Moving to Raleigh, NC: Your Comprehensive Guide

Whenever you’re moving to a new city, it always comes accompanied by mixed feelings of excitement for new adventures and nervous anticipation of the unknown. The good news? There is so much to uncover and look forward to in Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. Southern charm, museums galore, and a multifaceted culinary landscape all add to the universal allure of Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Thinking about living here? Our relocation guide below will help equip you with all the tools you need to transition seamlessly into life in your new home. Pack your bags and a zest for adventure—here’s everything you need to know about moving to Raleigh, including: 

• Overview
• Climate
• Demographic
• Top neighborhoods
• Fun things to do 

Let’s get started!

At a glance: Raleigh, NC

To really learn about this North Carolina town, you’ll need to walk its streets, eat the local cuisine, and interact with its residents. However, if you’re curious to get a general feel for what it’s like living in the area, read through some of these fun facts below:

• Raleigh is considered midsized in terms of land area, occupying a total of 144 square miles. 

• It’s located midway down the East Coast, making it an ideal location for those interested in having relatively easy access to other major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

• It was founded in 1792 and was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, a renowned English explorer during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. 

• This is the second-largest city in North Carolina with regard to population. The population hovers just above 450,000. Charlotte claims the top spot in this state, with just under 900,000 residents living there as of 2019.

• This area is home to the state’s first public park, Pullen Park. Located west of the downtown city center, this park features hiking trails, a historic carousel, and boat rentals.

• The top employers in the Raleigh area include Duke University, the State of North Carolina, and Wake County Public Schools. 

Climate: What to expect in Raleigh, NC

Year-round sunshine certainly has its perks, but there’s something truly special about the magic that exists within each of the seasons. Fortunately, living here means experiencing all four—without getting endlessly pummeled with snow or melted by unbearable heat as you might in other parts of the country. 

• There’s no doubt about it—summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures averaging between 80 and 90 degrees. Luckily, you’re surrounded by lakes, so you can pop over for a swim at nearby Jordan Lake or Falls Lake whenever you need to cool off. 

• Spring and fall tend to be the mildest seasons here, with temperatures ranging between 60 and 80 degrees. Be sure to take advantage of local hiking trails in and around the area to catch the fall foliage when it’s at its peak. 

• You may need to bundle up in hats, gloves, and scarves in a typical winter, but you won’t need to worry too much about snow boots and shovels. While snow isn’t completely unheard of, it’s highly unlikely you’ll get more than six inches per year. You can expect average temperatures of 47 to 53 degrees if you’re living in this North Carolina town during winter.

Demographic breakdown of Raleigh, NC

This area is defined just as much by its exciting attractions and colorful cuisine as it is by the people living there. When you move to Raleigh, you’ll have the first-hand opportunity to get to know residents but, for now, take a closer look at the demographic breakdown of this capital city:

• According to the World Population Review, this area is considered diverse, with a multicultural population living there.

• The sex ratio here is mostly split, with 51.79% reporting as female and 48.21% reporting as male. 

• English is the most commonly spoken language in the North Carolina capital (82.5%), with Spanish being the second most spoken language (9.7%).

• Raleigh is considered relatively young, with a median age of 33.6 years old.

• This is a growing area and, according to the most recent findings in the U.S. census, has grown in terms of population by 19.73%. 

• 32.38% of residents (aged 25 years and older) have obtained a bachelor’s degree, and 18.51% hold a master’s degree.

• The average household income in Raleigh is $94,359.

Top neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

Not sure which part of the city you’d like to live in? Take a quick glance at a few of these top neighborhoods in Raleigh to help you find one that checks off everything on your list:

• Cary: Take about a 15-minute drive west of the city center, and you’ll find yourself in the neighborhood of Cary. Not only is it a stone’s throw away from a few major universities including Duke University, NC State University, and UNC at Chapel Hill (otherwise known as “The Triangle” or “The Research Triangle”), but it also is home to some of the best primary and secondary schools in the country. This could be an ideal residential choice for young couples with growing families.

• Central Raleigh: If you love to be surrounded by endless energy, nightlife, restaurants, and museums, Central Raleigh is the place for you. Here, you’ll find a population of well-educated young professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle between both work and leisure. 

• East Raleigh: If you’d prefer to be a bit removed from downtown Raleigh but still find a home in a hip area with lots of bars, coffee shops, and eateries, consider settling in East Raleigh. It’s packed with history, so be sure to take a walking tour to find all of the corners that help to tell this city’s story. 

Fun things to do in Raleigh, NC

Once you’ve made your transition into life in this area, it’s time to let loose, explore, and experience all that the city has to offer. Whether you’re adventuring with a partner, friends, or as a solo traveler, there’s a wealth of unique activities for everyone to take part in. Here’s a look at some of the top things to do in Raleigh. 

• Start your mornings with specialty coffee. One thing you can always count on in this North Carolina town? A high-quality cup of coffee. Check out 42 & Lawrence just outside of Moore Square for espresso drinks and freshly baked pastries. Or, buy your beans online from specialty roaster Pine State Coffee and brew at home. 

• Sample an assortment of local dishes at the Transfer Co. Food Hall. This NC food hub packs a number of mouthwatering vendor offerings into 50,000 square feet of space. They’ve got everything from oysters and empanadas to bagels and burritos. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so your four-legged friends can take part in the adventure, too! 

• Visit the exhibitions or take a class at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Some people may know Raleigh by its nickname, the Smithsonian of the South. That’s because it’s packed with incredible museums that are often free to the public. The North Carolina Museum of Art is one that you won’t want to miss. It’s perfect for a rainy day or a fun-filled trip for the whole family. Visit their website to stay up-to-date on all the latest exhibitions and class offerings. 

• Attend an outdoor concert at the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre. Capacity for 20,000 people and concerts featuring well-known artists are just a small part of what makes the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre such a unique venue. It’s nestled within 77 acres of woodlands, making it an ideal place not only to catch a show but also to spend the day picnicking, hiking, and sunbathing. 

• Get your weekly produce at the Raleigh Farmers Market. Whenever you’re searching to spice things up in the kitchen, pick out a new recipe and stock up on all the ingredients you need at the Raleigh Farmers Market. Here, you’ll find organically grown produce, honey, cheeses, and meats all sourced from local farmers.
  
• Get outside and hit the trails at Lake Johnson Park. Whether you’re sailing around the lake by boat or exploring the park on foot, there’s plenty to see and do at Lake Johnson Park. Observe some of the local flora and fauna, try your hand at fishing, or set up a hammock to spend the day reading beneath the shade of the oak trees. Either way, Lake Johnson Park is the perfect place to escape whenever you’re in need of a break from city life. 

Tips From a Landing Member

Landing: Your luxury living space in Raleigh, NC

Moving to Raleigh, NC, but not sure for how long? Spend more of your time exploring the city and less of it stressing about leases. With Landing, you can lease in whichever way fits best with your lifestyle and without having to worry about security deposits or extra fees. 

Become a Landing member and get instant access to more than 35,000 apartments in cities all over the United States. Whether you plan to settle in for one month, three months, or 12, you’ll find a place you can call home in one of our luxury, fully furnished apartments. 

Place roots in Raleigh or city-hop across the country. Either way, choose Landing.