So here’s the list of mistakes you simply cannot make when living in Raleigh.  If you’ve lived here a while, shame on you, if you’re new to the area, listen up!  And this is meant to be fun, so please don’t take some of these literally!

Okay, the first set of rookie mistakes revolve around driving.

Perhaps the most dangerous of all the Raleigh rookie mistakes, is trying to take a left on Wade Ave when you’re not at a stop light.  You are risking your life doing this, as lines of sight on Wade Ave are horrible and cars drive way too fast.  It’s nearly a 50/50 chance of getting rear ended if you do this, so, just don’t!

Next up, when you’re driving on Glenwood Ave towards Five Points, seasoned Raleigh drivers know to get into that left lane early, as cars constantly park in the right lane and you will definitely be stuck sitting there for a while if you don’t get over early enough.

And simply enough, don’t make the rookie mistake of driving on Capital Blvd unless absolutely necessary.  It feels like a go cart race mixed with bumper cars during rush hour.  

During severe weather, you won’t want to make either of these next two driving mistakes.  

If it snows, just stay in, don’t drive.  Yes, we know all of you northerners know how to drive in the snow, BUT, we don’t, and just because you can drive, doesn’t mean that everyone else around you can!  Also, many times in Raleigh, we get ice vs snow, which is a different animal to drive in than the traditional snow you’re used to up north.

And if there is ever a tropical storm or large rain event, Crabtree Creek is notorious for flooding.  Stay away, and whatever you do, do NOT park on the bottom level of the Crabtree Valley Mall parking deck to seek shelter, as you may not have a usable car when you come back due to flooding.

Moving on to general locations around Raleigh, and building off Crabtree Valley Mall, do NOT go to Crabtree Valley Mall in December.  I’m sure many malls are like this, and Crabtree is no exception, just stay away.  The parking is terrible, the drivers are even worse, and good luck getting into the Cheesecake Factory to eat.

More on the malls, don’t go to Triangle Town Center.  It used to be a nice mall, but not anymore, and Raleigh really needs to have it revitalized and focus on its’ safety.

Speaking of safety, for those who enjoy being out late, or early in the morning, do not be on Glenwood South after 2am.  There’s no reason to walk around at 3 to 4am!  That’s when some recent crimes have occurred, so just don’t do that!

And Moore Square in Downtown Raleigh is a great place for events, but outside of the events that are put on, it’s where the homeless in Raleigh hang out.  So, unless you are specifically going to help the homeless, I would suggest staying away outside of those events.

On the topic of events, you’re definitely a Raleigh rookie if you haven’t experienced tailgating in Raleigh, especially at an NC State football game.  Carter Finley Stadium is located next to the fairgrounds and has a massive area for tailgating, something that Raleigh residents are known for.  

And if you go to the NC State Fair on a weekend night, especially the second weekend, that’s a major rookie mistake as you definitely want to go during the week.  Take the kids out of school for the afternoon, you’ll be thankful you avoided the weekend.  The only exception to this is if you’re going to people watch, then, Saturday nights are the best!

Right next to the fairgrounds is also the PNC Arena, home of the Carolina Hurricanes.  If you haven’t been to the loudest house in the NHL, even if you’re not a hockey fan, that’s a rookie mistake, as the atmosphere in there is amazing.

Moving into mistakes involving food, if you don’t have a go-to Cookout order, you’re definitely a Raleigh rookie.  Cookout is a local favorite, and it gets better the later it gets at night, and if you’re a true Raleigh resident, you don’t have to look at the menu.

You’re also a rookie if you’ve never experienced NC State’s famous Howling Cow ice cream.  NC State has a large agricultural department, and makes its’ own ice cream.  You’ve got to go at least once.

Another rookie mistake is thinking the PIT has the best barbecue.  The PIT is the most recognized barbecue joint in Raleigh as it has been featured on many network TV shows and competitions, and the PIT is great, but if you’re looking for the best barbecue in Raleigh, you should try places like Sam Jones BBQ, Ole Time Barbecue, and Clyde Coopers.  Locals will agree those have the best barbecue in Raleigh.

Now on the topic of barbecue, you’re a Raleigh rookie if you ask for ketchup based barbecue sauce.  Raleigh is not Kansas City, we are famous for vinegar based barbecue, and it’s almost illegal here to put anything ketchup based on your barbecue.  

It’s also nearly illegal to ask for unsweetened tea.  When you ask for tea in Raleigh, the default is sweet tea.  No sweeteners or anything are needed, so you’re definitely a Raleigh rookie if you ask for tea and assume you’re getting unsweetened tea. 

Angus Barn is Raleigh’s staple restaurant.  It’s also nationally recognized and has an absolutely amazing atmosphere.  But if you try to get a reservation, especially for a dinner after thanksgiving, you’re a Raleigh rookie if you aren’t on your computer at exactly one year out to make the reservation.  It is very competitive.  

You’re also a Raleigh rookie though if you don’t know about the Wild Turkey Lounge, where you don’t need a reservation and if you go early, you can typically get in without a major wait.

And this one is maybe less of a rookie mistake and more of a Raleigh pastime, but Harris Teeter grocery stores give out free sugar cookies to kids.  This just came back again this year after COVID, and their sugar cookies are the best.  Harris Teeter also has cheap and amazing sub sandwiches, so you’re definitely a Raleigh rookie if you’ve never had one.

The last category involves the outdoors and the weather.  

You’re definitely a Raleigh rookie if you aren’t constantly watching the weather.  Raleigh’s weather is very unpredictable, as the spring and fall seasons could have weather that is unseasonably hot or cold, sometimes on back to back days.  So if you just assume the weather will be mild in the spring or fall and don’t check the weather, that’s a major rookie mistake.

You’re also a Raleigh rookie if you don’t bring your outdoor furniture cushions, or at least cover them, during the 3-4 weeks of pollen season in the spring.  And if you have a screened in porch, you’re still not safe from the pollen so make sure you bring everything in!

Raleigh rookies have also never been to Umstead Park.  If you’ve never been, you’re missing out, as it’s an oasis of nature in the middle of the city with some amazing hiking trails.  You can hike for days and still not experience all the trails, as it’s massive.

You’re also a Raleigh rookie if you don’t assume every snake is a Copperhead.  These snakes are the most common, venomous snakes in Raleigh, and it’s well known.  But many Raleigh residents aren’t the best at identifying snakes, so you’ll notice that many just call and assume every snake is a Copperhead, even it’s just a harmless rat snake.

And lastly, if you go to Lake Crabtree and you pay to rent a kayak, you’re definitely a Raleigh rookie.  Lake Crabtree provides free kayak rentals to all Wake County residents if you present your license, so save yourself some money and just show your license!

Alright, here’s a bonus mistake to avoid, and possibly one of the biggest mistakes that real Raleigh rookies make, is that you do not, under any circumstance, call Raleigh, “Raleigh-Durham.”  Raleigh and Durham are separate cities, even though they are adjoined, and the only time you should ever combine them is when you’re talking about the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

I hope you learned a few things that will make living in Raleigh NC easier for you.  For more information on Raleigh, see our other blogs about the pros and cons of living in Raleigh or check out the hidden underground tunnel in downtown Raleigh!

If you need any real estate assistance, we have a team full of experts on the greater Raleigh area and we would love to help you buy or sell, as we have helped so many already from these blogs.

Please reach out via our contact information below:

Phone:  919-504-5265

Email:  alison@thewgroupraleigh.com

Website:  www.thewgroupraleigh.com