Best Places to Live 2022: Raleigh, N.C.
6/10/2022
If you’re witnessing legendary sports rivalries, breakthroughs in medical care and technology, and award-winning barbecue topped off with Southern hospitality – you’re experiencing another day in Eastern North Carolina. One of the “points” of The Triangle, Raleigh tops Bankrate’s Best Places to Live 2022.
The region’s sports fans may argue bitterly about who’s the best, but our North Carolina bankers agree that Raleigh earns its #1 ranking. They share a few of their favorite things about the capital city for those also looking to move South.
“We are 2 hours from the beach, 3 hours from the mountains and less than an hour from several lakes,” says Raleigh Market President Ben Collier. “Plus, we’re home to some of the best restaurants in the country.”
According to local statistics, Wake County is growing by an average of 64 people each day. In fact, Carolina Demography says Raleigh just moved up one spot to become the second-fastest growing metro area in the country, adding 23% more people since 2010.
The shift is largely due to young professionals flocking to the area to work for world-class companies including IBM, Cisco and Pfizer, all of which are located in Research Triangle Park. It’s anticipated the trend will continue as more realize the value of Raleigh’s central location, global career opportunities and affordable cost of living.
The region’s sports fans may argue bitterly about who’s the best, but our North Carolina bankers agree that Raleigh earns its #1 ranking. They share a few of their favorite things about the capital city for those also looking to move South.
“We are 2 hours from the beach, 3 hours from the mountains and less than an hour from several lakes,” says Raleigh Market President Ben Collier. “Plus, we’re home to some of the best restaurants in the country.”
According to local statistics, Wake County is growing by an average of 64 people each day. In fact, Carolina Demography says Raleigh just moved up one spot to become the second-fastest growing metro area in the country, adding 23% more people since 2010.
The shift is largely due to young professionals flocking to the area to work for world-class companies including IBM, Cisco and Pfizer, all of which are located in Research Triangle Park. It’s anticipated the trend will continue as more realize the value of Raleigh’s central location, global career opportunities and affordable cost of living.
...Eastern North Carolina from Morehead City south to Wilmington and then to the South Carolina border will continue to see growth in real estate sales, medical care, and retail development.
“In our opinion, eastern North Carolina from Morehead City south to Wilmington and then to the South Carolina border will continue to see growth in real estate sales, medical care, and retail development. Coastal areas are thriving with appreciation of real estate and increased visits from people out of state,” says Financial Consultant John Parham.
People can experience the best of Southern cooking and a nod to the nearby coastal region at two neighboring Raleigh restaurants. Parham counts himself a regular at both Winston’s Grille and North Ridge Pub.
Owned by Charles Winston and Will O’Neal, Winston’s Grille opened 35 years ago and has earned multiple local awards for Best Business Lunch. “The service and personal touch are invaluable,” Parham says. “Ribs with collards and mac and cheese are my favorite, while my wife brags on the crab cake salad. Melissa makes a great cocktail, and the whole staff is on point.”
Located just down the road, North Ridge Pub features a casual vibe with outdoor seating. Local favorites are the shrimp wrap, meatloaf with mac and cheese, strawberry salad with salmon, southwestern salad, and the Carolina Shrimp Burger.
Collier recommends Raleigh hotspots Lynwood Grille and Brewing Concern or Angus Barn for a pre-game meal before heading to one of the Triangle’s basketball games in Raleigh, Chapel Hill or Durham. “We have 3 major nationally recognized universities which makes college sports even more exciting,” he adds.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, try out Marbles Kids Museum or the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. There are also 180 miles of greenway trails for those wanting to experience the area’s natural beauty on foot or by bike.
No matter the season, there’s no shortage of activities and events to keep your family busy. There’s always something to see. You can be at a festival, go to one of the free museums or eat at a local restaurant that’s only in Raleigh.
SouthState’s bankers seek to provide solutions for Raleigh’s new transplants, longtime Triangle families and industry leaders all with the same level of care and consideration. A visit to either the Glenwood or Falls of Neuse Road location will always offer “excellent service, friendly staff and people who truly care about their clients,” Collier says.
Read about other Best Places to Live in our footprint: Tampa and Charleston.
