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Six Reasons to Move to the Raleigh, N.C. Area

Discover what makes the City of Oaks and its nearby communities best places to live

By Eric Carter on April 8, 2016

Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, N.C., includes restaurants, entertainment venues and more.
Photo courtesy of James Willamor

Raleigh, N.C.’s bustling state capital is known to residents as the "City of Oaks," a name that becomes quickly apparent when you visit downtown. Oak trees line the streets and sidewalks, offering pleasant shady spots for window shopping, coffee drinking and patio dining. Traveling east of Raleigh, you’ll find North Carolina’s beautiful coastal regions, and traveling west, you’ll find the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Beyond the city's natural beauty and convenient location, here are six more reasons to move to the Raleigh area.

1. Raleigh combines modern, urban living with traditional Southern flair.

Folks often move to Raleigh looking for urban living with a Southern touch. The neighborhoods surrounding downtown Raleigh make it easy for residents to bike to the local farmers market, walk to a new restaurant or bar, or visit the State Capitol Building. With apartments, condos and many other housing options, the Glenwood South neighborhood is a good fit if you want all that downtown offers right at your doorstep.

2. There are lots of options for delicious food in Raleigh, from barbecue to vegan.

When it comes to good food, the Raleigh region offers many options. For example, a favorite in the Boylan Heights neighborhood is The Irregardless Cafe, a delightfully small, environmentally friendly cafe catering to diverse dietary preferences, including those who are vegan or vegetarian. It's an excellent choice for treating someone special to an evening of exquisite food – from the drinks and meal to dessert.

3. Huge First Friday events showcase Raleigh's great galleries, studios and museums.

Remember to mark your calendars for the First Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Raleigh. On the first Friday of every month, local galleries, studios and museums keep their doors open late. Galleries display new artworks, artists talk about their latest creations, and you can find handcrafted gifts for family and friends.

4. Raleigh's neighbors, Durhan and Chapel Hill, are also great places to live and visit.

When it comes to where you live, good neighbors make a big difference. Raleigh has two neighboring cities, Durham and Chapel Hill, and they are both listed among Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live. In fact, Durham is even ranked among the top five best places to live.

5. Many Raleigh area's restaurants serve locally grown food.

Speaking of Durham, it's worth a drive if for nothing else but to visit Piedmont, a restaurant that's cozy and small, but big on recommendations for a true taste of North Carolina flavor. Local farm-grown ingredients are a Piedmont specialty, and its ever-changing seasonal menu means there's always something new and delicious to try.

5. Several colleges ensure opportunities for education and a college town culture.

Educational Opportunities: Many folks move to the Raleigh region for educational opportunities. North Carolina State University is the largest four-year university in the state, and it is nationally renowned for programs in engineering, biology and agriculture. Duke University is located in Durham, and it is a prestigious private research institution known for its medical school and medical center. And of course, there's the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, best known for its programs in business, government, law and public health.

*Photo courtesy of James Willamor, available under a Creative Commons license.

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