News Summary
Governor Josh Stein discussed work-life balance and advanced manufacturing with local business leaders in Raleigh. The city ranks highly for its living conditions, remote work opportunities, and green spaces. Meanwhile, economic indicators show North Carolina as a leading state for business, despite challenges in cost of living and quality of life. Recent developments in educational excellence and real estate growth indicate a promising future for the Triangle region.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Key Developments in Business and Community
Governor Josh Stein engaged with local business leaders in Raleigh to discuss important issues related to work-life balance and the future needs of advanced manufacturing. During the session, the significance of technological innovations and artificial intelligence (AI) shaping the manufacturing landscape was emphasized, highlighting a growing demand for workers skilled in technical manufacturing jobs.
Work-Life Balance and City Rankings
Raleigh has been recognized as a leading city in promoting a balanced lifestyle. It was ranked No. 4 in a report on the Best US Cities for Work-Life Balance and Mental Health, trailing only behind Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Omaha. The city’s reputation is supported by data indicating that approximately 23.4% of its workforce operates remotely, making Raleigh the 15th highest out of 100 cities evaluated for remote work.
Residents of Raleigh benefit from an average income of $82,400 and a cost of living index of 97.2, contributing to a manageable living environment and work-life balance. The average one-way commute time for workers in Raleigh is 23.4 minutes, which is considered reasonable for urban centers of its size. Furthermore, the city ranks highly for access to green spaces, providing 22.3 acres of land per 1,000 residents.
Expert Insights on Future Urban Development
Dr. Christopher Meyers from Johns Hopkins University highlighted the importance of advancements in technology and evolving workspaces for shaping the future of cities like Raleigh. His insights align with ongoing developments that aim to adapt urban environments to technological progress and changing workforce needs.
Statewide Economic Indicators and Rankings
North Carolina scored 1,614 points in CNBC’s 2025 state-level ranking and was recognized as the No. 1 state for business in the nation. Despite this, the state ranked 29th for cost of living and 23rd for quality of life, indicating room for improvement in these areas.
Educational and Innovation Highlights
Raleigh is ranked as one of the top 10 large metro areas for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with 32 doctorate-holders per 100,000 residents. Nearby Durham ranked first in the mid-size category with 235 doctorate-holders per 100,000 residents, emphasizing the region’s strong emphasis on higher education and advanced research.
Controversies and Security Concerns
An undercover report revealed allegations that Raleigh officials may have secretly protected Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts by rebranding community programs. Additionally, calls for the resignation of Rep. Cecil Brockman are increasing following his arrest on charges of indecent liberties with a minor. He remains incarcerated in High Point jail and is scheduled for court proceedings.
Business Expansion and Real Estate Activity
JLL announced that Fox Rothschild law firm plans to relocate its Raleigh office to a 16,000-square-foot space at Raleigh Crossing. This move aims to expand the firm’s operations in the Triangle region and strengthen its national presence.
The Raleigh office currently employs over 25 attorneys specializing in various legal sectors, including litigation and real estate. The new location will feature modern facilities such as a sky park, tenant lounge, and fitness studio. The Raleigh Crossing development as a whole will combine office, retail, and residential spaces, accommodating growing tenant demand in a competitive market.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
Demand for high-quality office spaces in the Triangle area is rising, driven by competitive pressures and an expanding economy. The region’s post-pandemic recovery has prompted renewed investor interest, highlighting its status as a strong market for commercial real estate. Future rent growth in Raleigh-Durham is expected to outperform other regions such as Austin, reflecting a positive outlook for continued economic development in the area.
The Triangle’s prior economic momentum and current real estate activity underscore its position as a hub for innovation, business, and quality of life improvements.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: The Future of Work
- Carolina Journal: Raleigh Work-Life Balance
- JLL: Fox Rothschild Relocation
- WRAL Tech Wire: Future of Work Insights
- ABC11: Triangle Transportation Issues
- Wikipedia: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Google Search: North Carolina Work-Life Balance
- Google Scholar: Raleigh NC Business Developments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- Google News: Raleigh North Carolina Business
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
