12 Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2024

North Carolina is one of the East Coast's most beautiful and economically thriving states. With its mild climate, beautiful beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities, it's no surprise the state attracts many new residents yearly. Some areas offer greater appeal as people continue to relocate for lower living costs and higher quality of life.

While it can be more enticing to want to settle in big cities like Charlotte and Greensboro, the smaller, often-overlooked countryside locations offer the right mix of factors for newcomers. Whether you are seeking small-town vibes, green natural surroundings city, better job opportunities, affordable cost of living, or general safety, these are some of the top areas to consider if you plan to live in North Carolina in 2024.

Hickory

Hickory is a beautiful small town between Charlotte and Asheville, offering a quiet escape from the chaos in the bigger cities. It was named after the Hickory Tavern, a historic inn from the 1850s that a thriving community grew around. A gateway to the beautiful Catawba Valley, it has beautiful nature spaces where you can relax and enjoy fresh air, including the Glenn C. Hilton Junior Memorial Park. It also offers interesting museums and art centers that are handy for those who prefer to be indoors, highlighted by the Hickory Aviation Museum and L.P. Frans stadium. 

If you are a prudent spender, you will appreciate the affordability of Hickory, especially compared to nearby Asheville. The median home price is around $340K, while the average monthly expenditure for a small family is around $6,000. Also, a low unemployment rate of 3.6% hints at the promising job opportunities in the town. 

Boone

Home to a small community of just under 20,000, Boone is a great place to raise a family. It offers small-town vibes with an impressive balance of big-city amenities. Outdoor opportunities abound, with Elk Knob State Park located a short 11 miles from town. The close-knit community houses a bustling art scene and frequently gathers at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts to watch and support local talent. Furthermore, the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park presents an excellent way to spend time with family in the open. 

Expect to pay just under $450K to own a home in Boone or $1000 monthly to rent one. Furthermore, Boone’s location in the Appalachian Mountains makes it a popular winter destination. 

New Bern

New Bern’s claim to fame is the birthplace of Pepsi and has a charming landmark that documents the company’s humble beginnings. As the state’s second oldest colonial town, it has a rustic charm. It hosts a fair share of historical sites, including the North Carolina History Center, Tyron Palace, and New Bern Firemen’s Museum. The small community also enjoys outdoor spaces with a laid-back atmosphere and recreational opportunities, such as Union Point Park and Lawson Creek Park. Plenty of festivals and community events keep you busy and entertained throughout the year. New Bern Farmers Market is a particular favorite among locals and helps strengthen community ties. The cost of living is just below the national average, and the median home price is around $263K, a small price for a low-crime area like New Bern. 

Banner Elk

The ultimate playground for outdoor adventurers, this tiny Blue Ridge Mountain locale is an excellent choice if you appreciate small-town charm. Its high altitude location allows it to host two popular ski resorts, Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain Resorts. Meanwhile, Grandfather Mountain State Park is a popular hub with generous recreation opportunities, from camping and hiking to sightseeing and wildlife watching. When not exploring the open spaces, locals congregate at the Ensemble Stage to catch moving theatrical performances. 

This tight-knit community barely experiences criminal incidents, with a crime rate that is well below the national average. The unemployment rate is only 4.1%, but you will have to pay at least $500K to own a home in this adorable little village. 

Beaufort

Ranked by Budget Traveler among “America’s Coolest Small Towns,” Beaufort is a historic city that traces its beginnings to 1713. The coastal locality boasts a rich nautical heritage well documented at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. But for a broader perspective of local history, you can visit the Beaufort Historic Site to browse a comprehensive collection of artifacts from earlier eras. Beaufort also beckons adventurers to explore its open spaces, thanks to venues like Rachel Carson Reserve and experiences like Beaufort Pirates Revenge. 

The crime rate in Beaufort is more or less the country’s average, and housing prices are at an average of about $380K, while the cost of living is just over the national average, which is pretty fair, with all of these beautiful nearby experiences. 

Blowing Rock

The small-town vibe and picturesque backcountry scenery draw visitors to this charming western North Carolina community, compelling them to make it home. Named after the mountainous formation with scenic views of the forested surroundings, Blowing Rock is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It has an eclectic mix of attractions for all types of preferences. Historians can sample the town’s past at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum as adventurers explore the open spaces along the Glen Burney Falls Trail. Blowing Rock is also home to the Appalachian Ski Mountain, attracting skiers, snowboarders, and snowtubers from across the state during the snow season. The town's crime rate is below the national average, while the cost of living is almost at par with the federal and state averages. However, housing prices are steep, not less than $600K. 

