The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2026


The best places to live in North Carolina for 2026 are Cary, Davidson, and Morrisville. Find out where your city or town ranks.

Where are the best places to live in the state of North Carolina?

Some might say wherever you can catch a Duke or UNC basketball game, a NASCAR track, a sunny beach, a snowy mountain, or a great BBQ. You might feel like you’ve won the North Carolina Lottery when you stumble upon a place with all these.

While cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte are great, the best places to live turn out be just outside the city limits.

We used Saturday Night Science to compare the data on factors like crime, income, and home prices for 136 cities in North Carolina. Here’s what we found.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary


What is the best place to live in North Carolina for 2026? Cary is the best place to live in North Carolina if you care about home values, low crime, and high quality of life.

Grab some BBQ and sweet tea, and read on to learn about the best cities in North Carolina.

For more reading, check out:

The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2026

Best Places To Live In North Carolina Map

Cary, NC

Source: Flickr User James Willamor | CC BY-SA 2.0
Stat Cary North Carolina
Population 179,306 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 2
Median Home Value $626,395 $336,407
Median Income $134,905 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 3.5% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0141 0.0241

More on Cary: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

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.

Davidson, NC

Source: Flickr User davidwilson1949 | CC BY 2.0
Stat Davidson North Carolina
Population 15,660 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 1
Median Home Value $655,967 $336,407
Median Income $166,556 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 4.1% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0045 0.0241

More on Davidson: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

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.

Morrisville, NC

Source: Town of Morrisville
Stat Morrisville North Carolina
Population 31,422 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 3
Median Home Value $480,925 $336,407
Median Income $125,396 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0261 0.0241

More on Morrisville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

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 $480,925.

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.

Cornelius, NC

Source: Public domain
Stat Cornelius North Carolina
Population 32,783 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 4
Median Home Value $527,117 $336,407
Median Income $113,767 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 2.4% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0117 0.0241

More on Cornelius: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

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.

Stat Whispering Pines North Carolina
Population 5,211 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 20
Median Home Value $529,288 $336,407
Median Income $126,450 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0027 0.0241

More on Whispering Pines: Data | Crime | Movers

Pinehurst, NC

Source: Wikipedia User Leonard J. DeFrancisci | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Pinehurst North Carolina
Population 18,256 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 6
Median Home Value $535,650 $336,407
Median Income $109,802 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 5.2% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0035 0.0241

More on Pinehurst: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

“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.

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Source: Public domain
Stat Fuquay-Varina North Carolina
Population 40,485 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 9
Median Home Value $525,746 $336,407
Median Income $115,497 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 3.6% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0076 0.0241

More on Fuquay-Varina: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Huntersville, NC

Source: Wikipedia User Property of PLCMC | CC BY-SA 2.0
Stat Huntersville North Carolina
Population 63,969 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 7
Median Home Value $550,754 $336,407
Median Income $120,516 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 3.2% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0155 0.0241

More on Huntersville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

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.

Wake Forest, NC

Source: Wikipedia User Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) | GFDL
Stat Wake Forest North Carolina
Population 52,844 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 17
Median Home Value $512,160 $336,407
Median Income $123,802 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 4.0% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0153 0.0241

More on Wake Forest: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

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 $512,160.

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.

Rolesville, NC

Source: Wikipedia User Mkrpowers | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Rolesville North Carolina
Population 10,766 10,730,404
Rank Last Year 5
Median Home Value $497,995 $336,407
Median Income $149,565 $72,388
Unemployment Rate 3.7% 4.7%
Crime Per Capita 0.0052 0.0241

More on Rolesville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

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.

Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in North Carolina

Best Places To Live In North Carolina Size Requirement

Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in North Carolina, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Raleigh, with a population of 481,031, against places with a population of 18?

We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.

So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:

  • Cities — Populations over 5,000
  • Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
  • Small Towns — Populations below 1,000

This filter left 136 cities, 295 towns, and 250 small towns.

We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in North Carolina have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’

Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In North Carolina

Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.

We ranked each place in North Carolina across a number of criteria from one to 136, with one being the best.

We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In North Carolina.”

The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:

  • Median Home Values
  • Median Income
  • Population Density (Higher is better)
  • Unemployment Rate
  • Commute Time
  • Crime
  • Education Levels
  • Health Insurance Coverage
  • Poverty rates

Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2026. This report is our eleventh time ranking North Carolina’s best places to live.

If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in North Carolina. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Cary at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Summary: The Best Places In North Carolina

If you’re looking at areas in North Carolina with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.

The best places to live in North Carolina are Cary, Davidson, Morrisville, Cornelius, Whispering Pines, Pinehurst, Fuquay-Varina, Huntersville, Wake Forest, and Rolesville.

