Discover Raleigh, North Carolina: A Local's Take on the City of Oaks

Greetings from Chris Munier, your resident expert on Raleigh, North Carolina. If you're thinking of moving to this central-NC community, then I’m here to help you scope out its top qualities.

This Research Triangle metropolitan community continues to grow thanks to several tech/finance businesses, gorgeous weather, and southern hospitality. If you want to find a vibrant southern community but don’t have the budget for a condo or new house in Florida, then Raleigh is worth more than a passing glance.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Raleigh

Current Pricing for Rental Homes in Raleigh

You probably know this is the capital of the Tarheel State, taking its namesake from the famous explorer and English statesman, Sir Walter Raleigh. I’ll fill you in on the rest, including a brief account of its history, local amusements, and, of course, a survey of the most livable neighborhoods.

Raleigh’s Top Neighborhoods

You’ll find well over 100 neighborhoods, some larger than others, throughout Raleigh. The city is also close to fine communities like Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, and Durham. I’d like to introduce four of the highest-rated neighborhoods in Raleigh.

The Oakwood neighborhood may be ideal for renters who prefer diverse pricing options, since there are hundreds of apartment listings. This is a terrific place to enjoy access to downtown in one of several skyscrapers and towers. Despite the urban atmosphere, Oakwood also receives solid reviews for safety.

Mordecai, possibly Raleigh’s oldest residential section, has several cozy houses, most suitable for college students and young families. This area is also an easy stroll to the Capitol building and the Museum of Natural Sciences. Students attending William Peace University should consider this location for its convenient proximity.

The average rent for apartments in the Warehouse District is less than $2,000 per month for two-bedroom homes. Despite its name, this neighborhood has a better reputation for hip cafés as opposed to warehouse buildings. Young professionals and students would also like the nightlife atmosphere with venues like Whiskey Kitchen and Crank Arm Brewing.

Glenwood South is Raleigh’s top spot in the “active lifestyle” category. Just be careful of the traffic on Glenwood Avenue during rush hour. I’d choose this location for the best entertainment options. There’s plenty to do every evening at live music venues, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and Raleigh Beer Gardens (featuring 380 beer selections).

Quick Intro to Raleigh History

The City of Raleigh received its charter in 1792 when it was still a small village of less than 1,000 inhabitants. It became North Carolina’s capital shortly thereafter in 1794. While it’s now home to almost half a million residents, it didn’t reach 100,000 until the 1960s. Like most of North Carolina, the “City of Oaks” was a humble southern community well into the latter 20th century.

Raleigh grew as a state capital after remaining mostly insulated from the Civil War conflict, despite some close calls. While other North Carolina municipalities sustained devastating fires and attacks by Union soldiers, Raleigh was almost untouched. After Reconstruction, the city established multiple private universities, and eventually North Carolina State University (NCSU) in 1887. This paved the way for central North Carolina’s comparative advantage in American higher education.

In the 20th century, Raleigh withstood the worldwide Spanish Flu pandemic with less than 300 attributable deaths. By 1959, the city's burgeoning medical and financial sectors took off with the establishment of its Research Triangle Park, drawing numerous professionals to the area.

Finally, when I moved to North Carolina in 1999, the highway infrastructure in and around Raleigh saw a tremendous upgrade. To accommodate a booming population, the city renovated its outer beltline, replaced its convention center, and welcomed its first major sports team (the Carolina Hurricanes).

Raleigh is now the 39th largest city in the U.S., and the second largest in the state (behind Charlotte). Its metropolitan jurisdiction consists of 1.5 million people, comprising a large voter block in the country’s ninth-largest state. Raleigh is the headquarters for several companies, including Advance Auto Parts, First Citizens Bank, Golden Corral, and Red Hat Inc.

Must-See Raleigh Locations

Raleigh now boasts a lively culture and business atmosphere. You can see that yourself by exploring some of these “must-see” spots.

