There is definitely something unique about the city of Raleigh, NC. Whether you are strolling down the beautiful Oak lined streets of Raleigh, or you are admiring some of the monuments that bring back fragments of history, you won’t be disappointed with what you are about to experience in the capital city of North Carolina.
The city of Raleigh became one of the fastest-growing communities in the US and some say that it is the community and its people that make it shine. Others might argue that it is an affordable city where you can easily make a comfortable living. Some residents say that the weather is great in which you can enjoy your favorite season either on North Carolina’s mountainside or on their coastline. But, none of this truly explains why Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina?
The city of Raleigh NC was in fact one of the earliest planned cities in the US. The city played a huge role during some of America’s major battles and in time it has grown into what we see today. What makes Raleigh NC such a desirable place to live is the fact that you get that small-town feel in a city that is not small at all. Stretching for about 143 square miles and with a population of about 470,000 people, it has turned out to be one of the best cities in the US for quality of life.
The community is great and so are the people. Raleigh NC has abundant job opportunities and education, many attractions, along with a stunning culinary scenery, and with all that we haven’t even scratched the surface of what this blooming city has to offer. Come along with us on a journey to discover one of the greatest state capitals of the US, the city of Raleigh NC.
Awesome facts about Raleigh NC
The city of Raleigh NC is without a doubt a special place, that has a lot of history behind it. The construction of the city started in the year 1789 and because it has such a long history, over the course of the years there were quite a few events that took place within the city. Here are some awesome facts about the city of Raleigh North Carolina that you probably were not aware of.
Did you know that Raleigh was officially declared the capital city of North Carolina in 1792? Also, the city was named after Sir Walter Raleigh and English landed gentleman who tried to establish an English colony in the 1580s. Also, if you ever visited the city you will be impressed at the number of Oak trees that line its streets, that is why the city of Raleigh North Carolina is commonly known as the “City of Oaks”.
The capital city of North Carolina is also considered to be a historic landmark, with more than 40 free historic attractions and museums. The city of Raleigh NC is also situated right in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, therefore you can easily move between the two if you feel like it. The capital city of North Carolina is also the birthplace of the first-ever African American university, located in the South, known as the Shaw University.
If you never visited the capital city of North Carolina, you will be surprised at how many attractions the city of Raleigh NC has to offer. From live music, national headlining acts, and DJs to performing arts experiences with symphonies, theaters, and operas.
The population of Raleigh North Carolina
Since 2010 the population of Raleigh NC has grown by about 20%, reaching in 2020 a population of about 470,000 people. However, the city of Raleigh North Carolina is the second-largest city in the state, after Charlotte and it maintains a growth rate of about 1.3% annually. The population density in the capital city of North Carolina is about 3,300 per square mile, and the metro population rounds up at around 1.4 million people.
Last year a study done by Forbes showed that the city of Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The metropolitan area has witnessed an increase in the population of about 47% from the year 2000 till 2012.
Aside from other things you might want to know before moving to Raleigh, you should know that the median age of the population in Raleigh North Carolina is about 33 years. This shows that both young families, couples, and singles along with seniors and retirees are enjoying the suburban lifestyle of Raleigh NC. Also, good news is the capital city of North Carolina is quite a diverse city and the racial composition of Raleigh is as follows:
- Caucasian residents: 58%
- African American: 29%
- Other races: 5%
- Asian: 4.5%
- Two or other races: 3%
- Native American: 0.5%
Things to do in Raleigh North Carolina
Having a close knit diverse city where the community is very inviting and gives you a sense of belonging is probably one of the most important aspects to look for when you are relocating. Having some of the best real estate agents in Raleigh NC by your side is just as important if you want to land a good deal on your next home purchase. Having a great community is awesome and being a good neighbor is going to win you a bunch of long-lasting friendships that are especially important in a city like Raleigh NC where there are so many fun things to do. Here are some of what the capital city of North Carolina has to offer in terms of attractions, entertainment, and places to visit.
Eat out at some of Raleigh’s top restaurants
One of the first things I do when arriving in a new city is to get a taste of the local food and visit as many restaurants as possible during my stay. In this regard, you would be amazed to find out that the city of Raleigh NC has an amazing culinary scene with world-class restaurants. Some of their top restaurants feature a historic setup with food that exceeds your expectation and spoils your palate with dishes from their local cuisine and American cuisine.
