A wonderful nature scene you can see when moving from Raleigh, NC to a rural area.

Moving from Raleigh, NC to rural area

Whether they are running away from the city crowd, or just wish for a larger home, moving from Raleigh, NC to a rural area seems like a solution.


As much delightful living in Raleigh might be, some people are looking to get away from city life. Whether they are running away from the city crowd, or just wish for a larger home, moving from Raleigh, NC to a rural area seems like a solution. When you think about it, you can still keep all the advantages of Raleigh career opportunities. And, at the same time, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, wonderful nature, and adorable yards for your kids to play in.

Moving from Raleigh, NC to a nearby rural area

Generally, Raleigh has a lot to offer. But sometimes, there is a "little something" that can be missing. This is especially noticeable for families with kids. Or those who plan to have them. Some people desire the same sense of comfort and familiarity Raleigh provides. But, a little bit further from the city center, and with backyard activities included. Now, even though more than 50% of Wake County is considered urban, there is another side of the coin as well. Within the boundaries of Wake County, there are many wonderful rural places to live in. They offer a closer connection to nature and give you a sense of more privacy and freedom.

Prepare well before the move

But, as with everything else in connection to moving, you need to be ready for it. Especially if you plan to relocate further from Raleigh. Moving from a city can sometimes be a huge change. It's not everything in the number of people that live there. It's also about lifestyle change. The living conditions are a bit different, so you need to plan upfront.

  1. When moving from Raleigh to a rural area, first you need to secure help. As a starting option, you can visit statetostatemove.com and check their options. It's necessary to find a reliable moving company that knows the area well.
  2. Second, learn about the differences in utilities. In urban places like cities, everything is nearly automated. People are usually not giving it enough thought. But in rural places, access to utilities is a completely different matter.
  3. Explore the area before you relocate. Don't rely on images and information you find online. Give yourself time and visit the actual place you are considering.

In essence, rural places are somewhat different from the city. Even if your future home is completely acceptable, the area around it might not be.

The benefits of moving from Raleigh to rural places

You still have access to Raleigh jobs

Without a doubt, Raleigh offers some fine job opportunities. The best part is that the median base salary is among the best in the country. It's one of the main reasons why the work satisfaction level in Raleigh is high. Especially if you live nearby RTP (The Research Triangle Park). Many larger companies have their offices there, and many managerial and executive positions open up. The thing is, you don't lose those opportunities if you move to a rural place. Of course, you will need to plan your commuting time, or driving. But 30 minutes drive is nothing compared to big-city traffic. Besides Wake County, there are Granville, Franklin, Johnston, Harnett, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties in NC. And they all provide satisfactory rural places you can move to and still work in the city.

Prices of homes in rural parts are great

Even though Raleigh itself is known for affordability, rural areas around can provide you with even more budget-friendly options. Especially if you plan to move further away from Raleigh. Of course, there will always be some closer parts with exceptionally high real estate prices, but not in a significant number to make it a trend. You will find many decent and relatively large households for just a fraction of the price of other more expensive suburban areas. Just make sure to find proper help with your long-distance relocation. Fortunately, Raleigh has plenty of options to secure the safety of your items.

Weather is wonderful

Weather is another important reason why some people like living in rural parts of North Carolina. Especially in Wake county. You can experience all four seasons here with relatively fair temperatures. Also, thanks to the proximity of mountains, winter enthusiasts find winters exceptionally appealing. On the other side, if you like to enjoy the coasts in summer, everything is within the driving distance.

Education is top-notch in closer places

One of the things that are quite important for a lot of people, when choosing a place to move to, is education. Raleigh is one of the best cities when it comes to education. And, just as with jobs, you don't lose the privilege of high-quality education programs if you move to rural places. On the other side, there are North Carolina State University, Peace University, Meredith College, and Duke University, all pretty much close to Raleigh. In other words, they are pretty much close to any rural place within the area as well.

You can always go to Raleigh for entertainment

If you are planning to move from Raleigh but still want to be close to where everything happens, you won't sacrifice much. You can always go to Raleigh and other large cities to find your cup of entertainment. Red Hat and Walnut Creek Amphitheater host a couple of live concerts a week. And that's just a part. You can always visit some events, including enjoying a vibrant nightlife, even if you move to rural parts.

Some of the best rural places near Raleigh

You can find plenty of fine rural places near Raleigh. Before you decide to move, it would be wise to visit them first. Or, at least, ask someone with experience about the place. Here are a few interesting rural places to consider before making a well-informed decision:

  • Sanford area - about 30 minutes from any metro area, and about 2-3 hours from the coast and mountains.
  • Northern Rural Wake Country - good to consider but expect high prices.
  • Northern Durham and Rougemont area - not too far from Durham and RTP with some interesting housing options.
  • Rural Orange County and Chatham County - are also close to Durham and RTP.
  • Falls Lake Area - wonderful area for those who enjoy increased privacy.
  • Moncure - with large and affordable lots. Also popular for artists because of the active art community.
  • Hurdle Mills - a bit further but perfect for people who enjoy living close to nature.
  • And many more.

Moving from Raleigh, NC to a rural area can be a great choice but it requires you to prepare well. You will need to carefully consider all the ups and downs of such relocation. Such a step can easily be one of the best in your life, but you sure need to make an informed decision. Depending on your preferences, living in a rural place and still working in Raleigh, might prove to be an ideal solution.

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