Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital of the U.S. state of North Carolina and the second-largest city in the state by population. It sits in the east-central part of North Carolina, primarily in Wake County, along the Neuse River. The city is part of the Research Triangle region, together with Durham and Chapel Hill, and it is near other growing communities such as Cary and Apex. Raleigh is named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the English explorer and colonist.

The city was established in the late 18th century as the state capital. It was planned as a grid-based city, and the North Carolina State Capitol and related government buildings formed the core of early development. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, Raleigh evolved into a center for government, education, and research, expanding its economy and cultural institutions.

Raleigh hosts several major educational and cultural institutions. North Carolina State University is located within the city, along with Meredith College and other higher‑education centers. The city is home to notable museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of History, and the North Carolina Museum of Art. The local economy blends government, education, healthcare, and technology, with the nearby Research Triangle Park contributing to the region’s high-tech sector.

Transportation in Raleigh is supported by Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), major highways such as I-40 and the I-440 Beltline, and public transit provided by GoRaleigh. Amtrak serves the city via Raleigh Union Station. Raleigh is characterized by diverse neighborhoods and rapid growth, reflecting its role as a government seat, university town, and regional hub.