Nearly twenty-two years ago, I moved to Raleigh for college, not knowing that it would become home. As someone who has spent my entire adult life here, I have met some amazing people and had some life-changing experiences in this beautiful city. One of the main reasons I decided to stay here was the family-friendly amenities, not to mention, the great sense of community. I've seen Raleigh change a lot in the past couple of decades, but I have absolutely no regrets about making such a permanent change.

If you’re thinking about growing your family and want more than just a place to live, Raleigh should definitely be at the top of your list. This vibrant, fast-growing (and I mean fast) city combines quality of life, economic opportunity, family-oriented accommodations and a culture of community in ways few other cities can match. Here’s why people are increasingly choosing Raleigh as the place to put down roots, raise their children and invest in community.

Nationally Recognized Quality of Life
Raleigh was recently ranked the #6 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026. Not only does Raleigh have safe neighborhoods and lower crime rates than many similarly sized metros, but it also offers job security, shorter commuter times, accessible health care and abundant outdoor recreation, giving families comfort and peace of mind. This kind of environment helps children thrive socially, emotionally and physically.

A Thriving Economy and Strong Job Market
Raleigh’s economy continues to outperform many U.S. cities. It consistently ranks high due to job growth in tech, healthcare, biotech and education. Because of this, families can look forward to stable employment opportunities, stronger household incomes and the ability to balance professional and personal life. For many couples, this stability makes it easier to plan for children and secure family support services like doulas, child care, camps & extracurricular activities, and even higher education.

Unmatched Work–Life Balance
Last year, Raleigh ranked #4 nationally for work-life balance, highlighting its affordable cost of living, flexible work options (including remote and hybrid roles), and abundant green space per resident. For many parents, this balance is critical and means more meaningful family time, less stress during pregnancy and early parenthood and better integration of supportive services (like doulas, nannies and elder care for aging parents).

High-Quality Schools and Education
Families often cite education as a top priority and Raleigh does not disappoint. The Raleigh-Wake County area regularly ranks among the top cities in the nation for public school quality and overall education outcomes. Our strong education ecosystem boosts property values, attracts family-oriented communities and creates opportunities for children to excel from early learning through high school.

Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Major Cities
With an average of 50+ people moving to Raleigh each day, housing is always being developed. And while Raleigh’s housing market has grown, it still offers better affordability than many large U.S. metros like New York, D.C., or San Francisco, especially when you compare total living costs and quality of life. Currently, home prices in the Triangle area remain significantly lower than in larger coastal markets. Many families find that their quality of life improves as housing costs decrease relative to their income, leaving more money left for monthly expenses like childcare, groceries and activities. This affordability can also free up resources for important family-building expenses like savings & emergency funds, family enrichment activities  and travel.

Growing Healthcare Infrastructure
Families with young children often prioritize access to strong pediatric and maternity care. Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle region, which is building North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, a major development that will expand pediatric services and access for families. This kind of long-term health investment complements supportive services like prenatal and pediatric care, ensuring families have more options for comprehensive care.

Family-Focused Neighborhoods for Every Stage of Life
Whether you’re a first-time parent or planning your forever home, Raleigh and its surrounding suburbs offer diverse living options. Each of these areas has unique advantages while staying connected to Raleigh’s economic and cultural core.

• Cary: Top schools, safe communities, over two dozen parks
• Apex: Friendly downtown and excellent youth programs
• North Raleigh: Larger homes, outdoor excitement
• Holly Springs & Wake Forest: Affordable family growth
• Garner: Close to jobs, great for young families starting out

A Community That Values Family Support
Raleigh has developed a community culture centered on families that includes support networks for new parents, group activities, festivals & family events, robust parks, trails, outdoor spaces and countless family & parenting resources. Whether you’re seeking support for your first baby or enrolling children in after-school programs, Raleigh offers the social fabric that nurtures families, not just houses.

Choosing where to raise your family is one of life’s biggest decisions. Raleigh stands out not just for its rankings and statistics, but for the real lived experiences of families like mine who move here seeking support, balance, community and opportunity.

From economic stability and educational strength to outdoor living and family resources, Raleigh provides a foundation where children can flourish and parents can build the life they’ve always dreamed of.

