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Your Guide to Relocating to Raleigh/Wake County

We can think of a hundred reasons to love Raleigh and living in Wake County, but don’t just take it from us! As the 2nd fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country and welcoming over 5,000 new residents a month, we think there might be something super special about the City of Oaks. Raleigh, North Carolina, may be fast-growing, but locals love the small-town feel. There is no shortage of southern hospitality or world-class restaurants to choose from. Families love the area for the abundance of family-friendly amenities, events, and excellent schools and opportunities. Young professionals flock to The Triangle, given the booming job market in various fields. And don’t worry, Raleigh hasn’t forgotten about its outdoor enthusiast. If you enjoy hiking, biking, or simply picnicking, there are over 200 parks to choose from in Raleigh alone.

Raleigh Communities

Raleigh is full of diverse and historically rich communities. While some of the most sought-after neighborhoods are within Raleigh, Wake County houses a few of the top suburbs in the state. To find out more specifically about what communities there are, check out our Areas We Serve page.

Schools

If you’re moving to the area with children, you’ll be happy to know that Wake County public schools are well above the state average. The teacher-to-student ratio average is 16:1, and there are over 160,000 students in the district. However, if you’re looking for private education, Raleigh also boasts some of the most prestigious private and charter schools. When it comes to higher education, you can bet that Raleigh has that covered too. It’s home to North Carolina State University and nine other colleges and universities. Raleigh is also only a stone’s throw from Duke University in Durham and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. So whether you have a school-aged child, are a college student, or work in high education, there is no shortage of excellent opportunities here.

Employment

Though many individuals and families move to Raleigh for other reasons, many relocate for extraordinary job opportunities. The Research Triangle is situated between the cities of Raleigh and Durham. Sometimes you’ll hear it referred to as RTP, or the Triangle. It’s the largest research park in North America and home to some of the nation’s top corporations in both bio-science and technology. Raleigh is also home to some of the best medical facilities and is a draw for medical professionals. New opportunities pop up every day, headquarters relocate to the region, and start-ups catch wind here, making the unemployment rate low and the market hot.

Here are ten of the top employers in Raleigh:

  • Duke University and Health System
  • State of North Carolina
  • Wake County Public School System
  • IBM
  • WakeMed Health and Hospitals
  • North Carolina State University
  • SAS Institute Inc.
  • Cisco Systems Inc.
  • National Institute of Environmental Health Services

City Happenings

The city of Raleigh has a calendar chock-full of free events for all. There is never a dull moment from international food festivals to 4th of July Festivals in the City of Oaks. The downtown area has seen a true revival in the past two decades and is now a fun destination for daytime activities and nightlife. In addition, Raleigh and Durham boast many unique breweries and cocktail bars. If sports are your thing, you’re in luck there too. Besides the exciting college athletics, which draw a huge fan base and crowd, Raleigh is also home to the NHL Hurricanes team! Check out the Raleigh Fairgrounds (hello NC state fair!), Downtown Raleigh Calendar, and events at Dix Park for just a taste of the excitement here in the capital city.

Shopping

The one thing you’ll never run out of here in Raleigh is shopping options. Between beautiful outdoor malls and sprawling shopping squares, you can find just about everything you’re looking for. It not only has everything apparel-wise, but if you’re looking for furniture, Raleigh has some of the top furniture stores in the state due to the furniture market being only a few hours away in High Point. If you’re a health food nut, you will also be pleased with the amount of health-food grocery stores in the area. No matter where you settle in Raleigh or Wake County, for that matter, you are never far from convenient, world-class amenities.

A few top shopping centers worth visiting – because there are just too many to name!

  • North Hills
  • Crabtree Valley Mall
  • The Village District
  • Lafayette Village

Parks

We mentioned earlier that Raleigh had an impressive number of parks, which is no joke. Raleigh also has an extensive system of paved greenways that stretch all over the county and are very popular for joggers and cyclists alike! You’re in luck if you feel the itch to get out of the area. With the Blue Ridge mountains a few hours to the west and the beautiful Carolina beaches a few hours to the east, you can’t beat the central location of Raleigh. We could write a whole article on the outdoor spaces of Raleigh and nearby areas, but we will name some honorable mentions that are a must-see!
  • Pullen Park
  • Dorethia Dix Park
  • William B Umstead State Park
  • Lake Crabtree County Park
  • Moore Square
  • Lake Johnson
  • Fred G. Bond Metro Park
  • Ann & Jim Goodnight Museum Park

History & Museums

Did you know that they call Raleigh “Smithsonian of the South” because of its rich history and free museums? Raleigh has a true sense of pride being the capital, and you’ll soon see it upon moving here that those who call it home love it just as much. We also love our free museums and institutes. Here are just a few that are worth checking out!
  • North Carolina Museum of Art
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
  • North Carolina Museum of History
  • Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh
  • Marbles KidsKids Museum

Are You Sold?

Are you ready to relocate to the best city in the South? (Our humble opinion!) We are ready to have you! If you have questions about the area and want to speak to Acorn Real Estate Agency about the best location for you, we are here. Schedule your consultation today!