Nestled between the Crystal Coast and the breathtaking peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and dotted with some of the most vibrant business hubs in the US, North Carolina truly has it all.
But, while choosing The Old North State as your relocation destination is certainly a winning choice, no move comes without its fair share of challenges. Luckily, you can make your moving experience more enjoyable and stress-free by picking one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Get started with the ones below!
Raleigh: Best Overall
Thanks to its thriving business environment, exceptional affordability, high levels of safety, vibrant social climate, and plenty of career opportunities, Raleigh is ranked by US News Best Places and Bankrate as the best place to live in the US.
In particular, the city offers a thriving food scene and a packed calendar of music festivals and ice hockey events – enough to keep its citizens entertained every day of the year!
What’s more, as Apple prepares to establish a high-tech development hub in the Raleigh Research Triangle, the city’s future has never looked so rosy!
Pro tip – as Raleigh continues to grow and expand, some of its suburbs and satellites have started to rank as some of the best places to live in North Carolina. These include Cary, Morrisville, Wake Forest, and Apex.
Durham: Best For Young Professionals
Located only 25 miles North-West of Raleigh, Durham has long been holding the crown as one of the most thriving business centers in the State – and in America as a whole.
With Google establishing a 1,000-job engineering hub at the heart of Durham in early 2022, it is easy to see why the city is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after relocation destinations for young and high-flying professionals.
While Durham and Raleigh are often associated with one another, what makes The Bull City unique is the low cost of living, resilience to inflation, and high quality of life. Relocating to Durham is also a great option to discover the wonders of the nearby 22-mile-long American Tobacco Trail and visit endless art galleries and exhibitions.
Pro tip – Durham’s surroundings offer idyllic suburbs for families to relocate to, including Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
Asheville: Best For Outdoor Living
Home to 10 national parks, four national forests, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and unspoiled beaches, North Carolina is truly a haven for outdoor lovers – and, Asheville is at the heart of it all!
Undeniably, with median home prices standing at an average of $495,000, Asheville is one of the most expensive cities in the US. However, the area also offers some of the highest standards of living in the State.
Whether you are looking to stay at the stunning Bridge House by Platt Architecture in Cashiers, or you are in the market for a country house that gives you easy access to the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is perfect for anyone looking to live in harmony with nature.
Pro tip – thanks to its several cafes and thriving digital nomad culture, Asheville is perfect for young professionals working remotely!
Hickory and the Catawba Valley: Best For Affordability
Ranking as one of the most affordable places to live in the US, Hickory is a great alternative for young families and retirees to strike a balance between a high quality of life and a low cost of living.
But while the average house price is standing at under $270,000, you won’t ever be short of job and entertainment opportunities in the Catawba Valley. Thanks to the influence of nearby Charlotte and Asheville, Hickory is now dotted with thriving business hubs, sophisticated restaurants, modern retail stores, casual bars, and plenty of art galleries.
Charlotte: Best For Families
If you are looking to relocate with your family to North Carolina, Charlotte is certainly an option to explore.
The Queen City is home to world-class employers such as Lowe’s and Bank of America, and, if you are a first-time buyer in North Carolina for example, you’ll be able to choose among a growing inventory of housing options and financial assistance programs. Moving to the city is made easier by the well-developed local self storage market. There are almost 90 self storage facilities in the area, and renting a 10’x10’ self storage unit in Charlotte, NC hovers around $100 per month.
After work, the city’s thriving Uptown area offers endless educational and entertainment options, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Levine Museum of the New South, Discovery Place, and Freedom Park.
Wilmington: Best For Laid Back Living
Last but not least, Wilmington is one of the best places in North Carolina if you are looking to enjoy a laid-back, relaxed, and fulfilling lifestyle. Perched on the Atlantic Ocean, this 122,000-people city has retained its small-town charm thanks to a close-knit community and the elegance of its Colonial architecture.
While Wilmington has always been popular among retirees, it has recently seen a surge in the number of relocations driven by young professionals and digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the US.
