{"id":449860,"date":"2026-08-01T04:40:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T08:40:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/?p=449860"},"modified":"2026-08-01T04:40:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T08:40:39","slug":"cheapest-places-to-live-in-north-carolina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-north-carolina\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Most Affordable Places to Live in North Carolina in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Want North Carolina&#8217;s outdoorsy lifestyle without Highland&#8217;s high prices? Don&#8217;t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in the Tar Heel State if you know where to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Kinston or a <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/eden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Victorian home in Eden<\/a>, North Carolina&#8217;s textile hub. If you&#8217;re retiring, look at <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/lumberton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Lumberton<\/a> to enjoy a low-cost coastal lifestyle, with median home prices under $352,450.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After assessing hundreds of cities, we&#8217;ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in North Carolina to help you find a home that fits your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">\ud83c\udfe0 What is Houzeo?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Houzeo is America&#8217;s best home buying and selling platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Home Sellers:<\/strong> List your home for a Flat Fee, and save 2.5% to 5.5% on the listing agent commission! That&#8217;s thousands of dollars extra in your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Home Buyers:<\/strong> Houzeo has the most number of <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">houses for sale in North Carolina<\/a>. Start your dream home search now!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">\ud83d\udcf1 Does Houzeo have a mobile app?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Yes! You can list your home for sale or search millions of homes on the Houzeo mobile app!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Download now on the <a           href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/id1576836461\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Apple App Store<\/a> or the <a           href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.houzeo.houzeo&#038;pli=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Google Play Store<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div  class=\"hfsWidget \" data-widget-title=\"Find homes in North Carolina that fit your budget \ud83c\udf04\" data-widget-list-item1=\"1st item\" data-widget-list-item2=\"2nd item\" data-widget-list-item3=\"3rd item\" data-widget-type=\"buyer1\" data-widget-vendor-type=\"inspector\" data-widget-state=\"nc\" data-widget-city=\"\" data-widget-redirect-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" data-widget-redirect-text=\"Cheap homes for sale in North Carolina\" data-widget-button-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\" data-widget-button-text=\"\" data-widget-min-price=\"0\" data-widget-max-price=\"0\" data-widget-min-area=\"0\" data-widget-max-area=\"0\" data-widget-sidebar=\"false\">\n        <div class=\"widgetMainBox mainBox456\">\n        <div class=\"widgetBox widgetBox3 buyer-one\">\n            <div class=\"widgetTop\" style=\"display: flex;\">\n                <div class=\"widgetTopcont\">\n                    <div class=\"homePageQuickListing -page homepage widgetInBox3 hfs_new_design_widget\">\n                      <div class=\"HeaderTopSidebar\"> \n                        <p class=\"headerStyle\">Find homes in North Carolina that fit your budget \ud83c\udf04<\/p>\n                                                                         <div class=\"widgetList skeleton skeleton-text\">\n                            <p>View 81,649 homes for sale in <span\n                            class=\"propertyStateSpan\">NC<\/span><\/p>                            \n                        <\/div>\n                                                                      <\/div>  \n                        <div class=\"verifyFieldForm addInput\">\n                            <div class=\"inputSearchBox\">\n                                <div class=\"inputBoxElement addressBar\">\n                                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"ITBTtRE\" id=\"buyerAutocomplete\"\n                                        placeholder=\"Enter an address, city, neighborhood, or ZIP\"\n                                        class=\"pac-target-input buyerAutocomplete\" autocomplete=\"off\">\n                                <\/div>\n                                <span class=\"errorStreetMsg errorMsg\">Please enter valid address<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n                            \n                            <div class=\"inputSubmitBox\">\n                                                                <button id=\"buyerBtnBox456\" class=\"continueCta storeAddress next_btn buyerBtnBox\">Search\n                                    <span class=\"arrowContinue\"><\/span><\/button>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"widgetInsideBox\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyBoxNew\" id=\"propertyContainer\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyInnerBox\">   \n                 \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/700-battleground-ct-kings-mountain-nc-28086\/hzid_765dbeab\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/7\/CAMCAR296236834\/1_69994f143896082daaa04a06_a7f93cf2e5_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MLSGrid_1712310160-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$1,600,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t700 battleground ct, <br\/>kings mountain, NC 28086\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Vickie Spurling | Vickie Spurling Realty Inc <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: Canopy MLS | MLS#: 4346946<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/517-willow-st-mount-airy-nc-27030\/hzid_b5ac61f9\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/7\/CAMCAR303015113\/0_6a1603959768c098fa37be9c_2c75017fcd_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MLSGrid_1712310160-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$750,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t517 willow st, <br\/>mount airy, NC 27030\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Jamie Purvis | RE\/MAX Executive <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: Canopy MLS | MLS#: 4384900<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew fullWidthCard \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" class=\"widgetanctextfind widgetancTextForAll\" target=\"_blank\">Cheap homes for sale in North Carolina<span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/houzeo-media-1.s3.amazonaws.com\/homes-for-sale\/blue-arrow.svg\" alt=\"arrow\" width=\"11\" height=\"10\"><\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                   <\/div>   \n               \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n       \n    <\/div>\n\t<script>\n    document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() {        \n        if (!window.assetsLoaded) {\n            window.assetsLoaded = true;\n            var version = (typeof customData !== 'undefined' && customData.customVersion) ? customData.customVersion : '1.0';\n            loadScript('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/js\/hfs-widget.js?version=' + version);\n            loadCSS('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/css\/hfs-widget.css?version=' + version);\n        }    \n    });\n\t\t\n\t<\/script>\n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-takeaways-list takeawaysSec\"><p class=\"headKeySec\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"listing\"><li><strong>Kinston is the cheapest city in North Carolina:<\/strong> Kinston&#8217;s cost of living is 12% lower than the state average. With a median price of $117,500, it is the cheapest place to live in North Carolina.<\/li><li><strong>Raleigh is the best city for young adults:<\/strong> With job market being powered by tech and life sciences, Raleigh is a prime spot to build a career.<\/li><li><strong>For families, Eden is a great choice:<\/strong> With safe neighborhoods, good schools like the Eden Central School and plenty of parks, Eden is perfect for raising children.<\/li><li><strong>Retirees should consider Asheboro:<\/strong> Retirees can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with quiet neighborhoods and access to outdoor recreation. <\/li><li><strong>Don&#8217;t forget North Carolina&#8217;s Vehicle Tax:<\/strong> Homeowners pay an average of $500+ per year along with registration and safety inspection fee.