Date Archives: January 2022

When you think of a technology powerhouse you probably don't think of North Carolina first – but maybe you should. The Raleigh-Durham area, also known as the "Research Triangle," is a major metropolis of more than two million people bolstered by leading universities and much more.

Because of the astounding research output of local educational institutions, many top businesses have been expanding into the area or moving there altogether. 

Today, with costs greatly increasing in many areas, companies that may once have set up in New York or California are examining their options here. Now is the time to select Raleigh homes for sale and to take full advantage of the many opportunities the area holds in store.

Raleigh-Durham is in Position to Explode in Size and Influence by 2025

Hatch IT, a recruiting company that helps technology startups recruit young professionals, has estimated that Raleigh-Durham could grow to become the #2 biggest technology hub on the U.S. East Coast by 2025. This big claim is backed up by some equally big trends and facts you won't want to overlook:

• Convenience and Cost in Raleigh-Durham Remain Enticing to Technology Workers
  No one wants to pay thousands of dollars commuting to their job every year, especially in a mostly remote world. Raleigh-Durham's cost of living has been measured at around $2,743 for a single person, making it nearly half the cost of living in the Washington, D.C. area. Public transit is more robust than in many cities, and Raleigh consistently ranks as one of the top 50 most walkable U.S. cities.
  
  
• The Community Has a Long History of Collaborating with Technology Startups
  For decades now, attracting technology talent has been a major element of Raleigh-Durham's success. To this very day, the area has nearly as many qualified software engineers as in much larger and more famous cities, including the nation's capital. Both state and city continue to partner with technology firms and invest in creating a favorable business atmosphere that gives rise to competitive wages.
  
  
• Operational Costs for Businesses Are Among the Lowest of All Major Options
  Cost of living, leasing space, and commute times all matter when it comes to fostering the top tech talent. Raleigh-Durham offers a prime geographic position along with strong tax and other incentives. This accelerates the growth of new businesses and has even brought in Fortune 500 firms.
  
  
• New Infrastructure is Continuing to Expand Opportunities in Raleigh-Durham
  While many cities are falling behind in infrastructure, Raleigh-Durham continues to develop in surprising and intriguing ways. The housing market is robust and has a wide variety of options to meet different budget considerations. It is serviced by Raleigh-Durham International Airport, making a trip abroad simple, and it even has a growing number of award-winning restaurants.
  
  
• Raleigh-Durham is Top Tier Compared to Other Burgeoning Would-Be Tech Hubs
  Raleigh-Durham isn't the only major metroplex in contention to become the newest growth area for the technology sector – but it may well be in the best shape to realize its ambitions. Other metro areas consistently lag behind Raleigh-Durham in quality of life metrics relevant to both workers and businesses.

The Triangle is waiting and our real estate agents can help you discover all it has to offer. Contact us to find out more or get started with your Raleigh-Durham home search.

There's never a shortage of entertaining activities around the Triangle, and 2022 is looking like no exception. Mark your calendar and join our real estate agents at these lively concerts, festivals, and shows. 

• Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats - DPAC, 123 Vivian St., Durham, NC 27701
  If you're a fan of Food Network, you're already familiar with Alton Brown's quirky and engaging approach to the science of food. Now he's taking his show on the road near Durham homes for sale with Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats. This unique culinary variety show is full of comedy, music, cooking demos, and audience participation. You'll gain a whole new appreciation of the food on your dinner table. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, and tickets are $45.
  
  
• NC International Festival - State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
  It's a small world, after all, when you can celebrate the culture of more than 50 countries at the NC International Festival. The two-day event is packed with music, dancing, and food representing the traditions of the various countries. There will also be kids' activities and artisans displaying their handmade crafts. Take the whole family to the State Fairgrounds, just minutes from Raleigh homes for sale, on the weekend of April 2-3. Hours are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5-$8.
  
  
• Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival - Bond Park, 801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513
  There are many reasons we look forward to spring, and the Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is one of them! Taking place on Saturday, April 30, Bond Park will be filled with local artists and vendors, live entertainment, and activities for the kids to enjoy. This annual event has become a favorite over the years and is close to many fantastic Cary homes for sale.
  
  
• Imagine Dragons - PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
  Catch one of the hottest rock bands of the last decade when Imagine Dragons bring their Mercury World Tour to PNC Arena. The group dominated the charts, taking the top three spots on Billboard's list of Top Rock Songs of the 2010s and eight in the top 50. Expect a setlist heavy on selections from Mercury - Act 1, the band's recently released fifth album, recorded with iconic producer Rick Rubin. Imagine Dragons take the stage on Thursday, February 10, with Canadian singer-songwriter Grandson opening the show at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $34, with VIP packages available.
  
  
• Postcards from Ireland - DPAC, 123 Vivian St., Durham, NC 27701
  Originally intended to be a one-off event, Celtic Woman's PBS special in 2005 turned the ensemble into a worldwide sensation. Postcards from Ireland showcases the group's spellbinding repertoire of classic and original songs that bridge the remarkable history of Irish music. Irish dancers, bagpipers, and a traditional Celtic band add further layers of delight to the visual and sonic experience. The show is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $43.

Life in the Triangle is never dull. Need experienced help with your real estate needs? Contact us at Howard Perry and Walston to learn more.

The restaurant scene in the Triangle is so good, there's a whole week dedicated to it! 

