Wherever you choose to live in North Carolina, you will be within hours of both soaring mountaintops and sandy beaches.
The state of North Carolina offers examples of everything from aviation history and world-renowned universities to exceptional examples of traditional comfort foods found along the state’s barbeque trail. Both homey and contemporary, the state of North Carolina offers a little something for everyone.
Whether you are a first-time renter or an old hand at finding and securing a new place to live, you will want to consider making North Carolina your new home.
To help you find your own special spot, here are the best cities in North Carolina:
- Population: 88,933
- Average age: 44.0
- Median household income: $49,930
- Average commute time: 21.6 minutes
- Walk score: 39
- Studio average rent: $957
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,080
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,332
Asheville is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Populated by trendy bars, various farm to fork restaurants and coffee shops that range from quirky to classy, young professionals will find the variety within this unique mountain town refreshing and appealing.
Located in Buncombe County, Asheville offers residents easy access to breathtaking views and myriad recreational opportunities. Those who enjoy outdoor adventure will find great hiking and lovely waterfalls in the surrounding area.
Individuals looking to relocate a family will like the highly-rated public schools and extended suburban feel of Asheville. The city offers a cozy and comfortable place to raise kids as well as ample recreation opportunities.
For those interested in adventure, the lovely Biltmore Estate and nearby Blue Ridge Parkway will provide hours of exploration.
- Population: 827,630
- Average age: 38.9
- Median household income: $62,817
- Average commute time: 30.4 minutes
- Walk score: 31
- Studio average rent: $1,335
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,314
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,653
With its population of 827,630, Charlotte, located in growing Mecklenburg County, is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Charlotte couples old-world southern charm with the excitement and energy of new cosmopolitan cities with much denser populations.
You will find a plethora of exceptional restaurants, an active nightlife and a thriving job market here.
Charlotte offers a collection of small neighborhoods for those seeking a community feel and provides an above-average public school system. The city’s mix of urban-suburban appeal will resonate with young professionals, growing families and retirees looking for a comfortable way of life.
- Population: 255,801
- Average age: 39.6
- Median household income: $58,905
- Average commute time: 27.4 minutes
- Walk score: 35
- Studio average rent: $1,320
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,263
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,524
This once-booming tobacco town has undergone revitalization and reinvented itself as one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. Durham lures young professionals with a combination of award-winning restaurants, high-tech job opportunities and cultural options often limited to much larger cities.
The city also offers various recreational opportunities and access to exceptional educational centers making it one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Durham offers 22 miles of trails and is home to the 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens, making it an exceptional choice for those looking to enjoy greenspaces while living in a dynamic city.
Durham allows young families to enjoy a mild climate, excellent educational opportunities and a big city vibe with a community feel. These attractive opportunities are all wrapped up in a below-average cost of living.
- Population: 208,539
- Average age: 37.9
- Median household income: $45,024
- Average commute time: 23.2 minutes
- Walk score: 26
- Studio average rent: $688
- One-bedroom average rent: $781
- Two-bedroom average rent: $920
Like many of the best places to live in North Carolina, those attracted to Fayetteville will appreciate that there are aspects of city convenience and country living sprinkled throughout this vibrant space.
The city offers its population of 208,539 easy access to beaches, mountains, a number of lakes and over 20 golf courses.
Located within an hour of the state capitol and home to one of the most active military installations in the country, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville offers a variety of employment opportunities for those starting out. Families and retirees will find the recreation offerings a bonus.
Those with a penchant for the outdoors will revel in the fact that the county surrounding the city of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, offers more than 540 acres of parkland for exploration and recreation.
- Population: 285,444
- Average age: 41.0
- Median household income: $48,964
- Average commute time: 25.3 minutes
- Walk score: 34
- Studio average rent: $683
- One-bedroom average rent: $825
- Two-bedroom average rent: $961
Despite its population of 285,444, Greensboro gives residents the feel of a tight suburban community, making it an exceptional place for young professionals and growing families. Known as one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Greensboro is home to various parks, entertainment and recreational opportunities.
Nicknamed “Gate City,” Greensboro offers above-average public schools and an active yet easy-going energy. Downtown houses a variety of art galleries, breweries, antique shops and bars.
