Let’s head on over to North Carolina! Home to some beautiful beaches, the Tar Heel State (AKA NC was famous for selling tar, turpentine, and pitch) borders Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the Atlantic Ocean. The 28th largest state is known for three unique regions and landscapes, notably the Appalachian Mountains. Plus, it’s also home to the Piedmont region, a plateau with waterfalls and rapids between mountains and coastal plains. As if that wasn’t enough lush nature, North Carolina’s eastern region is the coastal plain adorned with beaches, long-lead pines, and swamps too. This state is a budding area for aspiring conservationists—60 percent of it is forested—with 35 state parks and eight wildlife refuges.
Considering a move to North Carolina? Ahead, read our guide to the best cities to live in.
13 Best Places to Live
1. Asheville
Housing cost to income ratio: 7.10%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.16%
Violent crime index: 33.1
Nonviolent crime index: 67.2
Cost of living index: 106
To start, Asheville tops North Carolina’s list. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city is famed for its dynamic creative arts scene and charming historic architecture. And things just keep getting brighter: It’s the sunniest city on our list (topping out at 222 days per year), in addition to being a hub at the intersection of creative expression, world-class cuisine, and impressive landmarks. From artist studios and bohemian shops to breweries and gastro pubs, there’s much to explore day or night. Lush greenery emerges in this city, in part thanks to 44 inches of rainfall annually. A major landmark attraction is the Biltmore Estate, known for its expansive gardens. (FYI: It was designed by Lawrence Olmstead, the architect behind New York City’s Central Park.) For over 90,000 residents, this area is not without its surprises. The sunniest city is also the state’s snowiest! Capping in at 10 inches of snow each year, Asheville manages 10 school districts and 17 hospitals, respectively. From buzzy beer breweries to musical and comedic acts, Asheville doesn’t skimp on the entertainment. And your pet can be entertained, too, as there are over 200 hotels, parks, trails, beer bars, and eateries that are pup-friendly!
2. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill
Housing cost to income ratio: 4.64%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.12%
Violent crime index: 20.3
Nonviolent crime index: 44.4
Cost of living index: 102.3
Welcome to North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. It’s the largest city in the Triangle region and home to North Carolina State University (well-known for its basketball team). From botanical gardens to museums, the city is an aesthetic feast for the eyes. Aside from visual art—Raleigh beams with 30 museums, galleries, and art spots—the city is one of the rainiest on our list at 46 inches per year. All that rain gives its nearly 46,000 residents a bounty of nature, with over 20 trails, parks, and nature preserves to explore. That’s not all; Raleigh is also known for its innovation and research industry hubs, and this liberal-leaning city expanded with 31 school districts and 20 hospitals. If mid-size city living is calling you—and your pets—you’re in luck. There are over 150 spots to explore and lounge in with your furry best friend.
3. Outer Banks
Housing cost to income ratio: 5.31%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 0.92%
Violent crime index: 23.4
Nonviolent crime index: 95.2
Cost of living index: 112
There’s been a lot of buzz about the Outer Banks and for good reason. A 200-mile collection of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a haven for those who prefer surfside living. Known as the longest coastal colony (yep, it’s true!), this area includes popular suburbs Corolla, Duck, and Southern Shores. Home to many wild horses, the OBX is a mix of beach lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and coastal living devotees. From impressive landmarks like the tallest lighthouse (plus, the tallest sand dunes), to glorious and gorgeous state parks, there’s so much to take in. An impressively sunny area (210 days each year), the weather is perfect for exploration and tourism. The Outer Banks is dripping with history and outdoor activities: From Roanoke Island (the first English settlement) and shipwreck diving sites to shopping and nightlife, it’s a popular destination all year long. OBX isn’t a particularly snowy area, clocking in just a mere four inches per year, but it can be quite rainy, with a whopping 45 inches. But rainy skies give rise to vibrant and verdant plants, so locals and visitors can take in over 10 state parks and museums (including an aquarium!). Residents are serviced by three school districts and almost a dozen hospitals. This is a laid-back region: Dogs are welcome to join their owners on beachcombing trips and refuel at almost 50 restaurants and hotels.