It's almost Triangle Restaurant Week, marking an opportunity to celebrate the culinary excellence in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding areas. The event runs January 24-30, and our real estate agents can't wait to dine at some of the best restaurants in the area. Each participating restaurant will be serving special three-course menu options with fixed prices for the occasion, making this a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to get a taste of what the Triangle has to offer!

• The Big Easy - 222 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  Offering Cajun-inspired American fare, The Big Easy is a Southern restaurant that embodies the best of both Raleigh and New Orleans. Located near many Raleigh homes for sale, The Big Easy serves up Louisiana classics like Jambalaya, gumbo, and blackened Cajun catfish. They also have some of the best burgers in town and are offering a special salad/entree/dessert deal for Triangle Restaurant Week. 
  
  
• Ko•än - 2800 Renaissance Park Pl, Cary, NC 27513
  The menu at Ko•än is all about bringing people together. Their dishes highlight the unique flavors of Southeast Asia, including special dishes from Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines, along with popular Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Located just minutes from these Cary homes for sale, Ko•än's specialties for Restaurant Week include Katsudon (a Japanese pork cutlet and egg rice bowl) and yellowtail sashimi. 
  
  
• Mateo Tapas - 109 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
  Serving Spanish small plates that draw inspiration from local Southern flavors and ingredients, Mateo Tapas is a casual-chic tapas bar in the Book Exchange building, very close to some Durham homes for sale. Gambas (Spanish-style shrimp) and lbondigas (Mexican meatball soup) are highlights of their special menu for Restaurant Week, along with arguably the best selection of Spanish wines in the Triangle. 
  
  
• Vivace - 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd, Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27609
  A beloved Italian eatery in Raleigh's North Hills neighborhood, Vivace serves modern takes on classic dishes in an upscale-yet-rustic setting. Their pasta, made from scratch in-house, is truly outstanding. Vivace is offering a menu with various antipasta (first course), secondi (second course), and dolci (dessert) options for Restaurant Week. Try the Pappardelle Bolognese with goat cheese crema.
  
  
• Local 22 Kitchen & Bar - 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705
  One of Durham's most popular gastro-pubs, Local 22 Kitchen & Bar serves up elevated pub grub made with ingredients sourced from local farms. They also offer craft cocktails, a great beer selection, and an impressive "whiskey library." in a warm, welcoming setting. Their Triangle Restaurant Week menu includes roasted curry-spiced chicken, local North Carolina fish, and some tasty vegetarian options. 
  
  
• ORO - 18 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  The sleek dining room of ORO, decked out in white with a fireplace and mezzanine, is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends. This contemporary eatery specializes in dishes that are meant for sharing. Rather than a specific appetizer or main course, dishes arrive continuously throughout the evening. Pork belly tacos, mango gazpacho, and crawfish risotto are just a few of the exciting offerings on their Restaurant Week menu. 

These restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the Triangle's food scene has to offer. Check out this official listing of restaurants that are participating in Triangle Restaurant week for more great options. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in the Triangle, and be sure to ask our real estate agents about finding your dream home in Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding areas. 

With its booming local economy, affordable living, and fantastic culture, it's not hard to see why Durham has become such a popular destination for Gen Z. Our real estate agents love telling clients about the great aspects of Durham. It's truly a great place to go to school, start a career, and raise a family. In fact, the Durham area was named one of the Top 30 Best Cities to Live in for Gen Z. If you're thinking about relocating, here are some reasons why the Bull City continues to grow year after year and attracts Gen Z homebuyers:

• It Has A Great Job Market
  Recent college grads looking to settle down and start their career can benefit from Durham's booming job market. Research, development, finance, and medicine are top industries in the area with major employers including Duke University, Research Triangle Park, Fidelity, and IBM. The city is also appropriately nicknamed "City of Medicine" due to its 300+ medical and health-related companies, so it's a great location for medical professionals to start their careers. Additionally, both Google and Apple have announced new locations in the area.
  
  
• It's Affordable
  Despite the area's population growth over the last several years, Durham remains an affordable place to live. The median home price in Durham has remained anywhere from 10 to 16% lower than the national average. Therefore, it couldn't be a better time to check out these stunning Durham homes for sale. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are also less than the national average. 
  
  
• There Are Plenty Of Things To Do
  Catch a concert, Broadway performance, or comedian at the Durham Performing Arts Center, which hosts over 200 shows a year. In the spring and summer, it's a lot of fun to see a Durham Bulls Minor League Baseball game. The stadium is located right in town, so it's easy to make a night of it. Looking for something a little more relaxing? The Sarah P Duke Gardens is a beautiful, serene oasis in the middle of the city and the perfect place for a walk.
  
  
• The Weather Is Perfect
  If you're looking to escape the cold, you'll enjoy short, mild winters in Durham. December temperatures are often warm enough to wear a t-shirt or play golf. The area gets minimal snow each year, and spring usually begins in early March. The city sees 220 sunny days per year, which is well above the national average. Summers are hot but tolerable.
  
  
• It's Accessible
  Durham is a great place to live in and of itself, but young people love the convenient access to both Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Both cities are less than a 30-minute drive away. You could easily commute to Durham from one of these beautiful Raleigh homes for sale. Charlotte is also just a couple of hours away. Durham's convenient access to multiple cities makes it a desirable location for many Gen Z homebuyers.

It's no wonder people from all over the world move to Durham each year. For more information on living in our area, contact us today.