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About Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh: Where innovation meets Southern charm, thriving amidst nature and technology.
Raleigh, North Carolina, often dubbed the 'City of Oaks,' is celebrated for its lush greenery and vibrant cultural landscape. Established in 1792 and serving as the capital city, Raleigh is steeped in history but also firmly rooted in the present as a significant hub for research and technology. As a part of the renowned Research Triangle, alongside Durham and Chapel Hill, Raleigh boasts proximity to prestigious universities and a thriving job market, particularly in technology and life sciences.
The city's economy is robust and diverse, with major industries including technology, healthcare, and education. Raleigh's commitment to fostering innovation has made it a magnet for tech startups and major corporations alike. The cultural scene is rich and diverse, offering residents and visitors a variety of experiences ranging from the North Carolina Museum of Art to the bustling nightlife in its downtown district. The city also prides itself on its welcoming community, which embraces diversity and promotes a high quality of life through excellent educational opportunities and an array of recreational options.
What makes Raleigh truly special is its seamless blend of metropolitan sophistication and Southern hospitality. This is evident in its cuisine, arts, and local traditions, which celebrate both its historical roots and progressive ethos. The city's dedication to environmental sustainability and preserving its natural beauty is reflected in its numerous parks and green spaces, making it not just a great place to visit, but a wonderful place to call home.
The basics
- Population
- 482K
- Median age
- 34.7 years
- Area
- 147.6 sq mi
- Elevation
- 315 ft
- County
- Wake County
- Metro area
- Raleigh-Durham-Cary, NC Metro Area
Work and housing
- Median household income
- $69,845
- Median home price
- $395,000
- Cost of living (US = 100)
- 107
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Job growth
- 2.5%
- Households renting
- 42.3%
Schools and colleges
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 51.9%
- High school graduation
- 91.8%
- Going on to college
- 70.4%
- Schools
- 175
- Colleges and universities
- 11
- Students per teacher
- 15.8:1
- Public libraries
- 12
Getting around
- Average commute
- 25 minutes
- Highways
- I-40, I-440, I-540, US-1, US-64, US-70
- Public transit
- GoRaleigh, GoTriangle, GoDurham
- Airports
- RDU - Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Sport
- NHL
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Minor league
- Triple-A Baseball: Durham Bulls, USL League One: North Carolina FC
- Women's teams
- NWSL: North Carolina Courage
- Venues
- PNC Arena (19,500), Carter–Finley Stadium (58,000)
- College conference
- ACC
Living here
- Climate
- Humid Subtropical
- Time zone
- America/New_York
- Area code
- 919
- ZIP codes
- 27601, 27603, 27605, 27607, 27610
Industries
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Education
- Research
- Finance
Landmarks
- North Carolina State Capitol
- Historic Oakwood
- Mordecai Historic Park
- Pullen Park
- JC Raulston Arboretum
Attractions
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- Marbles Kids Museum
- Pullen Park
- Raleigh City Market
- North Carolina Symphony
Museums
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- North Carolina Museum of History
- Marbles Kids Museum
Parks
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Pullen Park
- Lake Johnson Park
- Dorothea Dix Park
- Shelley Lake Park
Hospitals
- UNC REX Hospital
- WakeMed Raleigh Campus
- Duke Raleigh Hospital
Colleges
- North Carolina State University
- Meredith College
- Shaw University
- Saint Augustine's University