Raleigh, the "City of Oaks," is part of what is known as the Research Triangle (along with Durham and Chapel Hill). The area's economy is strong, resulting in high per capita income and low unemployment. The Triangle area is a leader in the production of electrical machinery, electronic equipment, processed foods, pharmaceuticals and metal products. It's also well-regarded for its universities, including North Carolina State University, Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill. Locals will tell you Raleigh is pronounced "Rah-Lee," and if you're relocating, you'll find that southern pronunciation is an art. However you say it, Raleigh is a lovely place to call home, with a vibrant student community, positive job growth, and plenty of culture and entertainment.
Did you know?
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is indeed a Southern city, but winters can get chilly. The city gets an average of five inches of snow per year.
Raleigh Attractions
For a great place to learn about area history, visit the North Carolina Museum of History, home to artifacts, photographs and exhibits from Colonial times to present day.
Raleigh Apartments and Neighborhoods
Raleigh offers a variety of apartments and neighborhoods that suit every lifestyle, including these best places to live in the City of Oaks:
In addition to new apartment complexes with state-of-the-art amenities, Raleigh is experiencing a revitalization of some of its older properties being updated to include resort-style pools and community fitness centers.
Best of Raleigh
Experience excitement in Raleigh with this short list of ideas that pack a heaping portion of fun:
Free Things to Do in Raleigh
Find plenty of free things to do in the City of Oaks, from a walk through picturesque Pullen Park, anchored by a 1920s carousel, to the North Carolina Museum of Art, home to the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park filled with walkways dotted with works of art.
Adventures in Raleigh
From adrenaline-boosting activities to educational tours, consider these exciting opportunities in Raleigh:
For Families with Kids
Maintaining its small-town charm but with big-city opportunities, Raleigh, NC is chock full of fun things to do with kids, starting with the Marbles Kids Museum in downtown, where learning is hands-on! When it's time to send kids to school, parents have more than 170 public schools to consider within the Raleigh school district, the largest public-school district in North Carolina.
Raleigh Getaways: North Carolina Beaches
Be less than four hours from Virginia Beach, VA, via I-95 northeast, and the Outer Banks on North Carolina's coast, accessible via U.S. 64 East. The closest beach to Raleigh, Wrightsville Beach, is just two hours away.