Known as the “Research Triangle,” the Raleigh-Durham area is home to IBM, Cisco, SAS, and Wells Fargo. Not only does the area offer a wide range of career opportunities, but it also has affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods. According to U.S. News, Raleigh is among the best places to relocate to. In 2019, there were over 38,000 job openings alone. Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Davidson University are some of the top schools in the area along with quality state schools (NC State). Raleigh-Durham continues to be the fastest-growing metropolitan area while remaining among the 30 most affordable housing markets in the U.S.
Market Highlights
Home to 200 companies in the Research Triangle that employ more than 46,000 workers in biotechnology, information technology, and related sectors
Ranked 25th in the most affordable housing markets in the U.S. – (U.S. News)
The fastest-growing metropolitan area through 2025
Raleigh is the #1 place to be hired because of the ratio of number of job active openings to population – (CNN)
Ranked #7 for lowest cost of living compared to salary out of the United States tech hubs
Wake County is projected to increase by 24.5% in population by 2027
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and Davidson University drive demand for rental housing
Entertainment venues: PNC Arena, an indoor sports arena and concert venue that houses the NHL’s Hurricanes
Northwest Raleigh
The northwest region of Raleigh is home to some of North Carolina’s best places to live, such as Morrisville, Cary, and Chapel Hill. It includes more than 200 companies that draw in thousands of college graduates a year. On top of great universities, Chapel Hill School District is ranked #1 in all of NC according to patch.com. With 3 prestigious Universities nearby and thriving businesses, the northwest will always have a large population and demand for housing.
The Research Triangle - more than 200 companies that employ over 46,000 workers in biotechnology, information technology, and related sectors; IBM, Cisco, GlaxoSmithKline, Lenovo, LabCorp, General Electric, etc.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - D1 University, ranked 29th in the U.S. (U.S. News)
The fastest-growing metropolitan area through 2025
Duke University - ranked 2nd in all of NC according to bestcolleges.com
North Carolina State University - #3 best college in NC by bestcolleges.com
Davidson University - ranked 5th in all of NC according to bestcolleges.com
The PNC Arena - indoor sports arena, concert venue, home to NHL Hurricanes
Raleigh Durham International Airport - 14.6 miles from downtown Raleigh
The Streets at Southpoint - shopping mall in Durham
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina Museum of Art - galleries, education studios, and special exhibitions north of NC State University
Northeast Raleigh
Northeast Raleigh is close to multiple nature preserves and is a short drive to Lake Falls. Wake Forest suburbs generate strong family demand with great neighborhoods. Surrounded by parks and athletic centers, it is projected to increase in population by 24.5% by 2025. In addition, the schools in Wake County are ranked #9 in all of North Carolina according to niche.com.
North Hills - a mix of 130+ local shops, spas, markets, restaurants and hotels
Wake University - ranked 3rd best college in North Carolina
Mordecai Historic Park - President Andrew Johnson’s birthplace
Raleigh Beer Garden - world’s largest selection of beer on tap under the same roof (400+)
Neuse River Trail - longest river in NC; the trail goes from Falls Lake in Wake Forest to Wake/Johnson County line
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences - oldest established museum in NC
Falls Lake - most of Raleigh’s freshwater comes from this lake, short commute to Durham or Raleigh
Raleigh Durham International Airport - 14.6 miles from downtown Raleigh
The Streets at Southpoint - shopping mall in Durham
IBM manufacturer, LabCorp
Southwest Raleigh
The southwest region of Raleigh has a wide variety of shopping and entertainment. It is also home to two of North Carolina’s top places to live, Cary and Apex. These suburbs in Wake County ranked high on niche.com, largely due to the short commute to the city, great school systems, and neighborhood safety.
Pullen Park - NC’s first public park in Raleigh, close to the North Carolina State University, 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre - an outdoor amphitheater
Mordecai Historic Park - President Andrew Johnson’s birthplace
Lake Johnson - Rec center, 5 miles of trails, boat rentals, fishing, campgrounds
State Farmers Market
Jordan Lake - reservoir southwest to Raleigh, lots of boating ramps and beaches
Falls Lake - most of Raleigh’s freshwater comes from this lake, short commute to Durham or Raleigh
Raleigh Durham International Airport - 14.6 miles from downtown Raleigh
The Streets at Southpoint - shopping mall in Durham
Cary Towne Center - a shopping mall
Southeast Raleigh
The southeast region of Raleigh is rich in culture, making it home to some of the most historical landmarks in NC. The area has access to the I-95, I-40, and U.S. 70. As living standards in southeast Raleigh continue to improve, the area as a total is growing at a fast pace. Johnson County represents a particularly exceptional area of growth right now. With access to major freeways, Johnson County is projected to grow by 27.3% by 2027. The southeast is a great place to invest because of the cheaper housing and option to live either downtown or a slower atmosphere outside the city.
Coastal Credit Union Music Park - music festivals
Koka Booth Amphitheatre - an outdoor amphitheater
North Carolina State Capitol Landmark - one of Raleigh’s National Historic Landmarks, honors significant events in NC’s history
North Carolina Executive Mansion - “the most beautiful governor’s residence interior in America”- President F.D.R., offers tours of the mansion
Red Hat Amphitheater - downtown Raleigh, 5000 seat outdoor music venue
The Neuse Golf Club - 21 miles from downtown Raleigh
Five County Stadium - Carolina Mudcats, Brewers minor league team
For more information refer to our Knowledge Center and visit our Raleigh, NC Property Management page for local landlord tips and information. Our team has vast knowledge and experience in local Raleigh, NC property management and can help you to have a better investment experience. We educate on topics in the Raleigh area ranging from repairs and maintenance, leasing, and much more. We look forward to furthering your rental property education.
