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Best Places To Live in North Carolina

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Best Places To Live in North Carolina

From majestic mountains and sandy beaches to NASCAR races, these North Carolina cities all offer something unique.

By Livability on October 28, 2023

North Carolina is lucky — it is blessed with both beautiful mountains and gorgeous beaches, making it a very desirable place to live. The Old North State has a population of more than 10 million, with a wide range of inviting big cities and smaller communities. The state’s two largest cities, Charlotte and Raleigh, are among the top 10 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation. 

The state is divided into three main regions: mountains in the west, the Piedmont Plateau in the central region and the coastal plain to the east. The state has relatively warm summers and moderately cold winters. Its central location on the Atlantic Coast makes it a great place to call home. 

The beautiful Smoky Mountains, the scenic Outer Banks, its aviation history and the delectable barbecue that pitmasters have perfected set this state apart. Here’s a list of the best places to live in North Carolina. 

Asheville

View of the French Broad River in Asheville, NC.
©Journal Communications/Brian McCord
View of the French Broad River in Asheville, NC.

Asheville is a best city in North Carolina.

This city on the western side of the state in the Blue Ridge Mountains has a lot to offer. It’s has a thriving art scene, fabulous restaurants and a wonderful array of fun shops and entertainment venues in a very walkable downtown area. It’s also a pet-friendly city with a thriving beer scene — more than 30 breweries. Asheville welcomes everyone, which is why both students, professionals and retirees flock to this city of more than 93,000. You’ll also find street performers, drum circles and Art Deco architecture, all adding to the city’s bohemian vibe. The Biltmore Estate, Grove Park Inn and the Folk Art Center all draw visitors. Adding to its allure is the city’s location along the French Broad River, offering numerous outdoor adventures in the mountains and nearby Pisgah National Forest. The city’s major industries include health care, tourism and manufacturing. 

What gives Asheville its creative atmosphere?

Asheville promotes itself as funky and eclectic, and rightly so. There are more than 30 art galleries in the downtown area alone, and it’s a bastion of innovative dining spots and music clubs. There’s an interesting mix of Appalachian and urban hip culture here that attracts people from all walks of life.

Read more about living in Asheville, NC.

Cary

Autumn colors in full glow in Cary, North Carolina
iStock/pazham
Autumn colors in full glow in Cary, North Carolina.

Cary is a best place to live in North Carolina.

Cary’s location is advantageous for many reasons. Located in the Piedmont region of the state, Cary is situated between the Western Carolina mountains and the East Coast’s beaches. It’s also a part of the noteworthy Research Triangle, making it less than 30 minutes from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. 

Cary, with a population of approximately 180,000, has the amenities of a large city, but it still has a small-town vibe with an affordable cost of living, which landed it a spot on our list of the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southeast. Young families love the highly ranked school system and the fact that it was named the safest city in the country in 2022 by GoodHire. The city is home to the USA Baseball National Training Complex and is a hot spot for soccer, too.

How is the Cary educational system?

Cary is located close to some of the state’s most important universities — University of North Carolina, Duke and North Carolina State. In addition, the city has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in the state. More than two-thirds of adults here hold college degrees, feeding into a robust job market.  

Read more about living in Cary, NC.

Chapel Hill

Aerial over the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the spring.
iStock/Ryan Herron
Aerial over the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the spring.

Chapel Hill is a great city to live in North Carolina.

Chapel Hill may be best known as the home of the University of North Carolina (Carolina blue is everywhere!), but the city’s access to the entire Research Triangle is also worth noting. Industries such as education, health care, science and manufacturing are mainstays. Lots of young professionals live here because of the vibrant job market. The urban/suburban feel affords residents lots of great dining, cozy coffee shops, fun stores to explore and well-maintained public parks. The cost of living is 7% higher than the state average, but there are tons of opportunities and its relatively small size is a bonus.

Why is Chapel Hill such a great college town?

Chapel Hill is often ranked as one of the best college towns in the country, primarily due to the diverse social, cultural and professional opportunities available between the campus and the city. The sports scene and arts-related events and activities provide a wealth of entertainment options in a more diverse atmosphere. Furthermore, the school fuels jobs and growth, adding to the city’s overall economy.

Read more about living in Chapel Hill, NC.

Concord

Concord, NC, City Hall. Concord is a great place to live in North Carolina.
iStock/J. Michael Jones
Concord, NC City Hall.

Concord is a best city in North Carolina.

Concord is less than 30 miles from Charlotte, making it a part of the state’s largest city’s metropolitan area. The Charlotte Motor Speedway, a popular place for fans to watch the races, is located in Concord, as is zMAX Dragway, SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. Lake Norman and the Uwharrie National Forest are nearby, too, providing plenty of chances to escape to the natural world. The city has a lower cost of living than other comparable cities, making it an affordable place for professionals and families. High-quality education and health care systems also make this an attractive city to call home. The historic downtown area, including Gibson Mill, also sets this North Carolina city apart. 

