Summary
With a population exceeding 10 million, North Carolina ranks as the 9th largest state in the U.S. by population. This state is famed for being the origin of Pepsi, Krispy Kreme, and Cheerwine; overall, it offers an excellent quality of life.
The climate is temperate, and residents experience all four seasons in their full beauty. North Carolina’s varied geographical features provide a delightful experience for outdoor enthusiasts, with spectacular mountains to the west, a central Piedmont region, and coastal plains to the east.
North Carolina is incredibly diverse, both ethnically and economically, making it a wonderful place to live. Furthermore, the state boasts a high quality of life, complemented by abundant employment opportunities.
The renowned Research Triangle Park, spanning Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill, plays a vital role in job creation. Over 200 companies operate in this area, including prominent names like RTI International, IBM, Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, Syngenta, and GlaxoSmithKline.
The state also hosts some of the finest colleges in America, with Duke University ranked among the top five in the country. Other distinguished institutions include the University of North Carolina, the oldest public university in the United States, and Elon University.
Combining a vibrant art and culture scene, friendly residents, and the warm hospitality characteristic of the South, it is easy to understand why North Carolina embraces its motto, “to be rather than to seem.”
If you are seeking an attractive location to settle down, consider the 15 best places to live in North Carolina highlighted below.
1. Morrisville
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First on our list as one of the best places to reside in North Carolina is Morrisville. Located in Wake County, Morrisville is acclaimed for its low crime rates, outstanding schools, affordable living costs, and plentiful job opportunities.
As a suburb of Raleigh, Morrisville residents enjoy convenient access to the state capital while benefiting from a more relaxed lifestyle compared to larger cities. As you explore the community, you will observe serene streets and an abundance of family-friendly amenities.
Recognized for its diversity and educated population, Morrisville truly remains one of North Carolina’s top locations to call home.
Entertainment & Activities
Some popular activities in Morrisville include:
- Lake Crabtree County Park
- Triangle Rock Club Morrisville
- Park West Village
- Western Wake Farmers Market
- Carpenter Wine Cellar
- North Carolina Museum of Art
2. Cary
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Cary is recognized as one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing cities and is an exceptional place to reside. The town is filled with numerous restaurants, shopping centers, career opportunities, and recreational options.
In fact, Money magazine has named Cary one of the best places to live in the country! Known for its soccer culture, Cary hosts the North Carolina Football Club and the North Carolina Courage, contributing to its vibrant community spirit.
Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate Cary’s extensive array of over two hundred dining establishments, providing a wide variety of cuisines, from artisanal bakeries to authentic Neapolitan pizzerias. With its blend of a small-town atmosphere and proximity to Raleigh, Cary offers abundant recreational activities alongside scenic natural beauty.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable attractions in Cary include:
- Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
- Koka Booth Amphitheater
- Bond Brothers Beer Company
- Apex Community Park
- Phillips Farm
- Downtown Cary Park
3. Chapel Hill
Source: LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / shutterstock
Chapel Hill remains a prime choice for individuals considering relocation, due to its suburban ambiance and array of restaurants, coffee shops, and natural parks.
Home to the University of North Carolina, this town boasts the state’s basketball team and is known for being the first public university in the United States, with the oldest athletic collegiate team within North Carolina. Relocating to North Carolina for educational opportunities will be rewarding.
Chapel Hill also offers ample job opportunities in technical fields and startups.
Entertainment & Activities
Key attractions in Chapel Hill include:
- North Carolina Botanical Garden
- Ackland Art Museum
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Carolina Basketball Museum
- Coker Arboretum
- Chapel Hill Public Library
4. Wake Forest
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Located in Wake County, Wake Forest provides residents with a desirable suburban atmosphere, excellent quality of life, and peaceful neighborhoods, making it ideal for families and retirees. It is known for its flourishing arts scene, diverse dining options, and plentiful green spaces.
