Sophistication, Southern Charm, & Sensational Homes

Why Raleigh is One of the Fastest Growing and Most Desirable Markets in the Country

Compass Luxury had the pleasure of connecting with Gretchen Coley, the visionary behind The Coley Group, to delve into Raleigh's thriving real estate landscape and her deep-rooted commitment to its community. She offers a unique perspective on what makes Raleigh an exceptional place to reside, highlighting how her "Best of Raleigh" initiative champions local businesses and seamlessly integrates new residents into the vibrant community.

Could you share a bit about your background and your connection to Raleigh?

I’ve been fortunate to call Raleigh home for over 25 years, and in that time, I’ve watched this city transform into one of the most dynamic, desirable places to live in the country. My background has always been centered around building–whether that’s businesses, teams, or communities. I founded The Coley Group with the vision of redefining real estate in the Triangle, blending innovation, storytelling, and deep local knowledge to give our clients an elevated experience.

But my connection to Raleigh runs much deeper than just real estate. I’ve raised my family here, launched our Best of Raleigh platform to celebrate local businesses, and built relationships that have become the foundation of both my personal and professional life. What I love most is shining a spotlight on the people and places that make this community so special. Raleigh isn’t just where I work, it’s home, and helping others discover everything it has to offer is the heart of what I do.

In your view, what distinguishes Raleigh as such an extraordinary and dynamic market?

Raleigh is truly unlike any other market in the country. We’re consistently ranked among the best places to live because we offer the perfect balance–world-class education and healthcare, a thriving tech and life sciences hub, and a culture that celebrates food, art, and innovation. What really distinguishes Raleigh, though, is the pace and diversity of growth. We’re attracting people from all over the world, from young professionals to executives and retirees, who are drawn to the lifestyle and opportunities here.

For real estate, that means we’re in a dynamic market where new development, historic neighborhoods, and luxury properties coexist. Raleigh has this incredible energy: it’s growing rapidly while still keeping the warmth, authenticity, and sense of community that people fall in love with. That unique combination of sophistication and Southern charm is what makes Raleigh such an extraordinary place to call home.

If you could design your perfect day in Raleigh, what would it look like from start to finish?

This is a tricky one; there are so many ways I could answer this! To pick one, my perfect day in Raleigh would start with a great workout to clear my head, followed by a stop at Good Graces for breakfast.  From there, I’d head to my office, because spending time with my team is one of the best parts of my day. We’d order in Bar Taco (my go-to) for a team lunch and a little mid-day reset. After wrapping up at the office, I would head out for client meetings and showings on some of Raleigh’s best properties. I’d finish the day where I’m happiest, over dinner with my family and friends at one of Raleigh’s many great restaurants like Crawford and Sons or Cucciolo Terrazza. That mix of wellness, work, style, and connection perfectly sums up what I love about Raleigh.

For those relocating to Raleigh, what is the single most important piece of advice you offer to help them feel at home?

For anyone relocating to Raleigh, my most important piece of advice is to get involved with the community right away. Raleigh is growing rapidly, yet it still retains a small-town feel where people genuinely want to connect and support one another. One of the ways we help our clients feel at home faster is through two amazing resources we’ve created: our Neighborhood Match Survey, which helps identify the areas that best fit your lifestyle, and our Relocation Guide, which highlights everything from neighborhood breakdowns to local favorites. And of course, our Best of Raleigh platform is another way to discover the people, places, and experiences that make this city so special. Raleigh isn’t just about finding the right house; it’s about finding your place in a community, and when you do that, it becomes home very quickly.

What do you believe is driving Raleigh’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing and most desirable markets in the country?

Raleigh’s growth is being driven by a combination of opportunity and lifestyle. On one hand, we’re a hub for innovation–tech, life sciences, healthcare, and education all thrive here–bringing a steady stream of professionals and companies into the area. On the other, the quality of life is unmatched: a vibrant food and culture scene, excellent schools, access to green space, and a community that’s both welcoming and dynamic. It’s rare to find a market where you can have global-level opportunities alongside that authentic, connected way of life, and that balance is exactly what makes Raleigh one of the most desirable places to call home.

What inspired you to launch Best of Raleigh, and what do you hope it will accomplish for the community?

Best of Raleigh was born out of both passion and purpose. After more than 25 years of living here, raising my family here, and building my business here, I wanted to create something that celebrated the city beyond real estate transactions. I’ve always believed that finding a home is about more than four walls; it’s about discovering the culture, the businesses, the people, and the stories that give a place its soul.

Through Best of Raleigh, we can highlight the entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders who make this city thrive, while also giving newcomers a true insider’s look at what makes Raleigh so unique. It’s become both a platform and a resource — a way for clients to feel connected more quickly, for local businesses to gain visibility, and for the community to have a collective story told in a fresh, engaging way.

My hope is that Best of Raleigh continues to inspire pride in our community, support the growth of local businesses, and help more people see why Raleigh is one of the most extraordinary places to call home. For me, it’s about creating impact that goes well beyond real estate, because when you invest in the community, everyone benefits.