10 Finest Locations to Dwell in North Carolina

Raleigh

“Raleigh simply works. It is rising quick, however nonetheless has a grounded, approachable really feel. Between the tech jobs, parks, occasions, and meals, there’s something for everybody,” Steven David Elliot of Fathom Realty tells Journey + Leisure. “Folks come for the alternatives and keep as a result of it seems like residence.” Dwelling costs have additionally remained fairly steady over the previous couple of years. Based on Redfin, the median sale worth of a house in Raleigh was round $440,000 in April 2025, a 3.4 % improve from the yr prior.

And if you happen to’re not prepared to purchase? You’ll nonetheless probably discover a whole lot on hire; common hire within the capital metropolis is $1,888, 10 % decrease than the nationwide common. Juanita Corry Jackson of Juanita Jackson Realty recommends beginning your search within the North Hills and Oakwood neighborhoods, which she says are “gaining reputation as a consequence of their mix of historic attraction and fashionable facilities.”

Durham

Raleigh and Durham is likely to be continuously lumped collectively, however, as any resident of both metropolis will inform you, they’re decidedly totally different. Durham is smaller—with a inhabitants of round 290,000 in comparison with about 482,000 in Raleigh—and its tradition leans extra inventive than company. Actual property in Durham can also be extra reasonably priced. Whereas the market continues to be aggressive, the typical residence worth is simply over $410,000. Moreover, anybody working within the greater training, medical, or monetary fields could have stable job prospects in Durham. Duke College, the Duke College Well being System, and Constancy are a number of the largest employers within the space.

Chapel Hill

For those who’re inquisitive about a small city with a larger-than-life repute, look no additional than Chapel Hill. A part of the Analysis Triangle, Chapel Hill is residence to the College of North Carolina—however there’s much more to it than school life. This can be a vacation spot the place residents take pleasure in reside music, public artwork, a quaint historic district, breweries, and a wide range of native eating places. Whereas the housing market is expensive—the median sale worth exceeds $600,000—there are a number of charming small cities simply outdoors of Chapel Hill to think about. These searching for extra reasonably priced costs ought to go searching Mebane, Hillsborough, or Pittsboro; every is lower than a 30-minute drive from downtown Chapel Hill.

Charlotte

Elliot calls Charlotte a “stable alternative” for many who need a “mixture of metropolis life and room to breathe.” It’s additionally ideally suited for frequent vacationers; Charlotte Douglas Worldwide Airport is a serious hub for American Airways. “Charlotte retains pushing ahead. It is bought severe momentum, nice job alternatives, a powerful cultural scene, and neighborhoods like South Finish and NoDa that preserve getting higher,” he says. After the actual property growth of 2020 and 2021, the housing market hasn’t drastically modified; the common residence worth in Charlotte is simply over $405,000.

Cary

“Cary is a type of locations the place every thing is simply simple. It is secure, well-planned, and persistently delivers on high quality of life. Nice faculties, clear neighborhoods, and the form of quiet confidence that makes it a no brainer for households,” says Elliot. Whereas it was as soon as thought-about a suburb of Raleigh, Cary has developed into a definite vacation spot with its personal distinctive identification. Residents take pleasure in a dynamic arts and tradition scene and top-tier eating, and the comparatively new Downtown Cary Park serves as a central gathering house for occasions and outside actions. Contemplating these elements, it could come as no shock that the actual property market is relatively aggressive. Dwelling costs have elevated 5.7 % from final yr, so anticipate to pay round $690,000 (the present median worth) in your residence.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is about as well-rounded a vacation spot as they arrive, nevertheless it’s nonetheless on the extra reasonably priced facet. The common residence worth is $257,523, and the general value of dwelling is about 9 % beneath the nationwide common. When you’ve secured your lodging and made the large transfer to the realm, you can begin specializing in what else makes Winston so nice: its quite a few parks and 25 miles of greenways, a give attention to training (it’s residence to Wake Forest College), and small-town occasions reminiscent of film nights and festivals. Plus, you’re inside driving distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Path, the place scenic views and mountain climbing paths await.

Wilmington

“Wilmington has been on the rise for some time now. You get the seashore, a captivating downtown, and a tempo that’s relaxed with out being sleepy. It is an incredible possibility if you need a life-style improve with out giving up group or tradition,” says Elliot. The port metropolis is positioned between the Atlantic and the Cape Concern River, so it’s an exquisite spot for anybody who desires to spend their free time on or close to the water—boating, fishing, swimming, and many others. With a median residence worth of $416,708, Wilmington presents extra reasonably priced housing choices than a number of the bigger coastal cities close by in North and South Carolina.

Greensboro

“Greensboro presents a snug way of life with a decrease value of dwelling, ample inexperienced areas, and a rising arts and tradition scene,” says Jackson, noting that the typical residence worth is about $300,000. Different elements to think about embody its job market—manufacturing is a main trade in Greensboro—and its family-friendly nature. “Areas like Lindley Park and Fisher Park have gotten enticing as a consequence of their community-focused ambiance and greenery,” she provides. There’s additionally the Greensboro Science Heart, the Miriam P. Brenner Kids’s Museum, and Moist ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe to maintain the whole household entertained.

Fayetteville

Inexpensive housing is likely one of the greatest advantages of dwelling in Fayetteville, a 209,000-person metropolis that lies between Charlotte and Wilmington. As of April 2025, the median worth was simply $245,000, and hire is 33 % decrease than the nationwide common ($1,400 vs. $2,100). Given its proximity to Fort Bragg, the Division of Protection is the biggest employer within the space. Fayetteville does expertise navy turnover, so these on the lookout for funding alternatives could also be within the single-family residence and rental market. One other perk of dwelling in Fayetteville? Its proximity to main cities. It’s a few one-hour drive to Raleigh and about 2.5 hours to Charlotte.

Mooresville

Large-city entry meets lakeside dwelling in Mooresville. Only a 30-minute drive from Charlotte, Mooresville, or “Race Metropolis, U.S.A”— it’s the situation for a lot of NASCAR and IndyCar races—sits on the shores of Lake Norman. The common residence worth is $484,825, although most of the lakefront properties promote for a lot greater. As a resident, you would spend your weekends boating across the lake, grabbing groceries at Steven’s Nation Retailer & Butcher Store, sipping and strolling within the Downtown Mooresville Social District, or poking across the city’s numerous retailers and boutiques promoting domestically made wares.