Americans are flocking to Raleigh, Durham, & Chapel Hill, North Carolina. These cities have seen more than 5,000 new residents a month for the past year, up 12 percent from 2020. What’s drawing so many people to the area?
A Thriving Economy
Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill (collectively known as the Triangle) are home to three of America’s top universities: Duke, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Besides education spending, the schools also bring in over $3 billion in federal funding every year.
In addition, the city is home to one of the largest research centers in the country. Raleigh Triangle Park houses over 200 companies, employing more than 50,000 people. And with Google, Facebook, and Jaguar planning to open multi-million dollar facilities in the area, it’s set to become one of the biggest economic hubs in the United States.
Opportunities for Higher Education
With three tier-1 universities, it’s not surprising the Raleigh metropolitan area is the second most educated in the country. The Triangle not only brings in masses of students, but also top ranking professionals from all over the world.
Students have the opportunity to learn from leading experts and acquire valuable, hands-on experience with cutting-edge research and technology.
Deals on Affordable Housing
The cost of living in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill is low compared to other major American cities.
Average Home Price1 Raleigh: $390,571 Durham: $340,336 Miami: $435,121 Chapel Hill: $514,673 New York City: $733,289 Los Angeles: $918,443
| Average Rent2 Raleigh: $1,468 Durham: $1,401 Chapel Hill: $1,652 Miami: $1,915 Los Angeles: $2,518 New York City: $4,072
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The influx of new residents has caused a small spike in home and rent prices, but the region continues to remain affordable for millions of Americans.
Safe Neighborhoods
In 2021, U.S. News & World Report named the Raleigh/Durham area the second best place to live, due to its low crime rates. Though not ranked as high, crime in Chapel Hill is less than half of what it is in the rest of the state, making it a great place for students, retirees, and young families.
Warm & Pleasant Weather
Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are known for their hot summers and mild winters. Though the area experiences four distinct seasons, temperatures are remarkably consistent. The average high hovers around 70°F, dipping a bit in winter and climbing again during summer. Though the cities’ rainfall is a bit above average, on the whole they enjoy more sun and less snow than the rest of the nation.
Flourishing Nightlife, Culture, & Recreation
The Triangle offers numerous opportunities for fun and relaxation. Raleigh is home to several high-profile chefs, such as the award-winning Cheetie Kumar, Steven Devereaux Greene, and Krystle Swenson. Together, they’re part of a new wave transforming the city’s restaurants. Their quality and variety has made the city “one of the tastiest in the south.”
The local music scene has also exploded. The RedHat and Walnut Creek Amphitheaters host live concerts every week. And the Hopscotch Music Festival draws hundreds of musicians every year from across the region. The 3-day celebration features more than 30 bands, 12 venues, and two live stages in the heart of the city.
Located close to the mountains and the beach, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill also offer a lot of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Equidistant from the mountains and the beach, residents can spend their weekends hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or surfing in the Outer Banks of the Atlantic Ocean.
Strong Infrastructure
Thanks to careful planning and well-developed infrastructure, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are about 20 minutes from each other. So no matter where you choose to live, you’re always connected to the region’s employment, cultural, and healthcare centers.
References
- Zillow.com
- RentCafe.com