I moved from New York City to Raleigh. I’m glad I made the jump, but there are 5 things I wish I’d known beforehand.

caption

Rachel Simon

Five years ago, I moved to Raleigh after spending my early adulthood in New York City.
I love it here, but there are a few things I wish I’d known ahead of time about Raleigh’s culture.
I didn’t know how much I’d end up driving, or how much my social life would revolve around sports.

Before I moved from New York City to Raleigh in 2020, I did plenty of research on what to expect from the North Carolina city.

Although I learned tons of helpful insights — like which neighborhoods were best for 20-somethings and how to handle the Southern summer heat — there were still a number of important aspects about life in Raleigh that I never could have predicted.

I’ve had plenty of fun exploring the city and discovering its various quirks over the last five years, but I do wish I’d known a few more things ahead of time.

As much as I love life in Raleigh, it wouldn’t have hurt to be a bit more prepared, especially when it came to the city’s unique weather and cultural atmosphere.

Having a car is essential for getting around.

The writer and her partner posing in North Carolina. — caption

Rachel Simon

I used to take the New York City subway nearly every day. It had its pains, of course, but it was a helpful way of getting around the city and exploring different neighborhoods.

I knew that most other cities, including Raleigh, don’t have equally robust public transit systems, but I still wish I’d known just how car-centric my new home would be.

Sure, there are a handful of walkable areas and a newly upgraded bus system, but it’s pretty difficult to traverse the city (and get to the nearby cities of Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill) without a car.

Some people don’t mind this, but I’ve never loved driving — so, realizing just how often I’d have to hop in a car was definitely a culture shock.

A ton of the culture revolves around college sports.

The writer at an NC State game. — caption

Rachel Simon

As someone who’s never really cared about sports or had a favorite team, I’m no stranger to feeling left out when everyone around me can’t stop talking about the big game.

There are certainly sports fans in New York, but Raleigh is in a whole other league. I didn’t expect just how much of this city’s social culture revolves around college football and basketball — and how much of an outlier I’d be for not having the same interests.

Practically everyone I’ve met here is a diehard fan of either the NC State Wolfpack, Duke Blue Devils, or UNC Tar Heels, and game days mean huge parties and loads of traffic.

I’ve gone to some games myself now, but I’m still in the minority here as such a casual fan.

Downtown has a lot going on, but it’s not a great “party” area.

The writer at a bar in Raleigh, North Carolina. — caption

Rachel Simon

With tons of restaurants, bars, shops, and parks, downtown Raleigh has plenty to offer and is a great place to explore. With a few exceptions, though, even the trendiest spots in the area close up fairly early and rarely get too crowded.

I love heading downtown for a quiet night out, but if you’re a young transplant looking for a stronger nightlife vibe, you may be in for a disappointment.

Instead, you might be better off checking out nearby neighborhoods like Glenwood South, which has more bustling bars and clubs that stay open late — and are typically filled with college students or early 20-somethings.

The “pollenpocalypse” happens every year, and it’s intense.

The writer's dog at a park in Raleigh, North Carolina. — caption

Rachel Simon

I’m lucky not to have strong seasonal allergies, so I never had an issue with pollen while living in New York or other cities.

In Raleigh, though, the annual spring “pollenpocalypse,” as it’s called by locals, is so intense that it leaves literally every outdoor surface coated in yellow and brings out sneezes in even the most resilient residents.

Don’t believe it’s that bad? A photographer named Jeremy Gilchrist captured the hazy pollen cloud in a now-famous photo series from 2019.

I see — and hear — construction everywhere.

A shot of construction in Raleigh, North Carolina. — caption

Rachel Simon

One of my favorite things about Raleigh is how fast the city is growing, with new businesses and opportunities constantly opening to accommodate the increasing population.

However, the downside is that this means construction is a constant sight everywhere you go. New York obviously has plenty of construction too, but the work is spread out among the much larger city’s streets. Here, it feels inescapable.

Builders are typically pretty good at keeping the noise level low, but it’s a bummer to look at the skyline and see it full of cranes and scaffolding.

Still, it’s worth it for the excitement of seeing my beloved city expand.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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