From national rankings to hockey’s return, here’s the Raleigh news you need this week.

Why Raleigh Is a National Boomtown

LendingTree ranked Raleigh the No. 2 boomtown in the nation, pointing to how many people are moving, building, and starting businesses here. The numbers back it up: an average of 66 people move to Wake County every day, according to the News & Observer.

More praise came in. Travel + Leisure named the Triangle one of the best places for millennials to live, and WalletHub placed Raleigh among the top 10 cities for women.

Best of the Triangle and a Top National Restaurant

INDY Week released its annual “Best of the Triangle” issue, with Wake County winners in categories like Best BBQ, Best Florist, Best Camp, Best Local Podcast, Best Chinese Restaurant, and Best Wedding Venue.

Downtown’s Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern also made headlines. Tripadvisor ranked it No. 12 on its national list of the most exceptional restaurants.

Carolina Hurricanes: Canes Hockey Is Back

Caniacs, the wait is over. The Hurricanes played their first home game since winning the Stanley Cup, beating the Florida Panthers 3-2 in a preseason shootout (WRAL). The regular season starts Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Watching is getting easier, too. The new Hurricanes Hockey Network has a multi-year deal with Spectrum to broadcast 72 regular-season games starting Friday, Oct. 2, and games will also stream on Prime Video.

New Development Around the Triangle

Growth continues across the region:

• Downtown South: Florida-based developer Hillpointe proposed 264 apartments, almost all two-bedroom units. Amenities would include a pickleball court, a pool, and a dog park and spa (Triangle Business Journal).
• Fuquay-Varina: Construction is underway on the first phase of Gold Leaf Crossing, a 106-acre shopping hub planned for 800,000 square feet of retail. Future tenants include Target, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, Firebirds, Super Chix, Paris Baguette, and Nothing Bundt Cakes (News & Observer).
• Hillsborough Street: The former Holiday Inn reopens as Hotel Indigo on Thursday, Oct. 1, after a $36 million renovation, just in time for NC State’s Parents and Families Weekend. It includes High Ground Lounge, a top-floor cocktail lounge with city views.

University Rankings

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best National Universities list, Duke placed 8th, UNC 27th, and NC State tied for 73rd.

Fall Events and Things to Do in Raleigh

• Oktoberfest: Raleigh Beer Garden kicked off its celebration Saturday with a 1 p.m. stein hoist.
• Over the Edge: More than 100 participants are rappelling down 17 floors to raise money for Special Olympics NC.
• NC State Fair: The fair debuts the tallest Ferris wheel in its history at 230 feet, and new rides are on the way.
• Hilary Duff: Her Lucky Me Tour comes to Lenovo Center on Oct. 4.

Good to Know: Raleigh Leaf Collection Changes

The city changed how it collects leaves and no longer vacuums up the big piles at the curb. Review the new rules before you rake so you don’t get caught off guard.

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The Bottom Line

Raleigh keeps earning its reputation with top rankings, new places to eat, stay, and shop, and a Stanley Cup-winning hockey team. Check back with DoRaleigh.com for more Raleigh news and events.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |