Raleigh, North Carolina, more lovingly referred to as the “City of Oaks”, is the capital city of the state. Located in central North Carolina, Raleigh is a fun and lively city with plenty to offer. Whether you are looking for bustling downtown life, or a more peaceful home in the suburbs surrounded by trees, moving to Raleigh will ensure you have it all. Moving to Raleigh, NC is a great choice for those looking to start their career, a family, or even school.
If you’re planning to move soon, keep in mind the competition for apartments and for renting a house in Raleigh, NC is tough! It’s best to get started with your research ASAP. However, not only will you need to research Raleigh’s real estate market, but you will also want to get an idea of the employment and education opportunities, as well as the general cost of living in Raleigh, NC. This guide should help you in knowing everything you need to as a soon-to-be renter when moving to Raleigh, NC.
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Real Estate Market Overview
Choosing to rent a house in Raleigh, NC, is a great option for those who are looking for more flexibility in their living arrangements in their move to North Carolina’s capital city. When moving to Raleigh, NC, you’ll find plenty of great rental options throughout the Raleigh-Durham area. Before jumping into touring apartments, it is best to get an idea of what the current general housing market, rental costs, and cost of living look like in Raleigh, NC.
Costs of Renting or Buying a House In Raleigh NC
The average property rental in Raleigh is around $1,522 per month for around a 957 square foot apartment, but remember that the prices of apartments will vary according to location and size. Studio apartments are expensive in Raleigh and will run you around $1,525 a month on average. However, oddly enough one-bedroom apartments are slightly cheaper, averaging around $1,458. Two- and three-bedroom apartments will cost anywhere from $1,646 to $1,941 monthly. Just like everywhere else, prices for housing in Raleigh fluctuate depending on what you need from the apartment you’re searching for. If you have an extensive must-haves list, then you may end up having to pay a little more to get everything you want.
However, renting is not always for everyone. If you wanted something a little more permanent for your move to Raleigh, NC, the median listing price for a home in Raleigh is around $389K. The median price per square foot is $210. However, don’t let the initial steep price drive you away from moving to Raleigh, NC. There are many affordable options for homebuyers in Raleigh as well, with prices in the Atlantic averaging around $275K, ranging all the way to the $1.3M homes in Glenwood.
Neighborhoods In Raleigh NC
Whether you prefer a busier downtown life or a more peaceful suburban feel, there are many different neighborhoods to check out when moving to Raleigh, NC. You can investigate their location a bit more with this map. Make sure you research neighborhoods before moving to Raleigh to ensure you make the most of your move.
Many areas have a suburban feel and are rather family-friendly, including many Raleigh suburbs like Morrisville, Cary, and Apex. For those looking for a neighborhood with great schools, Chapel Hill is the perfect area to check out. While not directly in Raleigh, the city offers public schools with an A+ rating on Niche, and in terms of higher education, the city boasts of being the home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Young professionals would likely enjoy North Raleigh, within twenty minutes of the thriving nightlife and delicious restaurants of downtown.
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that is closer to the center of downtown Raleigh, Oakwood or North Hills may be a good fit for you. Oakwood is located just a short walk from Raleigh’s downtown area and would be great for a young professional. However, keep in mind Oakwood is one of Raleigh’s more expensive neighborhoods. North Hills is a bit farther away from downtown Raleigh. However, the area hosts tons of outdoor and indoor activities for the whole family and offers easy access to major highways.
Tips For Finding An Apartment In Raleigh NC
Considerations Before the Search
When you’re starting your apartment search for your move to Raleigh, NC, you will want to begin by creating a budget. This way, you can filter through the options and discover a little more about the cost of living in Raleigh. First, you will need to determine the location of where you would like to live. Do you need to be close to a specific area for school or work? Do you have the ability to work remotely, or will you need to go into the office? Consider commute times, as Glenwood Avenue and Falls of Neuse Road both see heavy traffic throughout the day.
Once you figure out where you’d like to live, you will need to decide on the size of your rental. Doing this will help narrow down your apartment search. Are you going to be renting by yourself, with family, or with roommates? After this has been decided, you will need to determine how many rooms the apartment will need to have for comfortable living. Remember to try not to overestimate the amount of space you need. Having too much-unused space will drive up the price of both rent and utilities. After prioritizing your needs, you can use a rent calculator tool to help you out in determining your budget.
