UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
Raleigh, NC is the #14 Best City to Live in the USA
| Raleigh, NC Quality of Life Liv Score 647 How We Calculate Our Data |
|---|
| Civics | 47 |
| Demographics | 69 |
| Economy | 89 |
| Education | 63 |
| Health | 63 |
| Housing | 53 |
| Infrastructure | 45 |
| Amenities | 50 |
Why Raleigh is one of the best cities to live in
North Carolina’s capital city truly has something for everyone. Business is booming in the Research Triangle, which consists of Raleigh, Cary, and Durham. This powerhouse region is a magnet for tech and biotech companies, and explosive job growth is one reason why Raleigh, NC, is among the best places to live in the U.S.
Raleigh has two nicknames that hint at the unparalleled quality of life here. It’s known as the “Smithsonian of the South,” thanks to the abundance of high-quality museums, and the “City of Oaks,” because of the many oak trees that provide shade throughout the city. Raleigh is home to three major state museums – of art, history and natural sciences – and they’re free. Beer enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, foodies and outdoors lovers will all feel at home in this exciting city of nearly 470,000.
Health care, education, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences
North Carolina State University & Wake Technical Community College
Hot and humid summers and cold (but short!) winters.
Picnic in Nash Square, a 4-acre park with a nice view of downtown Raleigh.
Raleigh, NC is Remote-Ready
Two words: Fiber internet. Raleigh has three fiber internet providers, so those working from home here are basically guaranteed lightning-fast speeds that are reliable for Zoom calls and the ability to binge-watch tv without the fear of buffering after hours. If that wasn’t enough connectivity, residents can also take advantage of ConnectWake, a county-wide initiative to provide residents with resources for cost-effective computers, technology information and free WiFi in certain public spaces. In addition, Raleigh offers the state’s highest wages, and they continue to rise. Finally, there are great spots to work remotely, like Dock 1053.
What Locals Love in Raleigh, NC
Quail Ridge Books, an independent shop, has a literacy-focused podcast called “Booked.”
Explore the fantastic beer scene in the Raleigh area, and make a stop at downtown’s Raleigh Beer Garden, which has 350 (!) beers on tap.
Stroll through the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, home to 1,200 roses of 60 different varieties. The best time to visit is from May until autumn when the flowers are in full bloom.
Unwind at Boxcar Bar + Arcade, which has pinball, arcade games, a patio and a couple dozen beers on tap.
Raleigh is home to the North Carolina State Fair, the state’s largest annual event. Get your shrimp and grits on a stick here!
A booming economy, an up-and-coming real estate market and an unparalleled quality of life make Raleigh a best place to live in North Carolina.
Thinking of Moving to Raleigh?
Raleigh, NC real estate is without a doubt the biggest up-and-coming market in North Carolina. Homes for sale in Raleigh have been appreciating steadily for decades now. Not only will local real estate agents have no problem finding downtown condos for young newcomers to Raleigh, they’ll also be able to point them towards all the outdoor fun to be had in and around the city. You can count on Raleigh real estate for its stability and its plethora of new homes.
Quick Facts About Raleigh, NC
- Average Commute
- 20.87
- Median Home Value
- $365,384
- Med. Household Income
- $73,374
- Total Population
- 481,873
- Walk Score
- 29
- Median Property Tax
- $2,415
