Top 10 Places To Live In North Carolina 2025 as you are Living in Raleigh NC

By: Brandy Nemergut Published on: 15/06/2025

Discover North Carolina's best cities from a California family's 7-year perspective! From Apex's "peak of good living" ($655K median homes, $138K income) to Raleigh's Research Triangle boom ($450K homes, 180 miles greenways), explore why NC is America's hottest relocation destination. Compare Charlotte's financial hub ($422K homes, NFL/NBA teams) to Asheville's mountain paradise ($490K homes, Blue Ridge access), Chapel Hill's top college town charm, and Durham's Duke University prestige. Coastal Wilmington offers historic charm at $465K median, while Winston-Salem and Greensboro provide affordable options under $300K. Complete analysis of job markets, cost of living, schools, outdoor recreation, and why 500,000+ people relocated here recently. Perfect for families, professionals, retirees, and anyone seeking four seasons, career opportunities, and quality of life from mountains to coast!