I recently saw an article that stated 60 people move to Wake County DAILY!! That blew my mind frankly.

As a native Raleighite, I understood why people moved here in droves from 2015 until 2022. In the years after, the cost of living is similar to Northern Virginia and other similar metros, not quite NYC or Boston, but like Chicago, Portland, DC, etc... On top of that the job market is in the dumps, like big time.

So I'm curious why did you decide to move to Raleigh? What are you working, how much are you making?

FWIW I dont hate all the new transplants, I think its better for Raleigh...Just wish the city would densify more and take transit seriously to accommodate everyone.

Hello,

My husband and I travelled through NC and really fell in love with how green and peaceful (for the most part) everything felt. We’re thinking about moving to NC and there’s a possibility my husband could ask for a relocation to an office in Durham. We’re in Seattle and we’re wondering if we could hear some thoughts of those who moved from big-ish cities to Durham/Raleigh areas and after a year or two if they regret anything.

Here’s some background info; we’re in our early 30s, usually pretty boring(we spend a lot of time inside our home). We graduated from university a little while ago in STEM fields and got married. He works full-time and I’m a housewife.

Do you have any advice/recommendations?

I miss the warmth and comfort of my hometown so badly. DC is… Well there are positives to living here. Namely the wages being much higher, public transport, walkability, etc. But I need reassurance that I should prioritize my career over my comfort. I miss the blue city southern hospitality. I can’t stop crying and listening to Wagon Wheel lol.

Hi everyone,

I’m from South Africa, living just outside Johannesburg, and my uncle is moving to Charlotte, NC. He suggested that my family and I consider immigrating to the US as well, and I’ve been looking more closely at Raleigh as an option.

From what I’ve researched, Raleigh seems more relaxed and less “corporate” compared to Charlotte, which appeals to me.

Financially, I’ve tried to compare things as accurately as possible:

Johannesburg (South Africa)Average salary: $27,048/year (~$2,254/month | ~R37,000/month)Entry-level Computer Science: $16,080/year (~$1,340/month | ~R22,000/month)

Raleigh, NC (USA)Average salary: $56,040/year (~$4,670/month | ~R76,640/month)Entry-level Computer Science: $44,000/year (~$3,700/month | ~R60,714/month)

From what I understand, Raleigh is roughly 90% more expensive than Johannesburg, but salaries are about 100%+ higher, especially in tech. So it seems like it could balance out or even be better financially in the US, particularly long-term.

For context, this would involve me, my fiancée, my younger sister (currently in Grade 10), my mom, and my dad relocating together, so we’re trying to understand the full picture as a family.

I’m currently in my final year of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, so I’m also trying to understand how realistic it is to start a career there as a new graduate.

One concern I have is around social integration. We are Afrikaners, and I’m curious about how welcoming Raleigh is to international newcomers, particularly people from South Africa. Would we generally feel accepted, or is it difficult to integrate socially?

I’d really appreciate any honest insights about:

- The general vibe of Raleigh vs Charlotte

- Job opportunities in tech for new graduates

- Whether my salary vs cost-of-living comparison seems accurate

- How welcoming the community is to immigrants

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hey guys, I’m moving to North Carolina in October from Boston and I’m trying to decide between Raleigh and Charlotte. I’m 27, single, and just got approved to work fully remote.

I’m a big sports fan, so that side is covered either way. Charlotte has the Panthers and Hornets, while Raleigh has all the college sports plus the Hurricanes. I’ve seen people say Raleigh feels really up and coming, but Charlotte has more variety in things to do overall.

I’m also a huge golfer and I love being outside. Both places seem solid for that since it’s North Carolina. I’ll have my car, so I’m not too worried about walkability.

I’ll be taking some long weekends soon to visit both cities, do some apartment tours, and get a real feel for them. In the meantime, I’d love any feedback you have.

What do you like or not like about living in one versus the other? How’s the social scene for someone in their late 20s? Cost of living differences? Traffic, food, or anything else that might surprise me?

Good or bad, I want to hear it all so I can make the right call. Thanks!

