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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Raleigh and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Raleigh before you move.

Moving Help for Your Raleigh, NC Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Raleigh move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Raleigh, NC Piano Movers Raleigh, NC Cheap Movers Raleigh, NC Small Movers Raleigh, NC Apartment Movers Raleigh, NC Long Distance Movers Raleigh, NC

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Raleigh, NC

Considering a move to Raleigh, NC? This welcoming community of 479,332 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $420,000 and average rents near $1,480. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% 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 479,332 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 56% White, 28% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
479,332
Density
3,360 per sq mi
Median Age
34.1
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
56.4%
Black
28.0%
Asian
5.1%
Others
10.5%

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 104.2. Median home values are around $420,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,480. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$420,000
Gross Rent
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges
$130
Auto Insurance
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
104.2
Grocery
99.1
Housing
107.5
Utilities
96.3
Transportation
98.6
Health Care
103.2
Miscellaneous
101.4

Crime

Is Raleigh, NC a safe place to live?

Raleigh is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 313 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 50. 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
313
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,012
Crime Index
2,325
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 319
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 50

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 31°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
31°F
Max
51°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $74,900 and a low poverty rate of 11.1%. Over 93% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 55% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$74,900
Family Income
$92,700
Per Capita Income
$39,500
Income Male
$51,000
Income Female
$44,000
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Non English Speakers
14.8%
Rent
$1,480
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
2.5%
Commute Time
25.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.8%
Bachelors or More
54.5%

Education

How are the schools in Raleigh, NC?

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

Public Schools

Name
Broughton Magnet High School
Street
723 St Marys St
Phone
919-856-7810
Students
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio
17.4
Name
Daniels Magnet Middle School
Street
2816 Oberlin Rd
Phone
919-881-4860
Students
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio
16.2

Private Schools

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
36,000
Name
Meredith College
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,900

Healthcare

Raleigh residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UNC Rex Hospital and WakeMed Raleigh Campus nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 89.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
UNC Rex Hospital
Address
4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone
(919) 784-3100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
WakeMed Raleigh Campus
Address
3000 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone
(919) 350-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
89.7%
Health Care Index
79.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Raleigh, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $420,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.4%. Raleigh offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate
52.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

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
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 479,332, median home value $420,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,480, commute time 25.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

Ready to Move to Raleigh, NC?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes