If you’re reading this chances are you either live in North Carolina (and know how great it is) or are planning to move here. So many things make our state a wonderful place to call home. NC has both the mountains and the beach, large cities and small towns, and we get all four seasons. It’s no wonder people are moving here every day. Great universities, sports, hospitals, job opportunities, and recreational activities exist. There is something here for families, young singles, and retirees. But while the state is full of great places to live, you may be wondering what are the best places to live in North Carolina.
Of course, that is relatively subjective. But we also are going to give you an answer, though it may not be the one you are expecting. These rankings come from the researchers at Forbes who created the “Best Places To Live in North Carolina in 2023” list. Forbes took into account median home prices, personal income per capita, crime rates, and unemployment to name what they think are the 8 best cities to live in NC. Of course both Charlotte and Raleigh made this list. But there are some surprising snubs and inclusions. Keep reading to see the top 8 places to live in North Carolina. You can read Forbes’ full methodology and report here.
8. Asheville
Population: 94,067
Median Home Prices: $524,950
Estimated Monthly Expenses: $7,912
Average Income: $53,621
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
Community Wellness Score: 61/100
Criminal Offenses Reported: 12,001
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains Asheville is a mountain paradise. The city offers many different vibes, it’s downside however is the higher cost of living, especially homes, than other areas of the state.
7. Hickory
Population: 43,532
Median Home Prices: $341,400
Estimated Monthly Expenses: $6,041
Average Income: $48,653
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Community Wellness Score: 48/100
Criminal Offenses Reported: 4,566
I was a little surprised to see Hickory mentioned on this list, it’s just not usually one of the cities that shows up on these types of things. Forbes mentions that the location is a great factor, being 1 hr from Asheville and Charlotte. Hickory has a lower cost of living, a location at the base of the mountains, and southern charm.
6. Greenville
Population: 88,728
Median Home Prices: $351,450
Estimated Monthly Expenses: $6,760
Average Income: $42,612
Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
Community Wellness Score: 59/100
Criminal Offenses Reported: 7,768
Another city we don’t always see mentioned. Greenville, NC is the home of East Carolina University and has a lot of the feel of a college town. It’s also a short drive from the beach, but close enough to the Triangle to get your big city fix.
5. Winston-Salem
Population: 250,320
Median Home Prices: $319,950
Estimated Monthly Expenses: $6,180
Average Income: $47,269
Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
Community Wellness Score: 55/100
Criminal Offenses Reported: 15,209
This metro area has a relatively low cost of living, is a relatively safe city, has a thriving job market, and plenty of things to do.
4. Charlotte
Population: 879,709
Median Home Prices: $425,000
Estimated Monthly Expenses: $7,126
Average Income: $65,359
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Community Wellness Score: 60/100
Criminal Offenses Reported: 79,369
Are you surprised Charlotte was only 4th on this list? There are plenty of job opportunities in banking, healthcare, and technology. It’s a lot more expensive than other cities on this list. And that crime total is significantly higher, but this is also due to a larger population.
3. Durham
Population: 285,527
Median Home Prices: $495,507
Estimated Monthly Expenses: $7,218
Average Income: $61,962
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
Community Wellness Score: 71/100
Criminal Offenses Reported: 23,603
Located in the heart of the research triangle Durham is a growing, bustling city full of opportunity. Healthcare and technology offer high-paying jobs giving residents a great quality of life.
2. Wilmington
Population: 117,643
Median Home Prices: $529,900
Estimated Monthly Expenses: $7,296
Average Income: $51,137
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Community Wellness Score: 60/100
Criminal Offenses Reported: 9,416
This coastal town is right near several beaches and located on the Cape Fear river making it an ideal location. The downtown offers lots of history and plenty of jobs. It’s no wonder it’s ranked the 2nd best place to live in North Carolina.
1. Raleigh
Population: 469,124
Median Home Prices: $486,500
Estimated Monthly Expenses: $7,349
Average Income: $69,720
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Community Wellness Score: 63/100
Criminal Offenses Reported: 24,944
Our state’s capital is also the best place to live! The high quality of life, proximity to jobs in RTP, and the smaller town feel in a large city. I’ve called Raleigh home in the past and it’s still my second home where I spend around 10-12 weekends a year.
