2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Raleigh, NC vs Highlands, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Highlands older or younger than people in Raleigh?
- The Median Age in Highlands is 26.0 years older than in Raleigh.

Are housing costs cheaper in Highlands or Raleigh?
- Highlands housing costs are 85.9% more expensive than Raleigh housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Highlands or Raleigh?
- The average commute for residents of Highlands is 2.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Raleigh.

Things to do in Raleigh?
Raleigh, North Carolina is the state's capital and a great place to live and visit. Boasting attractions like the North Carolina Museum of Art and Pullen Park, Raleigh offers something for everyone. History buffs can take tours of historic sites like the Historic Oakwood District or visit North Carolina State University's campus and surrounding areas. Outdoor lovers can also explore 40 miles of trails along the Neuse River, head out on kayak trips, and take part in a range of recreational activities at nearby lakes, rivers and parks. Along with its vibrant culture and art scene, Raleigh is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a memorable experience.

Things to do in Highlands?
Living in Highlands, NC is an absolute dream. With its charming downtown area and breathtaking mountain views, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call this small town home. The community is incredibly welcoming and it's not hard to make friends or find a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. There are plenty of outdoor activities perfect for all ages, from hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to picturesque lakes for fishing and swimming. Residents also enjoy a range of excellent restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. All in all, Highlands is a wonderful place to call home!

 Raleigh, NCHighlands, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,105329,725,481
 Median Income$72,996  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock60.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$427,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.39  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Raleigh    224 Reviews

I moved to Raleigh in 2018. Before that, I lived in Orange County CA, Boulder CO, South Africa, Northern California, Arizona, and Toronto. I say all this to give  More

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Excellent for a great many people or categories of people. As far as prices: ratio of wage and job opportunity here with housing remains one of the better ones in the  More

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Over 2 years ago

I attended university here in the early 90s and came back around 2005 and never left. I'm surprised at the other negative reviews honestly. Yes, housing is pricey in  More

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Reviews for Highlands    4 Reviews

Love BestPlaces, but most of their statistics are incorrect for the actual town of Highlands which is extremely expensive. I assume they are using information from Macon  More

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Over 4 years ago

This used to be a quaint, quiet, sweet little town, but it has ballooned into a rich man's Mecca. Fist of all, it's a tiny town... so parking is at a premium and it gets  More

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Over 14 years ago

I have run two businesses in Highlands. It is a very seasonal business trend. The rents are high and so is the cost of doing business, including labor cost, cost of  More

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