📍 About RDU & Raleigh-Durham
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is located between Raleigh, Durham, and Cary in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle. The region blends high-tech industry, great weather, vibrant city culture, and outdoor recreation. It's an ideal area for singles, couples, and families alike.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Couples
- Downtown Raleigh – Vibrant, walkable, restaurants and nightlife.
- Durham – Artsy, historic, growing restaurant scene.
- North Hills – Upscale, urban-suburban mix, modern living.
- Cary – Quiet, clean, newer apartments, easy access to RDU.
Best for Families
- Apex – Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods.
- Holly Springs – Family-oriented, lots of parks.
- Morrisville – Close to airport, diverse, family-friendly.
- Wake Forest – Suburban charm, strong schools.
🚗 Commute Times to RDU
- 5–15 min: Morrisville, Cary, parts of Durham
- 15–30 min: Raleigh (North Hills, Downtown), Apex
- 30–45 min: Holly Springs, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours
- Downtown Raleigh: Museums, food halls, state capitol, breweries
- Durham: DPAC theater, Duke Gardens, historic districts
- Chapel Hill: College town vibe, Franklin Street
- Jordan Lake & Falls Lake: Boating, camping, swimming
- Short trips: Greensboro, Fayetteville, and Uwharrie National Forest
✈️ Nearby Airports
- RDU: On-site – major airport with national/international flights
- GSO (Piedmont Triad): ~1.5 hrs – alternate commercial service
💰 Cost of Living
- Median Home Price (Raleigh): ~$420,000
- 1-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,400–$1,900/month
- Utilities: ~$160–$220/month
- State Income Tax: Flat 4.75%
- Groceries & Gas: Around national average
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild with occasional snow
- Spring: Warm and blooming
- Summer: Hot and humid, upper 80s–90s
- Fall: Crisp and colorful, great hiking weather
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- GoTriangle: Regional bus network between cities
- Traffic: Congestion on I-40/I-540 during peak hours
- Car recommended: Most areas suburban or spread out
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Duke University Health System: Durham/Raleigh
- UNC Hospitals: Chapel Hill
- WakeMed: Raleigh/Cary
- Urgent Care: Multiple locations including FastMed, UNC Urgent Care, etc.
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young professionals: Meetup groups, breweries, live music
- Families: Museums, parks, community centers
- Volunteering/Church: Numerous active organizations
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Raleigh: Bida Manda, Brewery Bhavana, Poole’s Diner
- Durham: M Sushi, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, Nana’s
- Chapel Hill: Mediterranean Deli, Lantern
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Live near the airport: Morrisville, Cary, and RTP offer the easiest commute
- Shifts: Vary — expect early mornings and late mids
- Community: Strong controller network in Triangle area
📦 Moving Tips
- Fast-growing market: Act quickly on rentals and homes
- Moving seasons: Best times are March–May and August
- Local movers: Check out Bellhop, You Move Me, and TROSA
❓ FAQs
- Is Raleigh a safe city?
Yes – very safe, especially in Cary, Apex, and North Hills. - Do I need AWD?
Not usually. Winter weather is mild, but heavy rains are common. - How’s the job market for spouses?
Strong – tech, healthcare, education, and government sectors thrive here.