| Official name | City of Raleigh |
| Type | Capital city |
 | |
| Downtown Raleigh | |
| State | North Carolina |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1792 |
| Population | 475,000 |
| Area (km²) | 380 |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 27601–27699 |
| Area code(s) | 919, 984 |
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and one of the fastest-growing cities in the southeastern United States. It’s part of the Research Triangle region — a major hub for tech, education, and research — along with Durham and Chapel Hill.
Overview
- Founded in 1792 and named after English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh
- One of the few U.S. cities planned and built specifically as a state capital
- Known as the “City of Oaks” due to its tree-lined streets and parks
Landmarks and Attractions
- North Carolina State Capitol
- North Carolina Museum of Art and Museum of Natural Sciences
- Pullen Park – one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S.
- Raleigh City Market and Fayetteville Street
- Red Hat Amphitheater and Dorothea Dix Park
Economy
Raleigh’s economy is driven by:
- Technology and life sciences
- **Education and research**
- **Government and public administration**
- **Startups and clean energy**
It is one corner of the renowned **Research Triangle**, home to hundreds of tech and biotech firms.
Education and Innovation
- North Carolina State University (NCSU) – major research university
- Part of the Triangle region, alongside Duke University and UNC–Chapel Hill
- Highly educated workforce and frequent “best of” rankings for career and quality of life
Culture and Lifestyle
- Walkable, bike-friendly downtown
- Thriving live music, craft beer, and culinary scenes
- Hosts Hopscotch Music Festival, Wide Open Bluegrass, and First Night Raleigh
- Blend of Southern charm and modern innovation
Transportation
- Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
- GoRaleigh bus system and commuter rail under development
- Interstates I-40 and I-440 serve the region
Fun Facts
- Raleigh is one of only a few U.S. capitals not served by Amtrak directly in its city center
- Ranked among the top cities for remote work and tech job growth
- Its Oakwood neighborhood is one of the state’s oldest historic districts