What is Concord best known for?

NASCAR’s presence in Concord has brought the city notoriety and is a huge draw for devotees of auto racing. In fact, the Charlotte Motor Speedway adds approximately $450 million annually to the region’s economy. The speedway hosts two premier NASCAR events each year in addition to more than three dozen other events for automotive and motorsports enthusiasts of all ages.

Read more about living in Concord, NC.

Durham

Durham, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.
iStock/SeanPavonePhoto
Durham, North Carolina, downtown skyline.

Durham is a best place to live in North Carolina.

Durham is known for its diversity and innovation and a strong sense of community, with a population just over 287,000. Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Durham is home to several Fortune 500 companies and boasts three universities: Duke, North Carolina Central and Durham Technical Community College, as well as a stellar public school system. It’s a hot spot for new ventures but also has its share of big companies like IBM, Cisco, Fidelity and GlaxoSmithKline. Durham is known as a place for foodies, with restaurants serving up every type of fare you can imagine. In addition, there’s a colorful arts scene with plenty of nightlife that includes live music. The Durham Bulls baseball team also helped Durham rank among The 5 Best Minor League Sports Cities in the Country.

Why is Durham a good place for business?

Durham’s mix of corporations and energetic start-ups lure people who are in the job market. The city is booming with opportunities, from health care and technology to life sciences. The well-respected Duke University Health System is the city’s largest employer, and Duke Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the nation, has its headquarters here. Co-working spaces and business incubators help launch interesting creative businesses in Durham, too.

Read more about living in Durham, NC.

Elizabeth City

Children painting at an art walk event in downtown Elizabeth City, N.C.
©Journal Communications/Nathan Lambrecht
Children painting at an art walk event in downtown Elizabeth City, N.C.

Elizabeth City is a great city to live in North Carolina.

Known as the “Harbor of Hospitality” because of its location along the Pasquotank River, Elizabeth City lives up to its name as a welcoming community with a lot to offer residents. The city has six National Register Historic Districts, a quaint Main Street area and a scenic waterfront. Elizabeth City is considered a safe small town with a low cost of living and a population of nearly 19,000. Elizabeth City was once a major seaport and still draws travelers from around the world. It’s the home of one of the largest United States Coast Guard air stations in the United States and celebrates its maritime heritage through events and attractions like the Museum of the Albemarle, which showcases regional history. The community’s waterfront ambassadors, known as the “Rose Buddies” greet visiting boaters with a rose, wine and cheese. It’s also a retirement-friendly city with enough amenities to keep people active and engaged.

What is Elizabeth City best known for?

Historic charm, nautical heritage and its picturesque waterfront are what sets Elizabeth City apart. All kinds of water sports, such as kayaking, boating and canoeing, as well as fishing, are available on the Pasquotank River, too. And residents can enjoy a variety of restaurants and shops in the downtown area, adding to the city’s character.

Read more about living in Elizabeth City, NC.

Greenville

Believe in Greenville NC mural in the Greenville Arts District
iStock/CRobertson
Believe in Greenville NC mural in the Greenville Arts District.

Greenville is a best city in North Carolina.

Greenville is the economic hub of Eastern North Carolina. It has a robust health care industry and is home to East Carolina University, which brings a dynamic energy to the city and fosters job opportunities in academia. The city of 90,000 is a cultural mecca, with live music, vibrant art, fun events and an incredible culinary scene in the Dickinson Avenue and Downtown Greenville districts. The city is surrounded by natural beauty with opportunities to explore parks, trails and the Tar River for activities like fishing, biking and kayaking. Greenville offers a balance between urban amenities and a more relaxed lifestyle, making the city a well-rounded place to live.

What makes education so significant in Greenville?

East Carolina University is a major driver of Greenville’s identity. The school brings a lively atmosphere to the city, contributing to its cultural vibrancy and economic growth. ECU’s sporting events and creative activities give residents plenty to do and see. A four-year medical doctor degree and six PhD programs are available at the Brody School of Medicine. The university also collaborates with local schools, offering resources and expertise that benefit students and teachers. The city is also an emerging tech hub for companies like Mr. Beast and Grover Gaming.

Read more about living in Greenville, NC.

Greensboro

Drone Aerial of Downtown Greensboro North Carolina NC Skyline
iStock/Kruck20
Downtown Greensboro, N.C., is a hub for sporting events of every stripe.

Greensboro is a best place to live in North Carolina.