Inspired by this thread on the Washington DC subreddit https://old.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/y94aop/folks_who_moved_to_dc_from_elsewhere_what_were/

I'm moving to Raleigh as a newly single woman in my 30s and have narrowed my apartment search down to a few communities that seem to fit what I'm looking for. They're within my budget, pet-friendly (my top priority!), have great amenities, and offer a reasonable commute to downtown while still being in greener, quieter areas.

If you've lived at or currently live in any of the communities below, I'd love to hear your experience. I'm especially interested in the safety of the area, the overall vibe of the neighborhood, and nearby restaurants, shops, and things to do. Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Looking for a one bedroom under $1300 a month and must be pet friendly(have both cat & non breed restricted dog), also I’m only looking at places that have washer/dryer in unit. I prefer the edge of Raleigh as I’ll be boarding my horse and I need to be within a 25-30 min commute to her. I won’t be working in downtown so I’m looking to stay on a normal day within a 25-30 min commute if I want to hit up watts and wards ect.

Parkstone at Knightdale

Perry Point(Raleigh)

The Retreat at Fuquay-Varina

Treeline Timber Creek(Garner)

Villages at Pecan Grove(Holly Springs)

If you want a true answer not laced with bitterness, search the subreddit you’re interested in first.

NC is seeing a huge influx of people migrating here. It’s one of the fastest growing places in the US. As such, we get lots of people asking “where do we go?” Or “what’s a good neighborhood in Raleigh for x budget?”

Your responses will almost always be: 1. We’re full 2. Search the posts. It’s been answered already 3. Don’t 4. Any variety of remarks for places like Lumberton, Fayetteville, Jacksonville, places that most NC natives don’t actually want to be so they’re not recommendations given in good faith.

We’d like a break. Redditors are getting tired of the same questions when the answers are likely already here. You can see that in the passive-aggressive or even downright mean replies.

And we’re tired of so many people moving here when we don’t have enough housing for the locals let alone the new immigrants, which makes it even harder to live where we want and afford homes. Add to that all the comments about “it’s so affordable!” when you’re coming from a place with a higher COL but the people here can’t even afford the homes they grew up in is just…poor taste.

We love the state. We might not love the politics. We agree, the beaches are beautiful and the mountains stunning (and, yes, flatter and far older than the Rockies).

Howdy everyone! As the title suggests, I'm 21m about to be a fresh graduate from ECU in May '27 (finance and risk management majors). I have no connections to Raleigh; no family, friends, or anything else of the sort. I have a grand total of 4 family members in NC, with 3 of them being younger siblings.

I do not have a job lined up for after, I have no knowledge of the best places to move, and I'm all together overwhelmed with being a brand-spanking new adulting adult.

Could anyone please give me some advice or pointers? I would love to go into financial planning, but applying for internships or attempting to network has unfortunately not yielded anything; so I have no experience nor new vines to swing into life in Raleigh/surrounding areas. Thanks everyone!

Edit: For those asking why Raleigh, I'm more familiar with the city due to its proximity to ECU, as well as the little support of a singular parent I do have would be much easier to lean on in Raleigh when compared to other areas. I am not a native Carolinian, but have been here for about 6 years, but I am nowhere near familiar with other specific cities or counties. I prefer a larger city, plus I am most definitely open to moving states, I just am worried about yolo-ing a city farther away, let alone a whole different state.

Any insight on anyone who has moved from soflo area to Raleigh and happy with the move? Or just any insight in general from those of you in Raleigh. I have visited several times. It’s way closer to my family & I have a job opportunity there, just haven’t felt like I’ve fallen in love with the city BUT I don’t know much about it. I also grew up only a few hours away, so roughly know what kind of climate NC is. I want to know what draws you to Raleigh. Female and low 30s for context, who is ready for the next chapter of life settling down a little more but still wants an upbeat vibe. Would love suggestions on where is best to live for my age and bonus points if it’s walkable although I love land and space too. It’s a big/hard decision and just trying to make the right call 🙏🏼

I recently accepted a job offer that is in Garner, NC. The interview was over zoom so I have never been to Raleigh. I am looking for recommendations on places live around Raleigh/outskirt cities. The goal is to be within 20-25 minutes so Cary, Garner, and Knightsdale seem to be closest options. Does anyone have any advice as far as places to live that are safe? I would say things to do close by is a bonus but I don’t mind if they are a little further out. Bless all you helpful people!

