Good Place to Live - 7/20/2009

Raleigh has lots of trees and parks to enjoy. We live in North Raleigh which has many quiet neighborhoods close to shops, restaurants, and outstanding medical facilities. Raleigh has several exclusive, expensive neighborhoods and many mixed neighborhoods which integrate apartments, townhomes, and modest single-family homes. Unfortunately, Raleigh has been "discovered" and is becoming more and more crowded. It seems to be transitioning from a very large town into an actual city. The traffic is increasing and highrise buildings and road construction are making Raleigh a lot less beautiful. The public transportation system isn't very efficient, but bus stops are within walking distance of most neighborhoods. Raleigh natives are generally friendly, helpful, and trustworthy.

[Comment on this Posting]

Great Options Everywhere - 7/7/2009

What I really love about Raleigh is the fact that there are so many different things to do; we have things for families with kids (Marbles Kids Museum), cultural events (NC Symphony, Broadway South), easy access to the beach or to the mountains. Pick your fun!

[Comment on this Posting]

Overall - 5/10/2009

Have lived here or 19 years. Mild climate but very humid in July, August, and September. If your background is the sciences you could do well here. Most of the jobs are in computers, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and state government. There are 3 major universities here which offers a great deal of culture, but also a very competitive labor pool. The major cities are very progressive. If you get outside the major area you will see the rebel flags flying. I moved here from Iowa and in some social circles I am considered a yankee. Most of the people you meet here are from the south or the northeast. IBM moved here from NY on the 80's and brought a lot of people with them. In Forbes it is always considered one of the top places to live in the country, but I feel it is overrated. If you can deal with the conservtism of the area, I would recommend Greenville, SC over Raleigh. Smaller with a quaint downtown, an international airport, and stronger in the manufacturing sector (BMW and Michelin).

[Comment on this Posting]

