Living in Raleigh

Are you moving to Raleigh, North Carolina? You are going to love living in our state’s capital. Raleigh has received numerous accolades for its outstanding quality of life. In fact, U.S. News & World Report in 2021 ranked Raleigh and Durham collectively as the #2 Best Place to Live.

Raleigh received the prestigious “Leading the Way Award” from ETC Institute in 2021 for being ranked in the top 10% of local governments in the US with regards to resident satisfaction with government services and customer service.

Plus, a poll at Men’s Health ranked Raleigh as the 3rd Happiest City in America.

In this post, we are going to share all you need to know about what it is like to live here. We’ll start out by going over some geography, and then we will discuss cost of living, employment, education, and more.



Triangle of North Carolina

The Triangle of North Carolina

In the heart of North Carolina is the region we call “the Triangle.” Why is it called the Triangle?

The answer is the presence of three prestigious academic institutions. North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, and Duke University is located in Durham. If an imaginary line were drawn from each of these locations to the next, it would form a triangle.

The Lay of the Land in North Carolina

The Lay of the Land

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, and is located in Wake County. In Wake County there are several cities, townships and unincorporated communities.

There is, of course, Raleigh itself, which is mostly in Wake County, though a small part is in Durham County. There is also Durham, which is mostly in Durham County, with a small part in Wake County. Another community to know is Cary, which is located largely in Wake County, but with a small section in Chatham County.

Additional communities include Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville (mostly in Wake County with a small part in Durham County), Rolesville, Wake Forest (mostly in Wake County with a small part in Franklin County), Wendell, and Zebulon (mostly in Wake County with a small part in Nash County).

Adjacent counties are: Granville County (to the north), Franklin County (to the northeast), Nash County (to the east), Johnston County (to the southeast), Harnett County (to the southwest), Chatham County (to the west), and Durham County (to the northwest).

Cost of Living in Raleigh NC

What is the Cost of Living in Raleigh?

We turn to Sperling’s Best Places for data on cost of living in Raleigh. Sperling’s has an index that places the USA average cost of living at 100. Values above 100 are higher than average costs, and values below 100 are lower than average costs.

On that scale, the site gives Raleigh an overall score of 102.3. That is extremely affordable considering that you are living in the state’s capital city. For most metropolitan areas, you will have to pay steep costs to enjoy what the city has to offer. But that is not so in Raleigh.

Costs that are lower than the national average in Raleigh include utilities, transportation, health and miscellaneous expenses. Grocery costs are close to average.

Housing Cost in Raleigh

What Does Housing Cost in Raleigh?

Housing is the only area with a significant increase over the US average. The median home cost in the USA is $291,700. In Raleigh, it is $346,600. Again, that is quite affordable for a vibrant city like this.

Employment Opportunities in Raleigh

Employment Opportunities in Raleigh

According to WalletHub in 2021, Raleigh is among the best cities for starting a career. That same year, Milken Institute rated the city’s economy as the 5th highest performing nationwide.

The USA median household income in 2019 was $68,703. The Census reports that between 2015 and 2019, the median household income for Raleigh was $67,266. So, that is really close to the national average.

Some of the top employers in Raleigh include the State of North Carolina, WakeMed, North Carolina State University, Wake County Public School System, UNC Rex Healthcare, the City of Raleigh, and Wake County.

Education in Raleigh NC

Raleigh Education

As you might have guessed based on the list of top employers above, education is a big deal in Raleigh and the Triangle.

If you have younger children, they will likely attend the aforementioned Wake County Public School System. A number of magnet schools, alternative high schools, and early college high schools are available as well. There are also a variety of charter schools and private schools. So, there are considerable options.

For higher education, students in this area may attend North Carolina State University, Wake Technical Community College, Meredith College, William Peace University, St. Augustine’s University, Skema Business School, Strayer University, ECPI College of Technology, Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and others.

Crime in Raleigh NC

Crime in Raleigh

On a scale ranking low crime at 1 and high crime at 100, Sperling’s sets the US average violent crime rate at 22.7. Violent crime in Raleigh is lower than average on that scale at 20.3.

Getting Around Raleigh NC

Getting Around Raleigh

It is easy to get around Raleigh and the Triangle using the system of interstates and US Routes that traverse the area.

If you want to use public transportation, you can take the bus operated by GoRaleigh or the GoTriangle commuter bus.

The city is also a welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians.

There is more good news in the form of low commute times. Sperling’s says that the US average one-way commute time is 26.4 minutes. But the average time to commute one direction in Raleigh is only 23.4 minutes.

According to Sperling’s, 78.5% of people in Raleigh drive to work alone, and 8.9% carpool. 7.1% work from home, and 2% use public transportation. It is likely work at home figures have increased since the pandemic.

Weather in Raleigh NC

How is the Weather in Raleigh?

Living in Raleigh, you can expect summertime highs of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter lows dropping to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are about 46 average annual inches of rain and about 4 inches of annual snow. So, four distinct seasons await you.