4. Charlotte
Housing cost to income ratio: 4.74%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.23%
Violent crime index: 34.3
Nonviolent crime index: 53.6
Cost of living index: 98.9
If you’re craving a major city, the hub of Charlotte is just the ticket. Charlotte is also a humid subtropical climate, meaning it’s almost snow-free all year (the city charts just two inches annually). And, since it’s subtropical, the city sees a fair amount of rain (43 inches), but that doesn’t slow down the busyness of the Queen City. With epic museums ( the NASCAR Hall of Fame for one), home teams like the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and loads of business and educational opportunities (there are 17 colleges and universities). With unforgettable charm, it’s no surprise this city is booming and over 85,000 residents agree. Schools and hospitals abound (six districts and 28 medical centers, respectively), while the Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular natural attractions. And, there are over 60 pet-friendly spots to check out.
5. Wilmington
Housing cost to income ratio: 6.06%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.06%
Violent crime index: 35.4
Nonviolent crime index: 60.8
Cost of living index: 97.5
Next on our list is the delightful city of Wilmington. It’s known as Cape Fear, based on a famous expedition in 1536 by Sir Richard Grenville, but this area is anything but frightening. Instead, you’ll discover a charming historic river district saturated with design, arts, shopping, and dining. Wilmington is famous for its soft, sandy beaches—with Ogden, Sea Breeze, and Bayshore leading the charge for popular nabes—fresh seafood, a bustling beer scene, and affordable cost of living. For folks who love beach town living, this city takes the cake. With one school district and a dozen hospitals, the area might seem small for a population of over 120,000, but it is certainly mighty. Charmed with a warm climate, Wilmington registers just one inch of snow per calendar year. But, it’s certainly rainy living by the river—the city receives about 58 inches of rain each year. And, if you were wondering, Wilmington is a dog-loving town like all of North Carolina. Dog owners can explore nearly 100 pet-sanctioned spots in the area, from trails and parks to beer halls and beyond.
6. Pinehurst-Southern Pines
Housing cost to income ratio: 4.07%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 0.66%
Violent crime index: 8.3
Nonviolent crime index: 15.4
Cost of living index: 103.1
Head on down to Pinehurst-Southern Pines if you’re dreaming of resort-style living. Garren Hill/Village Center, Jackson Hamlet, and Pinehurst East are some of the most sought-after suburbs in this conservative-leaning spot. The area is known for its design with stunning Georgia-style estates and green spaces. You might have heard of these spots before if you’re a golf enthusiast; Pinehurst-Southern Pines is a golfer’s paradise, with 40 championship courses. The city is also known for horseback riding and training, purebred dog shows, fox hunting, and calm suburban living. Light on snow, bright on sunshine, and prone to heavy rains, Pinehurst-Southern Pines is an engaging but cozy spot.
7. Fayetteville
Housing cost to income ratio: 4.72%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.36%
Violent crime index: 39.1
Nonviolent crime index: 69.4
Cost of living index: 80.9
Fayetteville blooms with history. As the sixth largest city in the state, it’s a mecca for technical and historic museums, fine botanical gardens, and the home of Fort Bragg. With the affordable cost of living alongside hot summers (and cold but short winters), this city made the list as one of the best places to live. Low on snow but ample on rain, Fayetteville is an active community. Three colleges and universities plus major attractions like Poe House, Segra Stadium and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, and farmers markets. Arran Hills, Spring Lake, and Westover are the most popular suburbs, and the city contains 14 school districts and seven hospitals.
