Ten Best Places to live in North Carolina

Raleigh

“Raleigh works. The city is growing quickly, but it still maintains a friendly, grounded feel. Steven David Elliot, of Fathom Realty Tells Travel + Leisure. “People stay here because they feel at home.” Prices of homes have also remained fairly steady over the past two years. According to RedfinIn April 2025 the median home sale price in Raleigh will be around $440,000. This is a 3.4% increase over the previous year.

If you’re still not ready to make a purchase, what can you do? You can still find good deals on renting; average rent In the capital city, the average is $1,888. This is 10% less than the national median. Juanita Corry Jackson Juanita Jackson Realty She recommends that you start your search by looking in North Hills and Oakwood, two neighborhoods which are “gaining popularity” due to the blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

Durham

Raleigh and Durham may be grouped together, but any resident will tell that they are very different. Durham is smaller—with a population of around 290,000 compared to about 482,000 in Raleigh—and its culture leans more creative than corporate. Durham real estate is also cheaper. Although the market remains competitive, the average house value in Durham is slightly over $410,000. Durham is a great place to work if you are in higher education, medicine, or finance. Duke University Health System (DUHS), Fidelity Investments, and Duke University are among the companies that have offices in Durham. largest employers in the area.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a small city with a reputation that’s bigger than life. Part of the Research Triangle, Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina—but there’s a lot more to it than college life. Residents can enjoy live music, public artwork, a historic district, local breweries and restaurants. While the housing market is pricey—the median sale price exceeds $600,000—there are several charming small towns just outside of Chapel Hill to consider. Mebane Hillsborough or Pittsboro are all less than 30 minutes away from Chapel Hill.

Charlotte

Elliot calls Charlotte A “solid choice” if you want to “mix city life with space to breathe.” Charlotte Douglas International Airport serves as a major hub airport for American Airlines. It is ideal for frequent travellers. “Charlotte continues to move forward. “Charlotte has a lot of momentum. It has great job opportunities, an active cultural scene and neighborhoods such as South End and NoDa which are constantly improving,” he said. The housing market is still the same after the boom in 2020 and 2021. average home value Charlotte has a median home price of just under $405,000.

Cary

“Cary has a very easy-going atmosphere. It is safe and well-planned. The quality of living there is consistently high. Elliot describes the area as having “great schools, clean neighborhoods and a kind of quiet confidence which makes it a no brainer for families”. Cary, once a Raleigh suburb, has developed into its own destination with a unique identity. Residents can enjoy top-notch dining and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Downtown Cary Park The central gathering place for outdoor activities and events. This is why it’s no surprise to see the real estate market in a boom. rather competitive. Expect to pay about $690,000. current median price) for your home.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem has a lot to offer, and it is still a more affordable destination. The average home value Its cost of living is approximately 9 percent less than the national median. You can then focus on the other things that make Winston great, such as its parks and greenways (it is home to Wake Forest University) and local events, like movie nights, festivals, and smaller-town activities. You’re also within driving distance to the Blue Ridge Parkway Then, there is the Appalachian Trail, where hiking trails and scenic views await.

Wilmington

“Wilmington’s been on the upswing for quite some time.” You can enjoy the beach, a charming city center, and a relaxed, but not sleepy pace. Elliot says it’s an excellent option for those who want to upgrade their lifestyle without sacrificing community or culture. The port city is located between the Atlantic and the Cape Fear River, so it’s a wonderful spot for anyone who wants to spend their free time on or near the water—boating, fishing, swimming, etc. Wilmington, with a median house value of $416.708, offers more affordable housing than the other larger coastal cities near North and South Carolina.

Greensboro

Jackson notes that Greensboro has a low cost of life, a lot of green space, and an arts and culture scene growing. The average home price in Greensboro is about $300,000. Other factors to consider include its job market—manufacturing is a major industry in Greensboro—and its family-friendly nature. She adds that “areas like Lindley Park or Fisher Park are becoming more attractive because of their community-focused and greenery atmosphere.” Then there’s the Greensboro Science CenterThe Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe The whole family will be entertained.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville has affordable housing, which is one of its biggest advantages. The city of 209,000 residents lies between Charlotte & Wilmington. In April 2025 the median rent was $1,050 and the median cost of housing was $245,000. 33 percent lower The national average is lower ($1,400 as opposed to $2,100). The Department of Defense, which is located near Fort Bragg in North Carolina, has a high concentration of employees. the largest employer There are many military bases in the area. Fayetteville is a military town, and those interested in investing may want to consider the single-family rental and home market. Fayetteville also offers a number of other benefits. It’s close proximity to major cities. Raleigh is about an hour away and Charlotte about 2.5 hours.

Mooresville

Mooresville offers lakeside living with easy access to the big city. Just a 30-minute drive from Charlotte, Mooresville, or “Race City, U.S.A”— it’s the location for many NASCAR and IndyCar races—sits on the shores of Lake Norman. The lake is a 30-minute drive from Charlotte. Mooresville, or “Race City, U.S.A”– the site of many NASCAR and IndyCar races — sits on the shores of Lake Norman. average home value The average price of a lakefront home is $484.825. However, many sell for higher prices. Residents can spend their weekends boating on the lake and shopping for groceries. Steven’s Country Store & Butcher ShopSipping and strolling on the beach Downtown Mooresville Social DistrictYou can also visit the local shops to find locally produced goods.