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-28\" id=\"least-expensive-places-to-live-in-north-carolina\"><strong>10 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina in 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"least-expensive-places-to-live-in-north-carolina\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div id=\"footable_parent_449883\"\n         class=\" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui \">\n                <table data-ninja_table_instance=\"ninja_table_instance_0\" data-footable_id=\"449883\" data-filter-delay=\"1000\" aria-label=\"Cheapest Cities in North Carolina\"            id=\"footable_449883\"\n           data-unique_identifier=\"ninja_table_unique_id_1547309608_449883\"\n           class=\" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_449883 ninja_table_unique_id_1547309608_449883 ui table  nt_type_legacy_table selectable celled striped compact vertical_centered  footable-paging-center ninja_table_search_disabled ninja_table_pro\">\n                <colgroup>\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_0 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_1 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_2 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_3 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_4 \">\n                    <\/colgroup>\n        <thead>\n<tr class=\"footable-header\">\n                                                                                        <th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_city \">City<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_average_household_income \">Median Home Value<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_safety_rank \">Median House Rent<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_3 ninja_clmn_nm_median_home_value \">Cost of Living Compared to State Average<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_4 ninja_clmn_nm_affordability_score_out_of_10 \">Affordability Score (out of 10)<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n\n        <tr data-row_id=\"15611\" class=\"ninja_table_row_0 nt_row_id_15611\">\n            <td>1. <a href=\"#kinston\">Kinston<\/a><\/td><td>$117,500<\/td><td>$914<\/td><td>12% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.2<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15607\" class=\"ninja_table_row_1 nt_row_id_15607\">\n            <td>2.  <a href=\"#rocky-mount\">Rocky Mount<\/a><\/td><td>$178,500<\/td><td>$1,202<\/td><td>20% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.7<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15609\" class=\"ninja_table_row_2 nt_row_id_15609\">\n            <td>3.  <a href=\"#eden\">Eden<\/a><\/td><td>$179,250<\/td><td> $1,162<\/td><td>6% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.5<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16707\" class=\"ninja_table_row_3 nt_row_id_16707\">\n            <td>4.  <a href=\"#thomasville\">Thomasville<\/a><\/td><td>$230,000<\/td><td>$1,399<\/td><td>3% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.2<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15613\" class=\"ninja_table_row_4 nt_row_id_15613\">\n            <td>5.  <a href=\"#asheboro\">Asheboro<\/a><\/td><td>$254,000<\/td><td>$1,121<\/td><td>5% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>6.9<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16705\" class=\"ninja_table_row_5 nt_row_id_16705\">\n            <td>6. <a href=\"#fayetteville\">Fayetteville<\/a><\/td><td>$226,000<\/td><td>$1,294<\/td><td>3% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>6.8<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15608\" class=\"ninja_table_row_6 nt_row_id_15608\">\n            <td>7.  <a href=\"#lumberton\">Lumberton<\/a> <\/td><td>$352,450<\/td><td>$975<\/td><td>13% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>6.5<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15612\" class=\"ninja_table_row_7 nt_row_id_15612\">\n            <td>8.  <a href=\"#burlington\">Burlington<\/a><\/td><td>$245,999<\/td><td>$1,357<\/td><td>5% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>6.5<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15610\" class=\"ninja_table_row_8 nt_row_id_15610\">\n            <td>9.  <a href=\"#henderson\">Henderson<\/a><\/td><td>$262,000<\/td><td>$1,502<\/td><td>9% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>6.1<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16706\" class=\"ninja_table_row_9 nt_row_id_16706\">\n            <td>10. <a href=\"#greenville\">Greenville<\/a><\/td><td>$276,500<\/td><td>$1,381<\/td><td>3% \u2b06\ufe0f<\/td><td>6<\/td>        <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody><!--ninja_tobody_rendering_done-->\n    <\/table>\n    \n    \n    \n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-28\" id=\"cheap-homes-in-north-carolina\"><strong>How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in North Carolina<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To identify the cheap places to live in North Carolina, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"cheap-houses-in-north-carolina\"><strong>Data Sources:<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Median Home Prices:<\/strong> We used Houzeo&#8217;s <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/housing-market\/north-carolina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Carolina Housing Market<\/a> report and double-checked the numbers with <a           href=\"https:\/\/chcs.uncg.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Center for Housing and Community Studies<\/a> (CHCS) at University of North Carolina at Greensboro<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Median Rent:<\/strong> We got the rent data from <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.c2er.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">C2ER<\/a>, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it&#8217;s accurate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall Cost of Living:<\/strong> We covered 6 big spending categories\u2014 housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods\u2014 from C2ER data. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city&#8217;s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"cheapest-city-to-live-in-nc\"><strong>Affordability Scoring: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Median Home Price (40%)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Median Rent (35%)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost of Living (25%)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This way, we can clearly show which North Carolina cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our <a           href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1ZeowkP4TbIHFnUN2nssdO4OHT0WH8yUMC-1mbgN7FOg\/edit?gid=738638932#gid=738638932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">score breakdown<\/a> to see how each city was ranked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Image credits: All blog images are sourced from <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Freepik<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cheapest-places-to-live-north-carolina\"><strong>10 Most Affordable Places to Live in North Carolina<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"kinston\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"kinston\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"kinston\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#1<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Kinston<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $117,500<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $914<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 12% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kinston.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Kinston, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.2<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>The most affordable place to live in North Carolina offers access to Neuseway Nature Park, Lions Water, and nearby parks like the Cliffs of the Neuse. All of this alongside coastal beaches within an hour&#8217;s drive. Plenty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/kinston\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">homes for sale in Kinston<\/a> provide practical entry into this relaxed, nature-oriented community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Kinston Country Club:<\/strong> This is a suburban residential area with a Kinston Country Club with an 18-hole championship golf course. The Rochelle Middle School serves the kids in the neighborhood.