Want to learn more about Raleigh? Here are some interesting facts that just may persuade you to settle here sooner rather than later.
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1. Raleigh has a diverse art scene, from Broadway shows on tour to original plays in the park, the opera to the ballet. The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts has facilities for any size performance, including a state-of-the-art symphonic music hall.
2. Raleigh is home to a variety of museums. Three major state museums call the city home: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NC’s most visited museum), North Carolina Museum of Art (the first state art museum in the country), and North Carolina Museum of History (currently undergoing a major renovation and adding to its cast collection of artifacts).
3. The Capital Area Greenway System consists of 28 individual trails, offering recreational activities year-round. Its nationally acclaimed greenway system spans more than 180 miles, with trails that connect many of the city’s 200+ parks and the Town of Cary's 30+ parks.
4. Raleigh is most known for traditional southern food, particularly North Carolina State BBQ (Eastern style and Lexington styles are favored). 
5. The city is home to the first historically black university in the South, Shaw University. It is also among the oldest HBCUs in the nation. Shaw’s Estey Hall was the first building constructed for the higher education of Black women; its Leonard Medical Center was the first four-year medical school in the country for African Americans.

As parents—especially as moms—there's a lot of talk about self-care. But what does it really mean? Self-care is a deliberate and self-initiated practice that helps regulate our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, filled with constant demands and endless responsibilities, taking time to care for ourselves isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

Did you know that self-care aligns with preventive medicine?

When you prioritize your own health and wellness, you’re not just improving your mood or energy—you’re actively investing in your long-term health and resilience. It’s like putting on your own oxygen mask first so you can better care for those who depend on you.
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The Hardest Part? Making Time for It.
Let’s be honest: making time for self-care can feel like an impossible task when you're managing a household, working, parenting, and trying to be everything for everyone. But here’s the truth—if you don’t make time, time won’t make itself.

I recommend planning ahead and even blocking time off in your calendar—just like you would for a meeting or your child’s soccer game. Consider it an appointment with yourself that you deserve to keep.

Tips for Creating a Manageable Self-Care Routine

1. Start small
   Don’t overwhelm yourself with expensive spa days or complicated routines. Self-care can begin right at home. Brew a cup of herbal tea, give yourself a manicure or pedicure, take a bubble bath (when was the last time you did that?), or try a new beauty treatment. Step outside for fresh air, soak in the sun for 10 minutes, or unwind with a favorite show. Even ordering takeout instead of cooking counts—remember, the small things add up.
2. Do one thing just for you each day
   I know your to-do list is never-ending, but try to do one thing daily that’s purely for you. It could be as simple as putting on a favorite lipstick, listening to your favorite podcast, or grabbing a fancy coffee from Starbucks. This small act of self-kindness helps build consistency and signals that you are a priority too.
3. Communicate with your family
   When planning your self-care time, let your family know in advance. Clear communication sets expectations and helps minimize interruptions. Teach your kids and partner to respect your "me time"—it models healthy boundaries and self-respect.
4. Incorporate wellness into your routine
   • Prayer or meditation: A few quiet minutes can ground your day and reduce stress.
   • See your doctor regularly: Stay on top of health checkups and don’t ignore symptoms.
   • Move your body: Whether it's yoga, a brisk walk, or a dance session in the kitchen, physical activity releases endorphins and boosts energy.
   • Eat nourishing foods: Fuel your body with what makes you feel good.
5. Stay social
   Spend time with friends who uplift you. A coffee date, phone call, or girls’ night out can be incredibly restorative. Let your village pour into you for a change.
6. Try something new
   A new hobby, workout, or skill can spark joy and help you rediscover parts of yourself that might have been buried under the responsibilities of motherhood.
7. Journal or write
   Writing things down can be therapeutic. Whether it’s gratitude journaling, venting after a rough day, or setting goals, journaling creates space to process your thoughts and feelings.

Mom, it’s okay to put yourself first every once in a while. You give so much of yourself to your family, and in order to continue doing that with love and energy, you must refill your own cup. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Be in the moment, listen to what your body and mind are telling you, and honor your needs. You are worth it.

Parenting is hard. And confusing. And exhausting. Trust me, I get it. Much of parenting is trial & error and gut instinct, am I right? The honest truth is that only you know what's best for your children and family. But where do you go when you need answers?

The modern world has resources and information literally at your fingertips. But a lot of what is floating around out there is opinion and not evidence-based information from experts. And no offense to Google, but that is the last place you need to go when you are looking for direct and factual data. Please save yourself some time and uncertainty. Instead, here are some  highly-recommended and equally popular resources that can be beneficial to you on your parenting journey.

