Best Places to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. It’s the 28th largest and 9th most populous of the 50 United States. It’s bordered by Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and Tennessee to the west. Raleigh is the state’s capital and Charlotte is its largest city. There are a number of cities that could be considered the best places to live in North Carolina.

As far as living goes, it is as good a state as it gets. The weather is mild and the residents enjoy all four seasons. The state has a diverse range of geographical features that make it ideal for the outdoor lover. To the west lies its spectacular mountains, with the Piedmont occupying the middle, and the east covered by the coastal plains.

North Carolina is very diverse, ethnically and economically, which makes it a great place to call home. And that’s before you consider the high quality of life prevalent across the state, with job opportunities aplenty.

Here are a few of the best places to live in North Carolina. 

Morrisville

Morrisville is a suburb of Raleigh with a population of 25,007. This small city is in Wake County and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Living in Morrisville offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. 

There are many parks in this suburb. Families and young professionals live in Morrisville and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools here are highly rated. Median household income stands at $91k plus, and the residents are well catered for in terms of restaurant and shopping options. 

When you’re there, check out the RDU Observation Park and watch the big planes come in and out. Then after all this observational work get your Italian on at nearby Babymoon Cafe. 

Cary

This is another suburb of Raleigh with a population of 163,266. Cary is in Wake County and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Living in Cary offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Cary there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families live in Cary and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Cary are highly rated.

Cary gets high scores in categories such as public schools, jobs, diversity, commute time, outdoor activities and nightlife. With all the amenities of a large city, Cary still maintains a small-town vibe with all the. Its economy is as healthy as it can get, with families taking home over $91k on average.

There are 36 greenway trails in the area, ideal for all kinds of recreation activities. Check out the American Tobacco Trail for one, 23 miles built on an abandoned railroad track. Maybe stop by Bosphorus Restaurant for some excellent Meditarranean food. And don’t skip on the baklava, just because you’re feeling full. 

Uptown

Located in Mecklenburg County, Uptown is a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a population of 2,399, living in Uptown offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. This quaint town has a number of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Uptown and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Uptown are above average.

Uptown is actually also Downtown, which is one of the funny oddities of place-naming in North Carolina. Allegedly it was called Uptown, although it’s downtown, because the land was on a higher elevation than the surrounding areas. 

There are so many things to do in here, it’s absurd to just share a few, but when you have time, kick it at the 7th Street Public Market. Then when shopping hunger has overwhelmed you, swing by Poplar for some casual wine and tapas action. 

Dilworth

Also in Mecklenburg County, Dilworth is a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina with a population of 6,690. Living here offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Dilworth there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Dilworth and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Dilworth are highly rated.

Tree-lined streets run through Dilworth. Kenilworth Commons and Park Square retail plazas have specialty food and clothes shops, while interior design stores and boutiques dot the area. Freedom Park is popular for its lake and walking trails, and the Discovery Place Nature museum nearby is home to animals and a planetarium.

Apex

Apex is a suburb of Raleigh with a population of 48,254 located in Wake County. Living in Apex offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Apex there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many families live in Apex and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Apex are highly rated.

Apex encompasses the community of Friendship at its southern border. In 1994, the downtown area was designated a historic district, and the Apex train depot, built in 1867, is designated a Wake County landmark. The depot location marks the highest point on the old Chatham Railroad, hence the town’s name. The town motto is “The Peak of Good Living.” Visit the Salem Street Pub for an uncomplicated but delicious line up of brews and burgers.