Raleigh recently ranked a top city to move to in 2025, earning a score of 83.12 out of 100 by Forbes. Our reasonable average monthly housing costs of $1,446 and high employment rate of 97% show its economic viability and resources for professional development—not to mention earlier this year, the Milken Institute named Raleigh its Best Performing Large City for 2025.
As we all know, the City of Oaks offers quite a lot—from great parks and museums to live entertainment and concerts to award-winning restaurants and bars, plus a host of attractions that are great for families, kiddos, college students, and single adults.
Here are some of the top places in Raleigh that make it so attractive and worth the relocation.
Parks
- Dorothea Dix Park: 308 acres to explore, including a dog park, art installations, and sunflowers in the summer
- Pullen Park: Great for children and families thanks to attractions like a carousel, train, pedal boats, and kiddie boats
- Raleigh Rose Garden: Offers a year-round display of roses, trees, and perennials
Museums
- NCMA: A constant rotation of both permanent and temporary art exhibits, plus events, on-site food and beverage options, and a museum park
- NC Museum of Natural Sciences: A No. 3 ranked natural science museum by USA Today, complete with rotating exhibits and events like 3D movies
- Marbles Kids Museum: Where children can learn through play via innovative hands-on exhibits, programming, and movies
Restaurants
- Crawford and Son: A casual yet upscale Scott Crawford restaurant serving unique dishes starring local ingredients
- Stanbury: DTR’s no-reservations hole-in-the-wall gem with a constantly updated menu based on what’s in season
- Madre: Come for the gorgeous interiors, lively bar, shareable small plates, and wine and cocktails
Bars
- Dram & Draught: A popular haven for whiskey lovers, cocktail connoisseurs, vinophiles, and beer drinks under one roof
- William & Company: Come for the vibes, stay for the handcrafted cocktails, live DJs, and tamales
- Watts & Ward: One of Raleigh’s only speakeasies serving a Prohbition-esque atmosphere and seriously good drinks
Make the Move to Raleigh
These are just some of the reasons that make the City of Oaks an excellent place to live—but there’s never a shortage of things to do, sites to see, events to attend, food to eat, or drinks to drink. Ready to make the move? Let’s find your perfect home! Contact me today at Annie@HudsonResidential.com or 919-961-3271 to get started.