Top 5 Cities People Are Relocating to Raleigh, NC From

I was reading a list recently about cities people are relocating to Raleigh, NC FROM – and that particular list did not include Austin Texas, and I was surprised.  Upon further research, I found that Austin, Texas is indeed a significant source of new residents moving to Raleigh, NC. While it may not always appear in the top five lists, Austin consistently ranks among the top cities contributing to Raleigh’s population growth, according to Allied Van Lines.

In fact, a 2024 U-Haul migration report placed Austin at #5 among U.S. metro areas for inbound moves, with Raleigh also ranking in the top 10 . This indicates a notable migration flow between the two cities, and a reason it’s one of the cities people are relocating to Raleigh, NC from.  

Both Austin and Raleigh are mid-sized tech hubs offering vibrant cultural scenes, but Raleigh’s lower cost of living, less congestion, and more temperate climate make it an attractive alternative for many Austinites seeking a change.

🎯 Top 5 Cities People Are Relocating to Raleigh, NC From

1. New York, NY

   • High cost of living and dense urban environment are prompting many New Yorkers to seek more affordable and spacious living in Raleigh.  Additionally, many of the Colleges in the Raleigh Metro area (including Durham and Chapel Hill), are exposing folks from NYC to the opportunites in the area.

2. Washington, D.C.

   • The Triangle area, including Raleigh, offers a lower cost of living and less congestion, attracting residents from the nation’s capital.  We also have a vibrant Political “scene” in town, with lots of opportunites for everyone to find a Community they can contribute to.

3. San Francisco, CA

   • With skyrocketing housing prices in the Bay Area, many are moving to Raleigh for its growing tech scene and more affordable lifestyle.  Raleigh also has a similar climate reading to San Franscico, and many people find the outdoor hiking and bike trails exactly what they are looking for.

4. Los Angeles, CA

   • The high cost of living and traffic in LA are leading residents to relocate to Raleigh, which offers a balance of urban amenities and southern comfort.  While we do not have the beach quite as close as LA, it’s only 2 hours down the road.  I just looked for houses in LA uner $500,000 and they averaged less than 900 square feet.  In Raleigh, there’s a home with 1758 sqaure feet for sale for $355,000.  BIG difference.

5. Austin, TX

   • Raleigh’s affordability, expanding tech industry, and quality of life are attracting Austinites seeking a change from the rapid growth and rising costs in Austin.

If you have questions about buy a home in one of Raleigh’s great suburbs, call us! We work with the Top Real Estate Teams in the State, and they know so much more than we do about NC Cities for first time home buyers!  We also know what that the cities people are relocating to Raleigh, NC from, are world class.  So is Raleigh 🙂 We are mortgage lenders, and yes, we’ve lived in NC all of our life  We know the mortgage programs that can help you buy your dream home, and we know the agents who can help!  Call Steve and Eleanor Thorne 919 649 5058.