Best Places to Live in North Carolina

Apex truly lives up to its motto, "The Peak of Good Living." This friendly town of roughly 75,000 citizens offers a tight-knit community and a family-friendly atmosphere. Apex's economy benefits from the Research Triangle Park and STEM, which offer high-value opportunities like healthcare and education. For those who seek excellent public schools and localities with low crime rates, Apex is hard to beat. That is why it consistently ranks among the best places to live in North Carolina.

Chapel Hill is a college town with a high IQ and intellectual vibrancy. It is home to the University of North Carolina, the nation’s oldest public university. The economy here revolves around the nearby Research Triangle Park and is majorly driven by education, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare (including the UNC Hospitals system). Chapel Hill's top-tier academia, as well as the youthful and diverse community, make intellectual curiosity a norm. Wrapped in a warm, small-town atmosphere with beautiful subtropical weather, Chapel Hill is one of the best towns to live in North Carolina.

Cary is consistently ranked as one of the safest places to live in North Carolina. Home to 187,000 residents, it’s a favorite for families and top-tier professionals working in Research Triangle Park. Cary is also home to SAS Institute, the world's largest privately-held software company. With elite schools and meticulously-maintained neighborhoods, Cary offers a polished, suburban lifestyle. It has everything from greenways, recreation options, and cultural centers.

Asheville is also known as the "Crown Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains". It is one of the best areas to live in North Carolina. Known for the historic Biltmore Estate and a quirky, creative spirit, it is a haven for artists and adventurers alike. The local economy is primarily driven by healthcare and a world-famous craft brewery scene. With a median income around $60,000, North Carolina is perfect for professionals who seek mountain adventures and an art-driven lifestyle.

Wilmington is a coastal gem that blends historic downtown streets with a thriving ‘Hollywood East’ film industry. The robust healthcare networks, maritime operations at the Port of Wilmington, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and a booming tourism sector are some other driving forces of the city's economy. Wilmington is a place where you can wrap up a workday and be sitting on the sand with a drink in your hand in twenty minutes.

Raleigh is both the state capital and a major tech powerhouse. Anchored by NC State and the Research Triangle, North Carolina's economy is a fortress of government, education, and high-skill private jobs. With an average income of $70,000, and median home prices that suit the same, Raleigh offers an impressive affordability for a major metro region. This city is made for people who love strong career opportunities, cultural richness, and outdoor recreation.

Charlotte is known as the "Queen City" and is the most populated city in North Carolina. It is home to over 900,000 citizens. The city's economy revolves around finance, healthcare, technology, and motorsports (NASCAR Hall of Fame). As the nation’s second-largest banking hub, it is home to Bank of America and Truist. Charlotte offers a polished, high-energy lifestyle, given the proximity to mountains, big-city perks, and tree-lined charm. Providing all these at a price point that makes sense for families and youngsters makes Charlotte one of the best cities to live in North Carolina.

Durham is where innovation meets entrepreneurship. Known as the "City of Medicine", Durham boasts the state's highest concentration of doctors. As a pillar of the Research Triangle, it’s packed with Duke University researchers, pharmaceutical leaders, and biotech startups. Durham is diverse, intellectually charged, and culturally rich, offering a savvy alternative for those who want world-class career growth without the coastal price tags.

Winston-Salem, the "City of Arts and Innovation," mixes Southern history with innovation and affordability. It is home to about 260,000 residents and offers a vibrant, welcoming community. Known for its Moravian roots and Wake Forest University, the city is also renowned as a leader in healthcare, biotech and finance. Winston-Salem offers safe neighborhoods, a thriving food scene and plenty of green space. Winston-Salem is a hidden gem for those who want a safe, community-oriented life with a side of culture.

Greensboro is the logistical heart of the state. Situated in the Piedmont Triad, it’s a manufacturing powerhouse for giants like HondaJet and Volvo Trucks, as well as a home to non-profit healthcare providers like Cone Health. It’s also a city of deep historical significance, particularly in the civil rights movement, and is home to seven colleges. If you’re looking for a low cost of living, great parks, and a stable job market in aerospace or healthcare, Greensboro is an easy choice.