Cary made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in North Carolina for 2026.

If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in North Carolina according to the data:

  1. Lumberton (Pop. 18,859)
  2. Rockingham (Pop. 8,967)
  3. Roxboro (Pop. 8,182)

For more North Carolina reading, check out:

Best Places To Live In North Carolina Table

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value Median Income Rent Crime Per Capita
1 Cary 179,306 3.5% $626,395 $134,905 $1,738 0.0141
2 Davidson 15,660 4.1% $655,967 $166,556 $1,652 0.0045
3 Morrisville 31,422 3.3% $480,925 $125,396 $1,858 0.0261
4 Cornelius 32,783 2.4% $527,117 $113,767 $1,722 0.0117
5 Whispering Pines 5,211 3.3% $529,288 $126,450 $2,336 0.0027
6 Pinehurst 18,256 5.2% $535,650 $109,802 $1,664 0.0035
7 Fuquay-Varina 40,485 3.6% $525,746 $115,497 $1,720 0.0076
8 Huntersville 63,969 3.2% $550,754 $120,516 $1,834 0.0155
9 Wake Forest 52,844 4.0% $512,160 $123,802 $1,596 0.0153
10 Rolesville 10,766 3.7% $497,995 $149,565 $1,085 0.0052
11 Gibsonville 9,467 3.3% $307,075 $95,861 $1,034 0.0112
12 Apex 70,630 3.8% $599,084 $144,135 $1,902 0.0518
13 Matthews 30,577 2.1% $501,847 $108,611 $1,764 0.0292
14 Stallings 16,886 5.3% $461,632 $115,974 $1,882 0.0075
15 Chapel Hill 61,607 4.5% $631,166 $85,989 $1,613 0.0279
16 Harrisburg 19,633 3.0% $494,883 $148,254 $2,640 0.0205
17 Black Mountain 8,513 3.9% $463,738 $77,042 $1,652 0.0125
18 Elon 11,032 5.1% $350,879 $84,773 $2,080 0.0041
19 Knightdale 20,214 3.4% $370,204 $103,220 $1,674 0.0317
20 Waxhaw 22,275 4.9% $628,812 $131,894 $1,840 0.0052
21 Oak Ridge 7,744 2.5% $599,278 $155,385 $3,009 0.0435
22 Carrboro 21,204 3.6% $429,674 $85,743 $1,470 0.0209
23 Holly Springs 45,248 3.4% $579,090 $135,578 $2,021 0.0518
24 Carolina Beach 6,745 7.8% $606,035 $94,398 $1,513 0.0224
25 Mooresville 52,381 4.4% $482,315 $89,647 $1,626 0.0248
26 Mills River 7,281 2.8% $530,765 $105,398 $1,551 0.0336
27 Fletcher 8,098 3.0% $446,279 $75,272 $1,484 0.0143
28 Wendell 13,064 1.3% $369,603 $95,787 $1,457 0.0151
29 Leland 29,607 4.7% $376,599 $91,977 $1,735 0.0121
30 Winterville 10,725 5.4% $278,291 $83,193 $1,534 0.0082
31 Cramerton 5,450 3.5% $305,443 $82,160 $1,364 0.0138
32 Clayton 29,320 2.8% $364,741 $78,822 $1,661 0.0156
33 Weddington 13,805 1.8% $1,074,643 $190,766 $1,927 0.0972
34 Archdale 12,087 2.5% $248,494 $64,757 $1,034 0.0123
35 Carolina Shores 5,017 3.9% $319,365 $76,087 $1,973 0.0541
36 King 7,408 1.0% $276,085 $57,817 $895 0.0132
37 Hillsborough 9,724 4.1% $472,961 $98,163 $1,368 0.0494
38 Oak Island 9,030 3.0% $568,671 $85,872 $1,339 0.0541
39 Boone 20,032 12.0% $483,788 $30,065 $1,111 0.0100
40 Belmont 15,546 4.0% $432,564 $94,883 $1,365 0.0324
41 Summerfield 11,116 2.1% $519,609 $160,275 $1,521 0.0435
42 Mint Hill 27,556 4.1% $513,193 $100,860 $1,528 0.0096
43 Raleigh 481,031 4.4% $433,996 $85,395 $1,572 0.0336
44 Brevard 7,897 3.6% $464,517 $54,103 $979 0.0345
45 Marvin 6,692 4.0% $1,251,046 $250,001 $0 0.0422
46 Clemmons 21,871 4.5% $387,813 $87,655 $1,269 0.0376
47 Kill Devil Hills 7,761 7.1% $521,722 $89,773 $1,626 0.0173
