The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2026

Source: Flickr User James Willamor | CC BY-SA 2.0

$134,905 median income · $626,396 median home · #1 best place in North Carolina

Located in Wake County, North Carolina

Median income +86% vs NC

$134,905

NC $72k

Median home value +86% vs NC

$626,396

NC $336k

Unemployment -26% vs NC

3.5%

NC 4.7%

If you don’t have a job in North Carolina’s best place to live, Cary, you’re most likely not trying very hard. The unemployment rate here is well below the national average. In fact, Cary is also one of the wealthiest cities in North Carolina, so there are probably enough butler and pool maintenance jobs available to give every single unemployed resident a job.

But what really makes Cary great is that it has one of the best school districts in the state, it’s super close to Raleigh and Durham, and it has been able to maintain its small city charm in the midst of its rapid growth.

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Source: Flickr User davidwilson1949 | CC BY 2.0

$166,556 median income · $655,968 median home · #2 best place in North Carolina

Located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Median income +130% vs NC

$166,556

NC $72k

Median home value +95% vs NC

$655,968

NC $336k

Unemployment -13% vs NC

4.1%

NC 4.7%

Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #2 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State’s best kept secrets. But, with only 15,660 full time residents, there aren’t a lot of people to get the word out. But, this just adds to Davidson’s appeal. That, and the fact that it’s the 4th safest cities on the list.

And, if you guessed that the people who live here are pretty smart–it’s a college town after all–you guessed right. Forty percent of Davidson’s residents have a Bachelor’s Degree and 23% have a Masters. These numbers are both well below the state and national level.

So, if you’re looking for “[A] College Town. [A] Lake Town. Your Town,” this city in this western pocket of the Piedmont has it all.

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Source: Town of Morrisville

$125,396 median income · $480,926 median home · #3 best place in North Carolina

Located in Wake County, North Carolina

Median income +73% vs NC

$125,396

NC $72k

Median home value +43% vs NC

$480,926

NC $336k

Unemployment -30% vs NC

3.3%

NC 4.7%

We’re heading to Morrisville, a town of 31,422 situated between Raleigh and Durham, for our 3rd best place to live in North Carolina.

For starters, Morrisville is family-friendly. 36.86% of Morrisville households have kids, and there’s a reason for that. Most public schools are in the top 5% statewide, and the local elementary school received a National Blue Ribbon Award. Not to mention that Morrisville has the 20th lowest high school dropout rate statewide.

There are also plenty of

family-friendly activities, like the miles of trails and endless water-sports fun available at Lake Crabtree County Park. Or the RDU Observation Park for those who like watching planes land and take off. And every September brings the East Meets West Festival, a celebration of the town’s cultural diversity complete with food and live music.

You don’t have to worry about crime in Morrisville because the town achieved the 18th lowest violent crime rate in North Carolina over 2024. Homes here are the 29th priciest statewide, with a median home value of $480,926.

The median household income here is $125,396. While the cost of living in Morrisville is higher than the statewide average, it’s mostly due to housing — things like groceries, utilities, and health costs are right on level or below average prices.

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Source: Public domain

$113,767 median income · $527,117 median home · #4 best place in North Carolina

Located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Median income +57% vs NC

$113,767

NC $72k

Median home value +57% vs NC

$527,117

NC $336k

Unemployment -49% vs NC

2.4%

NC 4.7%

Cornelius, located in northern Mecklenburg County, is a great place to live for many reasons. Known for its low cost of living and high quality of life, Cornelius offers residents a wide range of attractions and activities to enjoy.

Cornelius is conveniently located just 20 miles north of Charlotte, providing easy access to the city’s amenities and employment opportunities. With a median home price that ranks among the best in North Carolina and a strong sense of community, Cornelius truly offers the best of both worlds – a peaceful suburban lifestyle with all the conveniences of a larger city.

The town is home to several art galleries, theaters, and music venues. It’s also close to Lake Norman, which gives you easy access to the beautiful lake, where they can enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports.

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5th on our best places to live in North Carolina is Whispering Pines, a small village of just 5,211 where the median household income is $126,450 and unemployment barely registers at 3.3%. Home values here average $529,288, a testament to the area’s prosperity.

With a poverty rate of just 5.3%, you’re surrounded by people with a solid financial footing. That kind of economic security doesn’t happen by accident.

