Raleigh Economic Development | Raleigh. It's a Smart Move

With space to breathe and room to grow, this #1 Best Performing Large City is anchored by a strong economy and a business-friendly mindset.

make a smart move

In the heart of the historic Research Triangle region of North Carolina, there is a concentration of highly educated people who enjoy the benefits of a low-stress, high-reward lifestyle, with opportunities available across all sectors and welcoming communities that make it easy to call home.

An increasing number of people and companies are recognizing the benefits of living in a region with ample space to grow and fewer stresses from dense cities with overburdened infrastructure. Greater Raleigh is not your traditional urban city. Grounded by three surrounding cities — Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill — this trio can give you a wonderful life and a prosperous career.

Statue of a man on horseback in front of a government building with columns, trees, and benches in the park.

Capital City
Access to federal, state and local lawmakers

A tall clock tower on a university campus surrounded by green trees and brick buildings under a clear blue sky.

NC State University
Leading public research university with 40,500 + students

Group of four researchers in a laboratory, examining a sample under a microscope. One woman is looking through the microscope, while others observe and take notes. Laboratory equipment and supplies are visible on the workbenches.

RTP
7,000-acre research park
60,000+ employees

Aerial view of a cityscape with modern glass buildings, including a large digital billboard showing a hockey player and the text 'Stanley Cup Playoffs'.

Commercial Competitor
#3 Best City for Office Investing, LoopNet, 2026

Nighttime city street with colorful mural on green brick wall reading 'all are welcome' and 'relax' inside a white circle, buildings, trees, and light trails from passing cars in the background.

NHL Stanley Cup Champions
The Carolina Hurricanes, 2026

A Home for All
#1 Best U.S. City for Gen Z, CommercialCafe, 2026

News and Noteworthy

News

September 3, 2026

How Raleigh Stacks Up Against the Nation’s Leading Metros

September 3, 2026

Based on a new data set analyzed by Ted Abernathy with Economic Leadership, the analysis reveals that, year over year, the Raleigh metro is one of the strongest metros in the U.S.

September 3, 2026

A $90M Pathway Connecting Downtown to Dix Park

September 3, 2026

The “Oakline,” inspired by New York City’s High Line, is a bold vision for an elevated, tree-canopied promenade that connects downtown Raleigh to Dorothea Park,

September 3, 2026