Raleigh’s High Ranking
ADP Research recently named Raleigh one of the best U.S. cities for recent college graduates, highlighting the city’s strong job market, affordable cost of living compared to other tech hubs, and a lifestyle mix that appeals to young professionals. Raleigh’s concentration of technology, life sciences, and research-driven employers means graduates have career opportunities that can grow with them, while the area’s cultural amenities and outdoor lifestyle add to its appeal.
Who the “New Grad” Market Is
The “new grad” demographic includes young professionals in their early 20s who are just beginning their careers. They’re often:
- Renting apartments rather than buying homes
- Looking for smaller units or shared housing that fit their budgets
- Concentrated near major employment centers, universities, and lifestyle amenities
- Seeking areas with a vibrant social scene and walkable retail/dining
For real estate investors, this group represents steady rental demand, especially for workforce multifamily housing and well-located neighborhood shopping centers that provide everyday essentials.
Where New Grads Live in Raleigh
Several Raleigh neighborhoods and districts stand out as magnets for new grads:
- Downtown Raleigh – Walkable, close to nightlife, restaurants, and creative employers.
- Glenwood South – Popular entertainment district with apartments and a lively social scene.
- North Hills (Midtown) – A mix of apartments, retail, and office space that appeals to young professionals who want an “all-in-one” lifestyle.
- Cameron Village / Village District – Close to NC State University, offering a mix of students, grad students, and recent graduates in apartments and townhomes.
- Five Points & Oakwood – Trendy neighborhoods with historic charm, attracting grads who want character housing near downtown.
- Research Triangle Park (RTP) area – Newer multifamily developments cater to grads working in tech, biotech, and life sciences.
Why This Matters for Investors
Raleigh’s ranking underscores the city’s long-term growth story. As new graduates arrive and stay, they create sustained demand for rental housing and neighborhood retail. For investors, this means:
- Workforce housing close to job centers will remain in high demand.
- Mixed-use areas with retail and lifestyle amenities are strong bets.
- Neighborhood shopping centers anchored by essential services will thrive as these young professionals settle into daily routines.
In short, Raleigh’s reputation as a top city for new grads reinforces its position as a prime real estate market for long-term, stable growth.
Win Coleman, CCIM, is a graduate of East Carolina University where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance. He holds both North Carolina and South Carolina Real Estate Licenses and was awarded the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 2008.
Win served on the board of directors of The Triangle Apartment Association (TAA) where he co-chaired The Independent Rental Owner’s Council (IROC). He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors (TCAR) and the Raleigh Kiwanis Club.
While a specialist in site identification, evaluation and acquisition for investors and businesses, he also has extensive experience in brokerage, leasing, property management and investment sales.
Win assists in managing The Coleman Group, LLC, which owns a portfolio of investment properties, and he is a member of our acquisitions committee. He has lifelong experience and love for historic properties including the one he restored and where he resides in Historic Oakwood in Downtown Raleigh.