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i'm currently an undergrad at the University of Virginia and am looking into graduate schools in cities that are significantly larger than Charlottesville, VA. I would most likely go to NC State if any of the schools in the triangle region because its the only school that has my program (Chemical Engineering). I was wondering if Raleigh provided the same 'big-city flair' as compared to larger cities. Thanks for any feedback
Big-city flair? I don't think of that description for Raleigh. Charlotte, NC would be a closer match to Pittsburgh or Atlanta design/appearance/feel. Lots of trees and subdivisions in Raleigh and not as much concrete, no subways or rail system. Very few really tall buildings except for a few in a group right in central downtown. But plenty of things to do in the way of bars, restaurants, concerts, a few museums, plays, etc., and penty of traffic like those cities, though!!
Last edited by Sloaf; 03-19-2010 at 08:00 PM..
Reason: spelling
By 'big city flair' I mean good restaurants, bars, decent places to go shopping. Huge buildings are a plus though. It seems like Raleigh is growing pretty rapidly and I think the upward growth is sure to come. I know the Raleigh area has a ton of golf courses which is a huge plus in my book. I guess ultimately I want to know if there is enough to keep me busy (outside of school work) for 2 to 3 years while I'm in grad school. Or would Raleigh be a good place to relocate to after I spent some time in Pittsburgh/Atlanta/Philly?
Seems like it would actually be better to come to school here where there are fewer distractions, then move to a "big city" once you're out of school (and have both income and free time to take advantages of them), if this is your primary concern. You'll certainly have things to do in your off-time here, but it wouldn't be as tempting and an actual large city (which is good for a grad student).
There aren't really "huge" buildings here like you will find in the downtown of a major city. I consider the Triangle more of a metropolitan area (spread out) than a big city.
Raleigh is a nice small southern city that continues to grow. You shouldn't compare it to places like Boston, Atlanta, NYC ect... as those areas are much larger. I would come for a visit and see it it suits you. FWIW, as a Checmical Engineer Grad student I have to wonder just how much free time you would have anywhere. You will probably be to busy studying to be bored. Another point, I would not put Pitt in the same league as the other cities you listed either. I have guest in town this weekend who are from Pitt and I've been there a few times and I don't think Pitt has as much to offer as the Triangle let alone places like Boston.
Raleigh is a nice small southern city that continues to grow. You shouldn't compare it to places like Boston, Atlanta, NYC ect... as those areas are much larger. I would come for a visit and see it it suits you. FWIW, as a Checmical Engineer Grad student I have to wonder just how much free time you would have anywhere. You will probably be to busy studying to be bored. Another point, I would not put Pitt in the same league as the other cities you listed either. I have guest in town this weekend who are from Pitt and I've been there a few times and I don't think Pitt has as much to offer as the Triangle let alone places like Boston.
Thanks! I guess I wasn't trying to make a direct comparison between Atlanta, Boston, Pitt, Philly, and Raleigh. Those are the cities where I'm looking into grad schools. I've only visited Boston and Pitt for more than a couple of days but there are more road trips to come...And as far as spending all my time studying, I realize that I will need some distractions every once in awhile. But thanks again for your insight!
Raleigh is more of a suburb than a city. It is a place of low density, sprawly development, without a light rail or subway system. While Raleigh has nightlife, few would call it a city with a pumping club scene or night life. It is a place for very laid back people who live fairly quiet lives compared to big city lovers. People who love big cities tend to be very bored with Raleigh.
There is no "big city flair" in Raleigh. There is a small downtown nightlife scene. There are also some bars in North Raleigh, etc. Not much of a club scene (you have a couple of options to choose from..) The city itself is VERY sprawled out and you will find yourself doing lots of driving. It seems no matter which area I've looked at, I still have friends who live 25-30 minutes away in different directions.
I moved here from San Francisco which isn't even as big of a city as Boston or NY, and a year and half later it's still major culture shock.
I enjoy the peace and quiet of where I live, but I'm sick of all the driving, the limited options of what to do, and you must also be aware that people here tend to be much more conservative than in those other cities you mentioned (this is the bible belt, after all...)
I agree with a prior poster about this being far more like living in the suburbs than a city. It doesn't feel at all like a city to me, personally.
Just some things to keep in mind before moving here.
good luck!
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