Finding employment has been a challenge for many young people coming out of college. But there’s a bright light for many of them. A recent study of 55 metros showed that the Raleigh job market remains the #1 city for college grads.

According to payroll provider ADP Research, Raleigh holds onto the top spot on the list for the second year in a row. The company analyzed data from more than 140,000 Americans between the ages of 20 and 29, covering more than 27,000 employers nationwide. The ADP Research study looked at cities with at least one million residents, analyzing information regarding hiring rates, average annual salary, and affordability-adjusted wages, which provides an apples-to-apples comparison. The researchers also considered the frequency with which graduates with a bachelor’s degree had been hired within the last 12 months.

Taking all that data provided a clear destination for job-seekers. Raleigh demonstrated a 4.2% hiring rate, the highest of all metros reviewed in the study.

What you'll learn in this blog:

• Raleigh is ranked #1 job market for recent college graduates for the second year in a row (ADP Research).

• The city has a 4.2% hiring rate—the highest among 55 metro areas.

• Home to 7,000+ companies, including 700+ international corporations.

• Key industries include life sciences, tech, health, and finance.

• Low 2.5% corporate tax rate, the lowest in the U.S., attracts employers.

• Abundant job opportunities from entry-level to executive (C-level) roles.

• Proximity to the Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) boosts hiring.

• 65,000 bachelor’s degrees awarded annually in the area.

• Nearly $3 billion in R&D funding fuels innovation and start-ups.

A growing job market in Raleigh

Why is the Raleigh job market thriving? The Research Triangle contributes significantly to the robustness of the Raleigh job market. This active region is bordered by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, three metros renowned for higher education and research excellence. Three Tier 1 research universities—Duke University (Durham), University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University (Raleigh)—are nationally regarded for the quality of graduates coming out of their institutions every year. The strength of these three universities help to attract nearly $3 billion annually in research and development funding. Hundreds of Triangle region start-up businesses have benefited from the influx of R&D investments.

Combined with nine other colleges and universities and eight community colleges, 65,000 bachelor’s degrees are awarded from The Research Triangle’s schools each year. year.

More than 7,000 companies are located within The Research Triangle, including more than 700 international corporations. The region is renowned for life sciences, technology, health, and finance, but the list of industries continues to grow.

Many industries chose to locate their headquarters and offices in the Raleigh area, because of the quality and volume of the labor force. With so many qualified applicants, these organizations don’t experience the same struggle to hire talent as other areas of the country. Having a 2.5% corporate tax, the lowest in the United States, is another strong draw.

From entry-level to C-level, jobs are plentiful here. Since the Raleigh job market remains the #1 city for college grads, consider what comes with working and living here.

The Raleigh lifestyle

Raleigh is often ranked among the best cities to live in the United States. For young professionals, it’s particularly inviting. With a median age of 34.2 among a population of 476,000, you’ll find many peers.

Living in Raleigh—or nearby—offers a broad range of things to do. Southern Living rates Raleigh as #9 on its list of “The Best Cities in The South”. The Raleigh region is known for a vibrant cultural scene and nightlife. It’s easy to find places to pursue your passion for art, theater, music, dance, and entertainment. The hard part is choosing!

Stay active in Raleigh

When you’re not working, you can enjoy any type of recreation that excites you. There are lakes and rivers for water sports, state parks, nature trails, local parks with sports fields and courts, disc golf courses, and much more.

Where’s the water?

While Raleigh isn’t on the coast, you can still find a shoreline. Jordan Lake has a beautiful sandy beach and crystal clear water that spans 14,000 acres. And you might spot a bald eagle there. You won’t find THOSE near the ocean!

In addition to Jordan Lake, the Raleigh area features 14 more lakes of varying sizes, from Lake Raleigh near Downtown to others in the Raleigh suburbs. Pet-friendly Lake Johnson has a small beach and walking trails, and it’s just 10 minutes from Downtown Raleigh.

For paddling, fishing, tubing, whitewater rafting, boating, and swimming, take your pick of two popular rivers. The Neuse River runs for 250 miles and flows right through Raleigh. The legendary 200-mile Cape Fear River runs south of Raleigh and keeps going to the Atlantic Coast.

