As a long time resident Ive come to know the state quite well.
And while North Carolina isnt for everyone but Id say theres a place here for most people.
For the purposes of this article, Im considering any city with a population over 100,000 as large.
Best Places to Live in North Carolina (Shutterstock/PatGallery)
Charlotte
Want a big city with lots of diversity and four beautiful seasons to enjoy?
I cant say enough about Charlotte.
A median home price of$421,000makes it easy to afford a big yard too.
Best Places to Live in North Carolina
For renters, the average rent price is$1,945.
Not enough to entice you?
A lot of my friends consider it one of the very best places to live in North Carolina.
Best Places to Live in North Carolina
And its less than 150 miles to the beach!
Greensboro
Greensboro is bigger than most of its residents realize with nearly 300,000 people.
I love how many young families live here, filling the parks and playgrounds with plenty of laughs.
Best Places to Live in North Carolina
Looking for suburban controls rather than downtown living?
Rent is surprisingly low too at an average of$1,600a month.
Chapel Hill
Looking for cities in North Carolina with a younger population?
Chapel Hill definitely qualifies since its the states primary college town.
The high school is rated as the 7th best in the entire nation.
Asheville
For the artistic or adventurous, one of the best places to live in North Carolina is Asheville.
Its a small but growing city with the beauty of nature spread throughout even its most urban areas.
Yet the median home prices are also still affordable at$449,000or around$2,200a month for rent.
Apex
Living on top of the world is easy when youre in Apex.
Charming and quaint downtown, it still boasts a growing population with lots of diversity.
Youre only 20 minutes from the Raleigh-Durham Airport too if youre a big traveler like me.
Of all the cities Ive called home in North Carolina, I liked Apex the best.
Its the heart of North Carolina barbecue country and hosts some of the best open-air pits in the world.
5 Best Small Cities in North Carolina
Need a quiet place to relax with under 20,000 residents?
North Carolina and I have got you covered.
Boone
If only a college town with a real bohemian vibe will do, Boone is my top recommendation.
Youll never be bored with so many activities and adventures just outside your doorstep.
The median home price of$407,000or average rent of$2,200isnt something Id sneeze at either.
Its definitely a more relaxed town due to the high number of retirees.
The rental prices are even more affordable, with an average monthly cost of$1,600.
Hillsborough
Want a slower-growing town thats still near Raleigh-Durham for top job opportunities?
You want Hillsborough, a place Ive visited quite a few times.
Neighborhoods remain well-planned, with a median home price of$428,000and average rent around$2,100.
Most properties are larger, giving it a green and spacious feel despite being a suburb near a city.
I also cant get enough of the beautiful Eno River and all the art galleries downtown.
Its also popular with many authors, so you might just run into someone.
Luxury living continues even in the winter here, while fine dining and upscale bars ensure youre never bored.
Its not strictly a retirement community either as the average age shows.
The Research Triangle Park contributes significantly to the high-paying tech-related jobs in the area.
Its also the state capital.
Wilmington: If you prefer living near the beach, Wilmington is an excellent choice.
The city also supports non-tourism vocations and has a rich historic district.
It offers professional sports, a thriving nightlife, and access to a major international airport for travel.
The Innovation Quarter business development initiative provides a thriving jobs market.
There are also several recreational greenways for outdoor activities.
What are the best places to live in North Carolina for retirees?
The city that has my heart.
Ive visited a few times and each time I fall in love with it even more.
The city is known for its vibrant art scene and historic architecture like the domed Basilica of Saint Lawrence.
But the real star of the show?
The majestic Biltmore Estate, a French Renaissance-style mansion with lush gardens and a winery.
Retirement here would be anything but boring!
If the sea is calling your name, then Wilmington is where you should be heading.
Plus, its home to the USS North Carolina, a WWII battleship-turned-museum thats a must-visit.
Plus, did I mention the fresh seafood?
Youre in for a treat!