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Downtown Kinston:<\/strong> The neighborhood is urban with a mix of post WWII homes. Residents have a walkable access to restaurants like Chef and Farmer and the Community Council for the Arts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Highland:<\/strong> It&#8217;s a quiet neighborhood along Highland Avenue with vintage housing stock. It sits near downtown amenities like Vernon Park Mall and even Kinston High School.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Kinston&#8217;s key industries are manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Major employers are Electrolux Home Products, UNC Health Lenoir, and Spirit AeroSystems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Popular spots include the Neuseway Nature Park, CSS Neuese Civil War Interpretive Center that offer Civil War history exploration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Crime Rates:<\/strong> Kinston&#8217;s violent crime rate stands at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighborhoodscout.com\/nc\/kinston\/crime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">1 in 113<\/a> residents, though there was a <a href=\"https:\/\/kinstonnc.gov\/DocumentCenter\/View\/6850\/2025-KPD-Quarter-2-Report-25-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">13.6% drop<\/a> in Q2 2025.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Diversity:<\/strong> Other than manufacturing, healthcare, and education there is limited jobs outside these sectors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flood Risk:<\/strong> 23.3% of properties are under the risk of flood due to Neuse River. Past hurricanes like Fran, Floyd, and Isaias have caused inundation too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"rocky-mount\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"rocky-mount\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"rocky-mount\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#2<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Rocky Mount<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:\u00a0<\/strong>$178,500<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:\u00a0<\/strong>$1,202<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:\u00a0<\/strong>20% \u2b07\ufe0f than state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Rocky-Mount.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Rocky Mount, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.7<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>The city ranks among the most affordable cities in North Carolina thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/rocky-mount\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">affordable homes for sale in Rocky Mount<\/a>, which keep daily expenses manageable while still delivering urban convenience. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with green spaces, small-city amenities, and regional transit that connects them to larger North Carolina hubs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>West Haven: <\/strong>This is a residential neighborhood in Rocky Mount known for its historic architecture and mature trees, providing a quiet, suburban vibe. It offers proximity to the downtown business district and the charm of large early 20th-century homes styles such as Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Belmont Lake Preserve:<\/strong> The area offers a suburban setting centered around a large lake and golf course. Its appeal lies in the community\u2019s access to parks, walking trails, and nearby schools, providing a balanced lifestyle with outdoor opportunities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Englewood:<\/strong> The neighborhood has a more urban residential character, appealing mainly for its accessibility. Buyers appreciate its location near essential services and transit options, making it convenient for daily commuting and access to city amenities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Rocky Mount&#8217;s economy centers on manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Key employers including Pfizer (3,000 employees in biomedical production), Cummins (1,800 in diesel engines). Production occupations dominate local employment at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/regions\/southeast\/news-release\/occupationalemploymentandwages_rockymount.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">11.6%<\/a> of the workforce, supported by distribution hubs near highways and rail lines<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation: <\/strong>Residents access recreation through Rocky Mount Mills, a mixed-use site with breweries, events, and trails along the Tar River. The 143-acre sports complex and 165,000-square-foot downtown event center host community activities, while nearby developments like Goat Island provide public river access.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Crime Rate:<\/strong> Rocky Mount has a crime rate of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbi.gov\/SSRV?report=%2FUCR%2FIndexOffensesByAgencyInCounty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">41 per 1,000 residents<\/a>, one of the highest in the U.S., with violent crimes at 8.70 per 1,000 and a one-in-115 victimization chance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Diversity:<\/strong> The workforce relies heavily on manufacturing and production (11.6% of employment), potentially restricting options outside these sectors.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flood Risk:<\/strong> Proximity to the Tar River increases flooding vulnerability, as seen in past events like Hurricane Floyd, impacting special flood hazard areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"eden\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"eden\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"eden\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#3<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Eden<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $179,250<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,162<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 6% \u2b07\ufe0f than state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/eden.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Eden, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.5<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Eden is among cheapest places to live in NC with a riverfront setting along the Smith River, and parks like Freedom Park give residents quiet, accessible recreation within a community of about 15,000. Homes for sale in Eden appeal to buyers who want affordability with easy access to Greensboro via U.S. Highway 220.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Sunset Hills:<\/strong> It is a quiet, primarily residential neighborhood in Eden characterized by older, well-maintained homes and tree-lined streets. Residents has easy access to local parks like Freedom Park and community amenities such as the Bridge Street Recreation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Central Area \/ Meadow Summit:<\/strong> The neighborhood offers a suburban vibe with established residential zones. It has proximity to schools at the Rockingham County Schools district, shopping centers, and convenient Eden Transit bus routes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Central Leaksville &amp; Boone Road:<\/strong> They have a mixed urban-residential feel, balancing residential housing with access to downtown Eden\u2019s services and businesses. It is conveniently located near employment centers like Gildan and Signode and local parks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Eden&#8217;s economy emphasizes manufacturing, especially textiles and furniture, as the dominant sector in Rockingham County with over 5,400 workers county-wide. Key employers include Mohawk Industries, Gildan, Signode, and Weil-McLain in production roles, alongside retail and health care firms like UNC Rockingham Health Care.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Freedom Park features a splash pad, playground, skateboard park, dog park, miniature golf, and trails, reflecting family-oriented outdoor activities. The Smith River Greenway offers walking paths with butterfly trails and river access for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, alongside spots like Leaksville Landing.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Crime Rate:<\/strong> Eden has a crime rate of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.areavibes.com\/eden-nc\/crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">33 per 1,000<\/a> residents, higher than 83% of North Carolina communities, with violent crimes at 4.70 per 1,000 and property crimes at 27.92 per 1,000, yielding a one-in-31 victimization chance.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Diversity:<\/strong> The economy depends heavily on manufacturing like textiles, with challenges in retraining workers from declining sectors, restricting opportunities beyond production roles.