Follow trails through the region

Do you like hiking and biking? Living in Raleigh or a suburb means you have access to trails of all levels, from leisurely to challenging. The region’s greenways cover 180 miles. William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh is a great destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, plus paddling and fishing on Crabtree Creek that runs through the park.

Raven Rock State Park is 40 miles from Raleigh, in Lillington, NC, but so worth the drive! This park provides countless hours of outdoor recreation—hiking, climbing Raven Rock, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling and whitewater rafting on the Neuse River, fishing, swimming, and camping. Lillington is a small town, situated 31 miles south of Raleigh. Because NC 210 directly connects Lillington to Raleigh, it’s becoming a popular place for people who want access to urban activities but prefer the calm lifestyle only a small town can provide.

The nightlife is lively

The Raleigh nightlife is a definite plus for recent college grads—and anyone who enjoys live entertainment, dining, dancing, clubs, and bars. Rolling Stone rated Raleigh as having one of “The Best Music Scenes Right Now”.

You can take it all in, from Downtown Raleigh to beyond—outdoor concerts, dance clubs, trendy bars, live music, comedy clubs, parties, ghost tours, karaoke, and game nights. With so much variety, you’ll never be at a loss for evening entertainment. Try a rooftop bar with a spectacular view, tiki lounge, classic neighborhood pub, English tavern, speakeasy, sports bar, or whatever satisfies your thirst for a fun evening.

Foodies please their palates

What is your appetite craving? Raleigh, NC, is renowned for its exquisite selection of eateries. Southern Living named Raleigh one of “The 10 Tastiest Towns in the South”. The rapid growth of North Carolina’s capital city has attracted chefs from around the world and inspired menus that whet any appetite.

Check out this list of the Top 50 Restaurants in Raleigh. And that’s just a small sampling of what you’ll find around the city and beyond, into the Raleigh suburbs. Down-home cooking, five-star cuisine, ethnic favorites, fusion, and the kind of Southern barbecue you write home about—Raleigh is every foodie’s paradise.

Raleigh always has something brewing

It’s no surprise that Raleigh is also home to an abundance of craft breweries and distilleries. And, although you might not expect vineyards, Raleigh has two wineries. Strolling the vineyards, tasting the wines, and enjoying a meal with a scenic backdrop is a perfect diversion.

Beer lovers, what type of brew do you prefer? Small batch? Seasonals? Infusions? The Raleigh area is filled with craft breweries where you can explore the latest and greatest selections on tap. If you can’t narrow down your craving, visit the Raleigh Beer Garden, with the largest beer menu—386 beers—and its own mini-golf course.

Only 18 miles from Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina, NC, has some brewpubs worthy of a connoisseur. It’s such a hops-happy area that there’s even a beer district there!

Make the most of the local beer locations by following the Raleigh Beer Trail, which includes 40 breweries.

The arts are embraced

Raleigh’s population is exceptionally diverse. The infusion of so many cultures contributes to a vast art scene. Music, dance, and fine arts are on display throughout 85 venues in the region. Indoor theatres, outdoor amphitheaters, galleries, museums, and public art displays showcase the incredible artistry that lives and thrives here. Music and art festivals fill the calendars. 

The Lenovo Center and Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts are the two largest performance destinations in the Raleigh region. Here, you can enjoy concerts by today’s top recording artists, the North Carolina Symphony, ballet, comedy shows, opera, and live theater.

Artistry is also on display at galleries, and the North Carolina Museum of Art. Drive through many Raleigh regions and take in the public art displays. In nearby Clayton, NC, take a walk or ride your bike along the Clayton Sculpture Trail, which features 14 works from different artists, changing annually.

Explore the Raleigh suburbs

Raleigh is an exciting city. And it’s surrounded by some truly unique cities and towns. While the Raleigh job market remains the #1 city for college grads, you might want to live beyond the urban area. You’ll certainly discover that although Raleigh is considered an affordable city, you can stretch your housing budget further in the suburbs.

Here are some Raleigh suburbs where young professionals are moving.

Clayton, NC, should be on the radar of anyone considering a move near Raleigh, NC. The town lies 16 miles from Raleigh, a very easy commute to the city. More than that convenience, Clayton is brimming with opportunities for a satisfying lifestyle. The area is known for some premier, master-planned communities that feature resort-style amenities within the community. Right now, Cattail Lake is emerging with lakeside living.