Websites

• Lucie's List– Great registry guidance, gear reviews, and postpartum tips.
• The Bump– Week-by-week pregnancy tracker, baby name tools, and parenting guides.
• BabyCenter– Trusted site with community forums, due date calculators, and developmental milestones.
• KellyMom– Evidence-based breastfeeding and parenting support.
• Janet Lansbury– Focuses on respectful parenting and the RIE method.
• What to Expect– Based on the popular book, with forums and a strong app.
• ​​Zero to Three​- Child development research and parenting tools from birth to age 3.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – HealthyChildren.org- Pediatrician-backed advice on everything from pregnancy through adolescence.
• Motherly- Thoughtful, mom-focused content with expert guidance on parenting and wellness.​

Apps

• Peanut– A social networking app for moms and expecting parents to connect.
• Ovia Pregnancy & Ovia Parenting– Tracking tools for pregnancy and baby development.
• Huckleberry– Baby sleep tracking with expert guidance.
• Kinedu– Developmental activity suggestions backed by child development research.
• Baby Tracker– Logs feeding, diapering, and sleep data.
• The Wonder Weeks- Tracks mental development leaps in babies based on neuroscience.

Podcasts

• “The Longest Shortest Time” – Fascinating stories about parenthood, often hilarious and heartwarming.
• “Unruffled” with Janet Lansbury – Practical advice on parenting calmly and respectfully.
• “Evidence-Based Birth” Podcast – Especially helpful for expectant parents who want to make informed birth choices.
• “The Birth Hour” – Real birth stories from all perspectives.
• “Raising Good Humans” by Dr. Aliza Pressman – Expert interviews and modern parenting science.

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When You Need Professional Input

• Your Pediatrician or OB/GYN– Always defer to them for health concerns.
• IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)– For breastfeeding issues.
• Postpartum Support International– For maternal mental health and postpartum depression help.

Again, nothing beats your gut instinct. But if you need a starting point for specific topics related to pregnancy, birth and parenting, some of these online resources will surely be at the top of your go-to list.

Have you tried any of the resources listed above? Have any to add to the list? Leave a comment below!

1. Tell me about yourself.
Thank you for having me. I am Chef Brittany. I am a mom first to three handsome boys who are also my taste testers for new recipes. I am a culinary professor, private chef and founder of Sprouts and Spice Agricultural Academy.

2. How/why did you start Sprouts and Spice Agricultural Academy?
I started Sprouts and Spice Agricultural Academy because I saw there was a great need for our community to learn and understand agriculture, culinary arts and nutrition. When we look at the statistics and study the facts surrounding heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, all of these diseases are usually directly correlated with the food that we consume. In the African American community we are 40 to 50 percent more likely to be living with one or more of these diseases. So I thought the best way to tackle and dismantle this statistic is by teaching the next generation what nutrition looks like and giving them the skills and techniques to become food change makers. We aim to teach middle school and high school students a seed to table curriculum that encompasses the entire food cycle. We are currently in the pilot and research stage of development, to provide fully immersive classes that teach agriculture, cooking, and nutrition.

3. What is the mission or main focus of Sprouts and Spice Academy?
At Sprouts & Spice Academy, our mission is to sow the seeds of knowledge, nurturing the connection between 5th-12th youth and the origins of their food. Through hands-on gardening and culinary classes, we cultivate curiosity, inspire passion, and instill values of environmental stewardship in urban and underserved communities. We envision a future where every child, regardless of their background, becomes a changemaker in our food system.

4. Tell me more about your position at Johnston Community College.
I currently teach part-time fun cooking classes a few times throughout the month. So anyone 18 or older can sign up. I will also host a Sprouts culinary summer camp in July for ages 10-17. In the fall I will also teach for the 2-year culinary degree program.

5. What are the best & most challenging parts of being an entrepreneur and professor?
I think the best part is first being able to create something from nothing and being able to cultivate an idea into a business. I love being in a creative space and creating something new. I enjoy managing my own time and schedule. I believe the most challenging part is figuring out new ways to market and attract new customers. Social media has become the new way for people to connect especially since the pandemic, so figuring out how to market your services to your target audience in this new age is the most challenging part.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 ­years?
I see myself building and expanding Sprouts & Spice Academy. Sprouts & Spice will soon transform into an online academy. Which will consist of an interactive platform for schools, and organizations to use to teach nutrition, agriculture and culinary arts. I am looking forward to developing the platform and integrations so that all students have access to our curriculum.

7. Who do you look up to or admire in the culinary community?
​To be truthfully honest, I love learning from a variety of chefs. I watch a lot of Gordon Ramsey techniques and Emeril was one of my favorite shows to watch as a kid. I stay in tune with the latest culinary trends by tutorials and YouTube videos from different chefs from all around the country. I also love following inspirational business stories in my field like” Pinky Cole”. I pull from many different mediums in the culinary community.