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Amenities:<\/strong> Many amenities are not within walking distance, often requiring a vehicle, and public transportation access is limited, leading to longer commutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"thomasville\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"thomasville\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"thomasville\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#4<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Thomasville<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:\u00a0<\/strong>$230,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Rent:\u00a0<\/strong>$1,084<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:\u00a0<\/strong>3% \u2b07\ufe0f than state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thomasville.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Thomasville, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.2<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>The small-city lifestyle appeals through quiet residential areas and access to parks like Cherokee Park with walking trails and a rose garden. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/thomasville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Thomasville<\/a> provide affordability near U.S. Highway 85 for commuting to High Point and Winston-Salem amenities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Erwin Heights:<\/strong> This area presents a suburban residential vibe within Thomasville township, featuring single-family homes in a lower-density setting. It offers access to local schools like Liberty Drive Elementary School and proximity to community amenities like parks.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Downtown Thomasville: <\/strong>It has an urban, walkable character centered on historic buildings, events, and the railroad depot. It appeals due to nearness to shops, farmers markets, and cultural spots like the Big Chair landmark.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Memorial Park:<\/strong> Memorial Park offers a quiet residential area adjacent to recreational facilities including playgrounds and sports fields. Its draw includes convenience to Veterans Memorial Park features and the Thomasville City Schools zone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Thomasville&#8217;s economy focuses on manufacturing, particularly furniture, textiles, and flooring, with major employers like Thomasville Furniture Industries, Lexington Home Brands, Mohawk Industries, and Old Dominion Freight Line.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Cherokee Park includes a lighted walking path, lake fishing, exercise stations, and the Thomasville Rose Garden, supporting outdoor family activities. Remington Park offers athletic fields, skate park, tennis, pickleball, and playgrounds, while Lake Thom-A-Lex provides water sports and golf nearby.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Crime Rate:<\/strong> Thomasville&#8217;s crime rate stands at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighborhoodscout.com\/nc\/thomasville\/crime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">27 per 1,000<\/a> residents, higher than 76% of North Carolina communities, with violent crime at 3.50 per 1,000 (1 in 286 chance) and property crime at 23.18 per 1,000.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Diversity:<\/strong> Heavy reliance on manufacturing sectors like furniture and textiles limits options beyond production and logistics roles.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Natural Disaster Risks:<\/strong> Exposure to statewide hazards including floods, hurricanes, and severe weather, as outlined in North Carolina&#8217;s hazard mitigation plans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"asheboro\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"asheboro\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#5<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Asheboro<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $254,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,121<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 5% \u2b07\ufe0f than state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asheboro.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Asheboro, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">6.9<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>The mid-sized city lifestyle centers on access to the North Carolina Zoo and Uwharrie National Forest trails, alongside highways like U.S. 220 for regional connectivity. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/asheboro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Asheboro<\/a> suit those prioritizing low expenses near parks and outdoor attractions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Asheboro West:<\/strong> It maintains a suburban residential character with single-family homes in a growing area. It appeals for proximity to schools, shopping along highways, and quick access to western parks like the Randolph Park.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cedar Grove:<\/strong> Cedar Grove offers a quiet, established residential vibe amid tree-covered lots and local zoning. Residents value its nearness to community schools like Cedar Grove Elementary School and central amenities including athletic fields such as City Fields.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pisgah Bridge:<\/strong> Pisgah Bridge provides a rural-suburban feel near Uwharrie National Forest and the historic 1911 bridge. Its location draws interest for trail access, river recreation, and distance from urban density.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Asheboro&#8217;s key industries include manufacturing (batteries, plastics, furniture) and health care, with top employers Randolph County Schools (2,066 employees), Toyota Battery Mfg. NC (2,000), Technimark (1,250), Randolph Health (726), and NC Zoological Park (440).\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Asheboro Memorial Park hosts pools, tennis, playgrounds, ballfields, and volleyball, while North Asheboro Park adds athletic fields and walking paths. The NC Zoo offers trails and wildlife exhibits; Pisgah Covered Bridge provides scenic hikes in Uwharrie Forest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Crime Rate:<\/strong> Asheboro&#8217;s rate is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighborhoodscout.com\/nc\/asheboro\/crime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32 per 1,000 residents<\/a> (1 in 31 victimization chance), exceeding 82% of NC communities, with violent crime at 4.22 per 1,000 (1 in 237).\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Diversity:<\/strong> Economy centers on manufacturing and education, with fewer options in tech or services beyond firms like Energizer and Technimark.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Natural Disaster Risks:<\/strong> Vulnerable to statewide floods, hurricanes, and severe weather per NC hazard plans, including tornadoes and winter storms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"fayettville\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"fayetteville\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#6<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Fayetteville<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:\u00a0<\/strong>$226,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:\u00a0<\/strong>$1,294<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:\u00a0<\/strong>3% \u2b07\ufe0fstate average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Fayetteville.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Lumberton, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">6.8<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>The military-influenced city offers suburban lifestyles near Fort Liberty, with parks like Lake Rim (150 acres, trails, fishing) and Cape Fear Botanical Garden for recreation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/fayetteville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Fayetteville<\/a> provide value with highway access to Raleigh and regional amenities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Jack Britt: <\/strong>This neighborhood features a suburban, family-oriented residential vibe in northwest Fayetteville with spacious lots and good schools. It boasts proximity to top-rated Jack Britt High School and shopping centers.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Haymount:<\/strong> The neighborhood presents an established urban-residential character near downtown, blending historic homes with modern updates. It attracts due to walkability to shops, dining, and Cape Fear River trails.