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Founded in 1792, Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and 2nd largest city in the state, with a population close to 400,000. With Durham and Chapel Hill, it is part of The Triangle, the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country. Nearby towns include Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Wendell, and Rolesville.
The city and surrounding Research Triangle area are famous for its many research parks serving the high-tech, biotech, medical and textile industries.
The area is known for its centers of higher education, which include the research universities of North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), and Duke University (Durham). These universities are also known for their success in college sports, especially basketball. Meredith College, Shaw University, Peace College, Wake Technical, and Strayer University are in Raleigh.
Awards and rankings:
- #1 City for Young People, Forbes
- #2 Best City to Live, Work and Play, Kiplinger's Finance
- #2 Most Educated City, US Census Bureau
- #4 Best Places to Live, Money Magazine
- Top 5 Cities for Young Singles, Kiplinger's Finance
Neighborhoods in North Raleigh include Bedford, Bent Tree, Brentwood, Brookhaven, Crossgate, Falls River, North Ridge, Stonebridge, Stone Creek, Stonehenge, Wakefield, Windsor Forest, and Wood Valley. South Raleigh is the least developed area with communities in Lake Wheeler, Swift Creek, Riverbrooke, and Enchanted Oaks. Southeast neighborhoods include Chavis Heights, Raleigh Country Club, Southgate, and Biltmore Hills.