8. Tell me about your most recent business wi­n.
I am piloting our classes with the City of Raleigh so we are excited about that. Being able to collect feedback and research from students and parents is so vital to the success of our business.

9. Please share any upcoming events or programs you will be participating in or any special offerings for new clients.
Schools, organizations and groups can sign up to experience our Sprouts & Spice classes on our website. We have some special events coming up this spring/summer that we will post on our website once dates are finalized.

You're in your final weeks of pregnancy and no doubt you are excited to meet your baby. You've been preparing for months to welcome your new addition, but you may also be a little anxious because you may still have items to complete on your to-do list. No worries!

The list below will help you prioritize what you need to get done and make sure you're not forgetting anything so you can focus on mentally preparing for labor.

Labor & Birth Checklist​

• Labor and parenting classes: Taking classes to help you prepare for labor and parenthood can be especially beneficial if you are a first time parent or if you are looking to have a different birth experience than previous ones. Classes can include Lamaze, breastfeeding course, newborn care, etc.
• Order or purchase labor and postpartum essentials: Be sure that you order your breast pump and purchase any necessities well before labor begins. These items can include nursing and feeding accessories, baby care items and things for the nursery (car seat, stroller, bassinet/crib).
• Take a hospital tour (if possible): Whether you are birthing at home or at the hospital, you should take a tour of the hospital so you can know what to expect during labor and delivery. Home birth could lead to a hospital transfer if complications arise and you will want to be familiar with the hospital policies and protocols beforehand.  While a virtual tour isn't quite the same, it can still give you some insight about your care and stay.
• Finalize your birth plan: After mapping out your birth plan, you will want to go over your plan with your provider and discuss your wishes during and immediately after labor. Your doula can help you with all of the details and answer any questions you may have to complete your plan.
• Create a birth playlist: This fun activity is sure to get you in the right headspace for birth. And the great part is that you can add any type of music that help you move and stay focused during early and active labor. Feel free to bring headphones, earbuds or a small speaker for your birthing space.
• Pack your hospital bags: By 37 weeks, you will want to have your bags packed and ready to go in case your baby decides to come early. Here is a guide on what to pack.
• Delegate your work responsibilities: Decide when your last day of work will be and begin delegating responsibilities and reducing meetings around 30 weeks. If you have the option to work from home, you want to do that in the last few weeks. Make sure your have spoken with HR about the details of your leave.
• New parent celebration: take the time to celebrate yourself and the life growing inside of you. Take maternity photos, have a baby shower or mother's blessing ceremony, plan a Babymoon with your partner and soak up all the love and support you can during this precious time. You won't be able to experience this time again.
• Postpartum planning: having a postpartum plan ensures that you have the necessary time to adjust to life with a newborn and also recover from birth. Putting boundaries in place for family and friends is a good idea when thinking about visitors and your overall state postpartum. As time passes, your plan may adjust and that is perfectly fine. Things to think about and include in your postpartum plan: physical recovery, bonding with your newborn, your relationship with you partner, co-sleeping, breastfeeding/pumping, introducing a bottle, appointments, finances, returning to work after leave, childcare, etc. If you give birth prematurely, experience any type of trauma, loss (pregnancy or otherwise) or mental challenges before or during pregnancy, it may be a good idea to do some extended postpartum planning.
• Choose a pediatrician: Just like choosing a prenatal provider for yourself, you will want to take some time to choose a pediatrician for your baby. You will want to consider practice size, location, services provided, office hours and overall fit, care and support for your family.​
• Explore childcare options: depending on the length of your leave and when/if you are planning to return to work, you will want to discuss and plan your childcare needs well in advance. Day care waiting list can be 6 months to over a year long. You will also want to consider your budget, quality of care, options (family care, home day care, nanny, or traditional day care) and location.
• Update insurance (health, life, etc.): this is something that you won't be able to officially do until after your baby is born, but it is a good idea to go ahead and start preparing.
• Preparing for the unexpected: While it may seem daunting to think about such things, you will want to be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to labor and birth. Premature birth, cesarean birth, a NICU stay or infant loss is always a possibility and it is better to be prepared for it than caught off guard and trying to make big decisions about the care of your baby in the moment.
  

If you have anything else to do outside of what is listed above, don't panic. Take each item as it comes, ask for help and remember, your baby won't know or care if it doesn't get done until after they are born. The goal is to lighten the load at a steady pace and lighten the stress.