Raleigh real estate is some of the most sought after in the United States. The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan areas are consistently ranked among the most desirable in the country. When relocating, home buyers usually consider five criteria: the economy (job outlook and commute time), education, climate, culture, and crime. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill has much to offer in each of these areas:

Economy

With the recent recession, the economic conditions of an area are often the first question asked about an area. The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area is known as the “Research Triangle.” In 2009, Yahoo.com ranked the area as the fifth best place for jobs. The area attracts jobs in tourism, education (the area has some of the nation’s top universities) and technology. Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University attract some of the top educators in the country. Other employers include IBM, the Research Triangle Institute and General Electric. The median income is $40,840 according to the report. Commuters spend about 20 minutes getting to work.

Education

The area schools systems have received many honors. The Wake County Public School System serves Raleigh and is the largest school system in North Carolina. The system had 54 Merit Scholarship finalists in 2009, according to the school system’s website.

The Durham Public Schools serve the Durham area. Forbes.com ranked Durham as one of the “Top 20 Places to Educate Your Child in 2007. According to the school system’s website, a  public opinion poll revealed that 76% of Durham residents with children in the school system have a positive or very positive image of the system, which is up from 72% last year.

The Chapel Hill area is served by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS). CHCCS has the state’s highest SAT score at 1,185, or 1,757 when the writing component is included, according to the school system’s website.  The state average is 1,004, and the national average is 1,017.

As mentioned, the Research Triangle is home to several prestigious universities. The area has several options for education beyond high school including technical colleges and high schools.

Climate

Temperatures in Raleigh are, to quote a famous fairy tale—not too hot, not too cold but just right. The average high in winter is 49 degrees and the average high in the summer is 89 degrees. This makes it pleasant for residents to be outside all year long. The area, like any other part of the country, does have extreme temperatures at times. The record high is 105 degrees. In the winter, temperatures have dropped below zero on occasion and there is some snowfall most years.

Culture

Opera, theater, art, and dance are found in Raleigh. Several arts organizations call Raleigh home including:

• The North Carolina Symphony
• The Opera Company of North Carolina
• The North Carolina Theater
• Carolina Ballet
• Broadway Series South

If you want to spend an afternoon at a museum, you have many choices. The city is home to the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History.

The nation’s top recording artists play at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek. The Raleigh Memorial Auditorium is also a popular venue.

Finding good eats is also easy in the Triangle. Bon Appétit Magazine recognized Chapel Hill as “America’s Foodiest Small Town” for its eclectic choices.

Crime

Even though crime rates fluctuate, the Triangle area is known for it’s proactive stand on crime. Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker is a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition. The group’s goal is to get illegal guns of the streets. Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh have their own police departments.

With all the area has to offer, Raleigh real estate will continue to be in demand. If you are looking for a home in the Raleigh area, a buyer’s agent can help.