When you’re looking for a place to live in North Carolina, Raleigh is a fantastic option. Known for its tree-lined streets, booming sports scene, and energetic culture, this friendly city welcomes professionals and families alike. Add to that the great education and healthcare, and you have the formula for a perfect city.
1. Great Job Opportunities
Raleigh has a hot job market, which means that you have plenty of opportunities to build your career. In fact, employment in Raleigh is expected to grow by 9.6% in the years leading up to 2022. Whether you’re looking for work in finance or the arts, the city offers a wide variety of open positions. The job growth in Raleigh has been so dramatic that Money ranked it as the number 2 best city to live in the USA. North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, creating employment opportunities in academia, research, and technology.
2. Easy Access to Outdoor Recreation
North Carolina is bursting with outdoor beauty. In Raleigh, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy nature. In town, hop on the 33-mile Neuse River Trail for a walk, run, or bike ride next to the water. Parks like Forest Ridge Park and Lake Wheeler Park offer everything from mountain biking and hiking to fishing and boating. The Great Smoky Mountains are just three hours away, and the stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline is a two-hour drive from the city.
3. Countless Cultural Opportunities
If you love the arts, Raleigh is the place to be. From the killer gallery scene to the Marbles Kids Museum, there’s something for everyone in the family. Check out the North Carolina Symphony or the Carolina Ballet, or enjoy live music at The Pour House Music Hall. For museum buffs, the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences offer constantly-changing exhibits.
4. Thriving Sports Culture
Raleigh residents love their sports — and with multiple professional and collegiate teams in town, there’s always a game going on. If you’re a basketball fan, look for the North Carolina State Wolfpack and North Carolina Tar Heels. Love hockey? The Carolina Hurricanes bring NHL action to town. Other teams include the Carolina Mudcats baseball team and the Carolina RailHawks professional soccer team.
5. Great Craft Beer
Love craft beer? You’ll love Raleigh. The city is home to a booming brewery scene, so it’s a breeze to find a new spot. There are more than 25 breweries within the city limits, including the first female-owned brewery in the state. The Raleigh Beer Trail makes it easy to explore all of the local tap rooms — you can even collect stamps and win prizes as you go. Some breweries offer free tours, so you can meet the brewers and see how the beer is made.
With its manageable size and wealth of activities, Raleigh is the perfect place to set up a new home. There’s always something going on in town, and the university creates a fun, lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a professional or a new parent, it’s easy to fit in to the welcoming community.