Welcome to Raleigh, North Carolina, a vibrant city in the heart of the Tar Heel State. Known for its history, thriving culture, and Southern charm, Raleigh offers plenty of delightful surprises to discover. Join us on a journey across the capital to uncover fascinating tidbits that reveal Raleigh’s unique character and charm. From iconic landmarks to a vibrant arts scene, Raleigh proves to be an ideal place to live. So whether you’re looking for an apartment to settle in Raleigh, looking for homes for sale, or want to learn more about the city, here are some fun facts about Raleigh.
Facts about Raleigh
| Median home sales price | $409,750 |
| average monthly rent | $1,430 |
| walk score | 31/100 |
| traffic score | 29/100 |
| bike score | 39/100 |
1. Named after Sir Walter Raleigh
Raleigh is proudly named after the famous British explorer and aristocrat Sir Walter Raleigh. Founded in 1792 as the capital of North Carolina, the city was named to commemorate Raleigh’s contribution to British colonization in America. Today, Raleigh continues to pay tribute to its namesake through a variety of landmarks, institutions, and cultural references scattered throughout the city.
2. Raleigh Beer Garden Holds Guinness World Record
Raleigh Beer Garden holds the prestigious Guinness World Record for serving the largest variety of draft beers at one location. With over 369 amazing beers on tap, this iconic building offers beer lovers an unparalleled drinking experience. From local beers to international favorites, Raleigh Beer Garden’s record-breaking selection is sure to satisfy every taste.
3. The North Carolina State Fair is one of the largest in the country
The North Carolina State Fair is held annually in Raleigh and is one of the largest state fairs in the United States, along with Iowa, Wisconsin and Washington. The exhibition attracted visitors from all over. The spectacular event takes place over ten days and showcases agricultural exhibits, thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment and a dazzling array of deep-fried delicacies.
4. Four main streets marked the original city boundaries
In Raleigh, the original city boundaries were marked by four major streets: North, South, East, and West. These streets radiate outward from downtown and outline the scope of Raleigh’s early urban development. Today, they serve as both historical landmarks and practical navigational aids, guiding residents and visitors around the city.
5. Raleigh has five sister cities
Raleigh has sister city relationships with five international peers, promoting cultural exchange and global connections. These sister cities include Compiègne, France; Rostock, Germany; Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Xiangyang, China. Through these partnerships, Raleigh participates in diplomatic, educational and economic exchanges, such as reciprocal homestays.
method: Median home sales price and average monthly rent data come from the Redfin Data Center. Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score data are derived from Walk Score.
