Welcome to Raleigh
A vibrant collegiate city with a small-town feel
Majestic oak trees line the charming streets of North Carolina’s capital city, a renowned destination for quality education, thriving arts, and fun family activities. Established shortly after the American Revolution, Raleigh’s history, small-town Southern charisma, and burgeoning business climate have drawn in people from all walks of life. An abundance of beautiful green parks makes living outdoors a norm, while the culture, robust community spirit, and eclectic dining scene promise residents an enviable lifestyle. Historical mansions dot the landscape, alongside brownstone townhomes, bungalows in the NCSU area, and newly built modern houses.
What to Love
- Sunny weather
- Robust local history
- College town vibes
- Continental foodscape
- Vibrant community culture
- Booming job market
Local Lifestyle
Raleigh exudes a unique blend of the urban and suburban, seamlessly straddling a large tech scape while beaming with residential activities. The city’s booming economy and wealth of tertiary institutions have made it popular among students, renowned scholars, families, and young professionals. This diverse and well-educated populace is connected by a shared sense of community pride and is known to embrace newcomers with friendliness and warmth. Likewise, Raleigh offers residents a plethora of attractive parks, continental restaurants, spectacular craft breweries, and great employment opportunities all while being close to prestigious East Coast destinations.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Raleigh has some of the most fabulous malls and eateries in the South, whether you want to browse upscale stores at North Hills, peruse Village District, or dine alfresco at the elegant Whiskey Kitchen. Enjoy classic American-style cuisine at Angus Barn Steakhouse, where your meal is served in a warmly lit barn replete with a robust wine cellar and cigar bar. An atmosphere of elegance and special delicacies awaits at Second Empire, true to the resplendent second empire Victorian facade that welcomes you into this luxurious oasis tucked in the Dodd-Hinsdale House. Delight your taste buds with samples from the extensive wine menu or go in for a casual experience at the tavern.
For those craving Korean barbecues alongside classic fares like kimchi jjigae, japchae, and traditional stews, look no further than Seoul Garden. Tin Roof Teas specializes in assorted high-quality organic loose leaf teas as well as honey and chocolates. Tea lovers looking to learn about tea making while meeting other avid enthusiasts. Enjoy a night out with friends at The Ritz, dancing vigorously at a rock concert, or get tickets to a show at the indie Pour House Music Hall.
Things to Do
Raleigh’s college town reputation and cultural vibrancy make sure that the city is always buzzing with exciting activities to indulge in. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast who just wants to take a morning jog in the park or a festival-goer who never gets tired of dancing away at various celebrations.
Don a costume and step out with friends to GalaxyCon Raleigh for a festival of your favorite fandoms where you can meet celebrities, fellow cosplayers, creators, and voice actors. The Raleigh Arts Festival enlivens town every spring with vibrant performances, creative exhibits of various artwork including pottery, jewelry, and woodwork. Other festivals include Packapalooza, the Hopscotch Music Festival, and of course—BugFest, which hosts over 30,000 guests per year all bursting to have a taste of insects grilled on skewers! Meander through the stalls every Saturday at the year-round State Farmers’ Market, held downtown where you can buy some fresh flowers, veggies, and baked goods from different vendors, and for a casual sunset stroll, take to the Neuse River Trail or the lakeside trails at William B. Umstead State Park.
Schools
Raleigh is rich in educational opportunities, with over ten universities and colleges, a law school, and numerous acclaimed public and private schools. A few of the city’s coveted academic institutions include:
