Raleigh Region Rated as One of the Top 6 Places for Business and Careers
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
July 2011 – According to Forbes.com, Raleigh NC tops their list of places with the most jobs and lowest cost of doing business. The annual list, entitled “Best Places For Business And Careers,” is a result of an evaluation of 200 metropolitan areas, which includes key factors like current and projected job growth, living and business costs, income growth, projected economic growth, and educational attainment. In fact, the Raleigh region tops the Forbes list, thanks, in part, to its high level of entrepreneurial activity and strong educational infrastructure. Other factors that influenced the rating include business costs that are 18% below the national average and a well-educated work force, 42% of which has a college degree. These factors combine to make the Raleigh region a very attractive place for large employers like Progress Energy and First Citizens Bank.
Reasons for the Region’s Success
People are flocking to Raleigh, and suburbs like Cary, in significant numbers. The net migration rate to the region has been the second highest in the US over the past 5 years. It doesn’t hurt that Raleigh is the state capital, so there are plenty of secure public-sector jobs available as well. When creating the ranking, Forbes also considers quality of life issues like recreational opportunities, cultural activities, and crime rates. Educational opportunities also are factored in, and this helped the region rise to the top of the ranking, due to the large number of highly ranked colleges and universities, including University of North Carolina, Duke University and North Carolina State. In addition, the Raleigh area has a strong and vibrant primary and secondary public education system.
Look to the Heartland
In recent years, recession has wiped out more than 9 million jobs in the US. Many of those jobs will never return, so any region that’s actively creating new jobs has a distinct advantage. Raleigh is one of those areas. Over 80% of the listings in the Best Places for Business and Careers list are located in the nation’s heartland, which seems to be thriving while traditional centers like the east and west coasts, along with large cities like New York and Los Angeles, continue to decline. The Raleigh area has an active and flourishing cultural life as well. The Progress Energy Center Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, the Raleigh Little Theater, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of History, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and many more contribute a strong dimension to the region.
With so much to recommend it, the Raleigh area is a great place to live and work.
Booth Amphitheater: A Remarkable Outdoor Venue in Cary, NC
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If you’re considering relocating to the Cary, North Carolina region, you should know that there’s a virtually endless list of things to do and see. So when you make a trip here to house hunt, be sure to ask your Cary, North Carolina realtor about some of the major attractions in the area, one of which is the extraordinary Booth Amphitheater.
Booth Amphitheater is a unique regional outdoor attraction for arts and entertainment events. It’s located in a tranquil park-like setting sprinkled with hardwood and pine trees. Symphony Lake adds a serene presence to this beautiful venue. The amphitheater holds about 7000 people with both lawn and deck seating available.
The North Carolina Symphony calls Booth its home in the summer months. The casual atmosphere is a radical departure from the formal music hall ambiance. The amphitheater blends seamlessly with the natural setting to create a unique audience experience. The season at Booth runs from April through October. There’s an eclectic mix of programs and performers, including “moonlight movie nights,” a family favorite.
In late November, the amphitheater is transformed into “Tinsel Town,” a winter wonderland that includes an outdoor rink for ice skating. Skate rentals are available on site.
“Preferred” parking costs $10, but there are plenty of free spaces available as well. Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted and chair rental is available for $5. Guests can bring along a bottle of factory-sealed water and there’s a unique “Virtual Cafe” where guests can order food on line and pick it up on site.
Booth Amphitheater is truly a jewel in the crown of the Cary, NC region that every realtor in Cary, North Carolina is proud to mention to newcomers.
Arts and Entertainment in Cary, North Carolina: The Cary Players
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If you’re new to the area or considering a move to Cary, North Carolina, you should know that there are activities for every taste in the region. So when you’re looking for real property for sale in Cary NC, why not take the time to find out more about some of Cary’s unique attractions? A good example of a home-grown cultural institution is Cary Players.
Formed in 2001, Cary Players is community theater where everyday people from the area can audition for and perform in theatrical productions. It’s mission is ” to provide the citizens of Cary and surrounding areas with the means by which they may develop, enhance and showcase theatrical talents.” The organization also seeks to enrich and enlighten “social and cultural experiences via a diverse offering of excellent theatrical productions.” Cary Players is a patron-centered enterprise that seeks to inspire and uplift those who attend its productions.
One of Cary Players’ recent productions is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare, performed in Bond Park’s Sertoma Amphitheater. Set in an ethereal enchanted wood, the play is a romantic comedy that has something for everyone. Cary Players ambitious undertaking of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays underscores the company’s excellence and dedication.
For home-grown talent and superior entertainment, be sure to take in a performance by Cary Players. If you’re new to the region and seeking Cary NC real property for sale, why not consider auditioning yourself? It’s bound to be an amazing experience!
Grass Roots Artisans: Cary NC’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival
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If you’re looking for real property for sale in Cary, North Carolina, you should know that this vibrant region is home to a burgeoning arts community. Add to that the many craftsmen in the area and you have the makings of a great event like the “Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival.” Held every August, Lazy Daze attracts hundreds of artisans and exhibitors and over 50,000 people to its venue in downtown Cary. The festival also features entertainment on multiple stages and a great variety of food and drink.
