9 Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2025

There are numerous reasons why people want to put down roots in North Carolina. It has a mild climate around the year, beautiful beach scenery, and moderate tax policies, making it a suitable option for young professionals and retirees alike. For anyone planning to move, settling in bustling urban hubs like Raleigh and Charlotte might seem like a no-brainer. However, the smaller towns are a better option if you want a slow-paced lifestyle, a manageable cost of living, and easy access to outdoor opportunities.

Newcomers can expect a friendly reception from locals, while a strong sense of community allows them to adapt to their new environment seamlessly. Whether seeking a fresh start with family or settling into your sunset years, here are the best places to live in North Carolina in 2025.

Windsor

Windsor is a quiet village in the Inner Banks region of North Carolina with exemplary natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. Its fabulous surroundings encourage residents to embrace the outdoor lifestyle, and you can often see them strolling down the Cashie River Boardwalk to take in the water vistas. Families enjoy congregating at Livermon Park & Mini Zoo for exotic encounters with cute wildlife. The small sanctuary enables kids to pet emus, llamas, goats, and alpacas, making it the ideal family getaway.

The community demonstrates its unity during events like the Windsor Riverfest. Held annually, the festival allows townsfolk to mingle in a friendly and fun setting. ECU Health Bertie Hospital is the primary care provider, while the median home price is $192,300.

Creedmoor

Creedmoor's charm lies in its rich network of park areas and nature spaces, which complements its small-town charm. This Granville County community was designed for outdoor enthusiasts, rewarding them with oases like Lake Rogers Park. It boasts a winning mix of tranquil atmosphere, lush greenery, and scenic water views. Residents also spend their free time playing on the manicured greens of South Granville Country Club. The property is enveloped by terrific views and challenges all skill levels.

At the Creedmoor Community Center, residents of all ages gather for different social programs and events, fostering a sense of belonging among locals. Also, Creedmoor has a median home price of $350,000, below the state average.

Dallas

Dallas' proximity to Charlotte allows townsfolk to access crucial social and health amenities at their convenience while providing a more peaceful scene to raise their families. Its pleasant rural feel is punctuated by idyllic nature spaces like the over 100-acre Dallas Park. The site harbors picnic shelters, sports fields, walking trails, and a fishing pond, making it a popular recreation hub. Newcomers can get acquainted with their new home and its heritage at the Gaston County Museum. It stores informative displays chronicling the town's evolution since its founding.

Meanwhile, CaroMont Urgent Care guarantees prompt primary medical care services to the Dallas municipality, saving them the commute to the big city. Also, the region's median home cost is conveniently cheaper than the national average at $315,000.

Cherryville

This small town of Gaston County is steeped in German heritage and enjoys a robust sense of community that allows for peaceful co-existence. Cherryville hosts a string of festivals throughout the year, helping to maintain strong bonds among residents. This includes the Cherryville Cherry Blossom Festival, an enduring tradition celebrated with good food, live music, and fun rides. The Cherryville Historical Society expertly preserves and interprets the area's past, inviting newbies to learn about its curious German identity and other cultural aspects.

Elsewhere, those who need an outdoor escape can join peers at the Cherryville Golf and Country Club for some quality time. With a median home price of $299,000, Cherryville is one of the most affordable places to live in North Carolina in 2025.

Princeton

Princeton sits less than an hour from Raleigh and is known for hosting a hospitable community that makes strangers feel right at home. This means it takes a short time for incoming residents to settle in and make acquaintances, especially during social events like the Princeton Community Day. Townspeople like to gather on the lush grounds of Ray M. Floors Community Park to make the most of their recreational needs. The quaint space provides amenities like picnic spots, playground equipment, and a toddler play area, accommodating the whole family.

Princeton has a lower cost of living than the national average, evidenced by the manageable median real estate price of $322,900. The local economy runs on the back of public administration, manufacturing, and construction industries.

Rockwell

Rockwell is an excellent destination for movers seeking suburban living, thanks to its proximity to Greensboro. The town is known for its pleasant downtown areas and a raft of kid-friendly attractions. For instance, Tiger World is always teeming with families hoping for rare encounters with exotic wildlife. The sanctuary provides a home for rescued big cats and birds. But when it's time to play, residents head to Rockwell Park, where the amenities are tailored for kids to play and adults to sit and watch.

The inviting downtown district opens doors to amiable interactions with other townspeople. You will often find a friendly crowd of patrons at Johnny's Barbeque, who you can chat with over a mouth-watering steak. Lastly, buying a decent home in Rockwell costs around $369,900.

Winterville

Home to Pitt Community College, Winterville has a warmer atmosphere than its name may suggest. The lovely municipality hosts a vibrant college population that sparks life into the downtown district. This walk-friendly corridor features an eclectic mix of businesses, such as the Loose Goose, a nice spot to shop for vintage treasures to add to your antique collection. Opportunities abound for those who enjoy the open spaces, with access to many amenities at Paramore Park.

Also, freshly settled residents interested in their town's backstory can find vital resources at the Winterville Museum chronicling its history. The local median property price is $304,800, an encouraging number if you plan to buy a home.

Spencer

This Rowan County town is known for its cozy natural surroundings and intriguing railway history. It is home to the North Carolina Transportation Museum, where a collection of classic rail cars, automobiles, and other transport-related relics chronicle the transport sector in the state. Outdoor enthusiasts spend quality moments at Spencer Park along its peaceful hiking trails and quiet picnic areas. The site also offers a pond with a floating dock for those who want to enjoy a trip on the water.

The First Community Center of Spencer plays an essential role in hosting social programs and activities that bring people together. Additionally, the local median home rate of $237,900 is less than the United States average.

Mocksville

Designated as a Main Street Community and Tree City USA, Mocksville is known for its green spaces and vibrant downtown. There are numerous parks where residents head for recreation, including Rich Park, which provides a kid-friendly atmosphere with quaint amenities. Drinking wine is part of local culture, evidenced by the multiple wineries and vineyards across the town. This includes Rayson Winery & Vineyard, which serves award-winning wines alongside delicious eats.

The Davie County Arts Council enriches the local arts community by hosting an array of theatrical performances featuring concerts, plays, and similar events. Finally, a home costs an average of $333,700 in Mocksville.

Final Thoughts

Settling down in a new place requires quite a bit of thought to ensure you don't regret your decision. The ideal location has to consider your financial position, safety, and access to educational and health facilities, especially if you have a family. Luckily, the best places to live in North Carolina in 2025 addresses all this to offer a winning mix. Whether you decide to live in a suburb near top cities like Asheville or an isolated village away from the hustle, there is something for everyone.