Raleigh -- Behind the Times - 4/11/2009

I've lived in Raleigh for 8 years, came here from Washington mainly because I couldn't afford the cost of living. The main advantage here is the cost of a house and land. Values are relatively inexpensive but that really does depend on which part of Raleigh you move to. I was able to purchase a 3 bed 2 bath house in Southeast Raleigh for $275K with almost 1 acre and a private, wooded lot. It's very quiet here and you can see the stars at night. The prop taxes are about $2K a year, so that's a big savings compared to Seattle, Manhattan, Boston, Fort Collins, San Francisco, LA, etc. Also, if you're into the "four season" climate then this is the place although the season lengths and weather patterns are becoming more erratic for whatever reason -- and get ready for a huge pollen storm in the Spring. The people here are very friendly, even to stupid outsiders like me. I like all my neighbors unlike where I used to live. The family environment here is very strong: Many people are here with large families and pets. There are plenty of churches to attend, too. Unfortunately, that's pretty much it when it comes to the advantages! Turns out that planning in and around the city of Raleigh is pretty terrible: Developers pretty much get their way, so you have a lot of treescapes cleared for HOA-run housing tracts. When the 25, 50, or 100+ tract goes up the little two lane road to get there suddenly becomes clogged for commuting -- and you have to commute unless you live in a more expensive area that happens to be close to your work, which is rare if you want to own a home with a decent amount of room between you and your neighbors. Unless you're wealthy, of course, and can pay $700K-$2M for a single-family slice of heaven or you can afford $850K for a 2 bd/2ba condo downtown with $300/month HOA fees -- yowza! The clogged little roads are just the beginning. The major "highways" that were built are confusing and not convenient or easy to get to or get off! (At least one major highway is not even finished and it looks like it will take a miracle for it to be completed.) You will need to know terms like "Inner Beltline", "Outer Loop", "Clockwise" and "Counterclockwise" to navigate I-40, 440 and 540. I still haven't figured it out. Actually, knowing the highway terminology won't really help because where the few jobs are you can count on three things: The roadways are not maintained, they're poorly laid out and they are inadequate for the amount of commute traffic (not enough lanes). As I read from Daisy's post, get ready for some extending sits in traffic! Speed limits are generally slower and the "pace" here tends to be even slower than the speed limit, although there are some tailgaters here and there and watch out for red light runners as they are common. The lights are either simple timer style or loop sensors that are not well programmed. This kind of traffic may have worked in 1950 but it's a nightmare now! The worst parts have to be the Saunders/401/Capital/Garner area and the I-40 area near the airport. These are interchanges that compress traffic by taking away lanes, forcing lanes together or by having badly run intersections. The programming, layout and traffic in some areas is worse than big, metropolitan cities (during commutes). Now that's saying something!!! Every right turn into a mall, house or whatever usually has no turnout lane, either, so hit the brakes when highway traffic suddenly stops for drivers making a right. Ouch! The poor planning extends to water needs (not enough in drought years) and schools -- you have overcrowded schools where administrators face tight budgets and are resorting to forced bussing. Very unpopular with families that want their kids to go to a specific school in a specific area. This is an offshoot of developers being given carte blanche without the Planning Commission properly assessing all the long-term effects of this many houses on this much land with this much available infrastructure. Obviously, increasing property tax revenue was the primary concern here (In 2009 North Carolina is experiencing a projected $2B shortfall -- it seems like increasing taxes is the only tool available to solve this mysterious disappearance! And before you think it, no, I am not anti-development. On the contrary, I am pro-development as long as it's smartly planned.) Speaking of smarts, don't count on progressive political changes in Raleigh (maybe that's not such a unique statement in the United States after all...) Smoking, to some degree is still allowed in many (not all) places and bills to ban or curb it have run into significant roadblocks from tobacco lobbyists. Second-hand smoke effects are somewhat ignored and taxes on cigarettes are very low, possibly the cheapest in the US. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a state-run affair. Prices are generally higher than other states and you have to go to state-run stores called "Package Stores" or "ABC Stores" to get your alcohol. These are the only outlets for hard liquor in North Carolina (you can still get beer and wine in the supermarket or online). You will not find many bike paths or transit options in Raleigh, either. Where I live there are no bus runs until you get closer to the city. There are no sidewalks in Raleigh, either, except for some select areas (generally the more pricey areas, like North Raleigh, Cary and parts of Raleigh in and around RTP and Morrisville). When I take a walk it's on the road or on somebody's lawn, depending on the traffic. I don't walk often, but I would like to. Recycling is pretty much a "don't care" for Raleigh. Outside the city limits you *may* be given a small bin for recyclables and they take only newsprint, cardboard, aluminum and some plastics, unlike where I used to live which provided a large container for all numbered plastics, any metals and any paper or cardboard (no chemicals was the only rule). I think it's generally better and improving inside the city limits but still not as modern as it probably should be. Outside the city limits (where property taxes are lower) recycling is pretty much in its infancy. And with the growth spurts Raleigh has been experiencing you may as well brace yourself for some shocking tax increases. In 2008 Wake County assessed property taxes on average almost 25% higher than the previous year's level, in a few cases homeowners had to pay 2x or 3x more. That is a huge increase, especially when the employment scene in North Carolina is generally worse than the US (currently almost 11% locally) and there are not a lot of high-tech jobs compared to other modern cities (Raleigh is basically trying to convert from a factory based/unskilled workforce to a more specialized and better trained/educated workforce with higher tech jobs. This transition is happening VERY slowly.) Raleigh does not have a large high-tech area except for RTP which is the area between Raleigh and Durham, and employees typically have master degrees or better and generally work in some form of pharma-related industry. For many workers you can expect pay and benefits on the order of 40-75% lower (in general) than if you were employed in a large east or west coast city. As I mentioned earlier the price of the house and the land (where I live, which is a bad commute to RTP or anywhere inside Raleigh downtown or to North Raleigh where the better jobs are) is very reasonable but I am definitely not happy with the construction quality and the competence of inspection. My brand new house has/had three roof leaks, a leak from the upstairs waste pipe which went down an entire wall and floor, two sink leaks, electrical problems with interior wiring and the heater, a cracked and sinking foundation in one part of the house, an inoperative air conditioner, rotted wood, no insulation in some outside walls, water damage from tile that does not drain in one shower and mold in t

[Comment on this Posting]

Housing - 2/21/2009

Great house prices at least as compared to Bergen County NJ

[Comment on this Posting]

Raleigh is pretty; however, it is dull & boring... - 12/9/2008

Raleigh, is a pretty city, however it is especially boring. It is a city with very little cultural identity. It will take a long time for this city to build its own sense of "culture". At current, this city lacks in this area. Additionally, relocating here from after have lived in larger cities like Brooklyn, NY; Philadephia, PA; Virginia Beach, VA & Bethesda, MD, this city definitely lacks in activities. I also find that this city is harder to build friendships.