48 Kernersville 27,830 2.7% $322,446 $71,918 $1,082 0.0346
49 Hendersonville 15,408 3.2% $405,675 $53,449 $1,332 0.0336
50 Mount Holly 18,208 5.5% $360,773 $79,385 $1,256 0.0179
51 Concord 108,719 5.5% $382,592 $86,921 $1,451 0.0130
52 Southern Pines 16,420 6.7% $456,115 $88,535 $1,354 0.0250
53 Lewisville 13,828 1.9% $404,563 $100,917 $1,095 0.0376
54 St. James 7,072 6.2% $694,376 $116,383 $0 0.0541
55 Stokesdale 6,004 1.9% $386,451 $121,071 $1,450 0.0435
56 Jacksonville 71,279 7.4% $261,055 $57,697 $1,321 0.0205
57 Woodfin 8,048 3.0% $427,001 $71,384 $1,546 0.0125
58 Indian Trail 42,036 5.3% $419,102 $108,483 $2,077 0.0422
59 Boiling Spring Lakes 6,347 3.5% $315,222 $62,676 $1,385 0.0187
60 Mebane 19,538 3.9% $353,220 $83,174 $1,283 0.0377
61 New Bern 32,734 4.6% $281,327 $61,031 $1,081 0.0197
62 Wilmington 120,805 4.3% $416,159 $66,738 $1,395 0.0414
63 Havelock 17,691 4.9% $233,895 $58,408 $1,280 0.0167
64 Kannapolis 57,890 4.1% $279,707 $73,836 $1,319 0.0205
65 Durham 291,467 3.8% $396,394 $81,619 $1,508 0.0455
66 Wesley Chapel 9,090 3.8% $659,095 $132,188 $3,191 0.0422
67 Pleasant Garden 5,060 1.9% $315,482 $88,204 $1,416 0.0435
68 Nashville 5,729 7.0% $257,559 $61,000 $1,073 0.0127
69 Asheville 94,535 5.1% $460,993 $71,102 $1,402 0.0473
70 Locust 5,840 3.6% $384,686 $76,504 $895 0.0205
71 Hickory 44,258 3.8% $293,999 $64,576 $1,063 0.0326
72 Aberdeen 9,228 3.7% $352,796 $75,078 $1,244 0.0373
73 Garner 34,473 6.2% $384,100 $78,756 $1,549 0.0518
74 Dallas 6,104 4.5% $273,281 $58,403 $872 0.0211
75 Cherryville 6,226 3.0% $249,357 $70,625 $1,059 0.0323
76 Angier 6,241 5.1% $333,902 $52,214 $894 0.0125
77 Waynesville 10,502 1.9% $355,351 $54,923 $1,070 0.0341
78 High Point 116,245 5.2% $249,820 $64,561 $1,116 0.0295
79 Unionville 6,954 4.1% $419,700 $96,028 $978 0.0422
80 Conover 8,580 3.3% $277,411 $65,972 $898 0.0233
81 Trinity 7,111 3.2% $287,548 $82,664 $955 0.0345
82 Greensboro 301,198 5.1% $264,427 $61,515 $1,172 0.0435
83 Thomasville 27,321 4.6% $237,157 $60,935 $879 0.0265
84 Charlotte 903,844 4.6% $397,125 $82,068 $1,612 0.0972
85 Greenville 92,857 9.0% $235,821 $49,748 $1,007 0.0330
86 Archer Lodge 5,186 0.0% $377,861 $91,188 $1,458 0.0430
87 Hope Mills 17,939 8.2% $263,454 $65,774 $1,141 0.0388
88 Ayden 5,150 6.7% $226,358 $42,413 $778 0.0173
89 Fayetteville 210,815 7.9% $225,534 $58,407 $1,250 0.0374
90 Shelby 22,100 3.6% $209,226 $48,376 $945 0.0347
91 Mocksville 6,068 4.2% $280,267 $55,367 $892 0.0345
92 Washington 9,726 3.5% $242,528 $40,186 $856 0.0386
93 Newton 13,333 6.2% $256,468 $62,015 $1,091 0.0233
94 Graham 18,048 6.8% $292,521 $56,239 $1,071 0.0232
95 Pineville 11,055 5.2% $403,663 $69,354 $1,552 0.0972
96 Winston-Salem 252,037 5.7% $264,332 $59,268 $1,087 0.0376
97 Tarboro 10,770 4.5% $152,776 $49,796 $843 0.0341
98 Lincolnton 11,783 3.8% $296,022 $46,320 $965 0.0263
99 Long View 5,011 2.5% $183,166 $46,739 $794 0.0326
100 Spring Lake 11,573 5.4% $261,167 $51,958 $1,351 0.0388

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About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.