Raleigh

NCRaleigh-Cary (Research Triangle)

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$458,689 (June 2025, Rocket); MLS median sold price $460,000; median listing price $401,350 (April 2025)
Median Home Price
~480,000 (city); ~1.5 million (metro area)
Population
$81,000 (metro, 2024 estimate)
Median Income
Wake County Public School System rated B+ to A- (Niche, 2025)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$458,689 (June 2025, Rocket); MLS median sold price $460,000; median listing price $401,350 (April 2025)
Median Home Price
$236 (June 2025)
Price per Sq Ft
+5.4% (Rocket, June 2025); MLS +2.5% (June 2025); some sources report -7.7% YoY for listing prices, indicating price stabilization after prior declines
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market27 days (June 2025, up from 17 last year); 39 days (April 2025, improved from 63 in January)
Market TypeSeller's market, but more balanced than 2022-2023
Months of Supply2.5 months (seller's market)

Sales Activity

Sales Volume1,762 homes sold (April 2025, -22.7% YoY)
Metro AreaRaleigh-Cary (Research Triangle)
Population~480,000 (city); ~1.5 million (metro area)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment Rate~3.2% (2025 estimate, below national average)
Job Growth Rate~2.5% annually (2024-2025, driven by tech and healthcare)
Median Household Income$81,000 (metro, 2024 estimate)

Major Employers

  • IBM
  • Cisco Systems
  • Duke Health
  • WakeMed Health
  • Red Hat (IBM)
  • North Carolina State University
  • SAS Institute

Demographics

~480,000 (city); ~1.5 million (metro area)
Population
34.2 years
Median Age
+1.5% annually (2024-2025)
Population Growth
51% bachelor's degree or higher (metro)
Education Level

Family Composition

Mix of young professionals, families, and retirees; strong influx of remote workers

Key Industries

TechnologyHealthcare & Life SciencesEducationGovernmentFinancial Services

Education

School District

Wake County Public School System rated B+ to A- (Niche, 2025)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Enloe Magnet High School
  • Wake STEM Early College High School
  • Panther Creek High School

Higher Education

  • North Carolina State University
  • Meredith College
  • William Peace University
  • Shaw University

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Downtown South mixed-use development
  • Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility expansion
  • Wake BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) corridors

Transportation

  • I-540 Outer Loop completion
  • Wake BRT lines (New Bern, Western, Southern, and Northern)
  • Raleigh Union Station upgrades

Planned Developments

  • Multiple mixed-use projects in North Hills and Downtown
  • Affordable housing initiatives
  • Expansion of Research Triangle Park facilities

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Umstead State Park
  • Neuse River Greenway Trail
  • Pullen Park

Dining & Entertainment

  • Downtown Raleigh restaurants
  • North Hills shopping & dining
  • Brewery and food hall scene

Cultural Attractions

  • North Carolina Museum of Art
  • Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Red Hat Amphitheater

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Strong rental demand, especially among high-income renters
  • Tech-driven job growth supports long-term appreciation
  • Emerging neighborhoods (e.g., East Raleigh, South Park) offer value

Growth Outlook

Moderate appreciation expected; long-term fundamentals remain strong due to job and population growth

Market Risks

  • Potential for short-term price correction (Zillow forecasts up to -3% in next year)
  • Affordability pressures may limit buyer pool
  • Rising property taxes and insurance costs

Rental Market

Robust, with wealthy renters and limited supply; high occupancy rates

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Young professionals (tech, healthcare)
  • Relocating families
  • Remote workers
  • Investors seeking rental properties

Marketing Channels

  • MLS syndication
  • Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Google Ads
  • Local relocation networks

Pricing Strategies

List slightly below recent comps to drive multiple offers; adjust quickly if no activity in 2 weeks

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Homes are too expensive or unaffordable

Response Strategy:

Highlight Raleigh’s lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs and potential for long-term appreciation

Objection: Mortgage rates are too high

Response Strategy:

Discuss rate buydown options, adjustable-rate products, and potential for refinancing later

Objection: Competition from cash/investor buyers

Response Strategy:

Advise on strong offer terms (flexible closing, escalation clauses) and leveraging local lender relationships

Professional Recommendations

1

Stay updated on neighborhood-level trends and inventory shifts

2

Educate clients on realistic pricing and offer strategies

3

Leverage digital marketing and relocation networks

4

Advise investors on emerging rental hotspots and value-add opportunities

5

Highlight Raleigh’s long-term fundamentals to buyers concerned about short-term volatility

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Charlotte, NC
  • Austin, TX
  • Nashville, TN

Market Positioning

Affordable alternative to larger tech hubs with strong long-term growth

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower cost of living than Austin/Nashville
  • Strong tech and healthcare job base
  • High quality of life and education

Price Comparison

Raleigh median home price ($458k) is below Austin ($550k) and Nashville ($495k), similar to Charlotte ($440k)

Investment Metrics

4.8%–5.5% (multifamily, 2025)
Cap Rates
5.2% (average gross yield, SFR)
Rental Yields
~20 (metro average)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-located SFR and small multifamily; best in emerging neighborhoods
Cash Flow
2–4% annualized over next 3 years
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Face affordability challenges; benefit from down payment assistance and new construction incentives

Move-Up Buyers

Leverage equity gains; seek larger homes or better locations

Downsizers

Prefer low-maintenance townhomes or condos near amenities

Investors

Target high-rent neighborhoods and value-add multifamily

Relocators

Prioritize proximity to employers, schools, and lifestyle amenities

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities