Welcome to Raleigh
An up-and-coming hub for high-tech professionals
There's so much to love about Raleigh. With over 200 days of sun during the year, over a dozen growing neighborhoods, and quintessential Southern charm, Raleigh embraces visitors and new residents.
Raleigh's real estate landscape is also home to some of the most beautiful properties in North Carolina.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle - Living in Raleigh
Raleigh has much to offer people from all walks of life. The city's historical charm coexists with a modern, vibrant energy that appeals to professionals and young families. The Raleigh area also offers many economic opportunities and paths for career advancement — features that often transcend demographics. Home to North Carolina State University, Raleigh forms a third of the vaunted Research Triangle; the city is a magnet for the engineering, technology, agriculture, and medical industries.
Raleigh, North Carolina Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
An iconic Raleigh establishment and a favorite for celebrating special occasions, the
Angus Barn steakhouse is worth the drive. The restaurant was nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality and recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Beyond its delectable in-house aged steaks, Angus Barn hosts over-the-top holiday decorations, wields an impressive wine list, and serves an incredible chocolate chess pie.
Set in a historic house (ca. 1879) with gleaming hardwood floors,
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern exists at the intersection of history, atmosphere, and gourmet New American cuisine. Up the street,
Sullivan’s Steakhouse serves excellent steak and seafood, often to the tune of live music.
Mecca Restaurant on the eastern side of downtown is approaching its centennial anniversary, serving the same combination of Southern-style comfort food and drinks that have made it a longtime Raleigh favorite.
Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque has been in business nearly as long as Mecca, and its barbeque is unsurpassed.
Downtown Raleigh has endless opportunities for divine culinary experiences. Visit one of renowned chef Ashley Christensen’s restaurants,
Poole's or
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, to indulge in fresh, seasonal Southern comfort food. Those interested in international cuisine must visit
Bida Manda, 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 Jolie’s sister restaurant,
Crawford and Son, 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.
North Raleigh’s
Lafayette Village features 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 — high-end chains, quality restaurants, and several locally owned boutiques. For entertainment, there's nearby
Midtown Park, where music lovers can enjoy live concerts throughout the year. Also close by is
The Ritz, where live bands play in a cozy, VIP setting.
Things to Do in Raleigh
Music lovers will thrive in the Raleigh area. The region hosts live music events like the Bluegrass Festival and the Hopscotch Music Festival, both held annually in
downtown Raleigh. Also downtown, the
Red Hat Amphitheater hosts a wide variety of smaller musical events. 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.
The
PNC Arena hosts the Carolina Hurricanes (the 2006 Stanley Cup champions), shows, leading standup comedy acts, and concerts by music luminaries, especially country stars.
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 ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide and second in the state for value. Its veterinary and engineering programs are two of the legs on which the university’s formidable research cohort stands.
- William Peace University is one of the state’s longest-tenured universities.
- Meredith College is a highly regarded private women’s liberal arts college.
