Getting Around Raleigh: Growing commutes and new roads
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Raleigh really takes.
Rachael, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Some people collect stamps. Vanessa collects zip codes. After 13 moves (including one four-day, five-kid, one-puppy odyssey from Washington to North Carolina), she’s learned that relocation is equal parts logistics and comedy. Now settled in Winston-Salem, she’s fallen for the BBQ, the breeze, and how everyone waves like they’ve known you since kindergarten. Her claim to fame? She once sat on Shamu. Her real skill? Turning past moving trauma into local wisdom and relocation knowledge. As a Snappy Scout editor, she mixes mom-level multitasking with cross-country survival instincts to help newcomers settle into the Tar Heel life without losing their minds.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
How Do You Get Around Raleigh?
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.
The time I spend getting to/from work every day is
A blissful 20 minutes... until I-440 makes you question all of your life choices
Traffic congestion areas to avoid
I-440 during literally any hour humans are awake
Ability to get around without a car
Technically possible if you enjoy 90-minute grocery trips and eternal optimism about the bus schedule
Locals dream of driving around in a
Tesla Model Y to show off their NC State pride
The reality is that most locals drive a
sensible Honda CR-V with a few Outer Banks stickers
Quirky local driving habit
Stopping completely in zero traffic when it drizzles slightly
The likelihood of finding parking
Tricky at times, but embarrassingly easy compared to actual cities (we're spoiled)
#1 driving tip
Merge onto Wade Avenue like your life depends on it
Where I Go for a Quiet Escape
You might be surprised to know that Pullen Park, with its signature carousel, statues, and aquatic center, can actually be very quiet. There are plenty of shady places to sit where it's just you and the sounds of nature.
— Rachael Riner
North Carolina Local Expert
Ready to See If Raleigh Fits You?
Compare neighborhoods, check the routes, or head back to the full Raleigh guide for the bigger picture.