What makes Clayton so special? Picture a small town of residents who love living there. The community pride is evident in the well-kept buildings, streets, homes, and yards. Townwide events bring people together in Downtown Clayton, a fun place to explore. And newcomers are always welcomed!

With so many things to do in Clayton in any season, if you enjoy this type of friendly and active small town lifestyle, don’t miss the chance to live well and affordably in Clayton, NC.

Fuquay-Varina, NC, sits just 18 miles from Raleigh. Fuquay-Varina has almost doubled in population since 2010. When the two towns—Fuquay and Varina—merged in 1963, the new town ended up with two downtown districts. Each one has its own character (both equally charming), and they’re within walking distance of each other. The districts are lined with locally owned businesses that offer unique selections for shopping, dining, drinks, and entertainment.

Fuquay-Varina’s location, amenities, and affordability have garnered the attention of national media. Niche.com named the town one of the “Best Suburbs to Live in America”, “Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in North Carolina”, and “Best Places to Buy a House in the Raleigh Area”. Luckily, the media attention hasn’t limited the opportunity to buy a new home in Fuquay-Varina. This Raleigh suburb is one that a young professional should explore.

Lillington, NC, gives you a location that offers twice the city access. Drive north for 31 miles to get to Raleigh or head south for 16 miles and you’ll end up in Fayetteville, home of Fort Liberty, another large job market.

Lillington is a small city (population: 3,200), but if you’re an outdoorsy type, living in Lillington is paradise! Raven Rock State Park takes up 4,810 acres of Lillington countryside, which includes the Neuse River that runs alongside the park.

Downtown Lillington is undergoing a revitalization that is bringing more businesses to the district. And the small town atmosphere is demonstrated in the warm welcome, hometown events, and big spaces here. In fact, if you’ve got your heart set on buying a home with a big yard, be sure to include Lillington in your line of sight.

Find new homes for sale near Raleigh.

When you’re job-hunting near Raleigh, finding the right place to live is a big consideration. Choosing this region gives you a lot of advantages. You can find the right fit to your lifestyle, no matter what your priorities may be. We’ve identified the reasons that the Raleigh job market remains the #1 city for college grads, and the various Raleigh suburbs that expand your housing search.

New Home Inc. is a local Raleigh homebuilder with deep roots in this area. We’ve chosen to build communities of new homes for sale near Raleigh, NC, in the most desirable locations. Live close to what you need and want, and get more for your money

Our homes are unique from the cookie cutter tract homes you might come across. We’ve designed our single-family homes and townhomes to be future-proof. Here are some of the features we include in every New Home Inc. home:

• An enclosed room between your exterior and front doors, called the Smart Home Delivery Zone, protects your deliveries. Climate-controlled and secured by a smart lock, this nook lets you provide a code for authorized deliveries. This award-winning, innovative feature is one of our most popular.
• The oversized kitchen island provides seating on three sides, not just one or two. We’ve extended the countertop to avoid knee-banging discomfort and add more workspace.
• The kitchen has two pantries, not just one. The first is for your usual pantry functions. The other one, called the “messy kitchen” is like a butler’s pantry. With options that include cabinets, sink, dishwasher, mini-fridge, and wine chiller, you can outfit your messy kitchen to accommodate whatever you need.
• A smart home automation package is included in every home. You move in with a video doorbell, smart lock on the front door, whole home network panel, smart lighting, and a smart thermostat.
• If you work from home, you’ll appreciate the pocket office we’ve situated in the back of the floor plan. You’ll have the privacy and convenience you need for a productive workspace.
• An electric vehicle charging station is roughed in, with behind-the-wall wiring already done. It’s easy to activate your EV charger when you need it.
• CAT6 wiring provides stronger, more reliable network connections, with no dead zones or buffering.
• The included whole home air filtration system removes unhealthy particles, like dust, allergens, and other detriments to indoor air quality.

New Home Inc. is currently building communities of new homes for sale near Raleigh, in Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, and Lillington. If you’re ready to move now, check out our quick move-in homes—brand new, and either nearing completion or already finished!

Talk to one of our new home specialists and find out how you can reap the rewards of owning a hear near Raleigh, tops among the best cities for recent college grads.