Raleigh is still the best among Hottest Housing Markets and Best Places to Live

For those of us who live and work in Raleigh, we know the value of the outstanding lifestyle here. It’s no secret. With so many people flocking to relocate to Raleigh, word has spread. Raleigh is still the best! Major media outlets rank our area high on the national list of Hottest Housing Markets and Best Places to Live.

Best of the Best

U.S. News & World Report prepares an annual ranking of “Best Places to Live”, assessing and comparing 150 metros around the country. Raleigh continues to appear high on the list every year. For 2023, Raleigh ranks #6 on the nationwide list and #1 on “Best Places to Live in North Carolina”. U.S. News based its rankings on public data covering five categories:

• Desirability
• Value
• Job Market
• Quality of Life
• Net Migration

As part of the Triangle region (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), U.S. News describes the area as “luring new residents every day with strong job growth and high quality of life.” The site also recognizes the cost of living here as "on par with the national average”. 

“Relatively low property taxes make homeownership here easier than in some other major cities. Compared with other technology and research hubs like San Francisco, the North Carolina Research Triangle is relatively affordable,” reports U.S. News about the overall quality of living in Raleigh.

You can bank on it.

Financial services firm Bankrate also prepared a list of “America’s best places to live in 2023”. They looked at similar qualities as the U.S. News & World Report list, but with some variations:

• Well-being
• Affordability
• Job market
• Diversity
• Migration

“As one of the three corners of the state’s famed Research Triangle, Raleigh has made a name for itself as an East Coast center of innovation. Even if you aren’t chasing career ambitions in the tech or research sector, this state capital is equally appealing due to a mild year-round climate, a blossoming foodie scene and plenty of opportunities to cheer for the hometown NC State Wolfpack.”

Bankrate recognized some of the same benefits as those on U.S. News & World Report’s list:

“Inflation has made life harder all around the country, but Raleigh manages to deliver a cost of living below the national average. The city has earned nods as ‘the next Silicon Valley,’ and its lower bills make it a much more affordable option than the Bay Area. Bankrate’s cost of living calculator shows that Raleigh is around 50 percent more affordable than San Francisco, with much, much lower housing prices.”

From hot to hottest

U.S. News & World Report provides a lot of lists and comparisons of cities, towns, and states. They recently released their findings for “The Hottest Housing Markets in the U.S.” The report qualifies that “hot” is no longer a reflection of “desperate buyers bidding thousands over asking prices and waving inspections”, but “returning to the basics of healthy demand, supply, and financing options.”

It’s really no surprise then that Raleigh ranks #1 on “The Hottest Housing Markets in the U.S.” Citing characteristics like the robust job market (“among the strongest in the country”). Raleigh also ranked #1 for the list’s Housing Demand measurement. Baker Residential is working hard to meet the demand for new homes for sale. We’re developing communities of single-family homes and townhomes to create appealing options for the diverse population of homebuyers.

Why Raleigh is such a great place to live

With all this national recognition, do you know why Raleigh is such a great place to live?

There are many reasons:

• Vibrant area with plenty of growth happening: Raleigh is one of the three points of the renowned Research Triangle. The region has attracted corporate giants (e.g., Apple, Amazon, Google, IBM, Cisco) and a steady stream of start-ups and growing businesses. 
• Lots of things to do, no matter what your interests: Raleigh is the state capital of North Carolina, so you can imagine the many opportunities to pursue your interests. From outdoor recreation to feeding your foodie habit, from culture to history, festivals to family-friendly fun, it’s all here. 
• Exciting and diverse job market: The area’s location among leading universities and research institutes attracts employers who welcome the skilled labor pool. Jobs are plentiful for anything and everything from entry-level to C-level.
• Excellent educational choices: Raleigh is known for great schools at all levels, pre-K through graduate school. Nationally ranked North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, and other top institutions, like Duke University and University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill are nearby.
• Temperate climate: Living in Raleigh gives you four seasons of comfortable temperatures. Spring is warm and refreshing. Summer turns up the heat. Autumn brings the vibrant fall foliage spectacle. And winters are mild, with an average temperature of 51°F. It’s common for people who moved to Florida to move to North Carolina because of the more appealing weather and the four seasons. They’re known as “halfbacks” because they move halfway back north!

New homes for sale in Raleigh

If living in Raleigh is a good fit for your lifestyle, take a look at what Baker Residential is bringing here. We’re building townhomes for sale in Raleigh, with a new community coming soon in a prime location near the new Morrisville Town Center. 

We also have new homes for sale in Raleigh suburbs, like The Estates at Weddington in Apex, as well as in Durham and Wake Forest. Baker Residential distinguishes our townhomes and homes with The Baker Difference, a higher set of standards for every step of the buying and building process. Contact Baker Residential to make your move to one of the best places to live in the U.S. and North Carolina!