Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, no longer the sleepy southern capital that it once was, is now one of the fastest growing cities in the country.  Although it has experienced explosive growth in the last few decades, it has still been able to maintain an amazing charm and as many national publications have confirmed, Raleigh is one of the best places to live, work and play. 

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Raleigh, no longer the sleepy southern capital that it once was, is now one of the fastest growing cities in the country.  Although it has experienced explosive growth in the last few decades, it has still been able to maintain an amazing charm and as many national publications have confirmed, Raleigh is one of the best places to live, work and play.  

Raleigh Climate

Other than for those that prefer to sport a parka year round and trudge through the "white stuff," it's hard not to love the climate that Raleigh and Central North Carolina has to offer.  Particularly the "Half-backs," a local term for North Carolinians that once made the move to Florida from the Northeast and then came "half-way-back" to North Carolina would agree.  Raleigh offers a taste of every season, yet with a much more moderate feel.

Raleigh Public Schools

Raleigh is part of the Wake County School System (WCSS).  WCSS is the 18th largest public school system in the country.  WCSS has won accolades like top school system in the country for certified teachers and has received a "Gold Rating" from Expansion Management.  

Colleges and Universities Near Raleigh

Raleigh high school graduates don't have to look far when they're searching for a college.  Raleigh is home to a number of world class colleges and universities:

• North Carolina State University
• Meredith College
• Peace College
• St. Augustine's College
• Shaw University
• Wake Technical Community College
• Campbell University School of Law
• Southeaster Baptist Theological Seminary

Raleigh Sports

Professional Teams

Raleigh, is home to the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes that play at the RBC Center and is the only professional team to call Raleigh home.  
 

College Teams

North Carolina State University is well known for their basketball and football teams.  Rivalries run strong between area college teams but are particularly strong between UNC Chapel Hill, Duke (Durham) and NC State.  

Getting Around Raleigh

By Car

I-40 is the only major interstate highway to run through Raleigh.  I-40 has two spur routes, I-440 that makes up the beltline around Downtown Raleigh and I-540, a partially completed loop connecting the towns of Wake Forest, Knightdale, Garner, Apex, Cary, Morrisville, Rolesville and Fuquay-Varina.  However, with I-85 and I-95 nearby, it's easy for Raleigh residents to traverse the East Coast, heading north or south.  Residents also have the luxury of only being a few hours drive to the Atlantic beaches to the east or the North Carolina mountains to the west.  

By Plane

Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) services 45 domestic and international locations and is located in the northwestern part of Wake County.

Raleigh Commerce

Employment

The Wake County economy is greatly influenced by the Research Triangle Park (RTP), the country's largest industrial research and development park.  RTP is a center for U.S. high tech and bio-tech research.  There are over 150 companies located in RTP, with some of the largest being IBM, GlaxoSmithKline and Cisco.  

The Raleigh has received a number of accolades and been highly ranked nationally as a best place to find a job and operate a business.  

Shopping

There are a number of malls, shopping centers and retail areas scattered throughout Wake County.  You can visit one of the major department stores of Triangle Town Center, Crabtree Valley Mall and the Cary Towne Center or enjoy the smaller shops and boutiques in Cameron Village and North Hills.  

Raleigh Recreation

There are 3 state parks located in Wake County: Falls Lake, William B. Umstead and Jordan Lake.  Throughout the County there are 152 city parks.  One popular park/trail is the American Tobacco Trail, a 22 mile project with 15 miles located in Wake County for walking, cycling and, in parts, horseback riding.  
 

Arts and Entertainment in Raleigh

Museums

There are a number of museums located in Wake County, with several state museums including the NC Museum of Art, NC Museum of Natural Science and the NC Museum of History.  
 

Performing Arts

There are several performing arts venues including the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Entery Center for Performing Arts.  Wake County is also home to several professional art organizations including the NC Symphony, Opera Company of NC, NC Theatre and the Carolina Ballet.