Top 8 Cities and Towns to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country.

From the sandy dunes and stunning ocean views of the Outer Banks to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring. However, there’s more to the Tar Heel State than meets the eye.

In July 2022, North Carolina was ranked as America’s top state for business. Moreover, with access to quality education, as it is home to several top-rated universities, excellent job prospects, a high quality of life at an affordable price, and mild year-round weather, it is no wonder that North Carolina has attracted about 100,000 new out-of-state residents in 2022 alone.

While many newcomers are settling in the state’s large metro areas such as Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina also boasts smaller communities that offer the perfect work-life balance. With that in mind, here are eight of the best places to live in North Carolina, according to real estate experts.

01 of 08: Charlotte

Charlotte’s ideal location—about three hours from the lush Blue Ridge Mountains and less than four from the picture-perfect beaches of North and South Carolina—makes it a draw for newcomers to this bustling urban area. As American Airlines’ second-largest hub, the city’s Douglas International Airport ensures easy, direct flights from major domestic and international destinations.

Of course, Charlotte, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, has plenty more to offer those who settle here—namely, a rich cultural scene with Broadway shows, ballet performances, museums, and art galleries; world-class sports facilities; and hundreds of parks and green spaces.

“Job creation, a low cost of living, a great climate, and friendly people have created a strong housing market with low inventory,” Catharine Pappas, Vice President of relocation at Dickens Mitchener, shared. In fact, Zillow named Charlotte the hottest real estate market in 2023 for its home value growth and high number of homeowners.

02 of 08: Asheville

“The calling card that makes life in western North Carolina special is the way that natural adventures coexist with a multifaceted, award-winning cultural scene,” said Josh Smith, North Carolina native and broker at Walnut Cove Realty of Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks. “You can hike, bike, or hunt for hidden waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway—and on the same day—experience a Grammy-winning musician or dine in one of the best restaurants in the country.”

Asheville, surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas, is perfect for those seeking the convenience of city amenities blended with a casual, laid-back lifestyle. The mild climate, growing job market (especially for hospitality and health care professionals), renowned music scene, and easy access to outdoor recreation enhance the city’s desirability among newcomers.

Smith mentioned that Asheville’s real estate market is resilient to nationwide stock market volatility and instability, as the city is surrounded by protected land, which restricts new developments, thereby maintaining strong demand.

“Asheville’s real estate market is diverse, offering homes that will fit almost everyone’s budget. There are cozy bungalows around $300,000 and magnificent $9 million estates all located within city limits,” added Leslie Young of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

03 of 08: Wilmington

Wilmington, nestled between the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean, is a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. “After all, who doesn’t want to live near the beach?” noted Lake Slacum, Vice President at Intracoastal Realty, emphasizing the area’s temperate climate, coastal lifestyle, and “unmistakable Southern charm.”

“From horse-drawn carriage tours in the quaint historic district to its proximity to golf courses and surrounding beach communities, the area is rich with opportunities,” he commented.

New residents have many choices regarding their home base. With a median home value of $376,635, marking a roughly 10 percent increase since last year, Wilmington’s real estate market remains quite affordable.

Landfall, a large gated community near Wrightsville Beach, offers golf courses, tennis courts, and a country club, making it a popular choice for those seeking resort-style amenities. Wilmington’s Midtown area provides new construction neighborhoods as well as districts with well-established colonial-style homes such as South Oleander and Forest Hills.

04 of 08: Durham

Durham, along with its neighbors Raleigh and Chapel Hill, forms the Research Triangle in North Carolina—home to the state’s most prestigious universities (Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University). Consequently, this not only attracts tens of thousands of students to the area but also draws highly skilled and educated employees. Excellent job prospects, a vibrant entertainment scene, and an endless list of outdoor activities make Durham one of the top spots to relocate in North Carolina. The city’s real estate market is flourishing.

“In Durham currently, buyers are often looking for single-family detached homes with at least a quarter-acre lot, which can typically be found in the $400,000 to $700,000 range,” brokers Giselle Feiger and Aileen Stapleton from Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty explained via email. Additionally, potential homeowners on a tight budget can find residences under $350,000. Downtown Durham will soon see many luxury condos and townhouses as construction is underway on several developments, ranging from $500,000 to over $1,000,000.

For those who prefer to be away from the center of the action, Julian Jahoo of Fonville Morisey at Long & Foster recommends neighborhoods like southwest Durham, The Hills at Southpoint, Colvard Farms, and Hope Valley.

05 of 08: Outer Banks

This popular vacation destination encompasses several small towns on a chain of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast. It is also a perfect spot to raise a family and live year-round.

“The Outer Banks holds a small-town feel with close-knit communities, comprising residents who were born and raised here, newcomers seeking to escape city life, and retirees enjoying their new adventure,” said Lynn Sherman, a broker with Howard Hanna Outer Banks Realty. “With our diverse residents, the area is rich in restaurants and shops that blend classic Outer Banks charm with new ideas and flavors.”

With 100 miles of shoreline, the main attraction here remains the beach and laid-back lifestyle it provides residents.

Sherman noted that as the COVID-19 buying frenzy has subsided, it is a great time to buy property here, offering newcomers various options for their dream neighborhood.

“Oceanside in Kitty Hawk is currently popular,” she explained. “This section is undergoing a lot of renovations, with homes ranging from classic three-bedroom beach boxes to larger eight-bedroom, three-level reverse floor plan homes.”

Duck, a quaint, dog-friendly town with charming shops and a great music scene, is also popular among newcomers.

06 of 08: Raleigh

Between 2015 and 2020, more than 60 people moved to North Carolina’s capital every day, making it the second-fastest growing metro area in the country. So, what is life like in the City of Oaks? Its central location contributes significantly to the residents’ lives with easy access to North Carolina’s mountains and beaches.

“The business climate is superb; our economy is robust and resilient, diversified across health care, tech, banking, and education,” said Van Fletcher, a broker with Allen Tate Realtors and a Raleigh resident. He also noted that the city’s proximity to Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center enhances its excellent healthcare system. Property taxes and the cost of living remain low in Raleigh, particularly compared to other major metro areas along the East Coast.

Fletcher added, “The hottest neighborhoods typically include those near work and retail centers, such as Raleigh’s downtown and midtown areas, along with communities close to the Triangle’s nearly completed ‘Outer Loop,’ [a major 69-mile highway expansion] encircling Raleigh’s perimeter and neighboring towns.”

07 of 08: Winston-Salem

This dynamic city attracts students and young professionals with its top colleges, including Wake Forest University and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, an affordable cost of living, a stable job market (unemployment was at 3.6 percent in January 2023), excellent healthcare facilities, and many recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Additionally, the city is just a 1.5-hour drive from the scenic Yadkin Valley, home to dozens of wineries.

“Despite the growth, Winston-Salem has maintained its Southern charm, with quiet streets gently rolling through established neighborhoods filled with beautiful large trees, creating a small-town feel,” Pam Matthews, a broker with Allen Tate Realtors, said.

08 of 08: Chapel Hill

Nicknamed the “Southern Part of Heaven,” Chapel Hill is the smallest of the three major destinations in North Carolina’s Research Triangle. Despite its size, this college town of over 60,000 people buzzes with creative energy. It provides top-notch cultural experiences, excellent healthcare, fantastic weather, and world-class education thanks to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

As Fonville Morisey broker Amy Guskiewicz described, “You have everything at your fingertips, but none of the big-city traffic.”

Real estate options also abound. According to Guskiewicz, Chapel Hill’s market is excellent, with the current median home value at $577,881, reflecting a roughly five percent appreciation since last year.