Whether you’re an Oak City native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Raleighite understands to be true.
We asked our readers to share Raleigh’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from the 919, these might be a little difficult to explain.
The unspoken rule everyone knows
“Don’t park in the lower levels of the parking deck at Crabtree when it rains.” — Tracy V.
“Return your cart when grocery shopping.” — Cindy B.
“Snow = everyone preparing for the apocalypse” — @waterw0man
“The State Farmers Market is the superior farmers market (and it’s open seven days a week!)” — @marinarabz
“If you live ITB, going beyond 440 is a big deal. Going past 540 — AKA the ‘wall’ — requires an overnight bag.” — @buck.jeff
Raleigh pro tips
“Never wash your car during pollen season. It’s futile.” — @princethepatel
“Everything closes before you see the first snowflake fall.” — @JBo0603
“Avoid Capital Boulevard any time of day.” — Lisa D.
“Our ‘Christmas Carol’ is better than everyone else’s. Get in the virtual line for Pullen Park holiday express tickets 2 hours early.” — @rebeccamannwhite
“There is plenty of free two hour parking downtown. Only park in paid spots if you’re desperately late for something.” — @marinarabz
We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting
“Never turn left on Wade.” — @itsbrittanynelson
“Watch out for the Peace Street bridge or you’ll end up like a sardine can.” — @Jrmythedreamer
“Don’t race the right of way at the Five Points intersection.” — Robin S.
“Don’t use Hollenden Drive and Spring Forest Road when Millbrook is in session.” — Judy K
“Driving on Wake Forest Road and Atlantic Avenue is an extreme sport, Capital Boulevard too.” — @garsanvic
“Don’t even try to understand or explain the 440 Beltline.” — @bayleafmarketraleigh
“Get right with your higher power if you intend to go through the Five Points intersection.” — @saddison2004
“Don’t drive on Wade Avenue unless you love roller coasters.” — @gislaine.mwing
“Avoid 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 Road the day before Thanksgiving!!” — @liiz_zziiee
“Two words: ham jam.” — @meganehinkle
“If someone suggests driving to Durham, you must be as dramatic as possible about how far of a drive it will be.” — @kylenhamlin
“Wake Forest Rd is for the real drivers only. Don’t get in that middle lane if you don’t know what you’re doing” — @_peachievee
Foodie opinions
“Pimento cheese. Put that on everything!!!!” — @rissilient
“When the “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign is on, you have to stop. It’s the law.” — @experience_raleigh
“Vinegar-based is the way to go!” — @tracy.22
“If that cookout drive thru is too long, go on ahead and park around the corner and hit that walk up line” — @ksp_nc
“Real ones know that Big Ed’s is a weekend breakfast essential” — @christinaaaroseee
“Restaurants connected to gas stations are some of your best food finds!” — @_ginabri_
What’s in a name?
“Mordecai is pronounced mor-de-key. Sure, you may ‘technically’ be right if you say mor-de-cai, but there is a historical reason why it’s pronounced key instead of cai (and you’ll stick out like a sore thumb for saying it wrong).” — @kittenmcdonald
“Do not call Raleigh RDU — that’s the airport. Yes, it’s in the middle of both of those cities, but you’re either in Raleigh or Durham. Not both; that’s impossible unless you live within the MCU” — @alexateachey
“Falls of THE Neuse. Not Falls of Neuse.” — @gloryrozephotography
“If you are saying ‘Falls of the Neuse’ then you are definitely not from here and are WRONG!” — @agutowski
“North Hills and Midtown are not interchangeable terms.” — @kittenmcdonald
“Don’t pronounce Raleigh as ‘Rally’ smh” — @blessedandbeautifuladventures
We’re kind to our neighbors
“Rude driving and honking (except in an emergency) is not polite. Always show courtesy when driving.” — Jan I.
“Cameron Park is the best place in Glenwood South for throwing a ball with your dog.” — @colin_shelton
“Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair just in case there’s no seating at Lafayette Village, especially on a nice sunny day!” — @glowingpossibilities
“RESPECT THE GEESE!” — @braidbabekatie
“Your car horn may work just fine, but we never use it to honk at another driver. Slow down + give them the benefit of the doubt. That could be somebody’s grandmother driving!” — @southernpicnics
RALtoday pro tips
“The new traffic pattern on McDowell going to Capital is no joke. Hold your breath, try to follow the road markings, and just get away from other cars who might not know yet.” — City Editor Allie
“Be prepared to have about three parking apps to interchangeably use depending on the area — Passport and Parkmobile are a great start. " — City Editor Danyale
What did we miss? If you know an unofficial rule that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