Otherwise known as “Tournament Town” because of the city’s love of sports and its reputation as a host city for a wide range of sporting events that includes soccer, basketball, swimming and track and field, adding a significant economic impact to the local economy. In addition, Greensboro is a hub for health care and medical services, education and research, and manufacturing with companies such as Honda Aircraft Company and Volvo Group Trucks Operations. The technology sector continues to evolve with start-ups and tech firms contributing to the city’s innovative network. Greensboro’s population is just over 301,000 with a cost of living generally lower than the national average. With plenty of arts, culture, history and more, you’ll also find plenty in Greensboro to keep you entertained.

Why is Greensboro such a sports-centric city?

The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is one of the largest multipurpose venues in the country and is used for all kinds of sports tournaments. Collegiate sports are also on tap with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University adding to the mix. Finally, Greensboro’s accessible location makes it easy for participants and spectators to get there, and the collaborative effort between local government, sports organizations and venues makes sports a successful initiative for the city.

Read more about living in Greensboro, NC

Raleigh

Aerial view of Raleigh, North Carolina skyline on a sunny day.
iStock/Ultima_Gaina
Aerial view of Raleigh, North Carolina skyline on a sunny day.

Raleigh is a great city to live in North Carolina.

This capital city is a great place to live for several reasons. The city of nearly 470,000 people boasts a thriving job market, particularly in the research and technology sectors (it’s also a great city for working remotely), and Raleigh is a cornerstone of the Research Triangle, which also includes Durham and Chapel Hill. Located in the Piedmont region, Raleigh offers a moderate climate and all four seasons with plenty of places to play outdoors, including Pullen Park, Neuse River Greenway and Umstead State Park. It’s known as the “Smithsonian of the South,” thanks to the abundance of high-quality museums, and the “City of Oaks,” because of its many oak trees. North Carolina State University, Meredith College, William Peace University and Wake Technical Community College contribute to the city’s intellectual atmosphere. Raleigh has a reputation for its delicious and diverse restaurants, markets and food trucks.

What are the benefits of Raleigh being the state capital?

As the state capital, Raleigh is a center for government and politics and a thriving place to live. Of course, there’s a higher concentration of government and related jobs, which broaden employment opportunities. As in other capital cities, Raleigh has a rich cultural scene, with museums, galleries, theaters, festivals and educational institutions, giving the city its own unique sense of vibrancy.

Read more about living in Raleigh, NC

Wilmington

Pier at Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, N.C. Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Journal Communications
Pier at Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, N.C.

Wilmington is a best city in North Carolina.

Wilmington, located along the Cape Fear River on the Atlantic Coast, is a compelling choice for those looking to move. The port city is a gateway to area beaches, and its historic downtown district is teeming with restaurants and shops. This city of approximately 118,000 people attracts professionals and retirees looking for opportunity and relaxation in an affordable coastal community. The city, whose history dates to pre-Colonial times, has a mild climate, making it conducive to outdoor activities, particularly those that revolve around the water. Seafood and locally sourced cuisine are on the menu at Wilmington’s 40-plus locally owned eateries and pubs, and the city has a flourishing beer scene, too. The Battleship USS North Carolina is located here, commemorating the ship’s role in World War II.

Is tourism a big draw for Wilmington?

Because of Wilmington’s mix of natural beauty, beach access, historical sites, cultural events and recreational opportunities, tourism plays an important role here. It has been called “Hollywood East” because of all of the films and TV shows that have been made here, including “Iron Man 3,” “Safe Haven,” “Cape Fear” and “Dawson’s Creek.” The restored Battleship USS North Carolina is a popular attraction and open for tours.

Read more about living in Wilmington, NC

Winston-Salem

Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem Inc.
Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Winston-Salem is a best place to live in North Carolina.

Ranked as a Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2023, Winston-Salem offers an interesting blend of history, innovation and cultural richness in the Piedmont region of the state. Its charming architecture and landmarks, like the Old Salem and Historic Bethabara districts, preserve the Moravian history of the city. The talent pipeline is enriched by Winston-Salem’s many educational institutions, including Wake Forest University and Salem College, the country’s oldest women’s college. The city’s central business district downtown is bustling with restaurants, bars, museums and retailers, and the Innovation Quarter is a growing biotechnology research park making a name for itself nationally. If you love the outdoors and being active, the city offers more than 3,500 acres of parks and 25 miles of greenways and trails.

What’s Winston-Salem best known for?

Historically, Winston-Salem was known for being the center of the tobacco industry, with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company still headquartered here. Wake Forest University has a strong academic reputation, adding to the city’s educational and cultural landscape. And the city has deep ties to its Moravian heritage, which is preserved in the architecture, gardens and cultural sites.

Read more about living in Winston-Salem, NC

Thinking of Moving to North Carolina?

Finding a great place to live in North Carolina doesn’t have to be a chore. We have more resources for moving to North Carolina as well as other best places to live in the Southeast. No matter where you want to live, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S .

Other Great Places To Live Near North Carolina

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