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Moving to Raleigh: Everything You Need To Know


Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. Offering a family-friendly community, great quality of life, and welcoming southern hospitality, it’s no wonder the region has been named the best place to live in North Carolina. Whether you’re a young professional, raising a family, or a retiree, you will quickly discover how exciting it is to work, live, and play in Raleigh and its surrounding suburbs. As you prepare for your move, consider this relocation guide to help you get to know more about this beloved southern city.

Raleigh Movers

Living in Raleigh

Raleigh is often referred to as the Triangle or Research Triangle because the region comprises Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, as well as other surrounding suburbs. Each community has its own unique flair and amenities and blends big-city living with small-town charm. Here you will find affordable homes, amazing career opportunities, and top-rated schools and universities. The area is also home to some of North Carolina’s most famous attractions, from the North Carolina Museum of Art to the State Fair. 

Impressive Job Market

Raleigh’s thriving job market is one of the biggest draws to the area. It is home to several top universities, including Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. This helps to create a highly-educated workforce as well as a hub for research and innovation. Thus, the reason for the nickname “Research Triangle Park.” Several large companies call the Triangle home, including Cisco, IBM, SAS, and of course, the universities themselves. 

Affordable Living

The cost of living in the Raleigh-Durham area is very low compared to other major metropolitan cities. With median home prices around $300,000, housing is incredibly affordable. Furthermore, North Carolina has a lower tax burden than many other states, making it easier for residents to enjoy a higher quality of life. 

The Best Raleigh Neighborhoods

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill form an area that is commonly referred to as The Triangle. This region is home to a variety of communities, each offering its own unique flavor. Whether you prefer big-city living or a more laid-back atmosphere, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for in The Triangle. 

Downtown Raleigh: This is a great location for those who want to be right in the heart of all the action. Home to some of the Triangle's best restaurants, entertainment, and shopping destinations, thousands of people flock to this area to experience the nightlife, parades, food truck rodeos, museums, and other exciting attractions.

Chapel Hill: The westernmost anchor of the Triangle, Chapel Hill has a one-of-a-kind culture and an endless assortment of attractions. Take a stroll through the picturesque southern streets and enjoy lunch at an outdoor cafe. Of course, this neighborhood is also home to the prestigious University of North Carolina. 

Durham: The historical charm, countless attractions, and wealth of career opportunities make Durham one of the best places to call home. You can find plenty of affordable housing options with both modern and suburban charm. As the home of Duke University, this area also offers incredible access to top-notch education and healthcare.

 Apex: This Raleigh suburb offers the best of both city and small-town living. Located just minutes from Raleigh, Apex has excellent schools, a vast network of parks and green spaces, and plenty of job opportunities making it an ideal location for families and young professionals. 

Holly Springs: Holly Springs is one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing suburbs, but despite its rise in population, the area still maintains its charm and unique vibe. With an adorable downtown district featuring shops and restaurants, as well as parks and the beautiful Bass Lake, you can enjoy city living while still getting in touch with nature. 

Top-Notch Education

As you already know, The Triangle is home to some of the most impressive universities in the country. In addition to these incredible higher education institutions, the public schools in the Raleigh-Durham area are also top-ranked. The Wake County Public School System is one of the largest public school districts in the country and consistently ranks among the top in the nation. Durham and Chapel Hill schools also have a reputation for excellence. 

Things to Do in Raleigh

Whether you are moving alone or with children, there is plenty to keep you busy in Raleigh. 

Outdoor Activities

If you love the outdoors, Pullen Park is a great place to spend the day with the kids. Neuse River Trail is another great option. This 28-mile path is a beautiful place to walk the dog, go for a run, or take a family bike ride. You can also go boating, fishing, hiking, or picnicking at Lake Crabtree County Park. 

Dining 

Foodies will rejoice in choosing from more than 1,200 restaurants in the Raleigh area. Featuring a variety of cuisines and everything from a quick lunch spot to a fine-dining experience, you will quickly see why Raleigh’s culinary scene is gaining national recognition. 

Museums

Raleigh is nicknamed the “Smithsonian of the South'' due to its variety of historic attractions and museums. Here are some museums you won’t want to miss. 

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: This is the largest natural history museum in the southeast and offers four floors of exhibits, live animals, 3D displays, and more. 

North Carolina Museum of History: This is the perfect place to learn about the history of your new home state. Featuring award-winning exhibits, artifacts, arts, sports history, and more, this fascinating museum brings North Carolina’s incredible history to life. 

North Carolina Museum of Art: Art lovers will delight in one of the premiere visual arts museums in the south. Experience special exhibitions, sculptures, performances, and a 164-acre outdoor Museum park- the largest museum park in the country. 

Ready to Move to Raleigh? Allied Van Lines Can Help!

From its outdoor beauty and impressive education to its thriving job market and southern charm, Raleigh is a wonderful place to call home. As you prepare for your relocation to Raleigh, start by calling the professionals at Allied Van Lines. As a leader in the moving industry for more than 95 years, our knowledgeable and highly experienced specialists can guide you through the moving process. With the help of our team, you can save time, money, and a tremendous amount of stress. We know exactly what it takes to plan and execute a seamless move. Call or request a free estimate from Allied today for more information about our moving services, and let us help with your relocation to Raleigh!

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