Raleigh
The capital of North Carolina and one half of the the Raleigh-Durham metroplex, Raleigh offers access to amenities and employment opportunities not found in other parts of the state. The local economy has long been on the cutting edge, with thriving science and technology jobs — thanks to the city’s location in the Research Triangle Park — and a growing community of entrepreneurs in the city; in fact, Forbes magazine has consistently placed Raleigh high on its list of best places for businesses and careers. A thriving downtown district complete with a variety of apartments and a vibrant arts scene makes Raleigh popular with students and professionals as well as families. Located only a couple of hours from the mountains and the ocean, Raleigh is a centrally located city that has been experiencing a population boom for the past decade. Dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South," Raleigh offers more than 40 free attractions and museums to keep you steeped in culture. There are museums of art, history, and technology, plus a children’s museum for younger patrons. The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is a massive multi-stage venue that hosts the North Carolina Symphony, the Carolina Ballet, and a variety of other productions throughout the year.
Dallas
Dallas is one of the largest cities in America, combining urban sophistication with an incomparable Texan personality. Dallas is an altogether unique blend of cultures, styles, and flavors, with more than one million people calling the city proper home. Living in Dallas puts you right in the thick of it all, with endless options to customize your experience. Corporate professionals seeking to avoid long commutes may want to look for apartments in Downtown or Uptown, which are both home to major business centers as well as residential communities, affording many residents walkable access to work. Culture enthusiasts should consider apartments near the Dallas Arts District, which is home to the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Winspear Opera House, and more. Creatives may enjoy places like Old East Dallas and North Oak Cliff, where artistic pursuits abound. Dallas offers some of the most diverse nightlife in Texas, from laid-back lounges to thumping night clubs. Dallas residents also enjoy some of the best shopping in the Southwest, from Galleria Dallas to downtown’s independent boutiques. A fast-growing light rail system, major highways, and busy airports connect Dallas and the surrounding Metroplex to the rest of Texas and beyond.
Charlotte
Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is North Carolina’s busiest city with over 800,000 residents. Tagged as “Charlotte’s got a lot” by the community, this bustling urban oasis offers diversity, cultural experiences, and endless adventures. Enjoy live performances, family-friendly events, local cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Charlotte offers easy access to major interstates, a public transit line, and proximity to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The city of Charlotte has earned its spot on countless “Best Places to Live” lists for its seemingly endless entertainment options. Catch a live concert at the Fillmore Charlotte, explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, catch a game at NBA’s Spectrum Theater, explore Discovery Place Science, or ride the rollercoasters at Carowinds. Locals frequent Uptown Charlotte for its local attractions, nightlife spots, and abundant shopping. Uptown is surrounded by a top-notch selection of local breweries, from Sugar Creek Brewing Company to the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Charlotte is a major economic hub that houses numerous corporate headquarters, including nine Fortune 500 companies. Beyond the high-rises of the central business district and lively entertainment venues, Charlotte’s landscape features a mix of picturesque homes, historic buildings, luxury apartments, and lush greenery.
