10 Things to Know Before Moving to Morrisville, NC

Morrisville is primarily located in Wake County, but a fraction of it also reaches into Durham County. As a suburb of Raleigh, it is convenient for its closeness to the state capital but also offers a more relaxed pace of life thanks to its quieter streets and many family-friendly attractions.

Morrisville is a fantastic city with plenty of exciting activities for people of all ages and interests, and it is often praised for its cultural diversity, economic vitality, and highly educated workforce.

Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Morrisville, NC.

1. Living costs are 10% higher than the national average

Morrisville has a cost of living that is 17% higher than the North Carolina average and 10% higher than the national average; nevertheless, when compared to other similarly sized cities, it is still considered to be a reasonable place to live.

While the cost of living in Morrisville is 3.5% higher than in Raleigh and 8% higher than in Durham, it is lower than the national average in several categories. These categories include utilities (down 4% from the national average) and transportation (down 8% from the national average).

An annual income of at least $63,000 is needed for a comfortable lifestyle in Morrisville.

2. A very convenient location

Morrisville is a very desirable community because of its proximity to Research Triangle Park, the largest research park in the United States and home to hundreds of industry- and government-leading businesses. Since RTP employs more than 60,000 people, many of them are choosing to settle in Morrisville, which is only a 10-minute commute to work.

The convenience of easy access to both major highways and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which provides flights to destinations all over the world, makes this an ideal area to call home for frequent travelers.

Morrisville is perfect for anyone looking to settle in the center of the Triangle area, being no more than a half-hour drive from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill and only eight minutes from Cary, sixteen minutes from Apex, and twenty-four minutes from Holly Springs.

3. Work in the manufacturing, retail, or banking industry

Morrisville is a great place to live for those who want to further their career, as the city’s unemployment rate is 2.9% (compared to the national average of 3.6%), and the number of jobs is expected to increase by 45.5% (compared to the national average of 33.5%) over the next decade.

The offices of Lenovo, Fast Lane, RegEd, Ascom, Alliance One, and Hanson Aggregates East are among the most desirable places to work in Morrisville.

Scientific and technical services, manufacturing, retail commerce, and banking and insurance are some of the leading employers in Morrisville, together employing more than 14,300 locals.

4. It hardly snows in Morrisville

Morrisville has a moderate climate with hot and muggy summers and short, chilly winters. The annual rainfall of up to 46 inches is significantly more than the national average of 38 inches, so even in the dry season, you can count on days to be damp and partly gloomy.

While the heavy humidity from the rain is a drawback, the fact that Morrisville doesn’t get much snow in the winter is a significant positive for anyone looking to relocate from a cooler area. Only approximately four inches of snow falls annually on average in Morrisville.

5. A safe city to live in

If you’re looking for a safe and stable environment to raise a family, look no further than Raleigh and its surrounding suburbs. When compared to the rest of the United States, Morrisville is actually safer than 24% of other communities, and the violent crime rate is three times less than the national average.

While safety concerns should be taken into account when choosing a new community to call home, those lucky enough to call Morrisville their new neighborhood may rest easy knowing the crime rate is quite low. 

6. The city is dedicated to healthy living

Morrisville’s Healthy Food Hub is an impressive community effort to improve people’s access to nutritious food and encourage healthy lifestyles. Morrisville’s new Healthy Food Hub features a community garden, a recreational field, and a weekly farmers’ market, all in one convenient location. 

The Morrisville Community Garden is dedicated to teaching local families how to raise their healthy food through hands-on workshops and demonstrations in the garden’s kitchen. Adding shuttles to the weekly market and accepting SNAP funds are two ways in which the Western Wake Farmers’ Market is working to remove barriers to fairness.

7. The schools are among the best in the state

The public schools in Morrisville are consistently ranked among the best in the state. Niche has awarded the highest possible “A+” grade to three of the city’s public schools: Panther Creek High School, Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School, and Green Hope High School. Consequently, Niche ranks the city as having some of the best public schools in the state.

It’s hardly surprising that Morrisville has high-performing schools, given the town’s exceptionally educated populace. According to town statistics, about 70% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

8. Take a stroll to Shiloh Park, Morrisville Community Park, or Northwest Park

Morrisville is full of lovely parks and open areas that are perfect for strolling and getting to know the town. Greenways, walking paths, sporting fields, and community centers in Morrisville are all well-maintained and offer a wide range of outdoor activities and recreation programs to help residents lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Playgrounds, green areas, and ball fields are just some of the amenities that visitors enjoy at Morrisville Community Park. There is a large playground and lots of open space at Northwest Park. Shiloh Park is a 37-acre facility with as many as eight sports fields suitable for soccer, football, and lacrosse.

9. Eat at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, the Babymoon Cafe, or The Full Moon Oyster Bar

Morrisville’s Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a high-end eatery known for its succulent steaks and fresh seafood. Firebirds is a fantastic restaurant to visit if you’re searching for a memorable evening out.

The Full Moon Oyster Bar is a must-try if you’re in Morrisville. The restaurant offers different seafood meals as well as many other options for those who prefer to avoid shellfish. This Morrisville eatery is great for feeding the whole family.

Another fantastic Italian restaurant with something for everyone is the Babymoon Cafe. The babymoon cafe is the best place to get Italian and pizza to go in the Morrisville–Raleigh area.

One other fantastic eatery in Morrisville is Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is exactly what it sounds like: a great spot to grab a burger and a cold one. If you’re neither a meat eater or beer drinker, but still want to go out for lunch or dinner, you should still check out Bad Daddy’s extensive menu.

10. Play golf at the Prestonwood Country Club or Lochmere Golf Club

Numerous award-winning golf courses are located within easy driving distance of Morrisville, and they are open to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a public, private, or resort golf course, your options for membership and tee times are extensive. 

There are 54 holes of championship golf, 15 tennis courts, and a huge fitness and swimming complex at the elite Prestonwood Country Club.

Lochmere Golf Club features an 18-hole course, a practice green, and a driving range. Prestonwood Country Club plays host to the annual SAS Championship, a week-long golf tournament and community celebration.

Final Thoughts

Living in Morrisville offers easy access to other nearby major cities, a thriving job market, and numerous attractions for the whole family. The cost of living might be higher than the national average, but with proper planning, you’ll get a hang of managing your finances.