Wake Forest exudes a small-town charm that appeals to families seeking to escape the frenetic pace of larger metropolitan areas. Additionally, it offers a variety of amenities, a dynamic culture, outstanding educational institutions, and numerous lifestyle benefits.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular activities in Wake Forest consist of:
- White Street Brewing Company
- Strike & Barrel Bowling Alley
- Falls Lake State Recreation Area
- Wake Forest Farmers Market
- The Cotton Company Art Gallery
- Wake Forest Downtown
- Wake Forest Historical Museum
5. Raleigh
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If you are contemplating a move to Raleigh, you will be pleased to know that it is regarded as one of the top places to live in North Carolina. Affectionately known as the City of Oaks for its numerous oak trees, Raleigh stands out as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
Raleigh is home to numerous technology companies and esteemed educational institutions, providing a unique urban environment that combines modern living with substantial opportunities.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the premier attractions in Raleigh include:
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- Marbles Kids Museum
- Pullen Park
- North Carolina State Farmers Public Market
- North Carolina Museum of History
- Neuse River Trail
- Morgan Street Food Hall
6. Waxhaw
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Located south of Charlotte, Waxhaw ranks among the best places to live in North Carolina. Known for its superior golf courses and various local attractions such as amusement parks and walking trails in its city parks, Waxhaw is appealing.
The town is distinguished by its diverse economy, well-educated populace, and a wealth of entertainment options. The unemployment rate in Waxhaw is just below four percent, which is favorable compared to the national average. While the cost of living is approximately nineteen percent higher than the national mean, the amenities available make it a worthwhile investment.
With a population close to twenty thousand and a small-town vibe, Waxhaw is particularly sought after by professionals relocating for job prospects.
Entertainment & Activities
Activities to enjoy in Waxhaw include:
- Waxhaw Escape
- Museum of the Waxhaws
- The Dreamchaser’s Brewery
- Cane Creek Park
- Museum of the Alphabet
- Waxhaw Antique Art
- Waxhaw Farmers Market
- Waxhaw Park
7. Apex
Source: LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / shutterstock
Apex, situated in Wake County, continues to expand and is a strong contender with Raleigh as one of the best places to reside in North Carolina. The town experiences an annual growth rate of approximately seven percent, housing around seventy thousand residents, a significant rise from five thousand in 1990.
Located in southern Wake County, Apex is in proximity to Cary and Holly Springs, establishing itself as a hub for job opportunities, shopping centers, and commerce. Money Magazine consistently recognizes Apex as one of the top places to live in the United States due to its cost of living, employment prospects, excellent educational institutions, festivals, low crime rates, and rich historical background.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular attractions in Apex consist of:
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- Apex Community Park
- Whole Brain Escape
- Apex Farmers Market
- Lake Johnson Park
- Halle Cultural Arts Center
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- New Hope Valley Railway
8. Harrisburg
Source: James Willamor / Wikimedia
Harrisburg is a small town in Cabarrus County, home to approximately nineteen thousand residents, making it one of the best places to live in North Carolina. The town is characterized by numerous amenities, including excellent schools, nature parks, and public libraries.
Harrisburg is home to many small businesses that contribute to a thriving economy. Its rich economic diversity, educated populace, and various entertainment options set it apart from competing towns.
If you are relocating to Harrisburg for employment opportunities, you will be pleased to know that the average commute time is just twenty-nine minutes, a commendable advantage over longer commutes typical in major cities.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular activities in Harrisburg encompass:
- Pharr Mill Road Park
- Discovery Place Kids Huntersville
- Concord Mills
- Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Percent Tap House
- Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
- Harrisburg Park
9. Stallings
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Located in Union County, Stallings has a population close to ten thousand residents and is recognized as a vibrant community replete with numerous activities, amenities, and local parks. It ranks among the best places to live in North Carolina.
One of its noteworthy attractions is the Charlotte Motor Speedway, an ideal destination for speed enthusiasts. Moreover, Stallings boasts numerous shopping centers and restaurants, ensuring residents have everything they need within easy reach.
The unemployment rate in Stallings is approximately three percent, notably below the national average. The median home price in Stallings is around $410,000, an investment that reflects the quality of amenities and space available.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the popular activities in Stallings are:
- Stallings Municipal Park
- Extreme Ice Center
- Discovery Place Science
- Stevens Creek Nature Preserve
- Chestnut Square Park
10. Winston-Salem
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Winston-Salem is the fourth largest city in North Carolina, home to 236,642 residents.
Situated in Forsyth County, Winston-Salem boasts a rich history dating back to the 1750s and has strong ties to the furniture-making and tobacco industries.
The city is also a favored destination for wine aficionados, with over 35 wineries in the surrounding area.
Perhaps the most inviting aspect for potential residents is Winston-Salem’s low cost of living; the average home price stands at $141,100, making it feasible to secure a three-bedroom single-family residence for many. Moreover, rental prices are also quite affordable at an average of $724.