[Comment on this Posting]

Where Did You Get Your Stats - 12/2/2008

I have a question: where did you get your statistic on the appreciation rate in Raleigh for housing?

[Comment on this Posting]

the Myth of raleigh - 10/6/2008

Ok, I need to dispell some of these things that i've read about raleigh, I grew up in raleigh, dont have a southern accent, dont use the word yankee unless im talking about the baseball team, and dont know hardly any uppity, stuck up raleigh people, and they talk about all the rude people there, telling them to go back from where they came. like one guy said on here, raleigh was built up by northerners over the last 30 years. Starting with IBM. I know b/c my family moved here from long island new york in 1976, even then before i was born, my parents tell me mostly everyone here was always nice. and as far as things to do, theres plenty to do, there's frankies arcade and karting. the movie theaters, the IMAX, flea market on the weekend is fun, and free to boot. yes traffic is bad lately, but thats coz theres so many people moving here from everywhere else. If you run into someone who is rude, they not from round here...

[Comment on this Posting]

Awesome - 8/12/2008

Im a litle partial but to me raleigh nc has to be the best place in country to live and work. With the combinaation of weather, schools and jobs what other city can compare.

[Comment on this Posting]

city under development - 7/18/2008

The Triangle is great place to live. I was born and raised around Chapel Hill just 45 minutes away, went to college at Duke just 30 minutes away, and now live in Raleigh and work in Cary (about 10 minutes away). With all of the great things this place has going for it, I am a bit surprised that in all these years more effort has not been made to capitalize on the technical and technological expertise that continues to pour into the RTP and surrounding areas with regard to mass transportation. Although many of buses have gone green (this is particularly evident in Chapel Hill), this area is in dire need of some type of rail system to connect the 3 (or now 4, if you count Cary, as the Census Bureau now does) cities together and make this a true metropolis.

[Comment on this Posting]

New to Raleigh - 6/14/2008

I moved here from Mid town Manhattan,the center of the world, and find many outdoor activites and family and even a nicely laid out art area downtown. The parks are among the best in the country, especially in a city center. Crime is non existance, homes are cheap and incomes and the local percapita brain trust are all phiigh! The adive that was given to me are two month of me talkking to everyone how this cor that compares to NYC was a friend from NC told me to nuy a Frommers book take it out to To the William B, Umstead State Park walk for 20 minutes on any of the paths into the woods and then plop down beneath the surrouanding monsterious pines and read abount the rest of yodur life in NC. After you read dog ear some things that interest you and go for i t.I can quarentee you will get a better feelin for our adopted Sstate. Keep positive and you CAN DO IT! Carpe Diem Ladies and Gentlemen!

[Comment on this Posting]

SCLT Translate Located In Wilow Spring Since 2004 - 6/14/2008

Specializing In Medical Field: SCLT Translate can help you reach out to the Spanish community in the US and abroad. We provide professional English-Spanish/Spanish-English Translation Services (Member ATA & CATI). Born, and raised in Argentina. Graduate La Plata Unicersity, Argentina as Translator-Interpreter, Graduate Cambridge University, English Teacher, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Over 25 years of Translation/Interpreter experience with excellent interpersonal, organizational and management skills. Support in preparation and correction of the manuscripts to be published in international and national magazines of Diabete and Endocrinology, while working as an interpreter/translator at the Experimental and Endocrinology Center (CENEXA), depending on the School of Medicine (UNLP) and the National Research Center (CONICET), La Plata, Argentina. See my website: www.sclt-translate-service.com

[Comment on this Posting]

Public transportation is not user friendly - 6/6/2008

Getting around anywhere in the Raleigh/Durham/RTP area is almost impossible without a car. So one of the first things to do when moving here is....GET A CAR. Public transportation is not user friendly, it doesn't go where the jobs are. But then you run into the traffic problems...Getting anywhere at 7:30 - 8:30AM is terrible...And 4:30 - 6:00PM is bad....Easiest thing is to learn the back roads..Get a map of the area and don't use the highways during those times.

