Moving to Raleigh
The unglamorous part, organized. Here's the timeline I hand every family relocating here.
Your moving timeline
- 01
Eight weeks out — the scouting trip
Come for two nights. Drive your would-be commute at 8am on a weekday, eat dinner in three different neighborhoods, and walk one street at dusk. You'll learn more than three months of scrolling listings.
- 02
Six weeks out — book the movers
Raleigh's good movers book out, especially May through August. Get three written estimates, confirm they're licensed for interstate moves, and ask what they do not carry.
- 03
Four weeks out — housing locked
Under contract or lease signed. This is when inspections, appraisal and loan conditions happen. Keep your credit quiet: no new cards, no new cars.
- 04
Two weeks out — utilities and mail
Duke Energy or Wake Electric for power, City of Raleigh for water, and your choice of internet — check availability by address, it varies street to street. File your change of address with USPS.
- 05
Moving week — keys and walkthrough
Final walkthrough the morning of closing. Bring your ID and wiring confirmation. Change the locks the first afternoon; you'll sleep better.
- 06
First thirty days — make it official
North Carolina gives you 60 days to get your license and registration, and vehicles need an annual safety inspection before you can renew. Register to vote while you're at the DMV.
Good to know
Things nobody tells you
Weather to plan for
Long warm springs, humid summers, glorious Octobers. Snow is rare and shuts everything down when it comes. Pollen season in April coats the entire city yellow — everyone warns you, nobody prepares you.
Getting around
Raleigh is a car city with a good greenway network. I-440 rings the core, I-40 runs to RTU and Durham. RDU airport is 20 minutes from most of town, which is a genuine luxury.
Budget notes
Property taxes are a Wake County rate plus a city rate. Homeowners insurance is moderate. Expect a higher water bill in summer if you inherit a lawn.
Relocating for work?
I coordinate with relocation departments and can run your search on your schedule, time zone included.
Relocation services