Welcome to the Newto News for January of 2026. My name is Zack Cockfield, and my team and I created Newtomedia as a way for visitors or new residents to get information about a city. Each month we bring together resources that will update you on the history, amenities, culture, future opportunities and all other things inside a city that make it unique. We also hope to be a resource for connecting you with people and businesses that can help you live a better life. If you find our efforts useful, please click on the links to get more information!

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Raleigh, North Carolina, was founded in 1792 as the capital of the state. The city was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, a prominent figure in the English colonization of North America. Initially intended to be a planned city with a grid layout, Raleigh quickly grew in size and population due to its strategic location in the Piedmont region of the state. During the Civil War, Raleigh served as an important Confederate supply base and was spared from much of the destruction that plagued other southern cities. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Raleigh experienced significant economic growth due to the expansion of the railroad system and the establishment of several universities and research institutions in the area. Today, Raleigh is known for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, and thriving technology sector. The city continues to grow and evolve, while still retaining its historical charm and significance as the capital of North Carolina.

The top 10 industries that are hiring locally:

  1. Healthcare
  2. Technology
  3. Education
  4. Hospitality
  5. Finance
  6. Retail
  7. Manufacturing
  8. Construction
  9. Transportation
  10. Government

The top 10 recreational activities the area is known for:

  1. Hiking
  2. Biking
  3. Fishing
  4. Golfing
  5. Skiing
  6. Boating
  7. Swimming
  8. Camping
  9. Wine tasting
  10. Art galleries

Average low and high temperature for the month:

Low: 50°F / High: 75°F

Average precipitation for the month:

2 inches

Elevation:

5000 feet

Average home price:

$300,000

Average household income:

$60,000

The top 10 tourist points of interest:

  1. National Park
  2. Historic downtown district
  3. Mountain peak lookout
  4. Botanical garden
  5. Museum of local history
  6. Adventure park
  7. Scenic railway
  8. Guided winery tours
  9. Zoo & wildlife sanctuary
  10. Cultural festivals

The top 10 restaurants:

Herons

Cary

Located in the Umstead Hotel, Herons offers a refined dining experience with beautifully crafted dishes that showcase seasonal and local ingredients in a sophisticated and serene setting.

Poole’s Diner

Downtown Raleigh

Poole’s Diner offers a modern take on classic comfort food, with a frequently changing menu that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and includes favorites like mac ‘n cheese and homemade pies.

Death & Taxes

Downtown Raleigh

A contemporary American restaurant led by Chef Ashley Christensen, featuring wood-fired dishes with an innovative approach to grilled meats and vegetables in a chic setting.

Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern

Downtown Raleigh

Housed in a historic mansion, Second Empire offers an exquisite dining experience with a menu focusing on New American cuisine, alongside a more casual tavern atmosphere downstairs.

Crawford and Son

Historic Oakwood

Crawford and Son offers a warm neighborhood feel with a menu that emphasizes modern Southern cuisine, using top-quality, fresh local ingredients for its innovative dishes.

Bida Manda

Downtown Raleigh

This elegant Laotian restaurant focuses on authentic, flavorful dishes, blending a variety of herbs and ingredients to craft traditional yet artful presentations.

Stanbury

North Person Street

Known for its ever-changing menu, Stanbury presents vibrant, inventive dishes using fresh local produce in a lively, rustic-chic setting.

Glenwood Grill

Glenwood Village

Glenwood Grill features Southern-inspired cuisine with a creative twist, offering a mix of classic and contemporary dishes in a cozy, upscale atmosphere.

The Fiction Kitchen

Downtown Raleigh

Dedicated to vegetarian and vegan cuisine, The Fiction Kitchen offers inventive, flavorful plant-based dishes, showcasing local produce in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

Varsity on Franklin

Chapel Hill Street

A casual neighborhood eatery that provides a fun twist on American classics with a menu that includes innovative burgers, hearty sandwiches, and creative sides.

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