Top 10 cities most likely to relocate to the Triangle

The 2020 Census data confirmed what many of us across the Triangle already knew: the area is growing and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon. A report from Carolina Demography, which analyzes data to help develop policies for the state, found that North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. And the vast majority of the growth is happening in Charlotte and the Triangle, which together accounted for 39 percent of the state’s population growth.

What’s more, the data also showed 67 percent of that growth was due to in-migration—people moving to North Carolina from other states. A new report from Redfin offers insights about where people are relocating from. Here are the top 10 inbound metros looking to call the Triangle home.

Fayetteville, home to the U.S. Army’s Fort Bragg, is just over an hour’s drive to Raleigh. While it’s a military-friendly community and one of the state’s largest cities, the Triangle has world-renowned universities the state’s military can use to their advantage. It’s close to Fayetteville but offers the advantages of a larger metropolitan area.

As the nation’s capital, Washington, DC is packed with outstanding museums, monuments, athletics, arts and culture, universities, history, and so much more. It’s also one of the least affordable cities in the United States and is the most densely populated location in the country at nearly 11,000 people per square mile. The Triangle offers more affordable housing options to choose from and is much less densely populated. Raleigh has around 3,000 people per square mile. 

New York City is packed with world-class cultural opportunities, incredible dining and entertainment, countless museums, and everything you’d need to explore for years. Yet it’s one of the most expensive cities to call home. In fact, the median purchase price in Manhattan is currently $917,000. Compared to those numbers, those moving from New York will be able to purchase a high-end home in the Triangle.

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to Silicon Valley, the global center for the world’s largest technology and innovation corporations. However, the cost of living in San Francisco continues to remain one of the highest in the United States, outscored only by that of Manhattan. With a lower cost of living and similar high-tech jobs that are rapidly moving to the Triangle, Raleigh-Durham is quickly becoming known as the Silicon Valley of the east.

There’s a lot of glitz and glamour in Los Angeles. Its beaches are beautiful, and the weather is nearly always perfect. However, Los Angeles has median sales prices of $954,000. In the Triangle, buyers can purchase luxury homes within that price range and still find beaches just down the road.

Boston is a historic city with some of the country’s best healthcare, cultural landmarks, and fresh seafood. Boston is known for its high-tech jobs thanks to the fact that Harvard and MIT are located within the city. However, it’s also one of the country’s most expensive cities to call home. Those looking for a break from the costs of living in New England will find the Triangle a welcome break.

Chicago is a thriving city with a variety of museums, arts and cultural opportunities, and more. Yet there’s a reason it’s called The Windy City, and in the winter, it can be brutal living in this city. While its cost of living is lower than locations like San Francisco and New York City, it’s the warmer weather and southern charm of the Triangle that will draw people to this area.

Seattle is one of the country’s most educated cities and is home to Amazon and Microsoft. It’s also a growing tech hub that is continuing to draw new companies to the area. And it’s close to the ocean and Mount Rainier, which is iconic in the Pacific Northwest. Still, Seattle is growing more expensive to live. Comparatively, the Triangle also offers milder weather, proximity to both the beach and the mountains, and a friendliness that Seattle residents will love.

Austin and the Triangle are running neck-and-neck for growth. Like the Triangle, Austin is home to the world-renowned research institution, the University of Texas, and thanks to South by Southwest (SXSW) and its legacy as “Silicon Hills”, it’s been a destination for innovators for decades. However, as people look to leave the Texas heat, the Triangle offers comparable housing prices with all the culture and opportunities Austin offers.

Phoenix is a unique destination in the southwest that offers proximity to mountains, outdoor adventures, renowned golf courses, and its super-hot summers. While the cost of living in the Triangle is close to that of Phoenix, those looking to escape the Arizona heat but find the same type of outdoor destinations and outstanding job opportunities may find the Triangle the perfect place to call home.

Do you have insights about why someone from these cities might want to call the Triangle home? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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