According to Census Bureau figures, North Carolina’s population has grown by almost a million in the past decade, and the trend appears to be continuing. The state is a corporate base for prominent companies such as Lowe’s and Bank of America, and it has established a reputation for being an excellent area to conduct business.
However, North Carolina isn’t only about work. With more than 300 brewpubs, breweries, and trails through the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge, these sites prove that North Carolina is a great spot to play. Residents can pick from a variety of lifestyles, from city living to coastal waves.
Hello everyone, and welcome to Pack And Go. In this video, I’ll list down some of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
9. Southern Pines
If you enjoy golf and wish to experience the best golf courses in the state, then you should go to Southern Pines. The place offers a relaxing and cozy atmosphere, making it a good destination for relaxation and unwinding. Hence, it is not surprising that this Moore County treasure is one of North Carolina’s top-rated locations.
Aside from golf, Southern Pines is known for its excellent educational institutions, parks, and restaurants. Moreover, it has an appealing real estate value. It’s also one of the state’s centrally positioned municipalities and is a part of the Sandhills Region. In a nutshell, that means that Southern Pines is accessible from multiple points.
Despite this, Southern Pines remains to be a small place, only having roughly 13,000 people. Because Fayetteville is only a short drive away, the community is made up of both young and old families. Even retirees choose to settle here. Although the town lacks a dynamic nightlife, its calendar is jam-packed with family-friendly events.
8. Greensboro
Greensboro is one of the cities that make up North Carolina’s “Triad” region. It is home to five colleges and showcases a thriving art scene. With less than 300,000 people, it is already the state’s third-largest city. Greensboro is located in the state’s north-central region. A two-hour trip from the city will let you reach the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Greensboro is a popular place to live, not only for the locals of North Carolina but throughout the entire country. The city is consistently a part of the “Greenest Cities in America,” and it lives up to its reputation. It has a 2040 Comprehensive Plan that includes the “Prioritizing Sustainability” program and Community Sustainability Council. Moreover, Greensboro also flaunts multiple greenways and trails designed for activities like biking, hiking, and walking.
7. Durham
Durham is frequently compared with Raleigh when it comes to economic liveliness and diversity. Interestingly enough, Durham is roughly 20 miles away from Raleigh, and that speaks about the quality of living that you can expect from this place.
Durham is home to Duke University, the region’s largest employer, as well as a thriving music and art scene. The place can offer the living standards that you want, but without letting you spend big for it. According to Redfin data, the median sale price of a standard real estate in the city in early December 2020 was just $297,000, which is $30,000 lower than in Raleigh.
6. Winston-Salem
With approximately 230,000 residents, Winston-Salem is North Carolina’s fourth-biggest city.
Winston-Salem is situated within Forsyth County. It has a long and illustrious history dating back to the 1700s. Furniture manufacturing and the tobacco business are two industries that are closely tied to the city.
However, with more than 35 wineries within the city and its surrounding areas, Winston-Salem continues to be a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. The inexpensive cost of living of the city will most likely wow you as a possible resident. Homes sell for an average of $140,000 (enough to buy a three-bedroom home), and the average rental rate is only $700 a month.
Winston-Salem is also a lively community. It has a number of golf courses and parks that can cater to your recreational needs.
5. Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina, is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the state. It has a population of less than a hundred thousand, which makes it a popular destination for individuals who want an idyllic place to live in. This town within Buncombe County is also known for its scenic wonders.
After all, Ashville sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and if you’re looking for a bohemian attitude, this is the place to go.
This one-of-a-kind community is known for its exquisite breweries. In fact, it seized the Beer City, USA title for four straight years, starting 2009! Its superb beers are attributed to the pristine and fresh quality of its mountain waters,
Asheville also holds the distinction of being the only city in the country that paid its federal debt incurred during the Great Depression. Because of this evident economic stability, the city’s attention has shifted away from erecting new, flashy structures and toward preserving its old downtown area.
Asheville is a stunning city, yet a home here will set you back $200,000 on average.
Read more: 9 Best Places To Live In Virginia
4. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a town in Orange County, North Carolina, which is also near Raleigh. This place is the home of 58,000 residents and also a part of the renowned Research Triangle. Hence, if education is a priority for you when deciding where to live in North Carolina, Chapel Hill should become one of your top choices.
Chapel Hill’s public education system received an A+ from Niche, which ranked it one of the best places to dwell within the Tar Heel State. The oldest university in the United States, the University of North Carolina, is also situated in this town.
Chapel Hill has a lot of things to offer for you and your family. However, keep in mind that homes here have an average price of 380.000. It is pretty clear that the cost of living in Chapel Hill is higher than in other pleasant towns like Morrisville and Cary.
Chapel Hill offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including various beaches and the world-famous Blue Ridge Mountains. It also has a unique music and art scene.
3. Wilmington
Even if you’ve never visited Wilmington, you’re likely to know this beach town in North Carolina. That’s because it’s been the setting for a slew of TV episodes and films, earning it the moniker “Wilmywood.” Moving here allows you to become a celebrity of your right while also working with organizations like PPD, Corning, and Verizon.
Many families and individuals are already eyeing Wilmington even before the COVID-19 outbreak. Now that people are finding the importance of being able to experience the joy of the outdoors, Wilmington remains a top destination in North Carolina.
Wilmington is notable for its picturesque downtown that treads along the Cape Fear River and Colonial port city ambiance. But that’s not all: Wilmington is a thriving metropolis that continues to expand year after year. Wilmington has a young and dynamic feel because it has a high student population and an inflow of recent graduates.
It has a network of bicycling and running routes, as well as strips of beaches where you can relax and enjoy. It’s also fundamentally a beach town; Wrightsville Beach and the world-famous Figure 8 Island are only a drive away.
2. Charlotte
With almost 900,000 residents, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. Many people desire to relocate to this city because of its flourishing job opportunities at Lowe’s, Bank of America, and Honeywell. If you want to extend your finances to a stretch, then you should consider moving here. According to real estate agency Redfin, the Queen City offers metropolitan amenities and competitive incomes at a non-overwhelming price range, with a median house price that starts at $300,000 as of December 2020.
Charlotte is the city to go to if your career is inclined in financial services. Truist Bank, SunTrust Bank, and BB&T are all aggregated in the city, making it an ideal destination for those who want to scale the corporate ladder. Naturally, the city’s food and culture will let you taste the local Southern-style flavor. But of course, the migration of various people in Charlotte made it a Western melting pot.
1. Raleigh
Raleigh is not only one of the finest locations to live in North Carolina; many believe it will become the best place to settle throughout the United States. That’s because the city has established itself as a destination for every IT expert and professional, effectively competing with Silicon Valley while avoiding the exorbitant housing expenses that are often common with tech towns.
Walmart and IBM are two of the area’s largest employers. Meanwhile, smaller businesses are establishing a more robust presence here as well. Bandwidth, for example, is planning to develop a new campus in Raleigh that will result in the creation of over a thousand jobs. But of course, the city’s nightlife and cultural scene are keeping up with its bustling economy.
And that completes our list! Did I miss anything? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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