Home to the Minor League’s Greensboro Grasshoppers and a frequent host to the Atlantic Coast Conference and National Collegiate Athletic Association tournaments, there is always something on the horizon.
Populated with five colleges, the city offers a distinctly youthful feel without the party atmosphere of many smaller university towns.
- Population: 109,846
- Average age: 41.3
- Median household income: $47,234
- Average commute time: 24.8 minutes
- Walk score: 25
- Studio average rent: $950
- One-bedroom average rent: $808
- Two-bedroom average rent: $940
Less dense than many of its neighboring cities, High Point offers young professionals and families the opportunity to live in a suburban paradise. Historically known as the “Home Furnishing Capital of the World,” High Point is one of the best places to live in North Carolina, with above-average public schools and a mix of city and comfortable community feel.
High Point provides residents a superb basecamp with access to the larger surrounding cities and diverse day trips. It also boasts a diversified economy and highly affordable cost of living.
Centrally located between Greensboro and Winston-Salem, High Point offers several colleges and universities and recreational and entertainment options without the hustle and traffic that accompanies big city life.
- Population: 35,310
- Average age: 39.7
- Median household income: $69,188
- Average commute time: 31.9 minutes
- Walk score: 20
- Studio average rent: $866
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,010
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,233
If you are looking for country living with convenience to some of the most dynamic cities in the state, Mooresville is your ideal space. Considered one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Mooresville offers a community feel with large town amenities.
Located in lovely Iredell County, Mooresville offers exceptional public schools and low crime rates. Mooresville allows families and young professionals to enjoy a slower pace of life than many of its larger neighbors.
Within easy reach of Raleigh, Durham and the Research Triangle Park, Mooresville gives residents easy access to some of the state’s most progressive job markets.
- Population: 446,152
- Average age: 39.1
- Median household income: $67,266
- Average commute time: 28.2 minutes
- Walk score: 33
- Studio average rent: $1,264
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,201
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,440
Raleigh is not only the capital of North Carolina, a place known for its deep roots in education, technology and research, but it is also one of the best places to live in North Carolina. With a population of 446,152, Raleigh encompasses some of the best aspects of the state.
This area offers some of the finest educational and research institutions in the nation, a growing music and art scene and a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, breweries and bars. It’s also family-friendly with easy access to over 100 miles of greenway trails, museums and sports venues.
With the cost of living slightly below the national average and easy access to three major universities, Raleigh has seen exceptional growth in the past few years.
- Population: 115,441
- Average age: 42.4
- Median household income: $47,580
- Average commute time: 22.9 minutes
- Walk score: 37
- Studio average rent: $822
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,072
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,253
The historic port city of Wilmington exudes an old-world charm that attracts both young professionals and growing families. With well above-average public schools and layers of local history, Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Wilmington offers families an opportunity to revel in local history and recreational opportunities without giving up on character or community. You will find a 1.75-mile riverwalk located in Wilmington’s Historic District, which offers residents unique galleries, restaurants and shops. There are also excellent antiquing opportunities for those looking to add a little history into their personal space.
Young professionals find the city engaging due to its above-average nightlife and easy access to local beaches.
- Population: 247,945
- Average age: N/A
- Median household income: $45,750
- Average commute time: 20.9 minutes
- Walk score: 28
- Studio average rent: $673
- One-bedroom average rent: $919
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,000
Located in Forsyth County, Winston-Salem is the second-largest city in the Piedmont Triad region of the state. Known as the “Twin City,” Winston-Salem is home to Wake Forest University and the Old Salem historic district.
With easy access to several larger cities, Winston-Salem offers residents the opportunity to live in a gracious suburban environment without missing out on career opportunities.
With an above-average public school system, Winston-Salem is ideal for raising a family and one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Winston-Salem’s dedication to history and fine arts makes for engaging family outings.
Young professionals will find the cultural opportunities and food culture add richness to life in this friendly, community-oriented city.
Find your own best place to live in North Carolina
Whether you are looking to relocate out of a sense of adventure or are looking for the perfect place to search for that new employment opportunity, you’re bound to find an ideal home among the best cities in North Carolina.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.com’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments in March 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
Other demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Source: rent.com