While the crime rate leaves room for improvement, Winston-Salem remains a friendly community suitable for families, featuring 12 golf courses and 75 parks that offer a myriad of recreational options.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the noteworthy attractions in Winston-Salem are:
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens
- Kaleideum North
- Truist Stadium
- The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
- Salem Lake
- Hanes Mall
- Bailey Park
11. Asheville
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Asheville is known as one of the most stunning locations in North Carolina, with a population of 86,800, situated in Buncombe County and attracting nature enthusiasts for its picturesque landscapes.
Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a Bohemian ambiance and is celebrated for its breweries and beer culture, even earning the title of Beer City, USA for four consecutive years since 2009, with the region’s mountain waters contributing to the remarkable brews.
This unique city is also distinguished for being the only municipality to repay its federal debt from the Great Depression. This financial stability has fostered a shift towards preserving the historical downtown area rather than focusing solely on new developments.
Asheville’s beauty is captivating, with the average home price at $199,800.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular attractions to experience in Asheville include:
- Biltmore Museum
- Western North Carolina Nature Center
- Asheville Pinball Museum
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Grovewood Gallery
- Woolworth Walk
12. Marvin
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Marvin is a small suburb of Charlotte located in Union County, with a population of 6,000 residents and the highest cost of living in North Carolina.
The median home value is $571,000, and average rent prices rival those in New York City, reaching approximately $3,029. However, this high price is for a three-bedroom single-family home, rather than a mere apartment.
While the town may seem costly, it is offset by the significantly high annual household income of $181,452 (more than triple the national average). If your budget permits, Marvin is an ideal setting for raising a family in North Carolina.
Entertainment & Activities
Attractions to enjoy in Marvin include:
- Sports Connection Amusement Park
- Hunter Farm
- Marvin Efird Park
- Big Rock Nature Preserve
- Carolina Thread Trail
- Elon Recreation Center
- Stone Crest at Piper Glen
13. Holly Springs
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstock
Re-entering Wake County, Holly Springs ranks among the best places to live in North Carolina for various reasons.
With a population of 28,640, this town has experienced significant growth, tripling since 2000. Holly Springs is an integral part of the Triangle, drawing many residents due to the availability of high-paying jobs. The median household income is notably high at $94,452, making it one of the most prosperous municipalities in North Carolina.
Moreover, Holly Springs benefits from a low cost of living. The crime rate is extremely low, making it a prime residential area.
Entertainment & Activities
Activities to experience in Holly Springs include:
- Bass Lake Park
- My Way Tavern
- Pullen Park
- Holly Springs Farmers Market
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- Veterans Park
- Holly Springs Cultural Center
14. Wesley Chapel
Source: www.carolinasmalltownliving.com
Wesley Chapel is located in Union County, less than 10 miles from Waxhaw.
This relatively new neighborhood, incorporated in 1998, has been fueled by rapid growth in what was previously a rural area.
Today, 8,000 residents inhabit Wesley Chapel, fostering a small community atmosphere where many know each other by name. However, don’t be mistaken into thinking Wesley Chapel lacks modern amenities; it features many conveniences typically found in larger cities, particularly in dining and shopping.
Major establishments such as Starbucks, Harris Teeter, Hickory Tavern, and Target highlight the affluence of the area.
High household incomes averaging around $106,406 allow residents to comfortably navigate the elevated cost of living, which is justified by excellent public schools and a remarkably low crime rate.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular attractions in and around Wesley Chapel include:
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Greco Fresh Grille
- Dogwood Park
- The Village Common Shopping Center
- Old Barn Farm
15. Mills River
Source: www.beverly-hanks.com
Concluding our list of best places to live in North Carolina is Mills River, a small community of 7,000 residents located in Henderson County.
This quintessential rural area, situated about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville, has a long-standing history as a successful farming community, leading to its designation as the “fertile crescent.”
Although it has evolved from its humble agricultural origins, the town remains affordable and continues to foster a strong sense of community.
Average rent is $688, and the median home value stands at $216,200. The area benefits from a robust educational framework, and the crime rate is exceedingly low, with very few reported incidences.
Overall, Mills River proves to be a wonderful place to call home.
Entertainment & Activities
Activities you can enjoy in Mills River include:
- Wagon Wheel Antiques
- Bold Rock Mills River Cidery
- Saddle Up Trail Rides
- Burning Blush Brewery
- Jump Off Rock
- Looking Glass Falls
- Mills River Brewing Company
- Mills River Dog Park
