Date Archives: November 2022

As traditional workplaces continue to give way to virtual offices, young professionals have the freedom to live just about any place with electricity and WiFi. So why do Raleigh and Durham frequently turn up on lists of top cities for young professionals? Our real estate agents share the reasons. 

1. Raleigh Is Growing
   Numbers tell the story: with a 17.4 percent increase in population since 2020, Raleigh is the second-fastest growing large metro area in the United States. The only city surpassing them is Austin, TX, another hot draw for young professionals. This feature becomes even more attractive based on the mix of cultures and lifestyles. Best Neighborhood, a website that compiles and quantifies extensive data about cities, gives Raleigh a score of 94 out of 100 on their diversity scale. 
   
   
2. Raleigh/Durham Is a Hub of Higher Education
   Young professionals often find that a resume demonstrating academic achievement gives a great boost up the career ladder. Whatever your field of interest, you can pursue it at one of the higher education institutions around Raleigh and Durham properties for sale. Forbes once ranked Raleigh #2 on the list of the Most Educated Cities in America. Duke University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University all have national reputations for academic excellence.
   
   
3. Raleigh Has an Affordable Cost of Living
   People in their 20s and 30s are saving money to buy a home, start a family, and attain other major life goals. In Raleigh, they get to keep more of their paycheck. According to the nationwide apartment listing service Rent Cafe, the cost of living in Raleigh is two percent lower than the state average and six percent lower than the national average. The largest savings come in the categories of food, healthcare, and goods and services.
   
   
4. Raleigh/Durham Is a Hotbed of Technology
   Today's young professionals have never known a time without cell phones, computers, and other high-tech tools. As home to 4,000 tech companies employing more than 60,000 people, the Triangle is the second-fastest growing tech hub in America. Epic Games, Red Hat, Pendo, and K4 Connect are just a few of the companies that make their home in the Triangle, giving rise to the nickname "the Silicon Valley of the metaverse." 
   
   
5. Raleigh Is Close to Nature
   People who work hard usually play hard as well. The sophisticated urban cityscape of Raleigh is just minutes away from an outdoor playground offering a wide range of activities and adventures. In fact, you barely have to leave the city to reach Umstead State Park, a dog-friendly oasis for hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling, and fishing. Yates Mill County Park provides a glimpse into the area's history, while Pullen Park is a family-friendly spot where you can ride a carousel, swim, or ride a pedal boat.
   
   
6. Raleigh Has a Strong Economy and Job Market
   In addition to technology, major opportunities are available in the medical field, thanks to three major medical centers and nearly 500 healthcare companies. Another good sign: a joint study by Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com identifies Raleigh as one of the Top 20 Emerging Housing Markets in the United States. 

Raleigh homes for sale are a great value for young professionals and anyone who's seeking a balanced and satisfying lifestyle. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston for more information.

The Triangle region of North Carolina offers some truly spectacular nature attractions. Zoos, nature preserves, and arboretums all offer opportunities to explore nature near homes for sale in Raleigh, but few allow you to get up close with wild creatures quite like the Piedmont Wildlife Center. 

A safe haven for animals and a unique resource for the local community, the Piedmont Wildlife Center is all about conserving native species and nurturing wilderness connections. Our real estate agents are excited to share this guide to the Piedmont Wildlife Center!

About the Piedmont Wildlife Center

Founded in 2003 by veterinarian Bobby Schopler, the Piedmont Wildlife Center was born out of the need for a wildlife hospital in the Raleigh-Durham area. Over the years, its mission has shifted from being a treatment facility for injured wildlife to becoming a center for education and conservation. 

The Piedmont Wildlife Center is dedicated to building connections between people and nature through a combination of outdoor education, citizen science, and wildlife stewardship. To that end, it has created a wide range of educational programming for all ages. 

Resident Animals at the Piedmont Wildlife Center

A variety of animals call the Piedmont Wildlife Center home. Although the center is not currently set up to accept, treat and rehabilitate orphaned or injured wildlife, quite a few creatures have found their way here and become Ambassador Animals. 

These animals, which include box turtles, snakes, rabbits, and possums, were either rescued or surrendered by previous owners. The PWC is also home to several raptors, including Bella the great horned owl, Willow the red-shouldered hawk, and Edgar the raven, which were rehabilitated after sustaining injuries that would have made them unable to survive in the wild. 

Visiting the Piedmont Wildlife Center

While the Piedmont Wildlife Center is not a zoo in the traditional sense, there are ample opportunities to visit the center and see some of the animals that reside here. The PWC is located within the historic Leigh Farm Park in Durham, NC, which is a public park that is open to anyone. 

