The city has an extensive network of greenways, including the 27.5-mile Neuse River Greenway, perfect for walking, biking and kayaking, and the Capital Area Greenway, with more than 100 miles of interconnected trails. Umstead State Park offers plenty to do with over 6,000 acres for those seeking something more adventurous, while the Mountains-to-Sea Trail provides scenic hiking, particularly around Falls Lake.

The city also features a handful of unique outdoor experiences, like the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, which combines art installations with scenic walking and biking paths, and Yates Mill County Park, which offers hiking trails and a historic gristmill.

Raleigh has emerged as a culinary destination in recent years, earning accolades for its thriving foodie scene. From Southern comforts to international flavors, the city offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences anchored by award-winning chefs. Food halls like Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall have become popular hubs, offering a variety of cuisines under one roof.

With a flourishing craft brewery culture, its beverage scene is equally impressive. The city boasts over 40 breweries, which are celebrated through the Raleigh Beer Trail and the Raleigh Beer Garden, which holds a Guinness World Record for its extensive beer selection. With establishments like Standard Beer & Food offering on-site brews, locally sourced food, and numerous other bars and breweries throughout the city, it caters to casual drinkers and craft beer aficionados.

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Wake County Public School System serves the city and its surrounding areas, and it’s one of the largest and most highly ranked school systems in North Carolina. There are also several private schools in the area, too.