4 NC Cities Make U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Places to Live’ Top 25 List

North Carolina continues to be a top choice for those seeking a new place to call home, as four of its cities have been ranked among the top 25 places to live in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Each year, U.S. News evaluates 150 major U.S. cities, assessing factors such as housing affordability, household income, education quality, access to health care, crime rates, commute times, and air quality. This year, a shift from metro-based to city-based data in the rankings has brought fresh entries from the Midwest and South, including North Carolina.

The rankings reflect what people value most when choosing where to live, based on a survey of over 3,000 individuals across the country. This year’s findings show a growing emphasis on cost of living, with increased importance placed on the job market and overall value.

North Carolina’s presence in the top 25 underscores its appeal. The state offers a high quality of life, strong educational opportunities, and a robust job market. Whether you’re drawn to small towns’ charm or bustling cities’ energy, North Carolina’s diverse communities have something to offer everyone.

Here are the North Carolina cities that made the cut: 

No. 23: Greensboro  

Population: 317,834
Median Home Price: $213,643
Median Household Income: $65,849

Greensboro has all the hallmarks of a midsized Southern city: affordability, economic growth, and historical significance. The 1960 Greensboro sit-in to end segregation was a watershed moment for the civil rights movement – now immortalized in the city’s International Civil Rights Center & Museum. One thing that sets Greensboro apart from similar-sized towns in the South is its highly-rated public school system, earning it the No. 7 rank for college readiness. All told Greensboro balances quality of life (No. 27) and value (No. 30), solidifying its status as one of the Best Places to Live.

No. 17: Asheville 

Population: 113,353
Median Home Price: $400,587
Median Household Income: $69,429

Asheville may be a cultural mecca of independent breweries, art studios, and five-star restaurants, but it never lets you forget where you really are: deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Residents enjoy the perks of civilization amid remote natural beauty, helping to secure Asheville as the No. 10 city in the U.S. for quality of life. Asheville also has one of the shortest commute times of any city in the country at 22 minutes (it doesn’t hurt that commuters can get around via the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway) and ranks No. 8 for air quality – so roll down your windows and enjoy that fresh mountain air.

No. 6: Raleigh

Population: 469,960
Median Home Price: $382,677
Median Household Income: $87,708

Raleigh is the largest city in North Carolina’s research triangle – where three of the country’s most esteemed public and private universities converge within a stone’s throw of each other. Being an epicenter of higher education is part of what makes Raleigh the No. 5 city in the nation for quality of life since the nearby universities elevate access to top-tier health care and public high schools. Duke University and North Carolina State University are among the largest employers in the area. Still, Raleigh is also a tech hub and, of course, a state capital, propelling its local job market to No. 21 in the country.

No. 5: Charlotte

Population: 862,609
Median Home Price: $359,446
Median Household Income: $88,791

“Charlotte’s Got a Lot,” according to the city’s tourism slogan. And the data backs that up. Charlotte has a healthy balance of impressive scores across all our ranking categories: job market (No. 22), desirability (No. 26), quality of life (No. 34, and value (No. 43). Just 10 or 15 years ago, you might be hard-pressed to meet a true Charlotte native. But thanks to its consistently positive net migration since then, there’s a new generation of born-and-bred Charlotteans ready to carry on the city’s royal legacy.

The top four cities nationwide were Naples, Florida; Boise, Idaho; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Greenville, South Carolina.