Raleigh city planners are preparing for growth and with that comes change. The city will present the plan for 2030 tonight at the convention center.

Planners say the city's population is expected to surge to 600,000 residents by the year 2035. They say highways and roads can't keep up with expected growth because it would be too expensive.

They now recommend concentrating growth in urban centers near North Hills for example and downtown -- which will make transit more manageable.

Also, living close to restaurants, bars, and even the ballet is starting to appeal to more people looking for a new home. Heather Brink's view off the balcony of her condo at the West building costs her a pretty penny.

"This is probably one of the most expensive places to live per square foot," said Brink.

She is part of the new wave of residents - at least 100,000of them - city planners say will call downtown home by year 2035.

"We see the downtown as the center of the region, and we see it growing," said city planner, Mitchell Silvers.

The city is investing in places like downtown because expansions outside the city may not be worth the cost.

"Cities realize they need to put density where they have infrastructure invested, because to build, and maintain highways is ver, very expensive," said Silver.

Which means folks like Heather Brink could see a jump in the number of neighbors they see right outside their front door.

"You have to think about all the advantages you get and the advantages far outweigh the costs here," said Brink.

The public will be able to comment at forums planned in January.