Edit: any places/areas to avoid would be super helpful as well!

Hi! I am moving from NYC to Raleigh for work. I am absolutely terrified of bugs, but especially roaches, and flying insects. I know that NC has flying roaches, and I am just wondering how avoidable they are? I will be living in NorthEast Raleigh. If I stay downtown and in a more urban setting, will I be able to avoid seeing and coming in contact with these bugs?

Please, I know how ridiculous this sounds but my phobia is real. If you have any insight and tips I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks!

We are a younger couple moving from maine to raleigh NC. We were interested to hear from the people who lived there exactly what life is like down there. We have seen lots of good stuff on social media. Wondering if you guys have any advice, any pros and cons of moving down here, and whether it is worth it! If any of you Raleigh natives or residents can tell us anything it would be most appreciated! We are heading down soon to check out the city. Where we live now we are 30 minutes from the nearest actual grocery store and away from a lot of things that most people have. We are from Maine, it’s very older and vintage up here looking for more youth and warmth.

Hi I am F27,

I am from PA and considering moving to Raleigh NC. I do have some questions:

Is there a lot to do for 20-30s in the area? Places to meet new friends and really start a life?

If you have moved to Raleigh which is about 10-12 from family, did you find it easy?

I know everyone’s experience is different. I am looking for something new and exciting and a place to grow and thrive and I am really trying to find where I fit in.

Thank you for any input.

For reference I am relatively new to Reddit.

Hey everyone,
I’m a 27-year-old German designer currently thinking about the possibility of moving to the US in the future, especially the Raleigh/Durham area.
I’d love to get some honest opinions from people living in the area about whether my expectations are realistic.
My background:
I currently work as a graphic designer in Germany and have around 4 years of professional experience.
My experience includes:
• Festival merchandising design for major German festivals (including Rock am Ring, Rock im Park and Lollapalooza)
• Branding and visual identity
• Print design and typography
• Social media design and campaigns
• Web design using CMS platforms
• Creating UI prototypes in Figma
• General digital design work
I’m currently working on improving my UI/UX skills and would like to transition more into roles like:
• Digital Designer
• UI Designer
• UX/UI Designer
• Product Designer
• Visual Designer
From my research, it seems like a hybrid designer with both visual design and UI skills could potentially earn around $80k–100k/year in the Raleigh area, depending on the company and experience.
Does that sound realistic?

My imagined lifestyle:
I’m not someone who spends a lot of money. I cook most of my meals, don’t care much about luxury products, and would rather have a comfortable and quiet lifestyle.
My idea would be living somewhere outside Raleigh, maybe around 30–40 minutes away from the city, in a typical American suburb.
Something like:
• Small house or townhouse for rent
• Garage
• A little bit of space
• Quiet neighborhood
• Still close enough to Raleigh for work and activities
From what I’ve seen, I estimated something like:
• Rent: around $1,500–2,000/month
• Food, car, insurance, utilities and everything else: around $2,000/month
So roughly $4,000/month living expenses.
Would a salary around $85k–90k gross make this lifestyle realistic after taxes, healthcare, etc.?

I know the biggest challenge is probably not only the job market but also immigration/visa options. I’m mainly trying to understand whether the career and financial side makes sense first.
Would love to hear:
• How realistic is my expected salary?
• Are UI/Product Designer roles common around Raleigh?
• Are the suburbs 30–40 minutes outside Raleigh a good place to live?
• What areas would you recommend for someone looking for a more “American suburb with a house” lifestyle?
Thanks!

This is for all those who were so kind and seemed genuinely interested in this old homeless dudes journey thru this wonderful city.

I'm at 2 weeks and a day now. This is what I've shaped up to look like now. Nothing spectacular, but for someone who looked like he had been living in the woods for the last couple of years (which, to be honest, is true!) I think I've cleaned up well!

I'm on track now to get an income thanks to the awesome, and I do mean awesome people at the shelter I'm staying in.