Bryson City

Considered a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City delivers an array of fun activities that will excite any thrill seeker. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad allows you to explore the scenic mountainous and forested surroundings on a family-friendly train ride. Part of the Appalachian Trails passes through the city, giving hikers a chance to take on the country’s most famous hike. You can also discover natural gems like waterfalls along the Deep Creek Trail. 

Bryson City provides different family-friendly pursuits, highlighted by the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium. Sitting on the scenic banks of the Tuckasegee River, it is an excellent venue to take the kids. Crime is relatively low in the area, and homes are cheaper than the national average, costing around $300K. 

Franklin

The small community of Franklin houses less than 4,500 residents. Despite its tiny population, there is no shortage of fun things to keep you busy and entertained. Some of its top attractions include the Gem & Mineral Museum, which displays a collection of gems, minerals, and artifacts from the state, and the Macon County Historical Museum, which focuses on the local heritage. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is another popular venue that promotes Franklin’s arts and culture scene by staging concerts, films, festivals, and other live shows. 

Franklin is also enveloped by the Nantahala National Forest, allowing outdoor adventurers to get lost in the thick wilderness. Those who are interested can find housing for under $400k in this close-knit community. It also features a cost of living cheaper than the national average. 

Hendersonville

Thanks to its mild climate, Hendersonville is a four-season destination with countless things to see and do throughout the year. Its rich mix of attractions caters to all ages and preferences, with kids gravitating towards the Hands On Children’s Museum and the Appalachian Pinball Museum. On the other hand, the Henderson County Heritage Museum and Mineral & Lapidary Museum are more convenient for adults. Hendersonville also boasts a bustling craft brewery scene, with establishments like Guidon Brewing Company letting you sample tasty German beers. 

For outdoor fun, Mills River Park offers peaceful picnic spots and a lovely dog park for spending time with your canine companion. The violent crime rate, as well as the living cost here, is lower than the national average, providing a safe and affordable town to call home. 

Highlands

An exciting combination of arty attractions, gastronomic venues, and outdoor adventures makes Highlands one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Lying in the southern Appalachian Mountains and enveloped by the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands provides diverse recreation opportunities, from hiking to the gorgeous Dry Falls to scaling Whiteside Mountain. A thriving restaurant scene captivates culinary connoisseurs with various locally and internationally inspired cuisines. You can enjoy fine dining at the trendy Ristorante Paoletti or Wild Thyme Gourmet. 

After a wholesome meal, you can caffeinate at the cute Calders Coffee Café or sample the wine scene at Highlands Wine Shoppe. While the crime rate is below the national average, homes in Highlands don’t come cheap. Expect to spend upwards of $600K on a home here. 

Davidson

Davidson is a great town to start or raise a family. The presence of Davidson College means that your kids don’t have to go too far to find quality education after high school. It also impresses with its small-town charm, home to a community of about 15,000. Despite this, it delivers various urban comforts, including shopping venues, restaurants, and recreational amenities. The presence of Davidson College has elevated its arts and culture scene, with venues like the Armour Street Theater and Duke Family Performance Hall. 

Dining options abound at popular joints like The Pickled Peach and Kindred. Meanwhile, those who prefer the outdoors can hike and bike off-road trails in the sprawling Fisher Farm. Finally, Davidson has a median home value of around $600,000.

Wake Forest

Wake Forest offers an outstanding balance between small-town vibe and big-city amenities. This Raleigh suburb is home to just under 50,000 and treats its residents to all types of fun experiences, indoor and outdoor. There is something for everyone in this beautiful town, from historical centers like the Wake Forest Historical Museum to recreation venues like the E. Carroll Joyner Park to social attractions like the Wake Forest Farmers Market. Campers, anglers, hikers, and boaters will find endless opportunities inside the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, which straddles over 5,000 acres. 

Downtown Wake Forest is a bustling corridor with a nice mix of businesses, adding to the town’s charm. Given its proximity to Raleigh, the cost of living is slightly above the national average, but you always have access to high-quality urban amenities. 

Your Next Home Awaits in North Carolina

North Carolina continues attracting residents and businesses seeking a high quality of life, natural beauty, and growing economic opportunities. The towns highlighted here stand out for their thriving downtowns, affordable costs of living, access to outdoor recreation, and tight-knit communities. Whether you crave a scenic mountain retreat or the cultural amenities of a larger city nearby, these top places to live offer ideal locales to purchase a home and put down roots. For those exploring relocation in 2024 and beyond, any of these top places to live in North Carolina deserve consideration.