Raleigh & Durham Ranked #6 for Best Places to Live

When it comes to living in North Carolina, there are many neighborhoods that prove to be great options. North Carolina offers plenty of incentives, like great weather, close proximity to the beach, and a competitive job market. It’s no shock more people are making the move to this beautiful state.

To further emphasize North Carolina’s allure, US News ranked Raleigh and Durham #6 for best places to live in the United States. This metro area is friendly, diverse, and educated and is growing in population every year. Below are some important facts to know when considering moving to North Carolina.

Raleigh, North Carolina

The atmosphere in Raleigh is warm and friendly, with fantastic cuisine, charming neighborhoods, and southern hospitality. Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and has a population of about 470,000 people. This city is home to many young professionals and families due to its high-quality education and low crime rate. The average home price in Raleigh is approximately $266,000, and the average rent of an apartment is a little over $1,100.

The cost of living in Raleigh is relatively high in Raleigh, with a 6% increase over the national average. However, there are ways to save on costs due to lower transportation fees and lower property taxes. Raleigh offers a fantastic culinary scene offering over 1,200 restaurants for families to enjoy. In addition to great food, Raleigh is described as a unique blend of traditional and modern living with plenty to see and do!

Things to Enjoy in Raleigh

There are many great things to do in Raleigh. With families, you can enjoy a trip to one of Raleigh’s many museums, like the Marble Kids Museum, the North Carolina Museum of Art, or the City of Raleigh Museum. After that, grab a bite to eat at the thriving food scene in the city. If you are into more of an outdoor adventure, Raleigh is about a 3-hour drive to the beach and also a 3-hour drive to the mountains. You can easily make a day trip or a weekend getaway within such a short distance.

Durham, North Carolina

Durham is within the same metro area as Raleigh and is ranked high in places to live in North Carolina. With a population of about 276,000 people, Durham is a growing city of young professionals and families. Due to its friendly nature and easy suburban ambiance, Durham attracts a lot of people every year. Many families enjoy living in Durham because of its above-average education and diverse atmosphere.

The cost of living in Durham is below average and extremely doable for young professionals and families looking to save. Compared to other major metropolitan areas, Durham has a lower cost of living for all its incentives, which is what makes the city rank high in places to live. Durham is also known for its rich history and cultural character, so you will never be left without an opportunity to find an adventure.

Things to Enjoy in Durham

There are a lot of fun things to do in Durham. The city celebrates arts, culture, music, and sports, leaving you with many options to choose from when wanting to explore. Durham is known as Bull City and offers many world-class facilities like the Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, and Duke University’s Nasher Museaum of Art. There is also a growing list of dining experiences in the city, ranging from to-go staples and luxurious cuisine.

If you are more of an outdoor person, Durham is in a great location for weekend getaways and day trips to nature. The Carolina beach is about 2 and a half hours from Durham, and the Appalachian Mountains are a 3-hour drive from the city. Regardless of your preferences, there are many things to enjoy when living in Durham.

Which is Better? Raleigh vs Durham

Raleigh and Durham are both cities within the Triangle of North Carolina, a tri-city region that includes Chapel Hill. This region is known for its research and technology rots, as well as collegiate rivalries. While each city has a unique culture of its own, both offer s strong sense of community and overall high quality of life. Perhaps the only major difference between the two cities is Durham’s lower cost of living. Otherwise, both have similar experiences and both are great for raising a family.

Moving to the Triangle area of North Carolina proves to be growing in popularity, and for good reason. There is easy transportation, a delicious dining experience, and plenty of things to do in Raleigh and Durham. When looking into living arrangements in North Carolina, be sure not to discard either of these great cities. No matter whether you’re planning to buy a home in Raleigh, or explore homes for sale in Durham, but cities are well worth choosing for buying your next home.