8 Most Underrated Cities In North Carolina
North Carolina in the United States has diverse attractions that draw tourists to visit and many others to move into its cities. Whether it is Fort Liberty near Fayetteville, the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, Greensboro’s historic districts, or the furniture heritage at High Point, each city offers its residents and all those who visit something unique in addition to other city charms. Due to the low cost of living, good weather, beautiful landscapes, great neighborhoods, and a lucrative job market, North Carolina’s cities are ranked high for their quality of life. From Wilmington in the south to Greensboro, central North Carolina, there are many underrated cities to explore or consider for your next move.
Cary
Set in central North Carolina within the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area, the city of Cary is close to the popular cities of Durham and Raleigh. With a recent estimated population of 181,610, Cary is the seventh-largest city in the state. As per Money magazine's recent ranking of cities, Cary is the best place to live in North Carolina due to its low crime rate. Livability also recognizes Cary for its high quality of life because of its top-ranked schools, picturesque neighborhoods, thriving economy, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. This makes it an attractive place for residents and visitors.
Cary has many parks and recreational facilities with many open green spaces, including Downtown Cary Park, and North Cary Park. The residents of this city enjoy trails and hikes at places such as Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and community centers such as Bond Park Community Center. Some other great places to explore in Cary include Cary Arts Center, Phillips Farms, Marla Dorrel Park, Apex Community Park, Palace Green, and Fred G Bond Metro Park.
Concord
The city of Concord is about 26 miles from Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina. Set in Cabarrus County, which is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area, Concord’s current population is 111,659. The city’s rich history is reflected through places like the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse built in the 1870s, the nearby Reed Gold Mine, the site where the first documented gold discovery in the US was made, and The Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the most iconic motorsport venues in the United States, hosting various NASCAR events.
Besides these attractions, the city has the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in the neighboring Kannapolis region, which honors the state's rich music heritage, as well as outdoor parks such as Village Park, and Concord’s Frank Liske Park, both offering a range of recreational facilities. Another place to explore in the city is the Concord Museum, which provides information on local history and development.
Durham
Situated in the central part of the state, about 22 miles away from Raleigh, the city is part of the Triangle region (metropolitan area), which includes Raleigh and Fayetteville. The area is a hub for universities, medical facilities, housing, innovation, research, and technology industries. Durham has a population of 280,000 and is overlooked for its historical reputation, educational institutes, and economic transition. The well-preserved historical architecture and landmarks, including the Hayti Heritage Center and the now-renovated American Tobacco Campus located downtown, are breathtaking places. The American Tobacco Campus is a refreshing reminder of the city’s once-flourishing tobacco industry. Duke University is a reputed educational institute for top academic programs. Durham promotes art and culture by hosting festivals like the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and the American Dance Festival.
Some outdoor sights to explore around the city include Duke Forest, Eno River State Park, and Sarah P. Duke Gardens, as well as nearby attractions such as Jordan Lake, Lake Michie, Little River Lake, and Leigh Farm Park. Farmer's markets, concerts, and festivals occur at Durham Central Park which is another beautiful place to visit.
Fayetteville
This Cumberland County city is in the southeastern part of the state, about 65 miles from Raleigh. With a recent population of 209,182, Fayetteville is home to Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg), one of the world's largest US military installations. The city has a deep appreciation for the military community. The city even hosts events and offers resources to support service members and their families.
Fayetteville has prominent historic landmarks like the Market House, which served as a market and town hall during colonial times. The Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation preserves the history of the airborne division. Outdoor lovers can explore the Cape Fear River Trail for a walk, run, or ride as well as open green spaces such as the Cape Fear Botanical Garden and the family-owned Gillis Hill Farm, which offers a fun and educational experience, including seasonal produce picking, hayrides, and a petting zoo. Other key tourist spots to explore are the Museum of the Cape Fear, Fayetteville Veterans Park, Mash House Brewing Company, 1897 Poe House, and The Climbing Place.
