Americans love North Carolina! And why wouldn’t you? From a top-rated university town to a beautiful coastline, the Tar Heel State has got it all.
The median home value for North Carolina is $359,900. The State scores 68/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Asheville, and Charlotte are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the mild climate, outdoor activities, and historical significance. Also, the state’s cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. Let’s explore the best places to live in North Carolina.
Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top cities to live in North Carolina. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Asheville | 95,056 | $521,661 | $7,720 | 61/100 |
| 2. | Charlotte | 911,311 | $422,000 | $7,236 | 60/100 |
| 3. | Wilmington | 122,698 | $460,000 | $7,205 | 60/100 |
| 4. | Durham | 296,186 | $445,500 | $7,357 | 71/100 |
| 5. | Raleigh | 482,295 | $426,000 | $7,455 | 63/100 |
| 6. | Chapel Hill | 62,043 | $605,000 | $7,406 | 71/100 |
| 7. | Winston-Salem | 252,975 | $285,000 | $6,161 | 55/100 |
| 8 | Greensboro | 302,296 | $280,000 | $6,270 | 54/100 |
| 9 | Cary | 180,010 | $600,500 | $7,599 | 63/100 |
| 10 | Apex | 72,225 | $655,000 | $7,599 | 67/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in North Carolina
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in The Tar Heel State:
#1 Asheville
Asheville is one of the best cities to live in North Carolina.
- Median Home Price: $521,661.[2]
- Median Household Income in Asheville: $63,810.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Asheville, NC: 28803 | 28806 | 28804
Asheville, often called the “Land of the Sky,” is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is a hub for outdoor lovers. It has access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the French Broad River.
The cost of living is 1% lower than the national average. Also, Asheville’s economy is driven by three major sectors: healthcare, tourism, and education. Mission Health System and Buncombe County Schools are among the top employers.
» Asheville Homes for Sale: Explore thousands of properties in the best city in NC to live.
#2 Charlotte
Charlotte is one of the best cities in North Carolina to live in.
- Median Home Price: $422,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Charlotte: $74,070.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Charlotte, NC: 28269 | 28215 | 28205
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. It is a major financial hub and sports destination in the US. The city has the Bank of America headquarters and Wells Fargo’s East Coast operations.
Also, it is home to the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte Hornets (NBA). Home prices in Charlotte are 10% more affordable than the national average. Moreover, the Queen City has a growing job market, with an expected 30.54% growth rate, especially in healthcare and technology.
» Charlotte Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in the largest city of NC.
#3 Wilmington
Wilmington is one of the best places to live in NC.
- Median Home Price: $460,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Wilmington: $58,908.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Wilmington, NC: 28412 | 28401 | 28411
Wilmington offers serene beaches and the Cape Fear Riverwalk. The city is next to the Atlantic Ocean and has a rich World War II history. It has the University of North Carolina and Cape Fear Community College. So, there is a high student population.
Additionally, buying a house in Port City is fairly affordable. The median home price in Wilmington is 23% below the national average. Its living costs are 4% lower than the national average.
» Wilmington Homes for Sale: Find your ideal residence in the Port City.
#4 Durham
Durham is one of the good places to live in North Carolina.
- Median Home Price: $445,500.[2]
- Median Household Income in Durham: $74,710.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 71/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Durham, NC: 27703 | 27713 | 27701
Durham is home to the prestigious Duke University and the University of North Carolina. It also has the third point of the Research Triangle and produces proficient individuals. Additionally, the Bull City has a strong job market, with a 30.54% projected growth rate. This attracts many students.
The utilities in the city cost 9% less than the national average. The major employers in the city are banks and medical companies. Moreover, the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is one of the top-ranked theaters in the nation. It hosts major performances and Broadway shows.
» Durham Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this college town.
#5 Raleigh
Raleigh is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
- Median Home Price: $426,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Raleigh: $78,631.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 63/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Raleigh, NC: 27610 | 27603 | 27616
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. It is part of the renowned Research Triangle, alongside Durham and Chapel Hill. Also, the City of Oaks allows easy access to NC’s beaches and mountains.
Raleigh has some of the best schools, including North Carolina State University. Also, the cost of living is 2% lower than the national average. Moreover, the city offers green spaces, with over 200 parks and miles of greenways.
» Raleigh Homes for Sale: View properties in the capital of NC.
