The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Raleigh-Durham Area, NC

Raleigh-Durham, also known as the Triangle, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. Raleigh-Durham is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It comprises Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and other surrounding suburbs. From a thriving job market, affordable living costs, and lively culture - trust us when we say this is a great place to call home. With a blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm, continue reading to discover why so many people flock to this area.

Impressive Job Market

The impressive job market is one of the biggest things that set Raleigh-Durham apart. For starters, several top universities are located here, including Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. This has created a highly-educated workforce and made the region a hub for innovation and research. Several major companies such as Cisco, IBM, and SAS call the Triangle home, making it a great place to launch or advance your career.

Affordable Living

Compared to other major cities on the east coast, the cost of living in the Raleigh-Durham region is relatively low. With median home prices around $300,000, housing is incredibly affordable. Plus, North Carolina has a lower tax burden than many other states. Combining these pros will allow you to enjoy more of the perks of the city without breaking the bank.

Rich in History

Raleigh-Durham is a fascinating tale of colonial settlers, tobacco plantations, and technological innovation. Various Native American tribes originally inhabited the area. The first European settlers arrived in the late 17th century. Raleigh, founded in 1792 and named after Sir Walter Raleigh, became the state capital in 1794. By the mid-18th century, the region had become a hub for tobacco production. Durham was founded in 1869 and quickly became a tobacco manufacturing hub, thanks to the nearby railroads. In the 1950s, the Research Triangle Park was created between Raleigh and Durham to attract tech companies.

Diverse in Culture

The culture of Raleigh-Durham is as diverse as the area itself. There is a significant emphasis on the arts, with several museums and galleries, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, and the Ackland Art Museum at UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition, several theaters, music venues, and music festivals hold events throughout the year. And when it comes to food, plenty of options are available for everyone. Durham is known for its barbecue, while Raleigh has a famous beer scene.

Beautiful Scenery

If you love spending time in the great outdoors, then you'll be surprised by how much Raleigh-Durham has to offer. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s, while winters are generally mild, around 40 degrees. The landscape includes mostly rolling hills with various rivers and lakes scattered throughout. The most prominent river is the Neuse River, which flows through Raleigh and several surrounding communities. In addition to the stunning rivers and lakes, the Triangle is home to several state parks. The Umstead State Park in Raleigh is popular for hiking and camping. Another popular park is the Eno River State Park, located in Durham, which is known for having beautiful waterfalls.

Elite Education

It's not just the universities that excel in education. The public schools in Raleigh-Durham are also top-ranked. The Wake County Public School System, which serves the Raleigh area, is one of the largest public school districts in the county. It is known for its commitment to diversity and consistently tops the charts in national rankings. Durham and Chapel, Hill-Carrboro City Schools also have a reputation for excellence. The Triangle also has several charter and private schools, including Montessori and Waldorf.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Raleigh

We all know that Raleigh is the state capital of North Carolina. We learned that Downtown Raleigh is a popular spot for young professionals, with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The Warehouse District is known for its historic buildings. In contrast, Fayetteville Street screams luxury with its high-end hotels and designer retailers. Other popular neighborhoods worth checking out if you're thinking about moving to Raleigh are Cameron Village, Five Points, and North Hills. All of these offer a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses.

Durham

The city of Durham is known for its rich history and aesthetic neighborhoods. Trinity Park is a historic district located just a few blocks from Duke University. Those who live there boast about the elegant homes and tree-lined streets. Old West Durham is another landmark district with a mix of bungalows and craftsman-style homes. Lastly, Downtown Durham does not disappoint, with several new luxury apartments and townhome developments popping up in recent years.

Chapel Hill

Home to UNC-Chapel Hill, this area is known for its beautiful college campus and downtown area. Meadowmont and Southern Village are popular neighborhoods with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. Contrastly, Carrboro, a neighboring town, is notorious for its lively music scene and alternative vibe.

Suburbs

Several other suburban communities throughout the Raleigh-Durham area offer a quieter lifestyle and sense of community. Cary is one of the largest suburbs, with several planned communities and a focus on green spaces. Apex, Holly Springs, and Morrisville are other popular suburbs featuring top-ranked schools and convenient access to the Triangle's major freeways.

New Construction Homes

Raleigh-Durham is experiencing a surge in new construction, with several new developments emerging throughout the area. Many of these developments offer a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, making them an excellent option for first-time and seasoned homeowners alike. Many of these communities offer resort-style amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and walking trails.

One of the largest new developments in the Triangle is Chatham Park, a 7,000-acre master-planned community in Pittsboro. Chatham Park will eventually include more than 22,000 homes and retail, commercial, and office space. With sustainability being one of its main features, a network of parks, green spaces, and trails are included in the development plans.

If you're looking for an exciting fresh start, Raleigh-Durham is an inviting area sure to captivate you. With its strong job market, affordable cost of living, rich history, and new construction options, the Triangle will check all your boxes. Let's work together to explore the new construction homes in Raleigh-Durham and begin searching for your dream home today!