Tips for a Smooth Move to Raleigh
Raleigh, NC, is a thriving community known for its unique combination of being hip while also providing plenty of traditional Southern comfort. Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, and it is also a cultural and educational hub. Raleigh is the home of several universities, including the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University.
Over the past 20 years, many technology firms have moved to the area. Combined with the universities and other science and tech-based businesses, Research Triangle Park was formed. When you are thinking of moving to Raleigh, here is what you need to know.
Essentials to Know When Moving to Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh has hot and humid summers, but the spring, autumn and winter seasons of the year are mild and pleasant. Raleigh's population is about 470,000 as of 2020, and Wake County, in which Raleigh is located, is home to 1,111,761 people. Wake County is the ninth-fastest growing county in the United States, and real estate sells quickly here. If you will be renting an apartment, you will need to start looking a few months in advance of your move.
The cost of living in Raleigh is somewhat higher than average, and most of that is related to housing costs. Some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Raleigh are on the far south-central, southwest, east and west sides. The closer you move to downtown, the higher the rent prices will be. However, Downtown Raleigh is more walkable if you don't own a car. Overall, the city has a walkability score of 30 out of 100.
Landmarks in the Raleigh Area
You may want to take a walk through Downtown Raleigh and check out some of the city's landmarks. One of the tallest is the Memorial Belltower on the campus of NC State University. PNC Arena is the home of the Carolina Hurricanes, which is a National Hockey League team. WakeMed Soccer Park is the stadium where the North Carolina FC, a men's professional soccer team, and North Carolina Courage, a professional women's soccer team, play.
Attractions to See in Raleigh
When your friends and family come to visit, you will have many options for places to take them. The Raleigh Beer Garden is a favorite among adults. At the Marbles Kids Museum, people of all ages can try some hands-on science and learning activities. The museum also has a gift shop with educational toys and games to enjoy at home. If you like history, check out the North Carolina Museum of History. It boasts a whole floor dedicated to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. People who like plants, animals and nature should visit the Museum of Natural Sciences. Its collections include exhibits of fish native to North Carolina waters, a 3D theater and gems and minerals found in North Carolina. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences includes research labs for guests and professional research labs for its in-house scientists. At the North Carolina Museum of Art, you could explore works in wood, stone, metal, paper and more. It has permanent collections featuring African, European, modern American, ancient American, Egyptian and other types of art.
Raleigh's Top Outdoor Activities
Raleigh is known as the City of Oaks because the downtown area has oak-lined streets. The city is also home to 152 public parks. Pullen Park is one of the most popular, and it is North Carolina's oldest public park. It features the Pullen Park Carousel, train, a concessions stand, pedal boats and kiddie boats. The park is also home to Pullen Aquatic Center, Pullen Arts Center and Theatre in the Park.
Raleigh is adjacent to three state parks, including Falls Lake State Recreation Area, William B. Umstead State Park and the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Each of these large parks features woodlands. Jordan Lake State Park has several pairs of nesting bald eagles. At the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, you could watch an outdoor concert or play. The American Tobacco Trail offers 15 miles of bicycle, hiking and pedestrian trails and a total of 22 miles of trails for equestrian and other use.
Pro Tips for Your Relocation to Raleigh
The busiest times of the year for moving to Raleigh are May and August, which coincides with the academic years of the local universities and colleges. You will need to have a parking permit for your car in order to park it on a city street. If your moving truck will be at your new place overnight, you will need a temporary parking permit for it.
Raleigh may experience the remnants of tropical storms during hurricane season, which extends from June through November. Download a weather app in order to stay up to date on tropical storms that might affect the city.