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Source: Wikipedia User Leonard J. DeFrancisci | CC BY-SA 3.0

$109,802 median income · $535,650 median home · #6 best place in North Carolina

Located in Moore County, North Carolina

Median income +52% vs NC

$109,802

NC $72k

Median home value +59% vs NC

$535,650

NC $336k

Unemployment +11% vs NC

5.2%

NC 4.7%

“The Home of American Golf” and the infamous Pinehurst Resort, might seem out of reach for most bank accounts, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that you can score a home in North Carolina’s 6th best place to live, Pinehurst, for $535,650. The yin to that yang, however, is that if you don’t already have a job lined up in healthcare or hospitality, you’re going to need to rethink your career path if you move here. While the unemployment rate is 5.2%, there aren’t a lot of options for people who don’t hold a degree.

But, don’t let this deter you: it’s worth it. This city of 18,256 residents is one of the safest places in the Tar Heel State. So, if affordability and safety are at the top of your “must have” list, Pinehurst checks all of the boxes.

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Source: Public domain

$115,497 median income · $525,746 median home · #7 best place in North Carolina

Located in Wake County, North Carolina

Median income +60% vs NC

$115,497

NC $72k

Median home value +56% vs NC

$525,746

NC $336k

Unemployment -23% vs NC

3.6%

NC 4.7%

Fuquay-Varina ranks 7th on our list of best places to live in North Carolina for 2026. With a 115,497 median household income and homes valued at $525,746. The 3.6% unemployment rate and 8.2% poverty level both rank among the state’s best, a reflection of steady economic health in this growing community.

Just 20 miles east of Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina has become a magnet for families seeking stability. Fuquay-Varina Parks and Recreation rounds out the picture with trails and sports facilities for residents of all ages.

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Source: Wikipedia User Property of PLCMC | CC BY-SA 2.0

$120,516 median income · $550,755 median home · #8 best place in North Carolina

Located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Median income +66% vs NC

$120,516

NC $72k

Median home value +64% vs NC

$550,755

NC $336k

Unemployment -32% vs NC

3.2%

NC 4.7%

Huntersville is North Carolina’s 8th best city to make our list and the second city in the top ten from the Lake Norman area. (Must be something in that fresh lake water…) But, whatever they’re doing in this greater Charlotte area, they’re doing it right because Huntersville moved up to clinch this #8 place and is not showing any signs of slowing down. But, why would you when median household income numbers like $120,516 are knocking at your front door. Heck, someone has to pay for the programs that are keeping the city safe, employed, and educated.

Huntersville is also a great place if you love to have fun. Whether you’re into lake activities or tasting craft brews at the local brewery, you won’t get bored in this suburban oasis.

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Source: Wikipedia User Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) | GFDL

$123,802 median income · $512,161 median home · #9 best place in North Carolina

Located in Wake County, North Carolina

Median income +71% vs NC

$123,802

NC $72k

Median home value +52% vs NC

$512,161

NC $336k

Unemployment -15% vs NC

4.0%

NC 4.7%

North Carolina’s 9th best place to live, Wake Forest, is kind of a big deal. Located just East of Falls Lake and slightly northeast of the Raleigh, Wake Forest is the quintessential North Carolina city. Here, old oak tree lined streets protect homes with large yards and porches with white rocking chairs. However, all of this does come at a price: the cost of living in Wake Forest is well above the national average. Basically, you’re going to have to make at least $123,802/year to afford the average home price of $512,161.

But, the benefits of living in Wake Forest definitely outweighs the costs.

So, if you’re looking for a place with super nice people, super safe communities, and high performing schools don’t wait because you might lose your spot in one of North Carolina’s fastest growing cities.

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Source: Wikipedia User Mkrpowers | CC BY-SA 3.0

$149,565 median income · $497,996 median home · #10 best place in North Carolina

Located in Wake County, North Carolina

Median income +107% vs NC

$149,565

NC $72k

Median home value +48% vs NC

$497,996

NC $336k

Unemployment -21% vs NC

3.7%

NC 4.7%

Let’s roll into Rolesville, the #10 best place to live in North Carolina. The town is the second oldest in Wake County and a suburb of Raleigh. It has experienced a substantial rise in 10,766, supporting its historical allure with modern expansion. The locality is characterized by a strong economy, indicated by a high 149,565 and low 3.7, reflecting its economic resilience.

Rolesville has an excellent education system, low crime rates, and awesome parks and trails. Rolesville’s closeness to Raleigh allows residents to enjoy a Canes or Bulls game while benefiting from an average 31 minute commute time.

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