Living in Raleigh-Durham: What You Need to Know
Is RDU right for you?
Ever since the pandemic introduced location freedom for thousands of U.S. workers, families and young professionals are flocking to the Research Triangle and surrounding areas. In fact, each year since 2019, the Raleigh metro area has seen population increases of at least 2.8%, and sometimes as high as 4%. So, what’s the draw of living in the City of Oaks, and is it the right fit for you?
Climate, Commute and Culture
One of the major factors drawing more people to North Carolina in recent years is the comfortable weather. Those who are sick of New York winters or desert-dry summers find relief in Raleigh. The area offers an enjoyable balance: residents experience all four seasons without enduring many days of extreme temperatures. The humid climate hovers around 42 degrees in the winter months, and rises to a mean of 80 degrees in the middle of summer.
When it comes to transportation, Raleigh residents can enjoy the convenience of the free bus system and the convenient R-Line downtown, which allows for a hop on/hop off experience without charge. However, especially for those who live in the suburbs, having a car is a must in Raleigh-Durham. Professionals in the area commute 25-30 minutes on average.
The Raleigh-Durham area is one of the most diverse in the nation, and the cultural offerings cater to a wide range of interests. From the many performing arts venues and museums to the multitude of authentic restaurants, foodies and theater lovers find plenty to enjoy. Festivals and pop-ups make for unique weekend plans year-round, and the nightlife scene thrives in Raleigh thanks to the multitude of young professionals in the area.
Careers in Raleigh-Durham
Speaking of young professionals, many hopeful new residents come to the Research Triangle looking for job opportunities, and for good reason: Raleigh recently ranked as the fifth-hottest U.S. job market.
Especially in the finance and technology fields, the Raleigh-Durham area is full of growing companies and exciting job openings. From Fidelity Investments and First Citizens Bank to Apple and Google, various large headquarters develop top talent. Furthermore, those on education and research career paths find plenty of opportunities at Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.
For Fun
Though the city is full of career-minded folks, there’s also plenty of time for fun! Whether your brand of fun involves a day on the water, a stroll on well-kept trails, a trip to the museum, or an afternoon on a brewery patio, you’ll find endless spots to enjoy in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Ride pedal boats at Pullen Park on a sunny day, or head out to Blue Jay County Park for hiking or fishing. Sip a beer and bask in the sunny patios at Clouds Brewing or Compass Rose Brewery. Up for a short drive? There are plenty of beautiful beaches nearby that belong on your day trip bucket list.
Where to Live
Occupying a broad stretch of neighborhoods and downtown areas, the Raleigh-Durham region offers something for every taste when it comes to housing. Young professionals and college students tend to gravitate toward the Capital District or the Fairmont neighborhood.
Retirees and families looking for a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle find peace and quiet in spots like Brier Creek and Lassiter Mill. Looking for a balance between city proximity and tight-knit community? Oakwood and Boylan Heights boast gorgeous architecture and city amenities while still feeling residential.
Home Inventory
Between the gorgeous climate, the thriving job market, and the vast menu of recreation options, living in Raleigh-Durham sounds almost too good to be true. Sure enough, there is one major catch: buying an existing home in the area is generally challenging. Still sitting squarely in seller’s market territory, Raleigh homes continue to appreciate — the median home sale price has increased by 6% since this time last year.
Even those with more flexible budgets often find that the features and amenities they truly want don’t exist in the current market. Finding a home that fits your routines, preferences, and personal style is next to impossible, especially in a competitive market like Raleigh. As a result, many people are opting to build their dream homes instead.
With Atmos, designing and building a custom home from the ground up has never been easier. With the support of a Project Manager at every step of the way, enjoy a streamlined custom building process that won’t suck up every moment of your free time. Create the home you’ve always dreamed of, without the hassle.
Ready to build your dream home in Raleigh-Durham? Get started today!
