The world-famous U.S. News & World Report “Best Places to Live” list is out, and one North Carolina metro area has been ranked one of the best places to live in the country.
The annual list ranks the 150 most populous metros in the country on factors like affordability, desirability and quality of life.
There was a new leader on the top of the rankings this year (which we’ll get to below), as Boulder, Colorado is no longer No. 1.
“Much of the shakeup we see at the top of this year’s ranking is a result of changing preferences,” said Devon Thorsby, real estate editor at U.S. News. “People moving across the country today are putting more emphasis on affordability and quality of life than on the job market, which in many ways takes a back seat as remote work options have become more standard.”
There are seven cities from North Carolina in the top 150, and we’ll show you those ranks below, as well as the national top cities.
Coming out on top for North Carolina cities as the best places to live, is the Raleigh-Durham metro area, coming in at No. 6 overall. Near the bottom of the ranking of 150 cities is Fayetteville at 143 overall.
1. Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama (Getty Images)
2. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado (Getty Images)
3. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin (Getty Images)
4. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado (Getty Images)
5. San Jose, California
San Jose, California (Getty Images)
6. Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina
The Raleigh-Durham metro area has been named one of the top six places to live in the country.
30. Charlotte, North Carolina
Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. (Getty Images)
31. Hickory, North Carolina
Hickory, NC. (Getty Images)
46. Asheville
Downtown Asheville North Carolina (Getty Images)
56. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Getty Images)
90. Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina (Getty Images)
143. Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville, NC (Getty Images)
“Fort Bragg, the largest U.S. military installation in terms of population, reaches into Fayetteville, North Carolina, and surrounding towns. People from all over the world move here because of military ties, creating a multicultural community in this central North Carolina town. This region of the state is called the Sandhills and is ideal for outdoor activities including hiking and golf. Fayetteville’s location, mild weather and Southern hospitality contribute to the area’s appeal.”
OVERALL RATING
- 5.2 – Desirability
- 5.5 – Value
- 4.8 – Job Market
- 5.7 – Quality of Life
- 5 – Net Migration
