Raleigh, North Carolina's state capital, topped Business week's 2011 list as America's Best City for its winning combination of affordable living, job opportunities and culture. The South Central Raleigh neighborhood sits just east of the city's business district, serving as the residential heartbeat of the community. With access to hundreds of restaurants and bars nearby and an astounding number of museums and historical attractions too, this is one of the most desirable places to live in the area. Raleigh's ability to thrive is, in part, due to its proximity to the three major state university's - Duke, North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Known as the "City of Oaks," Central Raleigh's streets are lined with hearty oak trees.

There are amazing apartments for rent with incredible views of the city, as well as single-family homes in a variety of styles.