Lazy Daze is a day-long event that features a staggering variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, pottery, home decor, clothing, holiday ornaments, leather, wood crafting, metal work, carvings, paintings and more. For true local flavor, many of the area’s restaurant’s have booths featuring their culinary specialties. With an abundance of clean restroom facilities, parking and excellent handicap access, Lazy Daze is very user-friendly. In fact, Cary provides shuttle bus service from major parking areas right to the festival and there’s an Amtrak train station just one block away.
The event is very nearly a food festival as well, featuring an amazing array of culinary specialties like sirloin burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, grilled chicken and steak, sausage, fish tacos and much, much more. There’s even a roving water cart and fresh squeezed lemonade.
So if you”re considering Cary, North Carolina real property for sale, remember that there’s no shortage of interesting and enjoyable events in the region.
Dog Owners Alert: Get Ready for Cary’s “Dog Days” Event
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When you’re searching for realty for sale in Cary North Carolina, finding the right home is important to both you and your family. Everyone wants to find a neighborhood where they feel welcome and relaxed. The same is true for your pets. If you own a dog, Cary’s annual “Dog Days” celebration is not to be missed.
“Dog Days” is a day-long, fun-filled outdoor celebration of our canine friends. The event includes a charity raffle, Frisbee competition, vaccination clinic, adoption center, information from animal rescue groups and shelters and much more. If your dog is friendly and outgoing, leash them up and head for the park!
The high point of the day-long event is the exciting “dog disc” competition. The competition welcomes dogs of all ages and breeds and is a unique event because the teams consist of canines and humans! The canine team members must catch a Frisbee thrown by the human team members. Teams are judged on accuracy and distance. Spectators cheer their favorites on, making for a highly entertaining event that tests each team’s expertise. This is an easy “toss and fetch” competition. Unlike “freestyle” events that have choreographed routines, any dog that can run and retrieve a Frisbee has a chance to win.
This is only one of the fun and unique events newcomers will find in the region. Why not take a moment to explore the many fun and enjoyable local activities while you’re looking at Cary North Carolina realty for sale?
Flying High in Cary North Carolina’s Kite Festival
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Ask any Cary NC realtor about things to do in the region and he or she is sure to mention the colorful and exciting Kite Festival. From rookies to experts, this unique event celebrates high-flying kites of all shapes, sizes and styles. From stunt kite demonstrations to a large number of categories and awards, this is a family event that’s free and open to the public.
There are over 15 categories for competitors, including serious ones like “most unique kite,” “largest kite” and “kite farthest out.” To add to the fun, there are also humorous categories like “best crash,” “best tangle” and “most un-flyable kite.” Another lively event is the ”quickest takeoff,” where a shotgun start begins the competition. Skill demonstrations occur throughout the day. An awards ceremony honors the winners, including “youngest flyer,” “oldest flyer” and “most generations flying a kite.”
Prior to the festival, there are kite-making classses for children. Art classes with names like “Kite Capers” and “High in the Sky” are also featured. Kites of all types, homemade or store-bought, are welcome in the festival. In fact, there’s an award for the ”best homemade kite.” Spectators will enjoy the thrilling sight of boldly colored kites soaring higher and higher above the treetops. This is a great event for active families who enjoy the outdoors.
Your realtor in Cary NC is great resource for much more than just properties for sale. Be sure to ask about events that will give newcomers a good feel for life in the region.
One Tank Getaways: Historic Towns
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North Carolina is a great place to live and work. When considering realty for sale in Cary NC, many people also explore the area for things to do and see. Visitors and residents alike flock to historic attractions all over the region. Here’s some information about exciting day trips in and around Cary.
History buffs will enjoy visiting the 18th century towns in the region. Edenton, the colonial capital of North Carolina is less than 150 miles from the Raleigh metroplex. Called the “Prettiest Town in the South,” Edenton was founded in 1712. With a wealth of well-preserved districts and buildings, a visit to Edenton transports you back to pre-revolutionary days. Elizabeth City, founded in the 1650s, isn’t far from Edenton. Near Elizabeth City is Manteo, where you can discover the legends and lore of the fabled “Lost Colony.”
Another great historic site in the area is Williamston. This picturesque 19th century town has 2 districts on the National Register of Historic Places and is a wonderful example of how people lived and worked in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The historic districts contain numerous examples of architecture of the period and evoke a strong impression of life in bygone eras.
Windsor pre-dates Williamston by about 10 years and was once a bustling port. Visitors can enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk while taking in the scenery and sights. Windsor is home to the customs house and bank that served the town’s many sea-faring interests. Just outside Windsor the beautiful Hope Plantation, an antebellum plantation that dates from the 1720s.
If you’re looking for Cary NC realty for sale, also be sure to visit some of the many historic attractions in the area. You’re sure to come away with a deep and abiding respect for North Carolina’s American roots.
One Tank Getaways: The Barbecue Highway
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In 2005, a newspaper in Raleigh NC, the News and Observer, published an article titled “Barbeque Highway,” by Fred Thompson. Thompson’s culinary journey took him all over the state in search of perfect barbeque. The name stuck and now from the coastal areas to the extreme western regions, North Carolina’s Barbeque Highway attracts aficionados from all over the country.