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gates Four:<\/strong> This is a gated suburban community with golf course views and luxury homes in a secure setting. Appeal includes country club amenities, pool, tennis, and nearness to Fort Liberty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Key industries span manufacturing, health care, education, and retail, with top employers Fayetteville Technical Community College (1,300), Food Lion (1,200), U.S. Postal Service (1,200), Cape Fear Valley Health (950+), and military-related like Booz Allen Hamilton (700).\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Lake Rim Park spans 150 acres with trails, fishing, soccer, and volleyball around a 35-acre lake. Arnette Park offers pools, tennis, playgrounds, and fields; Cape Fear Botanical Garden provides themed trails and events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Crime Rate:<\/strong> Crime stands at 39.51 per 1,000 residents, with violent crime 8.76 per 1,000 (1,837 incidents) and property 30.75 per 1,000; homicides reached <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityviewnc.com\/stories\/halfway-through-2025-heres-an-update-on-fayettevilles-homicide-rate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">28 by mid-2025<\/a>.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Diversity:<\/strong> While varied, heavy military and manufacturing ties (e.g., Eaton, Mann+Hummel) constrain non-government\/service roles.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Natural Disaster Risks:<\/strong> Prone to hurricanes, floods, and severe weather via Cape Fear River, with emergency teams for civil unrest and rescues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"lumberton\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#7<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Lumberton<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $352,450<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent: <\/strong>$975<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:\u00a0<\/strong>13% \u2b07\ufe0f\u00a0 than state average.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lumberton.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Lumberton, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">6.5<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>The small-city lifestyle includes access to Luther Britt Park&#8217;s lakes, trails, and disc golf along the Lumber River for outdoor pursuits. Homes for sale in Lumberton offer affordability near U.S. highways for regional travel and local amenities.\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Barker Ten Mile:<\/strong> This area exhibits a rural-suburban residential vibe with single-family homes on larger lots in Lumberton&#8217;s outskirts. It&#8217;s known for its quieter setting and access to nearby schools such as Lumberton Senior High School and highways like US 74.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tanglewood:<\/strong> This town maintains an established suburban character with mid-sized homes in a family-oriented zone. It appeals for proximity to recreation centers like Bill Sapp Recreation Center and shopping in west Lumberton.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Godwin Heights: <\/strong>The neighborhood\u00a0features a compact urban-residential feel near central services and activity centers. Its location draws interest for convenience to parks, gyms, and local employment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Lumberton&#8217;s economy highlights manufacturing (food processing, pulp), health care, and government, with major employers like Southeastern Health, Campbell Soup Supply, Mountaire Farms, Elkay Southern (325 employees), and Lumber River EMC (115 employees).\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Luther Britt Park covers 142 acres with lakes for swimming, boating, fishing, picnic shelters, volleyball, disc golf, and paved trails. Activity centers like Pine Street offer senior programs, gyms, and youth facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Crime Rate:<\/strong> Lumberton records <a href=\"https:\/\/www.areavibes.com\/lumberton-nc\/crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">13,631 crimes per 100,000<\/a> (486% above national average), with 2,400 violent crimes per 100,000 (1 in 50 chance) and 11,231 property crimes per 100,000.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Diversity:<\/strong> Focus on manufacturing, health care, and retail yields median household income near $30,000, restricting broader opportunities.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flood Risks:<\/strong> Frequent Lumber River flooding, as in 2016 Hurricane Matthew, impacts infrastructure and recovery in flood-prone areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"burlington\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#8<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Burlington<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:\u00a0<\/strong>$245,999<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent: $<\/strong>1,357<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:\u00a0<\/strong>5% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Burlington.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Burlington, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">6.5<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Residents enjoy access to recreational spots like City Park with its historic Dentzel Carousel and nearby waterways. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/burlington\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Burlington<\/a> appeal to those seeking affordability with easy connections to highways and regional centers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Mackintosh on the Lake:<\/strong> This is a scenic neighborhood on the shores of the 1,150-acre Lake Mackintosh, noted for water-based recreation and nature trails. It attracts buyers interested in outdoor activities and peaceful lake views.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Waterford:<\/strong> This neighborhood features suburban family-friendly residential areas with well-maintained homes and community parks. It appeals for its quiet atmosphere and proximity to schools and shopping amenities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Heritage Glen:<\/strong> The neighborhood offers a close-knit suburban community feel with affordable homes. It is popular for its access to several parks, outdoor activities, and historic sites like Alamance Battleground nearby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Burlington\u2019s economy revolves around advanced manufacturing (aerospace, life sciences, textiles), food manufacturing, and service industries. Major employers include Laboratory Corporation of America, Glen Raven, Alamance Regional Medical Center, and others.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> City Park is a family-friendly hub with ballfields, train rides, a nationally registered Dentzel Carousel, and picnic areas. Additional spots include the Burlington Tennis Center, Maynard Aquatic Center, and Thataways Youth Center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Crime Rate:<\/strong> Burlington&#8217;s crime rate is significantly above average at 45 incidents per 1,000 residents, with violent crimes at 8.32 per 1,000.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Job Diversity:<\/strong> Though diverse, the economy still heavily depends on manufacturing and healthcare sectors, limiting high-tech and other opportunities.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Natural Disaster Risks:<\/strong> The area faces typical Southeastern weather hazards, including hurricanes and flooding, requiring preparedness for storm impacts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"henderson\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#9<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Henderson<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:\u00a0<\/strong>$262,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:\u00a0<\/strong>$1,502<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:\u00a0<\/strong>9% \u2b07\ufe0f than state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Henderson.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Henderson, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">#9<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Henderson is among the best affordable places to live in North Carolina. The small-city lifestyle provides access to parks like Hix Recreation Park and Kerr Lake State Recreation Area for boating and trails. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/henderson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Henderson<\/a> attract those valuing low expenses near U.S. highways linking to Raleigh.\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Dabney:<\/strong> The neighborhood maintains a suburban residential vibe with single-family homes in Henderson&#8217;s outskirts. Buyers note its proximity to local schools and highway access for commuting.