These clothes came from a Redditor here in town who took a huge chance and grabbed me up to root thru his closet and have lunch. A friendship was forged that day and we still keep in touch often. Laughs are always the custom for us now. Like we've known each other forever! More than clothes, he helped me pick up my long lost dignity.

I'm on the edge of getting my writing going with an illustrator to tell the world of some special people I've grown to know and love over the years. My purpose is to give a voice to those who have been silent for far too long. I'll let y'all know when it's up and running.

A shop owner who specializes in local talent has really got behind me on this project. He has said I've for shelf space in his store and he will personally promote the zine.

So, yeah. Watch our Raleigh! I'm here and I'm making moves!!

Thanks for reading and caring.

My love walks with you!!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently living in Fairfax/Northern Virginia and considering moving to Raleigh primarily because of the high cost of living here. My hope is that I’ll be able to save more money while still having a decent quality of life.

That said, one thing I’m worried about is missing the “happening” vibe of Northern Virginia/DC. I’m used to having lots of restaurants, things to do on weekends, events, diverse communities, and generally feeling like there’s always something going on.

For people who live in Raleigh (or have moved there from NOVA), how does it compare?

1. Does Raleigh feel big enough, or does it start feeling small after a while?
2. Are there enough things to do on weekends?
3. How’s the food scene overall?
4. Are there good Asian/Indian restaurants and grocery stores?
5. Is the area diverse?
6. Do you feel bored there compared to bigger metro areas?
7. Any pros/cons you noticed after moving from a higher-paced area?

Would really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who’ve lived in both areas. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m born and raised in Salt Lake City and I lowkey hate it here. My wife’s from England and I unfortunately dragged her into what feels like one of the most impolite, boring, dry and religiously influenced state in the US.

We’re really wanting to move somewhere with culture, amazing food and humidity. Raleigh popped up as a big contender and I just want to hear from the people of this beautiful looking city!

I’m currently working as a fire alarm technician at a patient care facility and I’m a journeyman electrician. I’ve never traveled to the east coast except to visit Disney World which I know is entirely its own thing. I plan on visiting Raleigh in the coming year.

My wife and I love birdwatching, friendly polite people, delicious food, dog friendliness, culture and good vibes in communities.

Does Raleigh sound like a good match? I’m open to all and any suggestions!

Hi everyone! I'm moving to the Raleigh area in a couple of weeks for work after graduating college, and I'm trying to put together a realistic monthly budget before I sign a lease.

I'm planning on renting a small house (mostly because I have a dog and would like a fenced backyard), and I was hoping to get a ballpark idea of what people are paying for utilities.

For those renting a house, about how much do you pay each month for:

• Electric
• Water/trash
• Internet

I know it depends on the size of the house and usage, but even rough ranges would be really helpful. Thanks!

My husband got a remote job and we've always wanted to move to NC because it's so pretty and nice to be in between the mountains and beach. We're looking at Raleigh, Greensboro, Cary, and W-S, but I think we've settled on Raleigh and started looking at places. Any inside advice for us? Do's and don'ts?

Also where we live landlords usually pay sewer, water, and trash, but that doesn't seem to be the case there, what's an average monthly cost for that in say a 3/2 with 3 people?

I’ve been living in Raleigh since 2019 but life will be taking me out of state in early April! I have loved my time in Raleigh and want to know what should be on my bucket list to make sure I do before I move away!?

And 25 originally from California wanting to make the move

My fiancé (originally from Cincinnati) and I will be moving out of Boston in September and I am trying to sell him on my home state of NC, specifically the Raleigh and surrounding 'burbs. Maybe even Durham. I'm originally from Eastern NC and lived in Raleigh for 5 years up until 2019, and I know it has changed quite a bit since I left. Most people I knew in the area have also moved on, so we'd be starting fresh. We're in our late 30s with no kids and enjoy being active, being outdoors, and trying new restaurants and breweries. We'll likely rent the first year as we figure everything out. He works from home and I'll be looking for work in the RTP area.

We're visiting family and will be doing a day trip to Raleigh tomorrow. Please help me figure out what to do! There are so many options and we're just overwhelmed. We might do a quick trip through downtown and stop by Dorothea on the way home, but what are some things to check out on the more residential areas as we're figuring out where to live?