A Local's Guide of Things to Do in Raleigh, NC
September 09, 2025
For the Nature-Lover: The Green Heart of the City Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks," and it doesn’t take long to see why. Start with Umstead State Park, a sprawling 5,000-acre oasis between Raleigh and Durham. With over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, canoe rentals, and picnic areas, it’s a great place to unplug. Looking for something cl...
Emma CarpenterBest Places to Live Around RTP: A Guide for Professionals Moving to the Triangle
September 02, 2025
Cary: Suburban Comfort and Convenience Cary is a popular choice for its mix of excellent schools, parks, and safe neighborhoods. It strikes a nice balance for those who want suburban comfort without straying too far from RTP. With a range of housing—from townhomes to larger family homes—and plenty of shopping and dining options, Cary makes daily li...
Emma CarpenterWhat Is a Due Diligence Fee?
August 26, 2025
What is Due Diligence? In North Carolina, due diligence is the period of time after a home goes under contract when the buyer has the opportunity to fully investigate the property. During this window, the buyer can schedule inspections, review title work, confirm financing, and essentially do everything needed to make sure the house is the right fi...
Emma CarpenterBest Restaurants in Durham in 2025
August 19, 2025
Quick Bites & Casual Favorites Monuts – A must-visit for breakfast or brunch. Known for creative donuts, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and great coffee. It's a favorite stop for many of our agents. Joe Van Gogh – More than just coffee—this local roaster offers some of the best espresso drinks in town. Multiple locations make it an easy go-to. The Lo...
Emma CarpenterBest North Carolina Beaches Within a Day Trip of the Triangle
August 12, 2025
Wrightsville Beach About two hours away, Wrightsville Beach offers clean sand, solid surf, and a strong outdoor lifestyle. It’s popular with paddleboarders, kayakers, and anglers. Nearby Wilmington gives you options for dining and entertainment when you want to get off the beach. Tip: Stop for lunch at Dockside or Bluewater Grill, both overlooking ...
Emma CarpenterRaleigh vs. Charlotte: What It’s Really Like to Live in Each City
August 05, 2025
First, the Basics Raleigh is part of the Triangle (along with Durham and Chapel Hill), a region anchored by research, education, and tech. It’s home to North Carolina State University and is close to the Research Triangle Park (RTP), one of the largest research hubs in the U.S. Charlotte is the largest city in the state and a major banking center, ...
Emma CarpenterTop Things to Do in Durham, NC
July 16, 2025
1. Sarah P. Duke Gardens Spanning 55 acres on Duke University's West Campus, these beautifully landscaped gardens offer walking paths, terraces, and specialty plant collections ⏤ ideal for tranquil strolls or photographing seasonal blooms. Tip: Be sure to stay updated with the Duke Gardens Garden Gateway Project as its construction will affect par...
Emma CarpenterLiving in Pittsboro: NC’s Hidden Gem
July 09, 2025
Where Exactly is Pittsboro? Location is everything, and Pittsboro offers the best of both worlds. Pittsboro sits about 30 minutes southwest of Chapel Hill and less than an hour from Raleigh and Durham, making it a hub for those who want Triangle access without city congestion. U.S. Highway 64 and U.S. 15-501 offer easy routes to all major destinati...
Emma Carpenter