RALEIGH – Movers have helped swell Raleigh’s population nearly 3 percent in 2023 to nearly 1.6 million – and that trend is going to continue if a new report about the top cities where people dreaming about moving is any indication.

North Carolina’s capital ranks No. 7 as the most searched destination for people looking to move, says a new report from Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

People are dreaming about Raleigh even as average home sale prices hit August to $566,000, according to data from Triangle Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Median prices climbed last month to $479,900.

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The long list of accolades Raleigh has garnered in recent years checks off just about every box one might have for a great place to live, work, raise a family or retire.

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Raleigh rival Austin, Texas tops the list according to data gathered by Coldwell Banker’s Move Meter.

Charlotte ranked second.

Interestingly, Austin also ranks sixth among the top 10 cities that people want to leave.

The Top 10 Cities People Are Dreaming of Moving To:

  1. Austin, Texas
  2. Charlotte, N.C.
  3. New York
  4. Los Angeles
  5. Nashville, Tenn.
  6. Tampa, Fla.
  7. Raleigh, N.C.
  8. Seattle
  9. Atlanta
  10. San Diego

The Top 10 Cities People Are Dreaming of Moving From:

  1. Los Angeles
  2. Denver
  3. New York
  4. Louisville, Ky.
  5. Chicago
  6. Austin, Texas
  7. Allentown, Pa.
  8. Seattle
  9. San Diego
  10. Minneapolis