If you’re a newcomer to the region or considering realty for sale in Cary, North Carolina, a trip along the Barbecue Highway is a great way to get acquainted with the region’s amazing cuisine.
The White Swan Bar-B-Q in Smithfield has been serving up delicious barbeque for nearly 50 years. Their delicious and unique sauce is made with vinegar and spices that perfectly compliments the smoky character of ribs and chicken. Slow cooked for optimal flavor and tenderness, the barbecue at the White Swan is mouthwatering. A traditional side dish of succulent cole slaw completes your experience at the White Swan.
Wilber’s Barbecue, where several notable Americans have eaten, including President George W. Bush Sr., President Bill Clinton, Governor Jim Hunt, Governor Terry Sanford and Senator Jesse Helms. Serving barbecue cooked in a pit over smoldering, aromatic oak wood, a platter at Wilber’s comes heaped high with accompaniments like cole slaw, potato salad and hush puppies for a great all-American meal.
McCall’s BBQ & Seafood Restaurant features a unique combination of authentic barbecue and delicious seafood dishes, which makes for many interesting platters. Choose from barbecued pork paired with fried chicken, barbecued chicken or tasty Brunswick stew. Brunswick stew is a traditional dish in the US southeast that contains a variety of ingredients, including meat, game and vegetables.
Taking a detour to one of these regional treasures while you’re visiting Cary North Carolina realty for sale is a great way to experience a true Southern culinary mainstay.
Explore the Region’s Roots: NC Museum of History
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With so many Cary NC houses for sale, it’s an indicator that the area is experiencing significant growth. A growing area is an exciting area where prices are reasonable and attractions diverse. Here’s some information about one of the region’s signature attractions: The North Carolina Museum of History.
The Museum’s Mission
The museum, under the auspices of the Division of State History Museums, has the mandate to “collect and preserve artifacts and other historical materials and heritage of North Carolina in a local, regional, national and international context to assist people in understanding how the past influences the present. The Division interprets the state’s history through exhibitions, educational programs and publications available to the visitor on-site or through distance-learning technologies.” Some of the permanent exhibits in the museum include decorative arts, the military history of the state and the North Carolina sports hall of fame. Special programs include family events, concerts and craft demonstrations.
Current Exhibits
“The Power of 3″ focuses on NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt, Sr., Junior Johnson and Richard Childress, all of whom drove race cars that carried the number 3. A must-see for car racing fans.
“Knights of the Black Flag” explores of the adventures and legacy of pirates, from ancient times to the present. On display are artifacts that evoke both history and legend. Sure to be a hit with children.
“1920s Drug Store” recreates a typical drug store from the “Roaring 20s” era. Included are a classic soda fountain with a marble counter and the workroom where the pharmacist created medicines. Great for the nostalgia buff.
“Pleasing to the Eye: The Decorative Arts of North Carolina” includes items from the 1600s to the 1900s. Furniture, textiles, ceramics, portraits, metalwork and silver are featured. A must for crafters.
“Everyday Artistry” shows how rural North Carolinians decorated humble objects they used daily, like tools, furnishings and quilts. Collectors will enjoy this exhibit
North Carolina’s rich and diverse history finds expression in the state’s museums. If you’re new to the area or looking for houses in Cary NC for sale, learning about the region by visiting museums is a great way to get acquainted with the state’s rich and diverse history.
Artistic Pleasures: Galleries Abound in Cary, NC
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Excellent restaurants, beautiful parks, great shopping venues and theaters make Cary, North Carolina a wonderful place to live and work. For a small city, Cary has a vibrant and active arts scene. If you’re planning a move to Cary and looking for Cary NC homes for sale, here’s some information about just two of the wonderful art galleries in the area.
Cary Gallery of Artists
This is a relatively new and unique gallery that was founded in 2005 by a group of local artists. If you’re looking for high-quality original art at reasonable prices, be sure to visit this gallery. Cary Gallery of Artists features a good variety of media and styles, from traditional to contemporary. There’s much more than just paintings. A remarkable section of pottery and clay art offers functional and decorative pieces in a variety of styles. Those who prefer avant-garde pottery can select from works that push the boundaries of this medium with “edgy, hand-built pieces,” such as amazing sculpted masks. There’s also a jewelry section where artists create one-of-a-kind bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Finally, a glass artist creates works from fused glass and stained glass.
The Russian Art Gallery
Specializing in original art objects and paintings imported from Russia, this gallery features a comprehensive collection of fine art items. For fans of impressionism and realism, the gallery’s contemporary collection is well worth seeing. Besides fine art, there are hand-crafted and hand-painted items like matrioshkas (nesting dolls), khokhloma (lacquer ware) and rare amber jewelry. Art-related services offered by the gallery include cleaning and restoring oil paintings, canvas stretching, custom mounting, matting and framing.
So, while you’re exploring the area and looking for homes in Cary NC for sale, be sure to experience some of the city’s many wonderful art galleries that lend a rich and diverse character to this energetic and attractive region.