As far as determining the best place to live in 2022, Raleigh, North Carolina ranks in the top ten in America! Raleigh is home to numerous renowned chefs, the largest research and design center in the US, and has attracted thousands of new residents over the years looking for a fresh, exciting start.
Raleigh is the second fastest growing city in the United States. The city has a southern vibe with a strong job market and incredible food scene. There’s culture, outdoor activities, and friendly hospitality. Are you considering moving to Raleigh, NC? Do you think this could be the place for you in 2022? The team at Caddy Moving has compiled a list of the top six reasons why people are moving to Raleigh and loving it!
1. The Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC
The cost of living in Raleigh is just a bit over the national average. This is due to the fact that there is a steady inflow of people moving here, and home prices have gradually increased throughout the past few years. Keep in mind that this hasn’t stopped people from moving to Raleigh, and the cost of living is still in a reasonable range!
Raleigh remains cheaper than most other cities in the United States, and a lot of residents who buy in Raleigh know that their home value will increase in the coming years. Take a look at this list of average cost of rent for a one bedroom apartment in Raleigh when compared to other major cities:
- Raleigh, NC- $975
- Atlanta, GA- $1086
- Washington, DC- $1469
- New York City- $1291
- Denver, CO- $1265
- Houston, TX- $992
- San Francisco- $2639
- Los Angeles- $1545
According to Zillow records, the average home value in Raleigh is just above $300,000, and this is expected to increase by nearly 7% within 2022. The population in Raleigh has increased by about 17% since 2010, and with low mortgage rate, Raleigh real estate is surging with no signs of slowing!
The cost of living is high on the list of reasons young professionals and families decide to make the move to Raleigh. You not only get more space for your dollar but also get to live in a city full of opportunity and vibrant culture!
2. Higher Education in Raleigh
Do you have a dream to have a career in higher education? Do you have a passion for research? The City of Oaks might be the perfect place for you to move to in 2022. Raleigh is home to not one, not two, but three top tier universities and has ranked second as the most educated city in the US! North Carolina State University is an international leader in veterinary medicine, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke are both very prestigious universities.
The three colleges draw in people from all over the world, bringing in talent, creators, young professionals, and over $3 billion in Research & Design funding every year! Many creators and professors call Raleigh home. On average, professors here will earn a very nice salary between $120,000 - $200,000. The higher education community in and around Raleigh makes it a great place for educators and students alike to travel, study, and live.
3. Jobs
The unemployment rate in Raleigh, NC is below the national average with loads of potential for salary growth and plenty of opportunity for a career change. Raleigh is top choice for recent grads because of the endless opportunities that can be found in this booming city, especially those seeking a career in R&D.
Raleigh is also an attractive location for those in the medical field. Doctors, researchers, nurses, and like floke here for the major medical centers like WakeMD, UNC Health Care, and Duke Health. The city also houses almost 500 health care companies, making this lucrative industry within Raleigh, a great place for medical professionals to call home.
Perhaps you're an entrepreneur on the hunt for a city that supports small businesses and innovators. We can confidently say you've looked in the right place.
The job market and economy within the city are always thriving, as Raleigh continues to grow with highly-educated people and successful companies, making it the perfect move for someone on the job hunt. Whether you're a researcher, entrepreneur, artist, or just plain confused about your career path, Raleigh has a ton to offer.
4. Culture in Raleigh is unmatched
Just take a weekend getaway to Raleigh and you will quickly realize that this booking Southern city is really just a small-town at heart. From music festivals to sporting events, Raleigh has plenty to offer. Here is a list of some fun cultural experiences in Raleigh, NC:
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- Hopscotch Music Festival
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Videri Chocolate Factory
- Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
Between the museums, festivals, sporting events, and tours, the city of Raleigh is rich with diverse experiences and activities. There is never a dull moment living in the capital city. You can always walk into the bustling streets of downtown Raleigh and find something memorable to explore.
5. Nature and Outdoor Activities in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is a dream for those who crave city life but can’t stay sane without access to nature. Raleigh is surrounded by a plethora of outdoor activities, trails, and fresh air. Here are just a few natural escapes locals turn towards:- Neuse River Greenway Trail
- Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden
- Pullen Park
- Beach/Mountains
6. Bars, Food, and Authentic Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
Foodie? We thought so. Come to Raleigh and find the finest, most authentic dining experience out of possibly any city in the US. From delicious restaurants and some of the most renowned chefs in the world, featuring James Beard nominees, you won’t get bored of the food scene in Raleigh.
Whether you're looking for some Indian-Asian cuisine from the 2020 nominated chef Cheetie Kumar at Garland; locally sourced New American dishes at Death and Taxes from the multi-award-winning chef Andrea Reusing; or freshly prepared seafood at The Cortez from a first time James Beard semifinalist Oscar Diaz (just to name a few), Raleigh offers a wide variety of cuisine to suit every palate.
Uptown Raleigh has loads of tasty eats and continues to grow. From bakeries and delis to pizzerias and breweries, Raleigh surrounds you with endless options.
There you have it! Raleigh is indeed a large city, but it’s got a lot of small-town charm. From prestigious universities to the top-of-the-line health care, lower housing costs, and booming culture and career opportunities, people from around the world gravitate here and don’t leave.
If Raleigh, NC seems like the place for you, don’t wait on paying a visit or beginning to search the listings on Zillow. When you’ve found your dream home in Raleigh, book a team of professional Raleigh Movers to make your transition stress-free, easy, and affordable!