You may or may not have heard about this city of 400,000 residents before, but to the citizens of this fabulous town it comes as no surprise that it has been named America's Best City by at least one source.

This promising city saw an influx of inhabitants with the reopening of the Research Triangle in 1959, and it is currently one of the fastest growing US cities of the 21st century.

Not only does Raleigh enjoy more green space per capita than cities like New York and Los Angeles, it also offers terrific schools such as renowned Duke University, alongside a vibrant social scene. How does 867 restaurants, 110 bars and 51 museums sound? Not bad for a city with under half a million citizens.

On nights and weekends one can spend free time at concerts, visit the opera or catch a game with the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes. If you fancy a healthy home-cooked meal, despair not Raleigh has a 30,000 square foot Farmers Market!

The city has been home to an array of celebs and has given birth to one

President, Andrew Johnson. More recent figures include singer Clay Aiken and Dexter star Michael C. Hall.