1. Raleigh’s Museums — Raleigh is home to no less than ten museums, including the large Museum of Natural Sciences and Museum of Art. You can also take youngsters to the Marbles Kids Museum, complete with the state’s largest IMAX theater. The Natural Sciences Museum features several permanent and special exhibits, including those dedicated to blue whales, space exploration, and “dueling dinosaurs.” You can also learn all about cows and enjoy ice cream by visiting the Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum on Lake Wheeler Road.
2. North Carolina Farmers’ Market — Raleigh hosts the NC Farmers’ Market, a 30,000-square-foot facility, open all year long. There are at least dozens of vendors from all over the state marketing their unique products. I’m a particular fan of Nahunta’s Pork Center, one of North Carolina’s best for bacon, ham, salted pork, and more. You also don’t want to miss breakfast at the State Farmers Market’s restaurant for some massive biscuits, country ham, and other traditional Southern cuisine.
3. Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral — This is one of the largest and newest cathedrals in the United States, worth visiting for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. It has a seating capacity of at least 2,000, cost over $40 million to build, and is a short walking distance from the NCSU campus. The cathedral’s exterior features a magnificent black dome and 154-foot bell tower, while dozens of beautiful statues of canonized saints adorn the interior periphery.
4. Outdoor Walking Trails — As I’ve mentioned in other articles, Raleigh is one of North Carolina’s best communities for outdoor hiking. That’s even when you compare it to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain trails out west. The city furnishes over 100 miles of trails, some of which meander throughout neighborhoods, whereas others form a pleasant perimeter around manmade lakes. My favorites are the Lake Johnson trails, Reedy Creek and Company Mill Loop, and Neuse River Trail.
5. The Carolina Hurricanes — Hockey fans can migrate to the south and catch an NHL game for a fraction of the typical cost elsewhere. Depending on where you sit, most ticket prices range from $40 and $80. A few years ago, a friend and I sat three rows behind the penalty box for just $100 a seat. Try doing that in New York, Chicago, Toronto, or other NHL cities. Don’t forget that this is a team that’s made the playoffs at least a dozen times, including one Stanley Cup championship. While you’re there, you should get some of the arena’s signature barbecue nachos (with NC-style pulled pork). Just make sure you can handle the substantial sodium intake.

Speaking of food, I can’t write a worthwhile article about Raleigh without showing you the best places to eat.

Food, Beer, & Other Culinary Delights in Raleigh

Check out some of my favorite places to eat in Raleigh. These are not only my personal picks, but ones with verifiable social proof among visitors and locals alike.

• Press Coffee & Crepes — Here’s a solid coffee/breakfast place off 400 Hillsborough Street. For those who don’t know, crêpes are somewhat akin to a thin pancake or breakfast tortilla, made from unleavened batter. This delightful café even makes them gluten-free if you’re trying to avoid wheat products.It has at least a dozen coffees and espressos, not including seasonal varieties, such as Salted Pistachio Mocha.
• Angus Barn — This isn’t just an outstanding steakhouse. Raleigh’s Angus Barn offers a rustic style of fine dining accompanied by its premium Wild Turkey Lounge. The lounge experience alone is worth the visit, especially for cigar or wine aficionados. It also has a very large meat locker and plenty of room for hosting birthday parties, weddings, and business conferences.
• Whiskey Kitchen — I stumbled onto this restaurant/bar when I needed a date idea a few years ago. We really liked the food quality, drink selection, and overall ambiance. Whiskey Kitchen delivers plenty of seating space, either in its large bar area, indoor dining (mostly open air), or outdoor amenities. It may get a little crowded, but not to the point of slowing down service. It’s a great place for sandwiches, pork chops, seafood, soups, and beyond.
• Videri Chocolate Factory — Raleigh’s top chocolate factory offers a splendid dessert option and a novelty experience everyone should try at least once. You can tour its lavish fudge/chocolate selection by yourself, or purchase a guided tour for about $15. Videri also hosts weekly events, such as wine-and-chocolate Wednesdays. I recommend sampling ‌their bourbon chocolates, Dubai chocolate bars, or almond-sea chocolate bars. None of their premium chocolates will disappoint.
• Carolina Ale House — This is actually a chain of restaurants you’ll find around the Carolinas. Among my circle of friends, Ale House has been a perennial favorite for great appetizers, abundant beer selections, and plenty of TV screens for watching professional or college sports. I recommend grabbing a half-rack of nachos, but make sure you can handle the spicy cheese and jalapeños. Night owls will like this spot as well, since it remains open until 2 a.m.

Other Fun Facts About Raleigh

I’ll conclude my Raleigh preview with a few fun facts about the community.

• Raleigh is one of only a few cities originally slated to become a state capital at its inception.
• The very first barcode (scanning label) was invented in Raleigh by George Lauer in 1969.
• Shaw University (established in 1865) is the South’s first historically black college.
• On New Year’s Eve, you can watch a giant acorn drop in downtown Raleigh.
• NCSU students have an annual tradition of running five miles to and from Krispy Kreme, stopping to eat 12 doughnuts before “jogging” back to campus on a full stomach.

So, I hope this information helps with your decision to move to North Carolina’s capital city. It’s halfway between the Appalachian Mountains and the eastern shoreline, making it a reasonable drive to those wonderful scenic locations. Beyond that, Raleigh is a solid place to advance your career, find comfortable and diverse living accommodations (especially for young professionals), raise a family, or retire.