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Epsom:<\/strong> It features a rural neighborhood character with low-density housing near Gillburg. It appeals for its quiet setting and distance from urban areas while close to regional amenities.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Raleigh:<\/strong> This neighborhood presents an established residential feel within Henderson township. Its location draws interest for convenience to community services and parks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Henderson&#8217;s economy centers on manufacturing, food processing, and logistics, with employers like Procter &amp; Gamble, Ardagh Group, Kennametal, and Revlon in production roles.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Hix Recreation Park offers sports fields, playgrounds, and trails, while Kerr Lake State Recreation Area provides boating, fishing, and camping. Occoneechee State Park adds hiking and equestrian paths nearby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Crime Rate:<\/strong> Henderson&#8217;s violent crime rate is 435.2 per 100,000 (309% above national average), with property crime at 319.6 per 100,000; chance of victimization is 1 in 55 for violent crime.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Diversity:<\/strong> Reliance on manufacturing and entry-level roles limits options beyond light industry and distribution.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Natural Disaster Risks:<\/strong> Exposure to floods, hurricanes, and severe weather per regional hazard mitigation plans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"greenville\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#10<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Greenville<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:\u00a0<\/strong>$276,500<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:\u00a0<\/strong>$1,381<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:\u00a0<\/strong>3% \u2b06\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/greenville.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Greenville, North Carolina\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">6<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>The city combines affordable suburban neighborhoods with access to parks, trails, and local cultural amenities. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/greenville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Greenville<\/a> are attractive for those seeking a balanced lifestyle with proximity to the city\u2019s recreational and job opportunities.\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Lynndale:<\/strong> It has a traditional suburban residential atmosphere with established homes and quiet streets. It appeals for its family-friendly environment and access to local schools and parks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Westhaven:<\/strong> This neighborhood offers a suburban feel with modern housing developments and community amenities. Buyers appreciate its convenient location near shopping centers and major transportation routes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tree Tops:<\/strong> It is known for its wooded, spacious lots creating a semi-rural suburban vibe. It attracts buyers looking for privacy and natural surroundings while still close to city conveniences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Greenville\u2019s economy is diverse with key sectors including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. Major employers include Vidant Medical Center, East Carolina University, and Cummins Inc.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Greenville offers numerous parks such as River Park North with biking and walking trails, and East Carolina University\u2019s cultural venues. The community hosts festivals, farmers markets, and local events reflecting the vibrant lifestyle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Safety Concerns:<\/strong> Crime rates in some parts of Greenville can be higher than average, necessitating consideration of neighborhood-specific data.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost Variability:<\/strong> While housing is generally affordable, food and healthcare costs trend higher than national averages.\u200b<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Public Transit:<\/strong> Transportation options may be limited outside main corridors, impacting accessibility for non-drivers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-grey-text blue-box-content-list\"><strong>\ud83d\udc49 Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re eyeing North Carolina\u2019s coast, Wilmington is a standout choice. From Carolina Beach to Ogden, you\u2019ll find plenty of <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/wilmington\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">affordable homes for sale in Wilmington<\/a> with great long-term value.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion margin-top-15\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">What are some safe affordable places to live in North Carolina?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Morrisville (safety score of 85) and Concord (safety score of 83) are the cheapest and <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/safest-places-to-live\/north-carolina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">safest cities in North Carolina<\/a>. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"young-adults\"><strong>3 Least Expensive Places to Live in North Carolina for Young Adults <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It&#8217;s Great for Young Adults<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>Raleigh<\/strong><\/td><td>Its job market is powered by tech and life sciences, employers like IBM, Cisco, and a fast-growing startup sector. With vibrant neighborhoods such as North Hills, Brier Creek, and Five Points, along with a strong mix of <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/raleigh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Raleigh<\/a>, it\u2019s easy to find a place that fits both lifestyle and career.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Greensboro<\/strong><\/td><td>Its major employers are Guilford County Schools and Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. The arts scene thrives around the Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNC Greensboro. With a steady supply of <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/greensboro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Greensboro<\/a> and access to Winston-Salem and Raleigh-Durham, residents enjoy both local comfort and networking opportunities.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Greenville<\/strong><\/td><td>East Carolina University fuels steady demand for services and provides major employment in education and healthcare. Downtown brings added energy with spots like The Skillet and local coffee bars. With the Greenville Greenway Trail, River Park North, and the Tar River, residents enjoy affordable and accessible outdoor recreation.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"best-affordable-places-to-live-in-north-carolina-for-families\"><strong>3 <strong><strong>Cheapest<\/strong><\/strong> Places to Live In <strong><strong><strong>N<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>orth Carolina for Families<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It&#8217;s Great for Young Families<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>Eden<\/strong><\/td><td>Eden Central School delivers strong education, while family events at the Eden Farmers\u2019 Market and outdoor spots along the Dan River create regular community connection. Nearby parks and the Eden Drive-In Movie Theater add low-cost entertainment for kids and families.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Rocky Mount<\/strong><\/td><td>Families enjoy attractions such as the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, which includes a Children\u2019s Museum and Science Center. Parks like Meadowbrook add more options with playgrounds, open space, and walking trails. Events such as Downtown Live! and BBQ Throw Down provide affordable community fun.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Fayetteville<\/strong><\/td><td>The city draws strength from a diverse economy, supported in large part by Fort Liberty. Families benefit from good schools in Cumberland County and accessible attractions like the Airborne &amp; Special Operations Museum and local farmers\u2019 markets. With Raleigh close by, residents enjoy easy weekend outings without big-city costs.