Raleigh is the state capital and the county seat of Wake County. It is where I started my life in North Carolina, and it is the anchor for many of the central NC communities I serve.
Where Raleigh Is and Getting Around
Raleigh is well connected by highway. Interstate 40 and Interstate 440 (the Beltline) run through and around the city, and I-540 and the N.C. 540 toll road circle the outer areas. U.S. 1, U.S. 64, U.S. 70 and U.S. 401 all reach the city, and I-87 heads east toward Knightdale and Wendell. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is northwest of the city. Commute times vary widely by neighborhood and time of day.
A Short History of Raleigh
Raleigh was created in 1792 as a planned capital city. Commissioners bought 1,000 acres from Joel Lane, and surveyor William Christmas laid out a grid around Union Square, where the State Capitol stands today, according to NCpedia. The City of Raleigh’s Capitol Area Historic District page notes the original street plan remains, and the current Capitol building dates from 1840.
Parks and Outdoor Space
- Pullen Park, opened in 1887, is the first public park in North Carolina, with a carousel, train, pedal boats, an aquatic center, an arts center and a theater, per the City of Raleigh.
- Dix Park is a 308-acre park near downtown with play areas, gardens, a dog park and skyline views, per the City of Raleigh.
- Raleigh also has an extensive greenway system, which you can explore through Raleigh Parks.
Downtown and Things to Do
Downtown Raleigh has the State Capitol, state museums, Fayetteville Street, restaurants, music venues and events through the year. The City of Raleigh and Dix Park calendars are good places to start.
Official Raleigh and Wake County Links
- City of Raleigh: Official city website
- Wake County government: Wake County website
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, for current population and housing data: Census Bureau QuickFacts
Schools
Public schools here are part of the Wake County Public School System. Attendance zones can change, so I always suggest confirming a specific address with the district’s own address lookup tool before you make a decision.
Buying or Selling in Raleigh
Raleigh is where I started my life in North Carolina, and I would be honored to help you start or continue yours here. Commutes vary widely by neighborhood, so I will help you find the part of the capital city that fits the way you live.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raleigh
Where can I find official town information?
See the official links above. The town and county websites are the best source for permits, utilities, zoning and current projects.
Thinking about a move to Raleigh? Let’s talk.
Where Memories Begin and Futures Grow