Did the picture of me on a scooter get your attention? It literally has almost nothing to do with this blog post other than it was taken in Downtown Raleigh. So there's that.

My guess is that if you google something like "Raleigh, best place for..." you will find approximately 9 million answers. It's constant. Raleigh is consistently voted the best place to do about everything and it's not just Raleigh people voting. It's the experts...I think. Either way, they keep giving us all the awards and people keep moving here...and they aren't stopping. No matter what you hear on the national news about the real estate market, it's different in Raleigh. It almost always is and almost always for the better.

Have you heard the most recent news? Raleigh, North Carolina—our beloved city—is currently basking in the spotlight as the second hottest real estate market in the entire country! Durham, our neighbor to the NW isn't far behind, securing its place as the fourth hottest market, according to the latest ranking from the prestigious U.S. News & World Report. And for the record, our area is not called Raleigh/Durham. Our airport is but Raleigh is Raleigh and Durham is Durham. They are both different and awesome. 

In the world of real estate, where trends ebb and flow like the tides coming in and out, its no small feat to almost always be #1. It's a testament to the vibrant allure of our community, the resilience of our economy, and the enduring appeal of the Triangle region. An area where the top talent used to leave after graduating from one of our amazing high education institutions is now keeping everybody here at home.

So, what's all the buzz about? Let's dive into the details.

The U.S. Housing Market Index, a revered barometer of real estate vitality, meticulously analyzed metropolitan areas nationwide, assigning scores from 1 to 100. One year ago, Raleigh reigned supreme, holding the top spot, while Durham proudly shared third place. But times change, and so do rankings. Today is a very different real estate world than it was just a year ago.

Denver, another favorite of mine, swooped in and claimed the coveted number one position with a commanding score of 74.8, surpassing Raleigh's 73.7. Jerks. But fear not, Raleigh's score still soared higher than the previous year, showcasing steady growth and unwavering demand for housing opportunities.

As for Durham it clinched fourth place with a score of 72.8, a significant leap from its 67.3 rating the year prior. Talk about upward momentum! Durham is an incredible place to live and it just keeps getting better and better. There is so much to do there and its filled with character and culture.

Now, let's talk demand for a second—Raleigh takes the crown, securing the number one spot in housing demand, while Durham proudly sits at number four. It's clear that our region is a magnet for those seeking vibrant communities, excellent education opportunities, and unparalleled quality of life. Mountains this way, beaches that way. You can't beat it. 

Now, let's break down the hottest markets overall with 3 of the top 5 cities being right here in North Carolina:

1. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado: 74.8
2. Raleigh, North Carolina: 73.7
3. Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, Virginia: 73.2
4. Durham, North Carolina: 72.8
5. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, North Carolina and South Carolina: 72.0

The list goes on, with cities like Nashville, Houston, and Portland making impressive showings. But there's something special about Raleigh—a blend of Southern charm, thriving innovation, and boundless opportunity that sets it apart from the rest.

As a seasoned real estate agent in Raleigh, I've witnessed firsthand the pulse of our market, the rhythm of our neighborhoods, and the dreams that take root in our communities. I've worked for over 16 years to build community in this area and bring people together that share a passion for building something special. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about the state of our local real estate landscape, now is the time to take notice. If you have questions, you can connect with me right here or via https://calendly.com/chuckbelden/am-i-the-right-agent-for-you 

In Raleigh, the possibilities are endless, the opportunities abound, and the welcome mat is always out...at least for a little bit longer until we fill up. So, whether you're planting roots, chasing dreams, or simply along for the ride, I invite you to explore our city and discover why Raleigh isn't just a place to live—it's a place to thrive. If you're looking for ideas on how to get involved and explore our area, check out my friends at This is Raleigh for some top things to do in the Triangle during your visit or listen to the Connect Raleigh Podcast and hear first hand from locals on what makes this place so special.

Here's to the future, here's to Raleigh, and here's to finding your place in the heart of it all.