Raleigh, North Carolina is a fast-growing, economically thriving area with a wide array of entertainment and recreation options. We understand why everyone wants to move here! Raleigh was established as the capital of North Carolina in 1792 and is now the second-most populous city in the state, next to Charlotte. It is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the US, with many referring to Raleigh as “America’s best-kept secret.” Keep reading to find out why everyone is relocating to Raleigh and how the online tools provided by 1-800-PACK-RAT can simplify your move.
Moving to Raleigh, NC?
If you are considering a move to Raleigh, here are some things to keep in mind as you make your decision.
Career Opportunities in Raleigh
The city offers a thriving job market, especially in technology, healthcare, and education. Raleigh is considered part of the Research Triangle area, alongside the nearby cities of Durham and Chapel Hill. This area of North Carolina is home to the mini Silicon Valley known as Research Triangle Park (RTP), which houses many of the world's top technology and healthcare companies. The list of businesses in the RTP currently sits around 300, but it is continually growing. Career opportunities are available at top companies like IBM, Cisco, Microsoft, NVIDIA, SAS Institute Inc., Fidelity Investments, BASF Corporation, Lenovo, GlaxoSmithKline, and more.
Prime Location
A beautiful day wading in the ocean or an exciting day skiing in the mountains can be found about 2 - 4 hours from Raleigh. A day trip to hit the slopes can be planned at Sugar, Ski Beech, Winterplace, and Snowshoe mountains. Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and The Outer Banks are some of the best beach spots for Raleigh dwellers. The Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) has seen significant renovations in recent years as well, with new airlines bringing new flight paths in and out of the Raleigh area, so your travel destinations will be wide open when residing here.
Education Abounds
Higher education is a top priority in the area, as evidenced by universities like North Carolina State University, Meredith College, and Peace University located within the city itself (not to mention that Duke University and the University of North Carolina reside in nearby Durham and Chapel Hill respectively). Raleigh is a highly educated city, with over 50 percent of the population having obtained at least a bachelor's degree.
Raleigh's Cost of Living
Even though the cost of living in Raleigh is slightly higher than the national average, housing and gas prices are lower than the national average. Raleigh is the only major technology city with home prices under the national average so that you will get more space for your dollar.
North Carolina Tax Advantages
In North Carolina, there is no tax on Social Security income, and income taxes have been lowered to a flat rate regardless of your filing status or how much you earn. There is also no State Estate Tax, and a low corporate income tax draws many entrepreneurs to the area.
Climate Considerations
If you are looking for an area of the country that experiences all four seasons in a primarily moderate climate, then Raleigh is the place for you. You can experience it all in North Carolina with summers on the beaches, winters in the mountains, breathtaking views in the fall, and beautiful blooms in the spring. The average temperature for the winter is 43 degrees, while the summer sees an average of 78 degrees.
A - Z in Cusine
Raleigh attracts award-winning chefs and offers a wide variety of cuisine to suit every palate. With over 1,200 Restaurants in the area, Raleigh residents will always be able to find something new to try, from bakeries and delis to pizzerias and breweries. Did you know that Raleigh is also home to the largest beer garden in the world, offering 350+ beers on tap?
Online Tools for Moving to Raleigh
If you are looking to move to Raleigh soon and need a moving partner to help you, 1-800-PACK-RAT is the moving and storage company that makes it simple. Our My PackRat portal is a self-service management tool that allows you to manage your moving and storage account online. Every customer automatically receives a My PackRat account that offers 24/7 access to your order. You can view a YouTube tutorial here and frequently asked questions here. Use My PackRat to:
● Schedule container pick-ups and drop-offs
● View payment history
● Update contact information
● Update billing information
● View helpful tips and moving resources for your move
● Book a container protection plan
● Avoid call center delays
Every situation is unique, meaning a one-bedroom apartment could have just as much stuff to store or move as a five-bedroom house. Our Space Calculator tool can help you estimate the number and size of the portable storage containers you might need to move or store your belongings. Simply choose the quantity and type of furniture you wish to move or store here, and this tool will help visually show you how much space it will take up in the container. The more accurately you fill out the space calculating tool, the more accurate the recommendation.
The portable storage and moving containers used by 1-800-PACK-RAT offer flexibility with a predictable cost for any local or long-distance move you make or storage needs you might have. If you have any questions about our portable storage units and how the process works - give us a call at 1-800-PACK-RAT to speak with one of our moving experts and let us make moving and storage simple for you!