Raleigh, NC Guide
Raleigh, NC Guide
Raleigh, NC, is a destination that has it all. As the state capital, Raleigh boasts outstanding career opportunities, amazing amenities and attractions, top-rated public education, and more. Raleigh is also becoming the fastest-growing city in North Carolina due in part to its status as a major technology hub. It’s really no surprise that Raleigh’s list of accolades—like #1 City for Jobs (Glassdoor), #2 on the Quality of Life Index for 2020 (Numbeo), or #3 Best Cities for Young Professionals (Forbes)—is becoming quite extensive! Because of the affordable cost of living, and variety of real estate, once you’re in the City of Oaks, you’ll never want to leave!
Things to Do in Raleigh, NC
Restaurants
Raleigh has a great food scene with a wide variety of cuisines. If you’re heading to downtown Raleigh, be sure to check out local favorites such as:
- Whiskey Kitchen
- Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
- 42nd Street Oyster Bar
- Poole’s
As you venture out of downtown, you can get farm-to-table, vegan, or vegetarian food at Irregardless Café, or you can choose between burgers and sushi at Cowfish Restaurant in North Hills.
Arts and Attractions
From museums to performing arts, boutique shopping to big-box retailers, unique local eateries to national chain favorites, Raleigh has something for everyone. Check out the NC Museum of Art and the Marbles Kids Museum for some fun activities near downtown Raleigh. If you’re a fan of shows, you can head over to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts for a variety of events throughout the year like ballets or symphony concerts. Catch your favorite band live at the Red Hat Amphitheater in the heart of downtown.
Public events throughout the year provide opportunities for the community to celebrate changing seasons, holidays, or shared interests. The North Carolina State Fair draws visitors from across the state every fall. Major sports teams include three local colleges—NC State, Duke, and UNC—as well as an NHL pro sports team, the Carolina Hurricanes. And Raleigh’s bustling downtown scene even offers five unique districts complete with attractions for everyone, young to old, laid-back to high-energy.
Parks and Recreation
With mild winters, sunny springs, and fall seasons, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy good weather. And Raleigh offers no shortage of options, with hundreds of acres of city, county, and state parkland, and miles of hiking, biking, and multi-purpose trails. Open green spaces, sparkling lakes, beautiful gardens and fields, and scenic trails are just the beginning. Check out some favorite outdoor spots below:
- Umstead State Park
- Lake Johnson
- Dorothea Dix Park
Shopping
Located slightly west of downtown is the Village District area. When you’re done shopping at boutiques like Uniquities and The Antique Emporium, you can grab a bite to eat at The Flying Biscuit Café or Cantina 18.
About 15 minutes from downtown is Crabtree Valley Mall. With tons of major retailers and restaurants, this area can likely meet all of your shopping needs.
If you’re looking for a variety of shops and boutiques, check out the North Hills Shopping Center.
Schools & Employment
If you’re looking to establish your career in a new city, Raleigh is a great choice! With access to career centers such as the Research Triangle Park, three major universities, and a wealth of large health care establishments, the career opportunities in Raleigh are nearly endless
Raleigh is served by the Wake County School System, which should be noted for its top-performing public schools. It is also home to the highest-rated private schools including Ravenscroft, Bonner Academy, and the Raleigh School.
Raleigh, NC Neighborhoods
There are numerous neighborhoods in this area that offer all kinds of different homes and communities. Ready to explore the Raleigh area? Browse these Raleigh neighborhoods below:
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