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#6 Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is one of the best towns in North Carolina to live in.
- Median Home Price: $605,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Chapel Hill: $85,940.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 71/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Chapel Hill, NC: 27516 | 27517 | 27514
The second-highest point of the Research Triangle, Chapel Hill, gives small-town vibes. It is home to some of the best schools in the state. The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Chapel Hill is ranked #1. The city has a quiet, family-friendly lifestyle and great healthcare.
The cost of living in the Southern Part of Heaven is 5% above the national average. The town also has a rich arts scene. It hosts events at the Carolina Performing Arts Center and galleries like the Ackland Art Museum.
» Chapel Hill Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this peaceful city.
#7 Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is one of the best areas to live in North Carolina.
- Median Home Price: $285,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Winston-Salem: $54,416.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Winston-Salem, NC: 27106 | 27127 | 27105
Winston-Salem, the “Twin City,” has a heritage in tobacco and textiles. It has major employers like Wake Forest Baptist, Reynolds American, and Hanesbrands Inc. They boost its healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.
Winston-Salem is home to several universities, including Wake Forest University. Moreover, living in the Twin City costs 6% less than the national average. Major attractions include Old Salem Museums & Gardens.
» Winston-Salem Homes for Sale: Find your home in this affordable city.
#8 Greensboro
Greensboro is one of the great places to live in North Carolina.
- Median Home Price: $280,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Greensboro: $55,051.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 54/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Greensboro, NC: 27405 | 27410 | 27406
Greensboro, the “Gate City,” offers a mix of city amenities and suburban living. It has a rich history and culture. Also, it has attractions like the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. The cost of living is 15.8% lower than the national average.
The city’s job market is expected to grow by 26.34%, especially in manufacturing, education, and healthcare. Greensboro is home to several colleges, including the University of North Carolina.
» Greensboro Homes for Sale: Explore best properties in this growing city.
#9 Cary
Cary is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
- Median Home Price: $600,500.[2]
- Median Household Income in Cary: $125,317.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 63/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Cary, NC: 27519 | 27513 | 27511
Cary is one of the fastest-growing and best towns in North Carolina. As part of the Research Triangle, Cary is a hub for tech professionals and research-based industries. Major employers include SAS Institute and Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite.
The median home price in Cary is 29% higher than the national average, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. Despite its high cost of living, it is known for its safe neighborhoods, bike-friendly parks, top-notch healthcare, and green spaces.
» Cary Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in this thriving town.
#10 Apex
Apex is one of the best towns to live in North Carolina.
- Median Home Price: $655,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Apex: $129,688.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 67/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Apex, NC: 27502 | 27539 | 27523
Apex, known as “The Peak of Good Living,” is a charming small town. The town is home to major employers in the technology and healthcare sectors, thanks to its proximity to Research Triangle Park. Apex’s excellent schools and top-tier healthcare appeal to families.
Apex has attractions like the Halle Cultural Arts Center. It also hosts PeakFest, a lively annual street festival. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy parks such as Apex Community Park and the nearby Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
» Apex Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this picturesque town.
Best Places to Live in North Carolina Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Davidson | Holly Springs | Wake Forest |
| Young Professionals | Charlotte | Raleigh | Durham |
| Retirees | Winston-Salem | Hickory | Asheville |
Is North Carolina the Right Place for Your Next Move?
North Carolina is one of the best places to live in the US. It has a flourishing job market and beautiful trails for hiking. Moreover, housing prices are 14% lower than the national average.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in North Carolina. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in North Carolina
We have considered the different regions to rank the best places in North Carolina. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in North Carolina and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: North Carolina Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in North Carolina for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina a good place to live?
Yes, The Tar Heel State is a good place to live. It offers a mild climate, outdoor activities, and historical significance. Durham, Greensboro, and Cary are some of the best places in North Carolina.
What is the best city to live in North Carolina?
Asheville is the best city to live in North Carolina. Living in Asheville costs 1% less than the national average. The major sectors include healthcare, tourism, and education.
What are the nicest parts of North Carolina to live in?
The nicest parts to live in North Carolina are the western and central regions. They include cities like Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Asheville, and more.
What is the cheapest place to live in North Carolina?
With a cost of living 19.3% below the national average, Rocky Mount is the cheapest place to live in North Carolina.
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