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"most-affordable-places-to-retire-in-north-carolina\"><strong>3 Most Affordable Places to Retire in North Carolina<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It&#8217;s Great for Retirees<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>Hickory<\/strong><\/td><td>Lake Hickory offers daily lakefront views along with boating and pier fishing at Geitner-Rotary Park. The 10-mile Hickory Trail adds walkable paths like the City Walk and provides easy access to Catawba Valley Medical Center for routine care. With these amenities and a steady selection of <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/hickory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Hickory<\/a>, the city appeals to buyers looking for both recreation and convenience.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Asheboro<\/strong><\/td><td>Shaded paths at the North Carolina Zoo offer relaxed animal viewing by tram or on walking trails through the North America and Africa exhibits. Terrabella Asheboro provides maintenance-free senior living with apartments close to the zoo, making low-effort outings easy and convenient.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Roanoke Rapids<\/strong><\/td><td>The 7-mile Roanoke Canal Trail offers flat hiking and biking along historic canal locks, with the Roanoke Canal Museum available for self-paced exploration. All this is located within a 90-minute drive of Raleigh\u2019s major hospitals via I-95. With a variety of <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/roanoke-rapids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Roanoke Rapids<\/a>, it\u2019s easy for buyers to enjoy both active living and practical access to regional amenities.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"affordable-housing-in-nc\"><strong>3 Hidden Costs to Consider in North Carolina<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in the cheapest cities to live in North Carolina, affordability isn\u2019t just about the price tag on a home. It also includes property taxes, insurance, utilities, and everyday living costs that shape the true budget for a comfortable lifestyle. Consider all these factors when looking for the cheapest cities in NC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vehicle Property Taxes:<\/strong> North Carolina charges an annual property tax on vehicles, often totaling $300\u2013$800 for a typical SUV or truck, along with a $38.75 registration fee and $30 safety inspection. New residents also face a one-time 3% highway use tax.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>HOA Fees: <\/strong>Many subdivisions built after the 1990s require annual homeowners association dues of $300\u2013$700 for mid-range homes, covering amenities but limiting modifications. Luxury neighborhoods can exceed $1,200, while older areas like Burlington often have no HOA fees at all.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healthcare Costs: <\/strong>About two-thirds of families face medical cost challenges, with 32% relying on credit cards to pay bills. Many worry about unexpected charges in a state marked by high uninsured rates and variable healthcare costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-grey-text blue-box-content-list\">\ud83d\udc49\u00a0<strong>Quick Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0North Carolina&#8217;s Homestead Exemption allows owners aged 65+ or disabled up to $25,000  or 50% off the taxable value of your primary residence, provided 2024 income does not exceed $37,900.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"most-affordable-places-to-live-in-nc\"><strong>Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in North Carolina to Live In<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>City<\/th><th>Median Home Price<\/th><th>Avg Monthly Mortgage<\/th><th>Insurance\/taxes<\/th><th>Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person<\/th><th>Monthly Savings vs. Marvin<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Kinston<\/td><td>$117,500<\/td><td>$1,534<\/td><td>$1,018<\/td><td>$2,552<\/td><td>$7,440<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Charlotte<\/td><td>$422,500<\/td><td>$2,924<\/td><td>$2,201<\/td><td>$5,125<\/td><td>$4,867<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Marvin<\/td><td>$1,347,500<\/td><td>$6,121<\/td><td>$3,871<\/td><td>$9,992<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.expatistan.com\/cost-of-living\/city\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Expatistan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"most-affordable-beach-towns-in-north-carolina\"><strong>Affordable Living Beyond North Carolina<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure if the cheapest places in North Carolina to live will fit your budget? Here are a few surrounding states that offer major tax benefits, a strong job market, and affordable housing, just like Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"affordable-homes-in-nc\"><strong>Tax Benefits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Arkansas, like North Carolina, has low property taxes, income tax rates, and overall low cost of living. These are 3 <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-arkansas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in Arkansas<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fort Smith:<\/strong> Median home price is $188,653, rent under $673, and the effective property tax rate around 0.59%, among lowest nationally. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Russellville:<\/strong> Median home price is $260,000, rent under $798, and the sales tax rate is from 9-9.5%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Texarkana:<\/strong> Median home price is $177,773, rent under $691, and the state income tax top rate is 3.9%, benefitting border residents. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"affordable-towns-in-north-carolina\"><strong>Strong Job Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Oklahoma matches North Carolina&#8217;s strong job market with growth in tech, healthcare, energy, and finance. Here are the top 3 <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-oklahoma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in Oklahoma<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Oklahoma City:<\/strong>&nbsp;Median home prices are around $231,000, rent under $1,056 and booking in energy and healthcare jobs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tulsa:<\/strong>&nbsp;Median home prices are around $210,000, rent under $1,010, and strong in tech and aerospace sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Broken Arrow:<\/strong> Median home prices are around  $275,250, median rent around $1,150, and unemployment rate is 2.2%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"cheapest-city-to-live-in-north-carolina\"><strong>Affordable Housing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>West Virginia provides affordable housing akin to North Carolina while ranking among the cheapest states to live, with a cost of living index of 85. These are the <a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-west-virginia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in West Virginia<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Weirton:<\/strong> Average home price is $120,000, median rent is $750, and cost of living is 20% below the national average.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Huntington:<\/strong> Average home price is $135,000, median rent is $800, and benefits from university-driven stability and riverfront affordability.\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beckly:<\/strong> Median home price is $142,000, average rent is $775, and you get low housing costs in Appalachian setting with outdoor recreation access.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-pro-tip-box wp-block-houzeo-grey-text blue-box-content-list pro-tip-blue-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pro-tip-icon.png\" alt=\"pro tip icon\" class=\"pro-tip-icon\"\/><p class=\"pro-tip-text\"><strong><strong>Want to cast a wider net?<\/strong><\/strong> <span>Beyond West Virginia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, explore the&nbsp;<a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in the US<\/a>&nbsp;where your dollar stretches even further.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"most-affordable-place-to-live-in-north-carolina\"><strong><strong>Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in North Carolina?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Kinston, Rocky Mount, and Eden have the most affordable homes in North Carolina. These areas offer more than low prices; they also provide steady job markets, plenty of recreation, and a cost of living nearly 20% lower than the national norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a           href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/moving-to-north-carolina\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moving to North Carolina<\/a>&nbsp;also offers valuable tax advantages, with property taxes averaging at 0.59%. Whether you\u2019re relocating or buying your first home, you can browse listings, compare prices, and make offers online.