The site has a comfort index where the most comfortable locations score a 10. The US average is 7. Raleigh’s score is 7.5, so it is a more comfortable climate than the US average.

Leisure and Entertainment in Raleigh NC

Leisure and Entertainment in Raleigh

Even though Raleigh is not a major tourism hotspot, it easily could be. There is so much to see and do, no matter what you are interested in.

If you are into museums, just a few to check out include the African American Cultural Complex, the Contemporary , and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Love sports? Some local teams to follow include the Carolina Hurricanes, North Carolina FC, North Carolina Courage, and Carolina Mudcats.

If the outdoors are more your thing, there are more than 8,100 acres of park land in Raleigh alone, and even more beyond.

You also can enjoy delicious local eateries, boutique shops, and nightlife.

Move Into Your Raleigh Dream Home

Can’t wait to call the highly rated city of Raleigh or the surrounding region your home? The Martini Mortgage Group is waiting to welcome you and help you find a suitable home loan. To begin, please call at (919) 238-4934 to schedule your consultation. We work with homebuyers and homeowners throughout North Carolina as well as the states of South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia.

See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Catherine Grabbert
Catherine Grabbert
22:38 13 Mar 24
Absolutely awesome! The team went above and beyond every step of the way and was always helpful and looking out for me. Could not recommend enough!
Grayson Gregory
Grayson Gregory
22:17 04 Mar 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Logan Martini during the process of closing on my first home. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for his outstanding service and unwavering support throughout the entire experience.Logan's commitment to customer satisfaction was evident in his willingness to address any concerns or issues that arose. He was always proactive in finding solutions and ensuring that my needs were met. His genuine care for his clients is truly commendable.I would highly recommend Logan Martini to anyone in need of a reliable and trustworthy mortgage lender. His professionalism, expertise, and exceptional service make him a standout in the industry. I am grateful for his help in making my dream of owning a home a reality, and I am confident that he can do the same for others.
Pat W
Pat W
14:41 02 Mar 24
I cannot begin to tell you how AWESOME this team and family was to me in my very stressful and rushed ordeal of buying my new home. I had a difficult situation in which time was not on my side. Logan and Keith were instrumental in that I was explained everything in layman's terms, that I could understand all my options and the best direction to ensure I was getting the optimal deal. This team puts the customer first every step and inch of the way. 100%. Communication was 5 out of 5. It could not have been better! I would and will recommend this family-owned team to ANY of my family or friends in the future and if you are smart, you will want this team on your side, too! No question about it. Top notch from beginning to end. From the bottom of my heart, I am very grateful many times over for their help and superior services. Most definitely a cut way above the rest.
Michelle Rogge
Michelle Rogge
02:19 02 Mar 24
I had a great experience with the Martini group! As a first time home buyer, I appreciated the advice Kevin and Keith gave me throughout. They really helped me navigate the process with ease!
Bill Salerno
Bill Salerno
23:58 01 Mar 24
MMG made the lending process simple and quick!
David Tran
David Tran
23:40 01 Mar 24
Logan, Ronni, Kevin Martini, and Keith are a fantastic team! I had no clue what I was doing in my 1st time purchasing a home. I reached out to Logan and he orchestrated the rest of the journey into becoming a homeowner. The entire time, I felt very comfortable and Logan walked me through the entire process explaining all of the details.They were very knowledgeable and quick to respond to any questions that I had in the process. They helped me negotiate a wonderful home for a fair price! Thanks!
parker mcneely
parker mcneely
20:21 01 Mar 24
Great working with Martini group as a first time home buyer. Gave me guidance and helped ease my anxiety. Would definitely recommend working with them when making your next purchase
Brahma Vir
Brahma Vir
20:15 01 Mar 24
Steven Tran
Steven Tran
18:50 01 Mar 24
Kevin and his team helped us close in a record 21 days! His team knows their stuff and knows the process.
Josh Priestley
Josh Priestley
16:13 01 Mar 24
Keith and Logan were essential to me in my home-buying process, and they made it almost effortless. I would highly recommend Martini Mortgage Group to anyone.
Garett Hedgepeth
Garett Hedgepeth
15:38 01 Mar 24
Logan and Keith are the best in the business! They made our first-time home buying experience so seamless and were with us every step of the way. They made what is normally a stressful experience, very manageable and exciting! We look forward to working with them for all future home purchases!
Jake Adams
Jake Adams
15:32 01 Mar 24
Keith and Logan were helpful and patient.
Jiselle Michelle
Jiselle Michelle
15:48 30 Jan 24
Logan helped me with the purchase of my first home and I couldn't have asked for someone more professional, knowledgeable and experienced for this monumental moment. Will use Logan for every single home purchase from here on out referring him to all friends and family.
Kathryn Walenty
