Welcome to Raleigh
There's so much to love about Raleigh. With over 200 days of sun during the year coupled with the southern charm of the people living there, Raleigh gives visitors and residents a warm embrace.
Raleigh is home to some of the most beautiful properties in the state. Stately Georgian Colonials dot the area, along with large manors complete with turrets and gated grounds. There's also a plethora of newer, luxurious farmhouse-style homes accompanied by beautiful, expansive yards.
What to Love
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Many parks and greenways for an active lifestyle
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Warm and welcoming southern hospitality
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Multiple forms of entertainment, including sports, museums, and live shows
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Extraordinary opportunities for professional growth
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Raleigh-Durham International Airport with 48 non-stop flights for ease of traveling
Local Lifestyle
Raleigh has much to offer people of all ages. Along with the city's historical charm that retirees find so appealing, there's also modern, vibrant energy that appeals to professionals and young families. The Raleigh area offers much economic opportunity and career advancement, winning several business awards in fields such as engineering, research, technology, agriculture, and medicine.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
An iconic Raleigh establishment and a favorite for celebrating special occasions is the Angus Barn steakhouse. In 2020, it was nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality and also celebrated 60 years since opening its doors. Maybe even more than its in-house aged steaks, it’s known for its over-the-top holiday decorations, impressive wine list, and delectable chocolate chess pie.
Downtown Raleigh has endless opportunities for divine culinary experiences. Visit one of renowned chef Ashley Christensen’s restaurants, Poole's Diner or Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, to indulge in fresh, seasonal southern comfort food. For those interested in international cuisine, a must-visit is Bida Manda, which is known for its Laotian fare and hip atmosphere. End the evening by indulging in a sweet treat or specialty dessert cocktail from Bittersweet. Just north of downtown is the Historic Oakwood neighborhood where you will find a quaint strip of eclectic restaurants and bars. Jolie is a timeless French bistro where you can dine by candlelight on their charming rooftop patio. Next door is the sister restaurant, Crawford & Son, which is an upscale yet casual neighborhood eatery known for its local flavors and changing menu. Last but not least is the Stanbury. This highly-rated restaurant is known throughout the area for its eclectic and creative New American dishes.
Sushi lovers have an additional outlet to satisfy their cravings at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar. This establishment is fun, casual, and upscale all at the same time and is the ideal environment in which to enjoy sushi and/or an amazing burger.
Centrally located, the Village District shopping center offers upscale, locally-owned shops as well as national brands. It also provides a variety of restaurants, grocery and specialty shops. Stop by the Village Deli for a sandwich or cup of soup followed by a cup of Goodberry’s frozen custard.
North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village is recognized for its European-style architecture and is home to locally owned gourmet restaurants and upscale boutiques.
North Hills in midtown Raleigh has a little bit of everything. From shopping to dining, North Hills offers both high-end chain stores and restaurants as well as locally owned boutiques and eateries. For entertainment, there's nearby Midtown Park, where music lovers can enjoy live concerts throughout the year. Also close by is The Ritz, offering live bands in a cozy, VIP setting.
Things to Do
Music lovers will thrive in the Raleigh area. The region hosts multiple live music events like the Bluegrass Festival and the Hopscotch Music Festival, which are oth held annually in downtown Raleigh. Also downtown, the Red Hat Amphitheater also hosts a wide variety of smaller musical events, while most of the larger concerts are held at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park - a 77-acre complex with an outdoor amphitheater in east Raleigh Art lovers will enjoy viewing the Art in Bloom floral creations hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Art each spring.
Sports lovers will feel right at home in Raleigh as well. The city is home to the Carolina Hurricanes and a number of athletic teams at North Carolina State University. In addition, the PNC Arena hosts multiple athletic events, concerts and shows throughout the year.
Lastly, Raleigh is home to many beautiful parks, including William B. Umstead State Park and Dorothea Dix Park, known for its beautiful sunflower field that has viewers flocking from all over the area when it is in full bloom every July.
Schools
The Raleigh area is served by the Wake County Public School System. Notable colleges in the area (all offering both undergraduate and graduate programs) include:
- North Carolina State University- see screenshot below for accolades and they have one of the top Veterinarian and Engineering programs in the nation
- William Peace University, rated #29 in Regional Colleges South
- Meredith College, rated #130 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
