Raleigh was founded in 1792 as N.C.'s capital city. It was named for Sir Walter Raleigh, who attempted to establish the first English colony on the shores of the new world in the 1580s. It is the only state capital to have been planned and established by a state as the seat of state government, and it is the largest city in a combined statistical area known as Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (the Research Triangle Region). The city's founding fathers called Raleigh the "City of Oaks" and dedicated themselves to maintaining the area's wooded tracts and grassy parks. Home of the N.C. State Fair, N.C.'s largest annual event.

Raleigh boasts more than 9,000 acres of parkland and almost 1,300 acres of water, offering recreational activities year-round. A nationally-acclaimed greenway system spans 152 miles, providing walking, jogging and hiking trails that connect many of the City of Raleigh's 200+ parks. Surrounding towns have even more parks and recreational opportunities.

Sports and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to cheer about. Hockey fans can catch the excitement of the NHL Carolina Hurricanes. Relax outdoors at a Carolina Mudcats Single-A baseball game or at WakeMed Soccer Park watching North Carolina FC men's or North Carolina Courage women's pro soccer. The area is also home to stock car racing and great college athletics.