Review of Raleigh, North Carolina


Worst experience ever
Star Rating - 6/17/2018
I have lived in 10+ different cities throughout my life (London, SF, NYC, Chicago etc) and move to Raleigh for a work opportunity. Worst decision I have ever made. First of all, do not believe the media hype that Raleigh is a city on the rise. Raleigh is NOT, I repeat, not a city in any way. It is a giant suburb with zero infrastructure, population density, downtown development or metropolitan culture or energy. I have been here for a year so far and am counting down the weeks until I get to move back to a city never to look back at this place again. I find the people here incredibly basic, ignorant, close minded, conformist and uninteresting. The "city" itself has 4-5 supposedly upscale restaurant options where you see the same people as they rotate between the very limited choices in town. Everyone lives in incredibly gaudy macmanions on the outskirts of town and strives for a mind-numingly boring super suburban lifestyle. Most people who I have encountered here are nice enough, but have not traveled anywhere, don't bother picking up a book, and are completely out of tune with what is happening in the world. The weather in the winter is mild, which is a positive for those who do not like cold weather, however temps still drop to the 40's and with any rain or snow, the entire area freaks out and shuts down. Getting on the highway is a life hazard because of how terrible the drivers here are in even a light drizzle. In the summer, it is hot and humid to the point that even escaping to the beach a few hours away is a non starter. So you are trapped in town with all 3 blocks of downtown and nothing interesting to do. I would highly discourage anyone who is a city person from moving to this area. You will legitimately want to poke your eyes out of boredom and be appalled by the small-minded and conservative people you encounter here.
A | Raleigh, NC
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8 Replies


Thanks for visiting. Don't let the door hit ya!
Burt | Raleigh, NC | Report Abuse

OMG ?? sounds horrible place to stay as we're planning move there with kids, good info anyway, appreciated for your first hand experience
Will | | Report Abuse

Raleigh is boring beyond belief, and unless your are willing to spend $50 a meal you will be shocked how bad are the restaurants and lack of choices. Not to mention the ridiculous real estate market.
Mo | Raleigh, NC | Report Abuse

Typical Liberal, Brexit snob...
Michael | Southern Pines, NC | Report Abuse

I agree with everything except you don't need to bring politics into this. I'm a conservative who is bored out of my mind in Raleigh. Nothing to do with my leanings. There is just very little to do and it's not centralized in the least. Also it lacks character, imagination and energy. It's even apparent in the awful architecture. But please don't blame it on conservatives.
B | Wake Forest, NC | Report Abuse

I’m looking for a quieter and charming city with a cooler climate than Houston. I love forests and enjoying all seasons. Texas has 6 month summers and hoping NC has a more balanced climate; it’s a little warmer than I like but hopefully cool enough to enjoy being outside year round. Raleigh looks to be a smaller city like Austin but even more loving; at least there’s a few other cities spread out to pick from. I also love that the inspiration for Stranger Things is from the area and hope to visit this fall to look around & see if it’s home.
Z | Houston, TX | Report Abuse

I guess if bars and restaurants are all you look for then maybe you have to narrow of a view. There are more people from the NE than people who grew up here so I think you see what you want to see and think people from the south are ignorant boobs. For the most part they are kind hearted and wonderful people. There are lots of places to go and apparently physical activity is not something you care for. The green ways are incredible where I can run, walk or bike for 30 miles on just one greenway without ever covering the same ground. There are lots of other areas for biking and mountain biking. Entertainment in terms of concerts and sports is off the scale. Commuting leaves much to be desired but better than NY, DC or Detroit. The weather is great with many sunny days and a winter that is well a week or two long. I like the hot weather that you get used to the humidity but do like the break from it come December and January where the days are usually above freezing and often short sleeve weather. Oh it might snow a few days a year and yes there is not infrastructure to deal with it so staying off the roads is a wise choice. I see a vitality that is missing up north so perhaps someone who likes the environment of NY city is not going to like it here but I think most people would live in a box under a bridge than have to live in NY city.
Tony | Raleigh, NC | Report Abuse

Raleigh is not that bad,i used live there in 2006-2009 ,I was comfortable there
Soner | Royal Palm Beach, FL | Report Abuse
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