Moving South? 10 Great Cities to Call Home in North Carolina

Looking to trade treacherous snowstorms for mild winters? You should consider a move to North Carolina. From the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to the stunningly gorgeous Outer Banks, this southern state offers pretty views all around. In addition to its natural beauty, North Carolina’s booming economy, thriving job market and fantastic schools continue to attract a large number of students, professionals, families and retirees every day. So if you’re considering a move, we recommend checking out these 10 cities in “The Tar Heel State.” You’ll be glad you did.

Asheville

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this North Carolina gem is the perfect place for young professionals, artists, musicians and foodies. The eclectic city offers a thriving arts scene as well as some of the South’s top restaurants. According to AreaVibes , Asheville is very livable, with high scores for amenities, weather, schools and cost of living.

Population: Asheville’s estimated population is 83,393, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Asheville was $300,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Cary

If you’re looking for a safe town filled with people from different parts of the country, you’ll find it in Cary, NC. Located next door to Raleigh, Cary offers residents a small town feel with plenty of amenities. AreaVibes claims the city is “exceptionally livable,” with highly rated public schools, great weather, a thriving job market and low crime rates.

Population: Cary’s estimated population is 135,234, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Cary was $450,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Chapel Hill

Located near Raleigh-Durham, the beautiful town of Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina. Though a fairly small city, Chapel Hill offers a vibrant arts and music scene, plenty of culture and a diverse population. According to AreaVibes , Chapel Hill is “exceptionally livable,” with sunny weather, low crime rates, a stable housing market, good schools and A+ amenities.

Population: Chapel Hill’s estimated population is 57,233, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Chapel Hill was $404,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Charlotte

Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, is the second-largest banking center in the U.S., attracting financiers and bankers from all over the country. In addition to its hot job market, the city offers a lively sports culture, museums and great restaurants. With its low cost of living, mild weather and big city amenities, AreaVibes describes Charlotte as “very livable.”

Population: Charlotte’s estimated population is 731,424, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Charlotte was $295,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Durham

Part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill tri-city region, Durham is a popular choice for young professionals, families and students. The southern town, anchored by Duke University and Duke University Hospital, provides an ideal setting for those working in the research and healthcare industries. According to AreaVibes, the city is “somewhat livable,” with low cost of living, great weather and lots of local amenities.

Population: Durham’s estimated population is 228,330, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Durham was $275,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Fayetteville

With its revitalized downtown, historic buildings, friendly neighbors, and southern charm, Fayetteville is a great place for families and military personnel. The city is home to Fort Bragg, which bolsters the city’s economy and attracts military personnel from all over the country. With its high graduation rates, low cost of living, sunny weather and wide assortment of amenities, Fayetteville is considered “very livable,” according to AreaVibes .

Population: Fayetteville’s estimated population is 200,564, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Fayetteville was $140,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Greensboro

Located a short drive away from the mountains, beach and other large North Carolina cities, Greensboro is a very convenient place to call home. The city’s small town feel and wide range of amenities are only two reasons why thousands of young professionals, families and retirees call Greensboro home. The city is also packed with outdoor parks and gardens, and has a thriving arts and entertainment scene. AreaVibes describes Greensboro as “very livable,” with great weather and a low cost of living.

Population: Greensboro’s estimated population is 269,666, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Greensboro was $ 189,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Raleigh

Without a doubt, Raleigh is one of the most interesting places to call home in North Carolina. This capital city offers numerous top restaurants and buzz-worthy breweries, as well as an especially strong job market and young population. Home to students, young professionals and families, Raleigh was recently listed as a top five place to live in the United States by U.S. News and World Report . Report . According to AreaVibes , Raleigh is “extremely livable,” with lots of local amenities, sunny weather, high graduation rates and a low cost of living.

Population: Raleigh’s estimated population is 430,892, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Raleigh was $369,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Wilmington

Looking to move near the water? Consider making Wilmington, NC your new home. The city is conveniently located along the Cape Fear River and numerous Carolina beaches. Wilmington offers historic charm, a vibrant nightlife, a booming arts and film scene, and plenty of outdoor recreational activities. AreaVibes describes Wilmington as “somewhat livable,” with beautiful weather, a lot of amenities and high graduation rates.

Population: Wilmington’s estimated population is 106,476, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Wilmington was $284,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

Winston Salem

Winston Salem’s healthy job market, thriving arts and culture scene, and historic charm make this southern city a great place for young professionals, families, and retirees to call home. The city has been named one of the “Best Places to Retire” by Forbes.com and was listed as having the number two “Most Livable Downtown” by Livability.com. According to AreaVibes , Winston Salem is “very livable,” with sunny weather, a low cost of living and lots of local amenities.

Population: Winston Salem’s estimated population is 229,617, according to World Population Review .

Median Home Price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price for a home in Winston Salem was $135,000. For more information, check Realtor.com .

To make one of these North Carolina cities your new home, you’ll need the right moving company for the job. Check out Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest-assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!