Visit the Raleigh visitors center website at the link below.

Hi, Sara, the Raleigh area is pretty diverse so it really depends on exactly what you are looking for. I currently in north Raleigh and previously lived in Cary. We just help my daughter buy a house in an area called North Hills and I am currently working with a buyer from NY who will be moving down later in the year. The best way to give you advise is to find out exactly what you are looking for so we can narrow down the search to the right area of Raleigh or its neighboring towns, your lifestyle, proximity to work, shopping, schools and many other things (size and type of house, amt of acreage, price range, etc, etc). I would love to consult with you to help you find the perfect home that meets your needs. I can also send you a relocation package.
Best of Luck!

Sara,
I recommend looking at Historic Oakwood which offers diversity, culture and certainly history. Compared to Boston, the cost of living and housing is significantly lower in Raleigh. Please visit resources section of my website to learn more about the triangle. If you would like to have a search of homes in this community, please contact me.

i don't know about Raleigh, I'm sorry, but have you considered Durham? I live in Chapel Hill but if I were moving here all over again, I'd move to Durham, especially near downtown. There is so much change going on, the arts are alive, definitely diversity, great restaurants. Prices are less expensive. Change and diversity make for excitement plus being near Duke. Just something to think about. BTW, this isn't to say that I don't love living in Chapel Hill and would recommend it highly.

Hi Sara
I would recommend the city websites, http://raleigh.citysearch.com/ I would also be happy to share my advice as far as neighborhoods I am familiar with in Raleigh if you provide your needs sq footage, price bedrooms and baths etc.