Welcome to Raleigh, North Carolina — a city where history, innovation, and Southern charm come together to create a truly unique place to live, work, and explore. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its tree-lined streets and abundance of green spaces, Raleigh offers a rich blend of natural beauty and modern urban life. As the capital of North Carolina, it holds a special place in the state's history, dating back to its founding in 1792 as one of the few U.S. cities originally planned as a state capital.
Today, Raleigh is at the heart of the Research Triangle, a renowned hub for technology, education, and research, thanks to its proximity to major universities and institutions. But the city is more than just a center of innovation—it's a thriving cultural destination, with world-class museums, a vibrant music and arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and a welcoming community spirit.
Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or just visiting, this website is your guide to everything Raleigh has to offer. From its historic neighborhoods and outdoor adventures to its business climate and cultural events, you'll find stories, insights, and practical information to help you connect with the city's unique rhythm. Raleigh is growing, evolving, and full of opportunities—come discover what makes it one of the most dynamic cities in the Southeast.1
Raleigh, North Carolina, has a rich and intentional history, unlike many American cities that grew organically from settlements or trade posts. Founded in 1792, Raleigh was established specifically to serve as the capital of North Carolina, chosen for its central location in the state and its distance from the vulnerable coast. It was one of the first planned cities in the United States, designed on a grid centered around Union Square, where the State Capitol still stands today.
Named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the English explorer who sponsored the failed Roanoke Colony, the city's early growth was modest. Throughout the 19th century, Raleigh remained a relatively small town, serving primarily as a political and administrative center. It saw limited industrial development compared to other Southern cities, though it did become a hub for education and transportation, with the arrival of the railroad in the 1840s and the growth of institutions like Shaw University, one of the oldest historically Black universities in the South.
During the Civil War, Raleigh was spared major destruction, and after the war, it slowly rebuilt and modernized. The 20th century brought more significant change, especially with the formation of the Research Triangle Park in the 1950s, located between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This transformed the region into a major center for science, technology, and education, spurring rapid population growth and economic development.
Today, Raleigh continues to evolve as a dynamic capital city, balancing its historical roots with a forward-looking vision, driven by innovation, diversity, and a strong sense of community.2
Raleigh is bursting with vibrant, diverse attractions that speak to nature lovers, art aficionados, history buffs, families, and curious travelers alike. At the heart of the city lie its world-class museums: the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences invites visitors into immersive exhibits on dinosaurs, ecosystems, live animals, and interactive science displays; right next door, the North Carolina Museum of History weaves through 14,000 years of regional heritage, from Native American cultures to modern innovations. Across town, the North Carolina Museum of Art offers both indoor galleries and expansive outdoor sculpture trails, making it a destination that blends visual delight with leisurely strolls through landscaped grounds.
For those drawn to green spaces, Pullen Park holds a special place as North Carolina's oldest public park. Established in 1887, it hosts a vintage carousel, pedal boats, a miniature train, family-friendly rides, theatrical performances, and shady walkways. Just a bit south of downtown lies Dix Park (formerly part of the Dorothea Dix Hospital grounds), now transformed into a vast urban refuge with rolling lawns, community events, gardens, and wide vistas of the city skyline. Nature extends beyond those boundaries as well: William B. Umstead State Park spills into the city's outskirts, offering miles of hiking and biking trails, quiet forests and streams, and opportunities for paddling or wildlife watching.
History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the Mordecai House, the oldest residence in Raleigh still standing on its original foundation, preserved with its original furnishings and surrounded by period gardens and ancillary structures. Close by, Montfort Hall stands as a fine example of Italianate architecture and one of the few antebellum mansions in Raleigh to survive the Civil War. Another historical curiosity is the Raleigh Water Tower, built in 1887 and later repurposed, which offers a glimpse into the city's infrastructure history and architectural heritage.
On the arts and entertainment front, venues like the Coastal Credit Union Music Park (formerly Walnut Creek Amphitheatre) draw major touring concerts in a lush outdoor setting. The Red Hat Amphitheater downtown offers summer pops and urban performances under the skyline. Smaller galleries like CAM Raleigh and Artspace spotlight emerging and local artists, providing dynamic and experimental exhibitions. Hidden gems like the Gregg Museum of Art & Design, located near the NC State campus, house eclectic collections in a bright, modern setting that encourages casual exploration.
For families and curious minds, Marbles Kids Museum transforms play into learning with hands-on exhibits and a resident IMAX theater. The RDU Observation Deck draws aviation fans who want to watch planes taxi and take off on massive runways. Garden lovers will enjoy the JC Raulston Arboretum, a living laboratory of plants from around the world and one of the most celebrated botanical gardens in the Southeast. In spring, the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, tucked behind Hillsborough Street, bursts into bloom with dozens of rose varieties in contemplative surroundings ideal for a peaceful walk or a quiet afternoon.
Seasonally, Raleigh comes alive with events like the North Carolina State Fair, which for more than a century has combined rides, livestock, concerts, food, and fireworks into an annual fall celebration. The city's trail networks—such as the Neuse River Trail and shortcuts of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail—connect parks, neighborhoods, and riverside vistas, letting visitors experience Raleigh's natural beauty from urban to wild landscapes. With so many attractions woven throughout the urban fabric, Raleigh invites you to wander — and in wandering — to discover layers of culture, nature, and stories waiting around every corner.3