Top Ten List of Best Places to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to hundreds of Best Places to live to suit virtually any retirement or relocation lifestyle. In our for our best place to live, we found that a certain ten locations kept coming up as gems hidden in North Carolina – places where the climate, cost of living, quality of life, activities and overall lifestyle all combine to make this Top Ten list of Best Places to Live one you must read!

Here they are, our Top Ten Best Places to Live in North Carolina in order by population:

1. In Surry County, suitably nicknamed "Small Town USA," is Mount Airy, NC, with a population of 8,484. This is a place where everyone seems to know each other, and is ideal for those seeking the quintessential neighborly environment. Mount Airy sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is famous for being the birthplace of Andy Griffith.

2. Boone, NC, with a close-knit population of 13,472, is a Best Place for its staggering natural beauty. This classic southern Blue Ridge Mountain town is packed with opportunities to make the most out of the surrounding geography, as well as pubs, shops and quiet restaurants to enjoy after a long day in nature.

3. Money Magazine called Elizabeth City "one of the best places to live in the mid-Atlantic coast." 17,500 fortunate residents call Elizabeth City home. This downtown area thrives with specialty boutiques, cafes and shops that will satisfy the most serious shoppers!

4. "The Paris of the Piedmont," Salisbury, NC, has a manageable and friendly population of 26,548 people. This historic haven for artists is home to a bustling downtown filled with galleries and art-oriented shops. Conveniently located only 45 miles from Charlotte Airport.

5. Only twenty minutes from the Raleigh metropolis, Apex, NC provides a great way to enjoy small-town living with access to big city amenities. An authentic turn-of-the-century railroad town, Apex retains much of its historic character.

6. The county seat of Davidson County and known as the "Hickory Smoked BBQ Capital of the World," Lexington, NC is home to 30,000 friendly folks. Over 20 restaurants serve the town its famous BBQ cuisine! The quaint city is surrounded by green, rolling hills, which ensure that temperatures stay comfortable year-round.

7. Water lovers will love the town of New Bern, NC. 31,824 people call New Bern home. At the junction of two major rivers, New Bern provides residents with the chance to participate in all modes of water activities in both the fresh and salt waters nearby. There are also plentiful hiking and climbing opportunities to enjoy.

8. Only 40 minutes from the city of Charlotte lies the cultural mecca of Monroe, NC. With 40,806 residents, Monroe boasts events like a writer’s festival, symphony concerts and numerous live theater events.

9. At the time of this printing, Asheville, NC has a population of just over 69,000 people, but it is a rapidly growing "in demand" area in the Western part of the state. At the junction of the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains, Asheville affords residents with a multitude of outdoor activities. Additionally, there is much to do in town, and the active community is made up of both twentysomethings and active retirees.

10. The largest population on our top 10 list is Fayetteville, NC, with 172,000 people. Despite the large number of inhabitants, Fayetteville maintains a small-town charm, but also boasts the amenities and cultural opportunities of a much larger city. Museums, ballet and theater will keep residents busy all year long.

Come to PlacesOfValue for more informaiton on best places to lretire or relocate to in North Carolina and South Carolina. Read more about relocation and retirement made easy, top retirement communities, cost of living, designing and building your Dream Home, Green Building, The seven steps to a fulfilling retirement and more.

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