Raleigh, North Carolina – General Information

About Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County. Founded in 1792 as one of the earliest planned cities in the country, it has grown steadily and now reaches toward neighboring Durham County. Raleigh is close to communities such as Cary, Knightdale and Garner, with major routes like Interstate 40 and Interstate 440 giving residents and visitors easy access throughout the city.
Wildlife Removal Services in Raleigh
Triangle Wildlife Removal provides wildlife services throughout Raleigh, including neighborhoods such as North Hills, Five Points, Brier Creek, Midtown and around NC State University. Below are direct links to our Raleigh service pages:
- Raleigh Squirrel Removal
- Raleigh Raccoon Removal
- Raleigh Bat Removal
- Raleigh Rodent Removal
- Raleigh Snake Removal
- Raleigh Pest and Wildlife Removal
- Raleigh Opossum Removal
Population and Land Area
Raleigh has a population of about 468,990 residents and covers roughly 144.8 square miles. It sits at about 434 feet above sea level in east-central North Carolina. The city is near areas like Chapel Hill and Durham, together forming a major part of the Research Triangle. For more local information, you can visit the official City of Raleigh website.
Climate
Raleigh has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, and occasional dry periods occur. Spring and summer temperatures often reach the 80s, while winter temperatures drop into the 50s. Wildlife activity is strong in this environment, which is common in areas with abundant vegetation like Raleigh. For more information on wildlife-related health concerns, the CDC Rabies Information page provides helpful guidance.
Cityscape
Raleigh includes several distinct areas such as Downtown, Midtown, North Raleigh, West Raleigh, East Raleigh, South Raleigh and the Inside-the-Beltline neighborhoods. Each area has its own style, from historic homes near Oakwood to modern developments along Glenwood Avenue.
Cultural Resources
Museums
Raleigh has a strong museum presence, including the City of Raleigh Museum, the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Art. These institutions offer a wide selection of exhibits and attract visitors year-round. Additional information about the history of the state can be found on the Raleigh Wikipedia page.
Arts
The city supports a wide range of performing arts. Venues like Red Hat Amphitheater, Fletcher Opera Theater, Kennedy Theatre and Meymandi Concert Hall host concerts, plays and cultural events throughout the year.
Food Scene and Nightlife
Raleigh has hundreds of restaurants serving many types of cuisine. Popular dining areas include Glenwood South, Downtown Raleigh and North Hills. Restaurants like Bida Manda and Saint Jacques have high visitor interest. Nightlife is active in the downtown area, with many music venues and gathering spots such as the well-known Raleigh Beer Garden.
Top Attractions

Raleigh welcomes millions of visitors each year, supporting local businesses, restaurants and cultural facilities. Historic Oakwood is a walkable neighborhood featuring restored homes, gardens and local parks. Oak View County Park, which includes the Farm History Center, is another popular destination for families and history enthusiasts.
Pullen Park
Pullen Park opened in 1887 and was the first public park in North Carolina. It sits near NC State University and offers a large playground, a carousel, open green space and the well-known Theater in the Park.
Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum focuses on hands-on learning for children, offering interactive exhibits and creative play areas that keep younger visitors engaged.
North Carolina State Capitol
The North Carolina State Capitol is a well-preserved example of Greek Revival architecture. Located in Downtown Raleigh, the building attracts many visitors and serves as the Governor’s office.
Activities
Videri Chocolate Factory
Located in the Warehouse District, Videri Chocolate Factory offers tours and a chance to learn about chocolate making while enjoying their handmade products.
Triangle Rock Club
Triangle Rock Club is one of Raleigh’s most visited indoor climbing facilities. It provides climbing training, yoga classes and fitness options for visitors and members.
Historical Facts About Raleigh
- Raleigh is often called the City of Oaks because of the many oak trees throughout its streets and neighborhoods.
- President Andrew Johnson was born in Raleigh.
- The Beltline, now known as Interstate 440, was built between the 1970s and 1980s to improve transportation flow around the city.
- Raleigh’s growth has long been supported by local businesses and family-owned companies.
- The city has earned awards for technology sector growth and continues to expand as part of the Research Triangle.