Relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital and the largest city in the Research Triangle. Transferees choose it for its mix of historic neighborhoods and new construction, a growing downtown, and easy access to Research Triangle Park, RDU International Airport and the state’s universities.
Drive times are typical estimates and vary with traffic. Updated September 2026.
Market snapshot · September 2026
Download · September 2026
Raleigh relocation guide
One page with this month’s Wake County market numbers, popular neighborhoods, commutes and schools. Free to save, print or share.
Popular neighborhoods
Downtown Raleigh
Condos, townhomes and historic homes close to restaurants, museums, parks and the Warehouse District.
North Hills & Midtown
A walkable, upscale hub of shopping, dining and offices, surrounded by established neighborhoods and newer luxury options.
Five Points, Hayes Barton & Oakwood
Some of Raleigh’s most sought-after historic neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets and character homes near downtown.
North Raleigh
Larger lots, golf communities and new construction, with convenient access to I-540 and Wake Forest.
Brier Creek
Popular with RTP and RDU commuters, with newer homes, townhomes and shopping close to I-540.
Work & getting around
Major employers include state government, NC State University, WakeMed, Red Hat and the many companies based in and around Research Triangle Park.
Nearby areas we also serve
How we help you move to Raleigh
Coldwell Banker Advantage’s relocation team pairs every transferee with a vetted local agent, arranges area tours, helps compare neighborhoods, schools and commutes, and coordinates with your employer or relocation management company from start to finish.
Raleigh relocation questions
How long is the commute from Raleigh to RTP?
Most commutes from Raleigh to Research Triangle Park run about 20 to 30 minutes by car, depending on the neighborhood and time of day. North Raleigh, Brier Creek and west Raleigh are the most convenient.
What school district serves Raleigh?
Raleigh is served by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), one of the largest districts in North Carolina. Assignments are by address, so we help transferees confirm schools for any home they consider.
Where do people relocating to Raleigh usually live?
It depends on commute, budget and lifestyle. Downtown and North Hills suit people who want walkability; North Raleigh and Brier Creek offer newer homes with easier RTP and airport access; nearby Cary, Apex and Wake Forest offer planned communities, parks and greenways.
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