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.
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3 Reasons to Live in North Carolina 🗻
- Growing Job Market: By 2030, North Carolina aims to create more than 445,000 new jobs.
- Reasonable Cost of Living: Necessities like food, clothing, and groceries cost 2% less than the rest of the country. Healthcare services are 4% cheaper than the national average.
- Affordable Housing: Home prices in North Carolina are fairly affordable. Median home prices are 15% lower than the national average.
Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Asheville | 93,776 | $450,660 | $7,912 | 2.7% | 61/100 |
| 2. | Charlotte | 897,720 | $405,000 | $7,126 | 3.0% | 60/100 |
| 3. | Wilmington | 120,324 | $389,000 | $7,296 | 3.0% | 60/100 |
| 4. | Durham | 291,928 | $415,000 | $7,218 | 2.8% | 71/100 |
| 5. | Raleigh | 476,587 | $400,000 | $7,349 | 2.9% | 63/100 |
| 6. | Chapel Hill | 62,098 | $487,000 | $7,218 | 2.8% | 71/100 |
| 7. | Winston-Salem | 251,350 | $255,000 | $6,180 | 3.1% | 55/100 |
1. Asheville: Best Place to Retire in North Carolina
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.3% |
| Median Household Income | $58,193 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,912 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 61/100 |
Apart from scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The Land of the Sky is an ideal place for those who want to spend a relaxed life with city amenities.
Due to the serene location, you might have to expand your budget to live in this part of North Carolina. The cost of living is 6% higher than the state and national averages. Apart from this, the city’s hospitality and healthcare sectors are on the rise.
» Homes For Sale in Asheville, NC: View thousands of listings in North Carolina.
2. Charlotte: Best Place to Live in NC for Young Adults
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.7% |
| Median Household Income | $68,367 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,126 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.0% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 60/100 |
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. It is the spot for professional sports and is home to the Hornets and Carolina Panthers. The city offers a growing job market, especially in healthcare and technology.
Charlotte is among the best cities in North Carolina due to its low cost of living. Home prices are 11% more affordable than the national average. In addition, Queen City also reflects a rich culture, musicals, art galleries, and more.
» Homes For Sale in Charlotte, NC: Browse through thousands of listings in this city.
3. Wilmington: Best Town in North Carolina for Beaches
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.0% |
| Median Household Income | $54,066 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,296 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.0% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 60/100 |
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. Home to the University of North Carolina and Cape Fear Community College, the city has a high student population.
Additionally, housing in Port City is fairly affordable. A median home in Wilmington costs $389,000, 5% below the national average of $412,020.
» Homes For Sale in Wilmington, NC: View thousands of listings in Port City.
4. Durham: Best Place in North Carolina for Students
| Home Value | ⬆️3.9% |
| Median Household Income | $66,623 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,218 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 71/100 |
Durham is home to the prestigious Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The city is also the third point of the research triangle and produces proficient individuals. Due to the excellent job market, the city attracts numerous students.
The median home price in Durham is $415,000, almost the same as the national average. The major employers in the city are banks and medical companies.
» Homes For Sale in Durham, NC: Get yourself a home in this college town.
5. Raleigh: Best City to Live in NC for Scientific Research
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.0% |
| Median Household Income | $72,996 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,349 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 63/100 |
The state capital is famous for its positive employment scenario and flourishing tech hub. Raleigh is among the fastest-growing cities in North Carolina. The City of Oaks allows easy access to NC’s beaches and mountains. Raleigh, among Chapel Hill and Durham, is known for scientific research.
The city has some of the best schools and North Carolina State University, making it great for families. The cost of living in Raleigh is decent, 3% lower than the national average.
» Homes For Sale in Raleigh, NC: Find your dream home in this beautiful city.
6. Chapel Hill: One of the Best NC Cities for Upper-Middle-Class Families
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.7% |
| Median Household Income | $77,037 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,218 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 71/100 |
The second-highest point of the research triangle, Chapel Hill, gives small-town vibes. Chapel Hill is home to the best schools in the state. The city offers a quiet and family-oriented lifestyle with top-notch healthcare facilities.
The cost of living in the Southern Part of Heaven is 9% above the national average. The median income of a household in Chapel Hill is one of the highest in the state, at $77,037.
» Homes For Sale in Chapel Hill, NC: Find your dream home in this peaceful city.
7. Winston-Salem: Best City in North Carolina to Live on a Budget
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.4% |
| Median Household Income | $50,204 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,180 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 55/100 |
Winston-Salem is one of the most affordable cities in NC. The median home price in the city is $255,000, a significant $157,000 lower than the national average.
The cost of living in Twin City is 4% lower than the national average. Moreover, utilities are 9% more affordable in Winston-Salem in comparison to the national average.
» Homes For Sale in Winston-Salem, NC: Find your home in this affordable city.
Bottom Line
North Carolina is one of the best places to live in the US. Other things that contribute to the state’s growth are a flourishing job market and beautiful trails for hiking.
A cost of living of 6% lower than the national average is what makes the Tar Heel State so attractive for migration. Moreover, housing is 15% lower than the national average.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina a good place to live?
North Carolina offers some of the best places to live for those who're looking for affordable living, great culture, and a flourishing job market.
What are some of the best places to live in North Carolina for families?
Cary, a suburb of Raleigh, Wakeforest, Greenville, etc. are some of the best places for families in North Carolina.
What are the most beautiful places to live in North Carolina?
Ashville, Outer Banks, and Grandfather Mountain are among the prettiest cities in North Carolina.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in North Carolina?
With a cost of living 18% below the national average, Rocky Mount is the cheapest place to live in North Carolina.
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