Greensboro
Greensboro is the third-largest city in the state, after Charlotte and Raleigh. Set in Guilford County, with a population of 299,175, the city serves as the county seat. The city’s popular historic landmarks include the Fisher Park Historic District, the Historic Dunleath neighborhood (Aycock Historic District), and the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. The Greensboro Cultural Center encourages artistic expression with many arts-related programs in Greensboro. The city’s famous educational institutes include the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC A&T), Greensboro College, and Guilford College.
The natural beauty of Greensboro is in places such as Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, and the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park. Another key tourist spot is the Greensboro Science Center which combines an aquarium, a zoo, and a science museum, offering educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Other famous tourist spots are the Greensboro Arboretum, Weatherspoon Art Museum, and the Ambleside Gallery.
Raleigh
North Carolina’s capital city, Raleigh, is in Durham, and Wake Counties in central North Carolina, serving as the seat of Wake County. With a current population of 472,540, it is the second-largest city in the state. Its location makes it a hub for transportation, business, and government activities. Being part of the Triangle region, the city has top educational, research, and technology industries. The underrated features of Raleigh city include its greenway systems and historic neighborhoods. Raleigh’s beauty is in its open spaces and parks, such as Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, and Mordecai Historic Park. The city’s historic neighborhoods of Forest Park, Oakwood, Mordecai, and Boylan Heights reveal some beautiful homes and architectural treasures.
Explore the city’s history and art at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of History, and the North Carolina Museum of Art. Public art installations throughout the city can be explored via self-guided tours for an artistic adventure. The city hosts outdoor festivals and events like Outlaw Music Festival, the Secret Garden Soiree, and the Hopscotch Music Festival, where visitors and locals enjoy the local food, culture, music, and art and celebrate with the community.
High Point
Situated in Guilford County, with parts of the city stretching into Forsyth, Davidson, and Randolph Counties, High Point is the only city in the state that extends into four counties. With a population of 114,475, it is the ninth largest in the state. Set about 18 miles from Greensboro and 77 miles from Charlotte, High Point rests in the north-central part of North Carolina. It is part of the Piedmont Triad region and is popular for the High Point Market, one of the largest home furnishings trade shows in the world. Being acclaimed as the "Furniture Capital of the World," the city's rich furniture heritage greatly impacts the global market. Other underrated features include its parks, downtown area, and fun local events.
The city parks, such as Oak Hollow Festival Park and High Point City Lake Park, provide outdoor activities and relaxation opportunities. The city’s downtown area, with places like the Old Guilford County Courthouse and High Point Public Library, bring in the nostalgia of the past. The museums, such as High Point Museum and the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum, also showcase the city’s vibrant history. Other key tourist spots include the World's Largest Chest of Drawers, Piedmont Environmental Center, and the High Point Bowling Center.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a New Hanover County city located along the Cape Fear River and is about 129 miles from Raleigh. With an estimated population of 119,524, Wilmington is a port city and the eighth-largest in the state. The well-preserved buildings of the Local and National Register Historic Districts provide an insight into the city’s architectural heritage. The History and Architecture Walking Tour is a great way to learn more about the city’s past. Wilmington is famous as a location for shooting films and television shows such as Scream 5 and One Tree Hill.
The Wilmington Riverwalk is an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset along the Cape Fear River. The nearby island beaches like Wrightsville Beach and other lesser crowded beaches like Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are perfect for a laid-back and relaxed outdoor experience. Places such as Airlie Gardens and the Burgwin-Wright House are great places for outdoor lovers. Other amazing places to explore include the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, the Fort Fisher Historic Site, Battleship North Carolina, the Bellamy Mansion Museum, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum.
An often overlooked state, many of North Carolina’s cities are underrated. Even cities like Raleigh are overlooked for their greenway systems and historic neighborhoods. From the outdoor parks in Concord to the abundance of tourist attractions in Durham, and Wilmington as a beautiful port city, each of these cities must be further explored for the features that add to their charm.