8. Greenville
Housing cost to income ratio: 5.50%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.53%
Violent crime index: 22.7
Nonviolent crime index: 55.7
Cost of living index: 83.2
It’s time to consider Greenville, a city located in Pitt County. It’s an engaging university town that’s home to multiple colleges and is a haven for BMX and music fans. Greenville proudly presents a free, family-friendly BMX fest every year, and its music in the park is a summer-filled tradition. With a comparable cost of living to the rest of the state and a warm-meets-rainy climate, it’s another star-studded city to pin down. With art museums, shopping, and a robust register of historic places, it’s a place to be.
9. Jacksonville
Housing cost to income ratio: 4.07%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 0.66%
Violent crime index: 8.3
Nonviolent crime index: 15.4
Cost of living index: 103.1
Hi there, Jacksonville! A growing city hub that’s home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River is our next pick. With a couple of colleges in the mix, and abundant sunshine (but lots of rain at 56 inches a year), Jacksonville is turning into a hopping community. Fun fact: The original Golden Corral restaurant chain started here. This cozy community has one school district and nine hospitals, and many residents choose to live in popular suburbs like Tar Landing, Decatur Road, and Half Moon.
10. Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point
Housing cost to income ratio: 3.95%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.57%
Violent crime index: 52.8
Nonviolent crime index: 26
Cost of living index: 82.7
Nice to meet you, Greensboro. Originally known as a textile town with factories and mills, the city has evolved into a bustling town filled with promise and industry. For fitness buffs and athletes, Greensboro is also dubbed a “Tournament Town,” for its swath of workout-related spots like pools, stadiums, fields, and courts. The climate is more moderate compared to other North Carolina cities—including more snow by a few inches, a fair amount of rain, and over 200 sunny days a year. Residents and travelers alike flock to local attractions that include a science center, the ballet, art museums, a symphony with Clemmons, Oak Ridge, and Lewisville being some of the most desirable neighborhoods. Like many cities on this list, Greensboro is also a big beer town—and Fido is most certainly invited to kick back with you at some local pubs.
11. Rocky Mount
Housing cost to income ratio: 3.95%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.57%
Violent crime index: 52.8
Nonviolent crime index: 26
Cost of living index: 82.7
Rocky Mount is an ideal spot for new movers. The city’s leading industries include education, health care, and manufacturing. There are four private liberal arts colleges and two school districts, which weave into the city’s top sights like interactive science exhibits and picturesque walking trails. This laid-back community is all about learning and exploration, and its three most coveted suburbs are Oakwood, Meadowbrook, and Swelton Heights. You will find so much nature to dig into—there are 20 trails and parks—either solo or with your dog.
12. Hickory
Housing cost to income ratio: 4.85%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.26%
Violent crime index: 69.3
Nonviolent crime index: 25.4
Cost of living index: 94.2
Hello, Hickory. This small-size city is situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the shores of the Catawba River. So if you love mountain living with access to riverfronts, this is the spot for you. About an hour from Charlotte and Asheville, Hickory offers unique sensibilities and hospitality (and, with a beer scene, it’s also pup-friendly). With a private university and award-winning schools, the city is brimming with educational development and innovation. Jumping from there, Hickory is known for farm-to-table restaurants, craft beer spots, shopping, arts, and culture, plus outdoor attractions around Lake Hickory. If you prefer warmer weather, you’re also in luck: Hickory gets only about two inches of snow per year. Rainfall is 56 inches annually, with hot summer and wet spring climates.
13. Goldsboro
Housing cost to income ratio: 4.85%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.26%
Violent crime index: 8.3
Nonviolent crime index: 15.4
Cost of living index: 103.1
Good to see you, Goldsboro. With state parks, a reconstructed historical village, and the 19th-century synagogue Oheb Shalom, Goldsboro is a city packed with history and wonder. Today, Wayne County city is known for manufacturing (textiles, furniture, and food) and tobacco. Goldsboro is awash with infrastructure: One school district, hospitals, and two colleges—give this a connected small-town college feel. The small city has 217 sun-filled days a year, moderate to heavy rains, and light snow, and is a leaning-liberal and dog-friendly town. You may want to check out fun neighborhoods like Saulston, New Hope, and Webtown.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.