Brick sidewalks line narrow, cobblestone streets. Towering oak trees and green hills provide an unequaled setting for the historic architecture that houses the charming boutiques and unique shops that dominate the downtown area. The historic gives way to the modern, as tall monoliths of glass and steel overlook lush, green parks. It’s a study in contrasts: it is where progress meets history; where unstoppable growth mixes with the charm of the Old South. This is Raleigh, North Carolina – and it is one of the nation’s favorite cities for good reason.
“The City of Oaks” is as beautiful as it is progressive. As one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, Raleigh and neighboring Durham and Chapel Hill are attracting new residents all the time. They move here for the opportunity – this is home to the Research Triangle, after all – but they also move to the Raleigh area for the beauty, the great weather, the amazing shopping, the culture, and the fun.
The Research Triangle is anchored by three major research universities: NC State in Raleigh, Duke University in neighboring Durham, and UNC Chapel Hill in nearby Chapel Hill. Research Triangle Park is one of the world’s largest research parks, founded in 1959. The park houses more than 190 companies and employs roughly 60,000. As one of the nation’s most important research and development centers, Research Triangle covers an impressive 7,000 acres – in a pine forest. The Raleigh area proves that nature and beauty don’t have to be sacrificed for progress, and the Research Park features plenty of mature trees and green space.
As the capital of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County, Raleigh is also the center of government. The city is named for Sir Walter Raleigh and was established in 1792. View Historic Downtown Raleigh via a Trolley Tour, which are available on Saturdays. Some notable historic locations include the Borden Building, dating to 1900; the elegant Tucker House, built in 1914; the Pope House Museum, dating to 1901; and the must-see Mordecai Historic Park. This historic park houses some of the most-loved historic buildings in Raleigh, including Mordecai House, which was built around 1785 and was the birthplace of Andrew Johnson, America’s 17th President.
From street performers to mega-concerts and from farmer’s markets to exclusive boutiques, the options are endless when searching for things to do in Raleigh. With three major universities in close proximity, the entire metro area is vibrant and active. The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most beautiful venues in the Southeast and hosts an array of live entertainment, including theater, ballet, and opera. A short walk down the street from Duke Energy Center, you’ll have even more entertainment options at the Red Hat Amphitheater, which hosts names such as Lorde, Maroon 5, Paramore, Chelsea Handler, and others. Not to be outdone, the Raleigh Convention Center, located in the same area, hosts a variety of events, such as the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Raleigh is a pedestrian-friendly city with 78 miles of greenway and over 8,000 acres of park space. The J.C. Raulston Arboretum is an eight-acre botanical garden and arboretum run by NC State. It is open year-round and is free to the public. Situated near the Research Park between Raleigh and Durham, William B. Umstead State Park provides more than 5,500 acres of pine forests and lakes. This natural oasis is the ideal getaway spot, right in your backyard once you’ve chosen an apartment for rent in Raleigh or in nearby Durham, Cary, or Chapel Hill. This beautiful park features boating, horseback riding trails, campgrounds, mountain bike trails, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, and more.
If you are ready to find your apartment in one of America’s most-loved cities, then start searching for your Raleigh apartment – the city is home to several beautiful and diverse neighborhoods, from the hilly suburbs filled with open green space and a rural atmosphere to downtown apartments right in the heart of the business district to the “college town” flavor that surrounds NC State. No matter where you choose to rent in Raleigh, you won’t be disappointed in this dynamic city.
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