Raleigh just scored a significant accolade from Money Magazine being named the best big city in the Southeast to call home.
The national publication conducted a review of the nation’s metro areas with 300,000+ in population throughout each region of the country to determine the “hottest spots for urban dwellers now.” Consideration was given to livability and benefits including strong job growth, affordable housing, school ranking, and low crime.
With a population of more than 430,000, a median home price of $208,250, and an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent, Raleigh offers a compelling real estate and job market that is drawing people to the Triangle at a fast pace.
According to Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live 2016 “Best Big Cities” report:
Raleigh has become a magnet for young families: The number of children between the ages of 5 and 14 grew more than 55% from 2000 to 2013, roughly 10 times the national average.
Meanwhile, the local economy is booming. Between 2010 and 2015, job growth in Wake County was a whopping 20%. Raleigh has a strong employment base of its own, anchored by government jobs, and many residents commute to nearby Research Triangle Park, home to more than 200 companies, including Cisco, IBM, and Fidelity.
… The area benefits from the presence of three top educational institutions: Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. And there’s no shortage of culture, with more than 80 live-music venues and two fine-arts museums.
… Real estate, too, remains within reach. Raleigh ranks in the top 25 of major metro areas on housing affordability, a measure of home prices relative to household income.
This recognition spotlights the multitude of reasons graduates, entrepreneurs, families, and retirees are choosing the Triangle area as their home. In fact, research conducted by Wake County Economic Development shows that Wake County grows by 63 people daily, 21 of whom are born here, with the additional 42 having relocated to the area.
Is the Triangle for you? Let us help you find your home. Visit our website to access a list of our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents and search through all active residential listings available in the many cities and towns that make up this prospering area.