Kathryn Walenty
22:02 29 Nov 23
We just completed our third home purchase through Martini Group and I’ll never do business with anyone else. They are fantastic! Everyone is incredibly professional, they are efficient, and are knowledgeable. This past experience was no different. Keith was a joy to work with! Even when we hit a snag on our house closing that we were moving out of, Keith reassured me that we were good to go on the new house and he had no worries….prepared for every situation! What more could you ask for? If you’re looking for a mortgage company, no need to look any further. You can’t get any better than the service provided by the Martini Mortgage Group!
bernadette mohammed
bernadette mohammed
20:37 29 Nov 23
Best mortgage group in Raleigh . Knowledgeable staff -outstanding service and an excellent experience..
Alex & Rose Rogers
Alex & Rose Rogers
20:02 15 Nov 23
In my experience with the Martini Mortgage Group, working with Kevin has been nothing short of exceptional. Their dedication to ensuring a seamless and stress-free lending process sets them apart as the absolute best in the business. Kevin's expertise, combined with the personalized attention and care provided by the entire team, creates an unparalleled experience for anyone looking to secure a mortgage.From the initial consultation to the final closing, the Martini Mortgage Group demonstrated unwavering professionalism and a genuine commitment to making dreams a reality. Kevin's approach goes beyond just being a lender; he becomes a trusted partner in your journey towards homeownership.Choosing the Martini Mortgage Group is not just a decision; it's an investment in a smooth, efficient, and downright pleasant mortgage experience. If you're considering a lender, look no further—Kevin and the Martini Mortgage Group are the only choice for those who demand the absolute best.
Jeremy Strain
Jeremy Strain
16:37 06 Nov 23
Helped me through the process quickly and efficiently while clearly explaining each step of the way.
Preston Locklear
Preston Locklear
12:50 01 Nov 23
This is my 3rd time using the Martini Group, and they always deliver seamlessly
Tina Murphy
Tina Murphy
16:43 05 Oct 23
Excellent knowledge and fabulous customer service. Kevin definitely went above and beyond!!
Judy Cairns
Judy Cairns
13:58 04 Oct 23
I love working with the Martini Mortgage Group! Their online process made buying and closing on my home seamless! My brother also referred the Martini Mortgage Group to me because he purchased two homes with this lender and had the best experience ever with buying a home!Much success to the Martini Mortgage Group! Thank you for your monthly reports on the market, value of my home, and home buying and selling trends, conditions that could effect my property and most important an analysis of my investment. You rock! ***** Five ⭐️ Mortgage Team!Judy Cairns
Bruce Parmly
Bruce Parmly
15:12 21 Sep 23
As our culture becomes increasingly more self-focused it is so refreshing to find an organization that truly understands the word Caring, and you are it!
Lemon Head
Lemon Head
14:13 15 Sep 23
Referred by the April Stephens Team , Kevin and Keith are fantastic to deal with and I highly recommend !
Evan Singlar
Evan Singlar
20:52 14 Sep 23
Kevin and the Martini Mortgage Group were wonderful to work with! Kevin helped walk us through every step of the loan process. His team was extremely timely and helpful with all matters. Huge thanks also goes to the Loan Manager Keith Ingram. He was a pleasure to work with in helping us get through the closing process. All in all I can’t speak highly enough about my experience with the Martini Mortgage Group when purchasing our new home. I would highly recommend Kevin and his team to future home buyers.
Matt Keller
Matt Keller
23:29 25 Aug 23
Kevin, Keith and the entire team are first class. They take the time to explain every option and make the entire process as seamless and comfortable as possible. Have used them for two home purchases and will for every other one moving forward.
Jackie Keller
Jackie Keller
23:25 25 Aug 23
The best in the business - Reliable, informative, consistent, and kind. Kevin and team are amazing to work with!
Heather Taylor
Heather Taylor
17:20 22 Aug 23
I’ve known Kevin for over a decade and just recently used him as my lender for the first time. Kevin is extremely knowledgable about all things mortgages! He helped me figure out the best loan scenario for my situation, was an excellent communicator and delivered funds to closing before I left the closing table. If you’re looking for a professional with a big energetic personality who will get the job done (well) and keep you laughing along the way, Kevin is your guy!
Tony Morel
Tony Morel
01:33 16 Aug 23
Claus Jensen
Claus Jensen
22:36 31 Jul 23
I used the Martini Mortgage Group for setting up my mortgage and guiding me through the whole process of getting the loan in place for my new house. The experience has been absolutely wonderful and smooth.Kevin and his team were (and still are) extremely professional, helpful, knowledgeable, and always available to answer questions. I am in a much better place now, thanks in large part to the Martini Mortgage Group.
Robert Holliday
Robert Holliday
20:50 06 Jul 23
yvette macias
yvette macias
21:02 21 Jun 23
Working with the Martini group has been a wonderful experience. The communication you receive from them is up front, clear and quick. They are very easy to talk to and overall they care about assisting you and making you feel comfortable. I highly recommend.
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