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div  class=\"hfsWidget \" data-widget-title=\"Find homes in North Carolina that fit your budget \ud83c\udf04\" data-widget-list-item1=\"1st item\" data-widget-list-item2=\"2nd item\" data-widget-list-item3=\"3rd item\" data-widget-type=\"buyer1\" data-widget-vendor-type=\"inspector\" data-widget-state=\"nc\" data-widget-city=\"\" data-widget-redirect-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" data-widget-redirect-text=\"Cheap homes for sale in North Carolina\" data-widget-button-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\" data-widget-button-text=\"\" data-widget-min-price=\"0\" data-widget-max-price=\"0\" data-widget-min-area=\"0\" data-widget-max-area=\"0\" data-widget-sidebar=\"false\">\n        <div class=\"widgetMainBox mainBox456\">\n        <div class=\"widgetBox widgetBox3 buyer-one\">\n            <div class=\"widgetTop\" style=\"display: flex;\">\n                <div class=\"widgetTopcont\">\n                    <div class=\"homePageQuickListing -page homepage widgetInBox3 hfs_new_design_widget\">\n                      <div class=\"HeaderTopSidebar\"> \n                        <p class=\"headerStyle\">Find homes in North Carolina that fit your budget \ud83c\udf04<\/p>\n                                                                         <div class=\"widgetList skeleton skeleton-text\">\n                            <p>View 81,649 homes for sale in <span\n                            class=\"propertyStateSpan\">NC<\/span><\/p>                            \n                        <\/div>\n                                                                      <\/div>  \n                        <div class=\"verifyFieldForm addInput\">\n                            <div class=\"inputSearchBox\">\n                                <div class=\"inputBoxElement addressBar\">\n                                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"ITBTtRE\" id=\"buyerAutocomplete\"\n                                        placeholder=\"Enter an address, city, neighborhood, or ZIP\"\n                                        class=\"pac-target-input buyerAutocomplete\" autocomplete=\"off\">\n                                <\/div>\n                                <span class=\"errorStreetMsg errorMsg\">Please enter valid address<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n                            \n                            <div class=\"inputSubmitBox\">\n                                                                <button id=\"buyerBtnBox456\" class=\"continueCta storeAddress next_btn buyerBtnBox\">Search\n                                    <span class=\"arrowContinue\"><\/span><\/button>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"widgetInsideBox\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyBoxNew\" id=\"propertyContainer\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyInnerBox\">   \n                 \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/700-battleground-ct-kings-mountain-nc-28086\/hzid_765dbeab\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/7\/CAMCAR296236834\/1_69994f143896082daaa04a06_a7f93cf2e5_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MLSGrid_1712310160-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$1,600,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t700 battleground ct, <br\/>kings mountain, NC 28086\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Vickie Spurling | Vickie Spurling Realty Inc <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: Canopy MLS | MLS#: 4346946<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/517-willow-st-mount-airy-nc-27030\/hzid_b5ac61f9\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/7\/CAMCAR303015113\/0_6a1603959768c098fa37be9c_2c75017fcd_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MLSGrid_1712310160-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$750,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t517 willow st, <br\/>mount airy, NC 27030\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Jamie Purvis | RE\/MAX Executive <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: Canopy MLS | MLS#: 4384900<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew fullWidthCard \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/north-carolina\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" class=\"widgetanctextfind widgetancTextForAll\" target=\"_blank\">Cheap homes for sale in North Carolina<span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/houzeo-media-1.s3.amazonaws.com\/homes-for-sale\/blue-arrow.svg\" alt=\"arrow\" width=\"11\" height=\"10\"><\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                   <\/div>   \n               \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n       \n    <\/div>\n\t<script>\n    document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() {        \n        if (!window.assetsLoaded) {\n            window.assetsLoaded = true;\n            var version = (typeof customData !== 'undefined' && customData.customVersion) ? customData.customVersion : '1.0';\n            loadScript('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/js\/hfs-widget.js?version=' + version);\n            loadCSS('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/css\/hfs-widget.css?version=' + version);\n        }    \n    });\n\t\t\n\t<\/script>\n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"faqs-on-cheapest-places-north-carolina\"><strong><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-faq-schema-wrap wp-faq-schema-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-faq-schema-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the least expensive place to live in North Carolina?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The cheapest place to live in NC is <a href=\"#kinston\">Kinston<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bb <a href=\"#least-expensive-places-to-live-in-north-carolina\">10 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina<\/a>:<\/strong> Find out the other cheapest places to live in North Carolina.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere is the best place to live in North Carolina?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/best-places-to-live\/north-carolina\" target=\"_blank\">best place to live in North Carolina<\/a> is Asheville, followed by Charlotte, Wilmington, Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Winston-Salem.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat are the living expenses in North Carolina?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The average cost to live in North Carolina is 4% below the national average. Moreover, transportation is 5% cheaper than the national average.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere are the cheap places to retire in North Carolina?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Hickory, Asheboro, and Roanoke Rapids are among the <a href=\"#most-affordable-places-to-retire-in-north-carolina\">cheap places to retire in North Carolina<\/a> on a budget. They offer affordable housing, small-town comfort, and easy access to medical care.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhich cities have the cheapest cost of living in North Carolina?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"#rocky-mount\">Rocky Mount<\/a> (78) and <a href=\"#lumberton\">Lumberton<\/a> (82) have the cheapest cost of living in North Carolina. Rocky Mount's cost of living is 20% below the average, while Lumberton's is 13% lower. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"new-excerpt\"><p class=\"small-desc\">Here are the cheapest places to live in North Carolina: 1. Eden 2. Rocky Mount 3. Fayetteville 4. Thomasville 5. Asheboro 6. Burlington 7....<\/p><\/div><div class=\"reading_date\"><span class=\"readtime\">10 mins read<\/span><span class=\"date\">Aug 01, 2026<\/span><\/div>","protected":false},"author":218,"featured_media":505807,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46225,46263],"tags":[49571,43544,31238,46394,49572],"class_list":["post-449860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buyer","category-cheapest-places-to-live","tag-affordable-housing-in-nc","tag-affordable-safe-places-to-live-in-north-carolina","tag-cheapest-place-in-north-carolina-to-live","tag-most-affordable-places-to-live-in-nc","tag-most-affordable-places-to-live-in-north-carolina"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>10 Most Affordable Places to Live in North Carolina (2026 Updates)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here are the most affordable places to live in North Carolina: 1. 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