A famous place like this is Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern. On the other hand, if you’re feeling more adventurous and you would like to explore international cuisines we highly recommend Sono Japanese Restaurant for great sushi and Ramen or Bida Manda that offers you a more elaborate menu, providing an extensive international cuisine options. On the other hand, French cuisine can be experienced at Saint Jacques French Cuisine restaurant, if you want to immerse yourself in a culture that treats food as an art. The city of Raleigh NC is a food lovers paradise, so don’t hesitate to eat at some of their top restaurants.
Walk on the longest hiking trail in the state
Since it is the longest hiking trail, you would expect it to traverse multiple cities and not just the city of Raleigh North Carolina. If you want to traverse the whole thing you would be gone for a very long time because the trail stretches for a whopping 1,000 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. However, the trail passes through North Raleigh at Neuse River Greenway Trail so you can get a taste of it by visiting the area.
Bring your kids to the Marbles Kids Museum
The little ones want to have a great time as well and one way they can have fun and build their imagination is at the Marbles Kids Museum. This amazing museum manages to inspire and educate kids through some of their original themed exhibits. Some of the ways they manage to do so is by creating one of the world’s first kid-driven smart power grid or through a unique hands-on STEM learning station.
Swing your golf club from a third-floor overlook
The famous Drive Shack complex is a place where you can have a lot of fun. It is catered towards groups and it is one of the local’s favorite things to do in Raleigh NC especially if you want to bring along your friends or family. The three-story complex offers you the possibility to play golf at one of the 96 climate-controlled golf bays. In addition, they offer a full-service restaurant, an arcade area, a rooftop bar, meeting rooms, and many more.
Take a tour through their parks and gardens
The natural beauty that the capital city of North Carolina has to offer is definitely something you have to explore and it should be on your list of things to do in Raleigh NC. From the beautiful Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden and the Juniper Level Botanic Garden to the spectacular William B. Umstead State Park, these places offer a unique natural environment that is an absolute pleasure to explore. Biking, walking, jogging, fishing, hiking, camping, or paddleboarding is just part of this amazing experience where you get to admire nature’s beauty.
Homes for sale in Raleigh North Carolina
Aside from being the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh NC is also a college town with a strong economy. Aside from the safety of Raleigh NC, the city is also part of the Research Triangle Park, one of the largest research parks in the US. The economic opportunities of the area, the amenities and one of the best school systems in the country make the city of Raleigh NC one of the most attractive places to live. That is the reason why homes for sale in Raleigh NC have become so desirable.
There are hundreds of listings currently on the market with the median home price of about $290,000. Home prices range from $100,000 up to $6,000,000. The median listing price per square foot is close to $160 and the average rent price is around $1,200. About 60% of apartments are rented at a price range between $1,000 to $1,500 while 25% of apartments are priced anywhere between $700 to $1000 a month.
If you are looking for some of the best places to live around Raleigh North Carolina or in the city, then you should be aware of some of their top-rated neighborhoods. One of the most popular suburban neighborhoods in Raleigh NC is Six Forks. With a median home price close to $500,000, it is also one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the state. Homes for sale in the area are also catered towards the upper-class residents with a high income.
Stonehenge is not just a prehistoric monument, but also a subdivision located in Midtown Raleigh NC. With about 1,400 single-family homes and a few retirement communities, this popular North Raleigh neighborhood is perfect for both families and seniors. There are plenty of events that take place here throughout the year which is an added bonus for whoever decides to relocate here.
If you want to live in Downtown Raleigh, the Brier Creek might be the perfect neighborhood for you. You are just minutes away from the Research Triangle and the area is ideal for older adults, professionals, and families. If you are searching for homes for sale in the area, you can expect to find townhouses, condominiums and multimillion-dollar estates.
If you prefer to live in the historic part of Raleigh you can relocate to the East Raleigh-South Park Historic District. Neighborhoods such as Oakwood offer hundreds of homes built in an assortment of architectural styles that fit the model of a 19th-century neighborhood. On the other hand, one of the largest communities, and one of the best places to live around Raleigh North Carolina is Chapel Hill. Part of the Research Triangle, and one of the most scenic natural beauties anywhere in Raleigh, this community is truly a masterpiece.
Conclusion
The city of Raleigh North Carolina is truly a cultural and historical area that has proven to be one of the best places to live in the US. You have so much to see and explore in the capital city of North Carolina, and it offers something for everyone. An economically prosperous city with a glimmering beauty that is irresistible to many. Job opportunities and education are probably some of the best in the country, and you will shortly fall in love with the city’s amazing communities.
If you think the same, or if there is something else you would add to this article, let us know in the comment section below. We would love to hear your feedback and don’t hesitate to share with us your experience in the city of Raleigh North Carolina.
