Thinking about a move to Raleigh but unsure where to start? You’re not alone. The Triangle draws newcomers for its jobs, green space, and balanced cost of living, yet the housing search can feel overwhelming from out of town. In this guide, you’ll learn what homes cost, how commutes really work, which areas to consider, and exactly how to buy remotely with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What homes cost in Raleigh now
Recent snapshots show Raleigh’s typical home value in the low to mid $400,000s. Wake County as a whole often trends a bit higher, since popular suburbs add newer and larger homes to the mix. The market has cooled from the peak frenzy, and inventory across the Triangle has been growing, which gives you more choice and a calmer pace than 2020 to 2022. Local coverage confirms inventory has been rising across the region.
Days to pending often land around 30 to 45 days in many price bands, but neighborhood and price point matter. Expect competitive conditions in the most desirable pockets, and more negotiating room where days on market stretch. Plan your expectations by looking at both city and town medians, then zero in on the micro area that fits your needs.
What drives price differences
- Location inside I-440 tends to trade at a higher price per square foot due to proximity to downtown, hospitals, and cultural venues.
- Newer suburban homes can command higher medians due to size, lot characteristics, and neighborhood amenities.
- School assignment can influence demand and resale; verify base schools and options during your search and before making an offer.
Commutes and daily travel
Raleigh’s average commute time sits around 23 to 24 minutes, and Wake County averages closer to about 25 minutes. Most residents drive, while a smaller share use public transit. Averages mask variation, so test your exact route at your typical hours. You can review city commute stats in U.S. Census QuickFacts for Raleigh.
Major employment centers shape where many buyers land. Research Triangle Park is a regional job magnet with a large campus and a wide mix of tech, biotech, and research employers. For context on the park and its role in the region, see the Research Triangle Foundation’s RTP site. Downtown Raleigh, NC State and nearby hospitals are also key job hubs that affect your daily drive.
Key roads and projects
- I-40 is the Triangle’s main east-west spine and can bottleneck near RTP at peak hours. Learn the corridor basics in this overview of I-40 in North Carolina.
- I-440 is Raleigh’s inner beltline and defines many “in-town” commute radii.
- NC-540/Triangle Expressway continues expanding, which can change drive options and times for southern and western Wake suburbs. Track construction milestones like the 540 southeast extension contract when weighing long-term commute stability.
Transit options today
GoRaleigh and GoTriangle provide local and regional bus service with park-and-ride connections and express routes. Coverage is strongest in core corridors and larger suburbs, but transit is not yet a full car substitute across the region. Review GoRaleigh routes and schedules. Wake County and the City of Raleigh are also advancing bus rapid transit corridors, which will improve reliability on key routes over time.
In-town vs. suburbs: how to choose
The right fit usually comes down to three variables: commute, housing type and price, and access to schools and amenities.
In-town Raleigh (inside I-440)
Pros
- Shorter drives to downtown, hospitals, and cultural venues. Many errands are quicker.
- Tree-lined neighborhoods with established retail and a mature urban feel.
Cons
- Higher price per square foot in many central pockets.
- Smaller lot sizes and fewer new-build single-family options.
Nearby suburbs to consider
Common options include Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, and Knightdale.
Pros
- More new construction, larger lots in many communities, and a master-planned feel in select neighborhoods.
- Some suburbs, especially Cary and Apex, often post equal or higher medians than the city due to home size and amenities.
Cons
- Longer drives to downtown and some hospital clusters depending on where you land.
- You may rely more on a car for daily errands unless you select a town center or mixed-use community.
Schools and enrollment basics
Wake County Public School System is one of the nation’s largest, serving about 161,000 students across 203 schools in 2025 to 2026. Review the district’s facts, school locator, and report card resources at the WCPSS facts and figures page. School boundaries can change with growth, so verify base assignments for any property and explore magnet or choice programs directly with the district.
A step-by-step remote buying roadmap
Buying from out of state is doable with the right plan. Here is a practical timeline many relocating buyers follow.
Weeks −4 to 0: Financing and prep
- Get pre-approved with your lender. Pre-approvals often remain valid 60 to 90 days, so plan for updates if your search runs longer.
- Share your must-haves and nice-to-haves with your agent to align search filters.
Weeks 0 to 4: Shortlist and virtual tours
- Narrow to 2 to 3 towns or in-town corridors based on commute realities and lifestyle fit.
- Request strong listing assets: 3D tours, floor plans, seller disclosures, HOA documents, and any prior inspection reports.
- Do live video walk-throughs to verify condition, flow, light, and street context.
Weeks 2 to 6: Offers and negotiations
- In a balanced market, expect about 30 to 45 days from contract to close.
- Use contingencies wisely and plan for appraisal and inspection timelines.
Weeks 3 to 8: Inspections and due diligence
- Hire a licensed inspector and ask for a livestream or recorded video of the full inspection.
- If issues come up, request contractor estimates before deciding on repairs or credits.
Closing window
- Many closings can be completed largely online with remote notarization options where allowed.
- North Carolina supports remote electronic notarization under state rules. Confirm county eRecording and title company processes early. Learn more about remote notarization requirements from this legal overview of North Carolina RON.
Disclosures to request early
North Carolina sellers usually provide a Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure and, when applicable, a Mineral and Oil and Gas Rights Disclosure. Ask for these early and review them with your agent. For context on standard disclosures, see guidance from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission bulletins.
Quick checklist for out-of-area buyers
- Get pre-approved and note your letter’s validity window.
- Pick 2 to 3 target areas and run drive-time tests for your work hours.
- Request 3D tours, floor plans, seller disclosures, HOA documents, and any prior inspection reports.
- Schedule live video showings and plan at least one in-person verification if possible.
- Order inspections with livestream or recorded video and get contractor estimates for major items.
- Confirm remote notarization and eRecording options with your title company early.
- Line up movers, utilities, and registrations about 30 days before move-in.
Ready to make your move with a steady local advocate who understands the Triangle’s neighborhoods and the logistics of buying from afar? Reach out to Phillip Singer to talk through your timeline, must-haves, and next steps.
FAQs
What is the average home price in Raleigh right now?
- Recent snapshots place typical Raleigh home values in the low to mid $400,000s, with Wake County often a bit higher due to larger suburban homes.
Which Raleigh-area suburbs help shorten a commute to RTP?
- Many RTP-bound buyers consider Cary, Morrisville, Apex, and parts of west Raleigh for shorter drives, depending on the exact worksite and hours.
How long are typical commutes in Raleigh and Wake County?
- City averages run about 23 to 24 minutes and Wake County averages near 25 minutes, though your actual time depends on location and route.
Can I close on a Raleigh home entirely remotely?
- Often yes, through remote notarization and e-signing where allowed, but confirm county eRecording and your title company’s process early in the transaction.
How do school assignments work in Wake County?
- WCPSS assigns a base school by address and offers magnet and choice programs; verify assignments and program options directly with the district.
Is public transit a realistic daily option in Raleigh?
- Many residents drive, but GoRaleigh and GoTriangle offer local and regional service with expanding routes; review schedules and plan based on your corridor.
