Raleigh, NC

Raleigh NC scores 62/100 on safety (below average). Crime is above the national average. Expect more property crime (car break-ins, package theft) than a quiet suburb.

Campus scores in the report: Raleigh Elementary (elementary) at 7/10; Raleigh Middle School (middle) at 7/10; Raleigh High School (high) at 8/10. On this 10-point scale, 7 is solidly middle; 9 is a standout.

District picture: about B+ (above average) · Top 35% statewide. Student-teacher staffing: 16:1. If schools drive your move, compare the specific campuses that serve your target address against statewide peers.

Typical rent in Raleigh is about $1,750/month (on the high side). At $1,750/month for a typical unit, you need about $63,000+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $347,000.

Median household income is $78,631, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($78,631) clears the $63,000 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 82°F (highs near 91°F, lows near 72°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Who tends to thrive in Raleigh: (1) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 91°F) (2) Households earning $63,000+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,750/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Raleigh who already priced rent, schools, and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 62/100) (2) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 91°F) (3) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,750/month

Income sniff test: clear about $63,000 household income for $1,750/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Raleigh holds up well on the core metrics. Safety at 62/100 and B+ schools make it a reasonable choice for families who can manage $1,750/month rent.