Come Explore Raleigh
There's no better welcome to this North Carolina capital city than a long drive down its shady oak-lined streets. When you live in Raleigh, the meaning of "home" is completely redefined. Your home is now a dreamy place to land after long days of working and, if you're lucky, playing around this brilliant city. Here, everything seems to shine a bit brighter, from the Memorial Belltower on North Carolina State University's campus when the Wolfpack secures a big win to the city's sparkling skyline at nightfall.
Our Comprehensive Area Guide
Since there's a seemingly endless list of things to do and see in Raleigh, our Spencer Properties team thought we would create a comprehensive area guide for you—this way, you can experience Raleigh like a true local! Take some time to acquaint yourself with the city, and then make sure to join our VIP list to get the area's latest listings sent directly to you!
Our Top Picks for Raleigh
Want to know our favorite local spots? We have a feeling they may become your favorites, too!
Dining
Raleigh's dining scene is chock-full of local spots, plus a slew of classics that are sure to keep you coming back for more. Raleigh's college crowd and many other loyal Wolfpack fans frequent what is referred to locally as "Jimmy V's." Honoring NCSU's late basketball coach and his V Foundation for Cancer Research, Jimmy V's Osteria + Bar features local dishes sprinkled with Italian flair—pick up the tab here, and you'll contribute to the over $225,000 that has already been raised by the restaurant to help find a cure for cancer. As classic as they come, The Pit has earned a reputation for itself among Raleigh residents for its authentic, pit-cooked barbecue plates that are paired with Southern-style sides. Garland's Pan-Asian cuisine, 13 Tacos & Taps, and Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar cover the map in terms of international dishes.
Events
There are plenty of opportunities to meet your neighbors through Raleigh's jam-packed event calendar. Locals love to come together and celebrate everything that makes the city unique, from its ingenious arts scene to its spirited sporting events. On the first Saturday of summer months, the Market at the North Carolina Museum of Art showcases a new selection of artwork from local talent. Is relaxing and listening to live music your idea of a good time? The Music Park at Walnut Creek and PNC Arena host hundreds of live music performances each year, with big-name artists frequenting the headlines. And if there's one annual event that comes to mind when you think of Raleigh, it's the North Carolina State Fair. Raleigh residents practically live at the local fairgrounds when the state fair comes to town each October—seriously, we know people (okay, maybe it's us) who go back multiple days in a row to ride the ferris wheel and try all the fried foods.
Shopping
In need of retail therapy? Raleigh's shopping scene brings both bargain-hunters and designer-seekers together to shop the day away at the city's highly sought-after stores. You can find everything from department stores to designer spots at Crabtree Valley Mall. And if you prefer an outdoor shopping experience, the Village District encompasses six city blocks of specialty shops. Regarded as a mainstay of Raleigh's retail scene, the Village's collection of local shops has been serving the community for more than 70 years. Designed to be an urban oasis, the Village features local favorites such as Antique Emporium and The Local Squirrel along its scenic sidewalks. The ultimate place to live, work, and play, North Hills in Midtown Raleigh boasts everything from five-star apartment complexes to a host of high-end boutiques.
Attractions
Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean and an integral part of the thriving Triangle area, Raleigh offers its residents numerous opportunities to enjoy everyday adventures. Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek is a beautiful outdoor music venue in Raleigh that hosts some of the world's biggest bands and artists. With a capacity of 20,000, this amphitheater is an ideal venue for summer events. For a day of educational fun for everyone, the Marbles Kids Museum is located directly in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Enjoy sporting and other cultural events at Raleigh's PNC Arena, home to the Carolina Hurricanes and the North Carolina State Men's Basketball program, and hosts numerous bands and comedy shows. Finally, with over 5,000 acres of green space, the William B Umstead State Park delivers an extensive network of trails accommodating walkers, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.