Raleigh is often ranked among the fastest-growing and most economically successful cities in the country. But rankings don’t tell you what it’s actually like to live here day to day.

After living in Raleigh for more than 40 years—and helping hundreds of families decide whether this city is right for them—I wanted to share an honest perspective. Not the marketing version. Not the relocation brochure version. The real one.

In my newest video above, I walk through what I love about living in Raleigh, what has changed over time, and what still frustrates me after four decades. If you’re thinking about moving here, this context matters far more than a list of “top ten reasons.”

Daily Life in Raleigh After 40 Years

One of the biggest surprises for people moving here is the pace of life. Even as Raleigh has grown into a city of more than half a million residents, it still functions as a collection of connected neighborhoods.

Inside the Beltline especially, daily life feels personal. Neighbors know each other. Community events are part of normal life, not staged experiences. That sense of belonging is something many people don’t realize they’re missing until they experience it.

Arts, Culture, and Access Without Major-Metro Congestion

A common concern for people relocating from larger cities is whether Raleigh offers enough cultural depth. The answer is yes—without the constant congestion that often comes with it.

From the North Carolina Symphony and Opera to nationally recognized museums and more than 40 free attractions, Raleigh provides meaningful access to the arts. Where you live matters here. Living closer to downtown makes participation easy, while distance often determines how frequently people actually go.

How Parks, Trees, and Greenways Shape Daily Life in Raleigh

Raleigh’s identity as the “City of Oaks” isn’t branding. Mature trees, established neighborhoods, and more than 10,000 acres of maintained parkland shape daily routines across the city.

The greenway system connects large portions of Raleigh, making it possible to work downtown and be walking, biking, or running shortly after. That integration of green space into everyday life is one of the city’s most underrated strengths.

Where Raleigh Has Become More Challenging

Raleigh’s growth has not been without cost.

Traffic is noticeably worse than it was even a decade ago. Infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with population growth, and most residents still rely on cars for daily life. Public transit improvements are underway, but progress remains slow.

Affordability has also shifted. Raleigh is still less expensive than many major metros, but it is no longer the bargain it once was. Expectations matter—especially for buyers relocating from lower-cost regions.

Who Thrives in Raleigh—and Who Often Doesn’t

Raleigh tends to be a strong fit for people who want opportunity without constant intensity.

It works well for professionals in technology, healthcare, research, and business. It works well for families who value schools, parks, and a sense of community. It also suits people who enjoy cultural access without fighting crowds to enjoy it.

It is less ideal for those who need daily beach access, rely heavily on public transit, or want a fully walkable urban lifestyle without driving.

Why Long-Term Perspective Matters When Considering Raleigh

If you’ve just watched the video above, you’ve heard my unfiltered perspective on what it’s actually like to live in Raleigh after four decades.

Cities evolve. Growth brings opportunity and pressure at the same time. Understanding how those forces affect daily life is often more valuable than reading rankings or headlines.

Raleigh continues to attract new residents for strong reasons: economic opportunity, access to culture, abundant green space, and a sense of community that hasn’t disappeared with growth. It also comes with real tradeoffs that are worth understanding before making a move.

If you’re still in the research phase, this long-term context can help you decide whether Raleigh truly fits your lifestyle—not just your expectations.