North Carolina / Wake County

Moving to Raleigh, NC

Thinking of making a move to Raleigh, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Raleigh, NC

Considering a move to Raleigh, NC? This welcoming community of 474,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $430,000 and average rents near $1,650. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Raleigh's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Raleigh, NC

Raleigh has a population of 474,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 52% White, 29% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
474,000
Density
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age
34.7
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
52.0%
Black
29.0%
Asian
5.5%
Others
13.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Raleigh, NC?

The cost of living in Raleigh is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 102.8. Median home values are around $430,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$430,000
Gross Rent
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges
$142
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
102.8
Grocery
100.5
Housing
107.6
Utilities
98.7
Transportation
100.8
Health Care
98.9
Miscellaneous
99.4

Crime

Is Raleigh, NC a safe place to live?

Raleigh is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 360 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
360
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,150
Crime Index
2,510
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

Weather

What is the weather like in Raleigh, NC year-round?

Raleigh experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
54°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $79,000 and a low poverty rate of 11.6%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 58% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$49,500
Household Income
$79,000
Family Income
$97,500
Per Capita Income
$42,300
Income Male
$56,000
Income Female
$48,000
Poverty Rate
11.6%
Non English Speakers
13.9%
Rent
$1,650
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.5%
Bachelors or More
58.1%

Education

How are the schools in Raleigh, NC?

Raleigh offers quality education options, with public schools like Broughton High School, Leesville Road High School, and Enloe Magnet High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including North Carolina State University, William Peace University, Meredith College, and Wake Technical Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Broughton High School
Street
723 Saint Marys St
Phone
919-856-7810
Students
2,300
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Leesville Road High School
Street
8410 Pride Way
Phone
919-870-4141
Students
2,050
Student Teacher Ratio
16.0
Name
Enloe Magnet High School
Street
128 Clarendon Cres
Phone
919-856-7970
Students
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio
16.3

Private Schools

Name
St. David's School
Street
3400 White Oak Rd
Phone
919-782-3331
Students
820
Name
Ravenscroft School
Street
7409 Falls of Neuse Rd
Phone
919-847-0900
Students
1,200

Colleges

Name
North Carolina State University
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Distance
0 miles
Students
37,000
Name
William Peace University
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Distance
1 mile
Students
900
Name
Meredith College
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Distance
4 miles
Students
1,500
Name
Wake Technical Community College
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Distance
8 miles
Students
20,000

Healthcare

Raleigh residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like WakeMed Raleigh Campus, UNC REX Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.9 per 1,000 people and 90.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
WakeMed Raleigh Campus
Address
3000 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone
(919) 350-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
UNC REX Hospital
Address
4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone
(919) 784-3100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Duke Raleigh Hospital
Address
3400 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone
(919) 954-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage
90.8%
Health Care Index
79.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Raleigh, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $430,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Raleigh offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$430,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Raleigh handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone
1-919-715-7000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Raleigh, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Raleigh, review the core fields on this page: population 474,000, median home value $430,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,650, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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