In particular, you can come to the Piedmont Wildlife Center and see the raptors in their outdoor enclosures any time during park hours. However, the cabin that houses many of the smaller ambassador animals is not currently open to the public. 

Programs, Camps & Tours

For a more in-depth experience at the Piedmont Wildlife Center, the best option is to book a guided tour. Tours are available for small groups, including family, friend groups, class outings, and retreats.

One of the most popular tour experiences is the On the Fly Tour, which offers a meet-and-greet with each of the seven species that reside in the raptor enclosure. Many visitors also enjoy the Turtle Trek, which includes a walk in the woods and an opportunity to assist researchers in their box turtle research project before meeting one of the resident box turtles at the PWC. 

The center also offers a wide range of educational animal programs for kids, including at-school programs, field trips, class tours, and birthday parties. For a truly immersive experience, the PWC also offers kids' camps that range from day-long Wild for a Day camps to full week-long camp adventures in various seasons.

Contact us today to learn more about life in the Triangle region of North Carolina. If you're looking for your dream home, our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find it in Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding areas. 

The holidays are upon us, and our real estate agents are excited for festive fun around Raleigh!

When you choose Raleigh homes for sale, you can rest assured you will be smack dab in the midst of some of the region's best holiday markets. Holiday markets are typically a grassroots affair where you find artists and crafters from around the state, leading to truly unique holiday gift ideas.

Let's visit just a handful of the amazing holiday markets you can find near Raleigh:

• Merry and Bright, A North Pole Market – 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, NC 27604
  Merry and Bright, A North Pole Market is a local tradition that is free to the public. Taking place at historic Mordecai Park, there will be crafts, music, food, and lots of handmade goods. Children will delight in the opportunity to meet Santa and his elves. A professional photographer will be on hand, allowing you to enjoy a unique memento. It all happens at 10 a.m. on December 10.
  
  
• The Scandinavian Christmas Fair – 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
  Raleigh-Durham is well known for its bustling community of people with Scandinavian ancestry. The Scandinavian Christmas Fair harkens back to the rich traditions of the "old countries" on December 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artisans and vendors will be in attendance with crafts and gifts, traditional folk dances and songs will be performed, and there will be plenty of homemade food!
  
  
• Durham Holiday Market – 1920 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC 27707
  Found at The Honeysuckle at Lakewood, Durham Holiday Market can get you started on your holiday season shopping early. How early? It'll be open on Saturday, November 26, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Browse the wares of dozens of local vendors with glee! Santa Claus is the guest of honor here, and there'll also be games, face painting, and music. Guests of all ages can rejoice!
  
  
• The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market – 120 Morris Street, Durham, NC 27701
  The Durham Art Walk is a renowned place to see public art for residents and visitors alike, not far at all from available Durham properties. In December, The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market takes the experience to a new level of holiday cheer and excitement. There will be visual artists and vendors aplenty on the weekend of November 19 and November 20, just a few days ahead of Thanksgiving.
  
  
• The Durham Craft Market Holiday Show – 501 Foster Street, Durham, NC 27701
  Last but surely not least, The Durham Craft Market Holiday Show will be returning this year on Sunday, December 11. Running from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., it is known for attracting a wide range of hobbyist and professional crafters working in all sorts of media. Sponsored by local boosters and welcoming the whole family, it is a terrific way to spend an afternoon and maybe pick up a gift or two.

Contact us to find out more about real estate opportunities in and around Raleigh.

Before spending a relaxing Thanksgiving weekend eating food and lounging around, there are plenty of fun running events you can attend in the Raleigh area. That's the idea behind Turkey Trots. These long-distance races have become a fun Thanksgiving tradition. But where can you find one to participate in if you've just moved to the Triangle? Here are five great Turkey Trots you can sign up for near Raleigh properties for sale.

• Turkey Trot 5K Run - 1808 Lake Pine Drive, Cary, NC 27511
  Held a few days before Thanksgiving, on Saturday, November 19th at 10 am, this Turkey Trot 5K Run will take place at Apex Community Park near Cary homes for sale. The course is beautiful, taking you through the park and around a lake. Be sure to register early for this one, as it's limited to the first 600 participants, and they typically fill up quickly. There are a variety of age group categories to choose from and the option to run either competitively or recreationally.
  
  
• Gobbler's Run 5K - 325 S Wingate Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
  This annual 5K race happens on Thanksgiving morning, from 8 am to 10 am on the 24th, and is sponsored by The Jim Allen Group. Happening near homes for sale in Wake Forest, all proceeds from the race go to benefit the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club. A great race for both serious runners and non-runners alike, the Gobbler's Run 5K helps you stay active while also supporting a good cause.
  
