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North Carolina Has The Most Affordable Place To Live In The U.S.

Author KC Atkins
This North Carolina town is one of the most affordable in the country.

North Carolina has a little something for everybody. From breathtaking mountain ranges, to sandy sun-soaked beaches, the Tarheel state is an attractive destination for folks with all sorts of preferences. On top of that, a new study by U.S. News & World Report reveals that North Carolina is also home to the most affordable city in the country!

According to the study (seen here), the cheapest U.S. city to live in for 2023-2024 is Hickory, NC. The report cites low rent costs and housing costs as the main factors contributing to Hickory’s premier affordability.

The report takes four different factors into account when determining affordability amongst U.S. cities, each with different subfactors to account for. These factors include:

  1. Quality of Life (crime rates, education, commuter index, air quality, etc.)
  2. Value (housing availability and price parity)
  3. Desirability (net migration, weather, etc.)
  4. Job Market (unemployment rate and average salary)

Taking these different factors into account, Hickory scored an overall 6.5 out of 10 index points. While other cities on the list had higher overall scores, Hickory excelled in the Quality of Life and Value factors to take the top spot.

USNews contributor Virginia Annable also makes a point to talk up Hickory’s popularity among families and retirees, as well as its potential business growth opportunities, as seen in this article. Even major tech companies like Google and Apple are setting up shop in the quaint mountain town.

You can find more examples of Hickory’s recent business expansions on the city’s official website.

So if you’re looking for a beautiful, vibrant city to live that won’t break the bank, then Hickory, North Carolina is the place for you!

KC is bringing you the Workday Wind Down, afternoons on KML. He’s a Carolina boy making Carolina noise! When he's not slinging music and mouth sounds on the BIG 95.7 WKML, you can catch him at the gym, live wrestling shows, open mics, or wherever fine pasta is sold. KC is a big fan of self-expression, as his many tattoos will show you. KC's favorite pastime is making others laugh. In his mind, if he can bring a smile to your face then it's a day well spent. KC likes to write about TV and film, especially Spider-Man, and Fayetteville happenings.

North Carolina Has One of the Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.

It’s never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don’t have to travel during the holidays, just don’t, because it’s a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.

I’ve researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I’m a Michigan girl, so I’m very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I’m going to escape, even if it’s just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it’s fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it’s not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What’s your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.

  • 5. Savannah, Georgia

    If you’re looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It’s pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

    Visit Savannah

    Your complete guide to what to do, where to stay and where to eat in Savannah, GA. Plan a charming, Southern escape, where quirkiness materializes through art and period architecture houses trendy boutiques, where ghost stories are set under a veil of Spanish moss and where local cuisine comes straight from the coast.

  • 4. Asheville, North Carolina

    The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it’s less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it’s still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

    Explore Asheville | Things to Do, Events, & Hotels | Asheville, NC's Official Travel Site

    Find things to do, events, hotels, trip ideas and outdoor activities in Asheville, North Carolina. Find great package deals and local restaurants too.

  • 3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it’s won’t be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

    VISIT PHILADELPHIA | Visitphilly.com

    Visit Philadelphia is the official visitor website for Philly travel and tourism information including hotels and overnight options, restaurants, events, things to do, and local attractions. Plan your visit!

  • 2. Traverse City, Michigan

    I know what you’re thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it’s worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it’s big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It’s also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

    Traverse City Hotels, Events, Restaurants & Things to Do

    Find information on hotels, events, restaurants and things to do in Traverse City, Michigan. Start Planning your trip to Traverse City today!

  • 1. Key West, Florida

    If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It’s considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

    Key West Travel | Key West Hotels & Vacation Planning with Keywest.com

    Plan your Key West travel here. We're your source for Key West hotels, resorts & info about vacation attractions such as fishing, diving & sightseeing

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