[Comment on this Posting]

New to Raleigh - 5/8/2008

We moved to Raleigh 3 years ago from the Northern Virginia/DC area and frankly I was very hesitant about what kind of life, people, activities we would find here. I am happy to report that we are enjoying living here. Though the pace is a bit slower, there are plenty of cultural and other activities to become involved in as well as many great restaurants, the people are friendly and the traffic is way better than DC. Summers are HOT, so we escape to Maine for those months!

[Comment on this Posting]

Raleigh is a great place for families!! - 4/21/2008

I've lived in Raleigh now for 9 years. My wife and I moved here from the Los Angeles area in April 1999. My wife was extremely hesitant to move from the West Coast to the Raleigh area for multiple reasons (i.e., proximity to family, slower pace, etc..). However, once we've settled in the area, the possibility and/or desire to move back West became null and void. The Raleigh area has grown, and continues to grow, and an exceptionally fast pace. However, despite the growth, the city somehow maintains the charm of a Southern city. People are friendly here. The weather is fantastic! The city is very green (number of trees). Downtown Raleigh is up and coming. The city is undergoing a revitalization downtown with new skyscrapers, condominiums, restaurants, as well as a new convention center currently under construction. And if you're a hockey fan, the Carolina Hurricanes is a hot ticket to have. Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006, the Hurricanes have established themselves as a solid sports institution here in the area. This is great place all around. Come and check it out!

[Comment on this Posting]

Quality of Life in Raleigh - 4/16/2008

Raleigh has a good quality of life. I have lived all over the United States (California, Maryland, Florida, Connecticut) and living is what I would call "comfortable" here. Not the excitement of DC, or the exoticness of Calif. but more of a hometown feel. My only criticism would be that its too much "hometown" but not being from here, I probably find it more noticeable.

[Comment on this Posting]

I love the town - 2/26/2008

As a 57 year old, I have lived in five other NC cities, four Virgina cities and three SC cities and I prefer Raleigh. I travel considerably in my profession and have been to 24 countries and 45 states. I can say with reasonable certainty that Raleigh is a wonderful place to live (having resdied there for 13 years). For example, I lived in Charlotte for five years and prefer Raleigh to Charlotte any day of the week. My wife and I are empty nesters but I would agree Raleigh is a little more suitable for the family crowd than singles. I have two single sons (in their 30's) who will agree that the single scene, unless you are college age, can be a bit limiting. I travel to California every month (and have for about 12 years), spending at least two weeks and sometimes three there and prefer Raleigh and NC to any part of California. I love visiting California--but a visit is temporary fortunately. I always look forward to returning home. If you can't culture--you aren't looking. We have dance, ballet, museums, plays, etc. I suggest you get a copy of the Independent and find some neat activities. Take it from someone who has traveled all over the world--there is no perfact--only wonderful ones--and Raleigh is my wonderful city. If you have questions on the city and what it has to offer--email me at p_ingalls@msn.com. But if you just want to slam it--pass me by.

[Comment on this Posting]

Fabulous Housing - 2/23/2008

This area has incredible homes at great prices and many offer amenities within the communities themselves like walking trails, lakeside, pools, tot lots, schools and even a YMCA. The housing market here is still moving and has not become stagnant like so many other places. If you would like to gather more information about this wonderful area go to www.shelbysimon.com

[Comment on this Posting]

reports look good ...take another look - 2/7/2008

A decent place to raise your family. If you want modern thinking forget it. Bubba still reins here. The schools are not that good and school is all anyone here seems to talk about. I have lived in NC for 15 years and have experienced some backward thinking compared to cities this size. I am a southerner but cannot understand the judgemental attitude of the bible thumper's here. So many peope in church yet no one seeks peace,, keeping up with the Jones is far more important. It rains quite a bit here and is humid like a swamp. Our air conditioner was on for Christmas. The cost of living is alright but not if you are single. If you have been to the midwest be prepared,, Raliegh is not "Real" like the midwest in attitude or everyday life pracitce. If my husband would move I would leave Raleigh . Sorry to not rave,,, I just don't see the thrill of Raleigh I find many small minded.

[Comment on this Posting]

Hospitals - 2/6/2008

Raleigh has 3 major hospitals, each with multiple locations.

[Comment on this Posting]