Consistently ranked as one of the most desirable places to live and work in the country, Raleigh is a rapidly growing city that offers an incredibly high quality of life. Part of the popular Triangle region and close to numerous prestigious universities, Raleigh boasts a higher-than-average median income, healthy job market, exceptionally low crime rate, and a friendly small-town atmosphere. Given this state capital's energy and vibrancy, it's no wonder the Raleigh real estate market is booming with an increase in population each year.

With an estimated 347,729 people and continued substantial growth since 1990, Raleigh is the second-largest city in North Carolina. Money Magazine recently ranked Raleigh as the "Fourth-Best Big City" in the U.S., a distinction that residents would most certainly agree with. The Raleigh metro area was also ranked #2 on Forbes Magazine's list of "Best Places for Business and Careers" in 2006. It's no wonder Raleigh scores rave reviews - just consider its close proximity to the renowned Research Triangle Park, convenient transportation, revitalized downtown, and accessibility to top universities. Since the city is near several premier institutes of higher education, residents here enjoy access to world-class museums, galleries, parks, events, and more. North Carolina State University is a nationally-recognized research and academic institution with about 7,000 employees. NCSU offers bachelor's degrees in over 102 fields, as well as master's degrees in 108 fields and doctoral degrees in 60 fields. Founded in 1887, NC State University has approximately 29,957 students on 2,110 acres on its Raleigh campus as well as extensions all over the state. Its Centennial Campus combines research, faculty, and student centers with industry and government to form a community of education, residences, businesses, and recreation. Raleigh is also close to Duke University in nearby Durham and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is home to numerous first-rate universities and colleges. Raleigh's secondary school system is well-known for excellence throughout the state and region.

Culture and art are in no short supply in Raleigh. Often noted as the premier location in the South for museums, Raleigh includes many high-quality art and history museums. Located downtown is the Museum of Natural Sciences, which focuses on the areas of geography, geology, plants and animals with abundant exhibits and a focus on education. The North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the foremost museums in the region, with a collection that spans more than 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to the present. You'll also want to explore Raleigh's many historical sites and attractions, particularly in its downtown area. Relish a leisurely walking tour of historic downtown as you explore more than 60 buildings, markers, and features that combine to make downtown a fascinating part of Raleigh history. The city also has an abundant African-American heritage that encompasses historic sites, festivals, and events.

When you purchase Raleigh real estate, you'll be close to Durham, Chapel Hill, and a host of small communities with much to offer. The Triangle is a large metropolitan area with a combined population of 1,509,560, and Raleigh is at the heart of it all. Named one of the "Seven Cool Cities" in Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine last year, Raleigh features plenty of entertainment and arts. The city's downtown area, currently experiencing a rebirth, is home to shopping, restaurants, live music venues, art galleries, businesses, and residences. If you love performing arts, Raleigh will provide you with opportunities for ballet, theater, orchestra and Broadway productions. High-quality performing arts are a big part of Raleigh's culture. The Carolina Ballet is the Triangle's professional dance company, bringing audiences from all over the region to its outstanding performances.

Raleigh is also home to the North Carolina Symphony and many small theaters and companies. Musical acts have a plethora of venues, such as the Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek, Meymandi Concert Hall, and many more. While performing arts are one of Raleigh's strong suits, shopping is also superb here. With its incredible location in the Triangle, Raleigh realty is close to just about any kind of mall or shop you may need. The Crabtree Valley Mall is the largest enclosed mall in the Triangle at a whopping 1.3 million square feet. Shoppers from all over North Carolina enjoy its central location and 220 stores. The surrounding cities and communities around Raleigh (plus the city's convenient location) are the cornerstones of its popularity and growth.

If the great outdoors is your passion, you'll feel right at home in Raleigh. A network of 46 miles of trails is ideal for picnicking, fishing, walking, jogging, and bird watching. Raleigh's serene paths provide the opportunity to walk in a natural setting to parks and other destinations around Raleigh. Fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming are popular at Lake Wheeler, an 800-acre lake park, and Lake Johnson and Shelley Lake also is a popular place for recreational activities. Health-conscious Raleigh residents can't enough of strolling in the wooded landscapes and on the scenic greenways in the area. Pullen Park on the campus of NC State University offers a circa-1912 Carousel as well as boat rides and train rides, making this the perfect place to hang out with the kids. Bicyclists have lots of opportunities for fun in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. The 700-mile Mountains to the Sea bike route runs through Raleigh and includes quiet country scenes as well as more urban environments. This is truly a beautiful and popular path, easily accessible to most Raleigh residents. Nearby Jordan Lake holds 14,000 acres of water for fishing, boating, kayaking, and water skiing, as well as fun on the shore. This wonderful bird-watching spot is one of the largest summer homes for the bald eagle. Falls Lake State Recreation Area is just north of Raleigh and has 12,000 acres of water and 26,000 acres of woodlands. Camping, swimming, boating, and fishing await you here, just a short drive from Raleigh.

Raleigh real estate has something for everyone. Raleigh homes for sale have a median price of $198,862 - above the national average yet lower than many of the neighboring communities. If you're looking for a vibrant, urban setting that's close to great shopping, arts and entertainment hotspots, and historic architecture, look no further. Downtown Raleigh is undergoing massive redevelopment, including the construction of hundreds of new homes within the last few years and several thousand more slated through 2010. A new convention center (currently under construction) will add hotels, jobs, and a big boost to the area. Hundreds of homes and mixed-use projects are planned for downtown over the next few years, and you'll want to be a part of downtown's exciting transformation.

Homes for sale in downtown Raliegh include a wide selection of town houses and condominiums, as well as single-family homes. The Historic Glenwood Brooklyn neighborhood has been recently revitalized and is quite active in preserving its beautiful, tree-lined streets. As Raleigh's oldest planned neighborhood, Glenwood Brooklyn residents are committed to keeping the homes in their original states. The neighborhood is a short drive to places such as the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the local university. If more suburban living appeals to you, Raleigh realty includes just about any type of house you can dream about. Since Raleigh is a wonderful place for families, you'll find a huge selection of traditional and contemporary single-family homes with large lots, trees, community amenities, and superb locations. Luxury homes over $1 million are not uncommon, including communities on golf courses and homes with views. Your Realtor will be happy to show you all the available properties in the area that suits you best.

To explore Raleigh homes for sale, please contact local real estate experts Stephen and Debra Gillham at (919) 624-6916 today.