  
• Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot - 2002 Grisdale Lane, Cary, NC 27513
  The Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot has events for the whole family. If you've come to run, the 8K race starts at 9 am on the 24th at the Inside-Out Sports store. If you'd rather keep things casual, you can come at 8:30 am and do a fun, 1-mile walk instead. And for the children, there's a Kids Dash at 10:30 am. You can sign up for each race on the day, but if you register in advance, you get $5 off. Plus, if you register before November 13th, you can also get a t-shirt.
  
  
• TROSA Turkey Trot 5K - 1820 James Street, Durham, NC US 27707
  The second annual TROSA Turkey Trot 5K will be held on the TROSA campus near Durham homes for sale. Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, Inc. is a recovery program and treatment facility. The race, which starts at 8 am on the 24th, is a benefit for TROSA and its residents. All entrants will receive a long-sleeved t-shirt and post-race refreshments, plus the chance to win other prizes. Be sure to register by the 22nd to run.
  
  
• Run Off the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving 5K/10K/13.1 VR Run Raleigh
  This is a virtual Turkey Trot, which means although it's based in Raleigh, you can run it anywhere you like! Sign up and run a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, or whatever length you're able to, along whatever route you choose. You can even choose what day you want to run it - anytime between November 26th and December 4th. They'll send you a certificate of completion, a workout playlist, and more. There are also physical packages available, which include a medal, t-shirt, snacks, and more, shipped to your home! If you're looking for a flexible running option, the Run Off the Turkey Trot is the one for you.

The Raleigh area has plenty of fun events going on throughout the year. If you're ready to make Raleigh your new home, contact us! Our real estate agents will help you find a home that meets your needs in a neighborhood you'll love.

Whether you're in the mood for a scenic hike, an educational nature walk with the family, or a front-row seat to some of the best fall foliage in North Carolina, this time of year is perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the Triangle. There are a number of great nature preserves in Raleigh and nearby communities which are ideal for outdoor adventures this fall. Our real estate agents have the details on 5 nature preserves near Raleigh where you can enjoy fall with the family.

• Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park – 5229 Awls Haven Dr., Raleigh, NC 27614
  Named for a Raleigh doctor who practiced in the city for more than 50 years, Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park spans more than 150 acres and is conveniently located near properties for sale in Raleigh. This park is a great choice if you're bringing the kids along, with hands-on, educational displays created for children, free nature craft activities, free loaner equipment to help you enjoy the nature preserve, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff who are always ready to answer nature questions. There are frequent programs to be enjoyed here as well, including astronomy nights, bird watching, and nature play programs.
  
  
• Durant Nature Preserve – 8305 Camp Durant Rd., Raleigh, NC 27614
  If you want to see the fall foliage in a spectacular setting, it's tough to top the experience at Durant Nature Preserve. This 237-acre nature preserve was created around two lakes that reflect the dazzling array of fall foliage from the towering trees all around them. There are multiple hiking paths here that will take you all around the lakes, along with amenities that include a fishing pier, bird garden, butterfly garden, nature play garden, and picnic areas.
  
  
• Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve – 2900 Horseshoe Farm Rd., Wake Forest, NC 27587
  Located near homes for sale in Wake Forest and bordered on three sides by the Neuse River, Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve features rolling, undeveloped pastures, lush woodlands, and abundant wildlife. There are two short trails to explore here, with the Meadow Loop Trail weaving through the open spaces of the preserve and the River Loop Trail, which offers scenic waterfront views.
  
  
• Walnut Creek Wetland Park – 950 Peterson St., Raleigh, NC 27610
  For wildlife watching, few destinations can top what you'll discover at Walnut Creek Wetland Park. Bird watchers will love spotting species like hummingbirds, hawks, owls, ducks, geese, great blue herons, and even the occasional bald eagle. This preserve is also home to a variety of amphibians, pollinating insects, and reptiles. Kids will love seeing mammals like deer, groundhogs, foxes, and beavers. The nature center, which is free to visit, features free activities, educational programs, and equipment to help you enjoy your visit.
  
  
• Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve – 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary, NC 27518
  The Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is located on 140 acres around the corner from Cary homes for sale and is another ideal destination for a fall family adventure. The preserve is named for the unusually large number of Eastern Hemlock trees found here and features about three miles of scenic, easy-to-traverse trails where family members of all ages can enjoy a nature walk. While you're there, be sure to stop by the Stevens Nature Center, which features exhibits on nature and history.

Searching for a home close to your favorite nature preserves? Our team is here to help you accomplish your real estate goals. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Raleigh, NC, area.