When and Where to Start Looking
Be sure to begin looking at properties early to get a feel for the market, but try to avoid looking too early. Many listings are only available for a limited time after they are posted. The last thing you want is to fall in love with an apartment, only for it to not be available anymore when you’re moving. Make sure that you use a secure platform with verified listings so that you steer clear of rental scams. This is especially important if you are an inexperienced renter. Additionally, be sure to check your credit score before moving to ensure your rental application will get approved. To rent some apartments in Raleigh, NC, you will need a credit score of 700 or higher to get your rental application approval. Although, as more people come in and the competition for rentals gets tougher, you might need a higher credit score.
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Cost Of Living When Renting a House In Raleigh, NC
The cost of living in Raleigh, NC for a single person (excluding rent) at around $889 per month. Raleigh has an amazing restaurant scene, and it is without a doubt you will want to be eating out from time to time. However, it may be a better idea to limit how often you eat out. If you decide to cook the majority of your meals at home you can likely drive your eating out expenses down. Utilities in Raleigh, NC average at around $135 without internet, which typically costs around $62 per month.
However, to determine your true cost of living in Raleigh, NC, you will have to have an idea of what kind of job opportunities there are in the city. Raleigh has a varied and diverse job market, with career fields ranging from tech to government work. Additionally, the average household income in Raleigh will be higher for most jobs than the national average. Currently, the national average salary is reported to be $53,490, while the average salary of Raleigh and Durham residents is $56,888.
Employment & Education
When renting in Raleigh, NC, you won’t have to worry about finding a job. Raleigh offers a diverse job market from jobs in the tech industry with leading companies like Cisco and Lenovo to government work. If you’re looking for employment in Raleigh, NC, know there has been steady job growth in the area for some time. Raleigh’s job growth has increased by 3% in just the past year. Additionally, Raleigh has a predicted future job growth rate of 44.2% over the next ten years. Some of the top employers in Raleigh include Apple, the State of North Carolina, and UNC Rex Healthcare System.
For students moving to Raleigh for educational opportunities, or those moving with a family, Raleigh has plenty to offer. In terms of K-12 schools, schools in the Raleigh-Durham area consistently rank top in the state. The best schools in the district, however, are those in either Chapel-Hill, Carrboro, or Wake County. There are quite a few colleges and university options in Raleigh. This includes the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Meredith College, Duke University, and more. The Raleigh Durham area offers 10 traditional colleges and universities to pick from, with nearly 30 colleges within a 50-mile radius of the city.
If you have just moved here, you’re probably looking for jobs in Raleigh, NC hiring immediately. For university and college students, you can find high-paying jobs as a mover with UniMovers.
Things To Do In Raleigh, NC
There is no shortage of things to do in Raleigh, NC. The city offers many activities, such as its museums, parks, restaurants, and shopping. One thing is for certain, there’s always something to do in Raleigh, NC. For those interested in art, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon admiring the art galleries of the North Carolina Museum of Art. However, if history if more of your thing, there is still plenty for you to do as well. Consider taking a trip to the North Carolina State Capitol building, or the City of Raleigh Museum of History. These sports are the perfect destinations to learn about the area’s rich history.
Be sure to check out one of the many parks Raleigh, NC, has to offer. Are you looking for a great free option for families interested in seeing the local flora and fauna? If so, you may want to check out JC Raulston Arboretum at the NC State University, or the Neuse River Trail. These parks offer plenty of outdoor fun and entertainment, from biking and walking trails to Japanese Gardens. Lake Lynn and Umstead State Park are also great options for those looking to spend a little more time outdoors.
Lastly, after enjoying your day exploring all Raleigh has to offer, you need to check out Raleigh’s restaurants and bar scenes! From rooftop bar and dining options to private boutique restaurants perfect for a date night, you can find everything you like in Raleigh. While many of the best restaurants will be located near downtown, other great spots worth checking out include Lafayette Village or one of the many local mom-and-pop type restaurants. In addition to great food, Raleigh also offers plenty of shopping options, from Crabtree Valley Mall to North Hills Shopping Center.
Moving Companies In Raleigh, NC
Of course, when you move, you will likely need to find an affordable moving company in Raleigh NC. There are plenty of options when looking for movers in Raleigh. We recommend determining a budget and shopping around to find a good choice. Finding a good moving company is not as hard as it may seem. Just take a look at the company’s reviews, and you’ll certainly find a high-quality moving company for your needs.
I am originally from a small town in Western Maryland. Currently, I am a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington studying Communication and Pre-Law, and will be attending law school in Cincinnati in the fall. In my free time I love to try out new coffee shops, go to the beach with my friends, and spend quality time with my family.