Caron Jones of Burlington, North Carolina is a residential real estate agent with an unparalleled passion for helping clients find their dream homes. With her deep understanding of the local real estate market, Caron possesses invaluable knowledge on the best cities across the state that offer exceptional opportunities for real estate investments. In the following article, Caron Jones delves into the most popular locations in North Carolina that showcase promising growth, desirable amenities, and attractive property values.
There are two common location desires when purchasing property — either the beach, or the mountains.
In North Carolina, it’s the best of both worlds, from the picturesque Great Smokies and the Appalachian Mountains to the peaceful Outer Banks, gorgeous Emerald Isle, and comfortable Wrightsville Beach.
Even city people happily call North Carolina home, setting up shop in such vibrant spots as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the hottest real estate market in America in 2023 is the state’s capital, Raleigh, based on its supply, demand, and comparative affordability. Durham ranks No. 3 and Charlotte is No. 8.
Caron Jones of Burlington, North Carolina reports that, since it was recently ranked as 2023’s 5th best state to buy a house in America, North Carolina has been especially attractive to Millennial homebuyers. Others are looking to take advantage of the state’s many options for higher education, such as Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and NC State University.
Looking for a fresh start in the Tar Heel State? Below are some of North Carolina’s most popular cities for homebuyers right now.
Cary and Morrisville
Mere miles away from the bustle of Raleigh, Cary and its smaller neighbor, Morrisville, have been consistently ranked among the top destinations in North Carolina, especially for those looking to settle in a nice family-friendly suburb.
Cary is particularly revered for its extremely low crime rate, fantastic public schools, community programs, numerous parks and greenways, and highly educated residents.
Caron Jones of Burlington, North Carolina explains that it’s not only typically ranked as the No. 1 best place to live in the state, but it’s also usually the top suburb and the top place to raise a family.
Fast-growing Morrisville is close behind, though, and it has become particularly attractive to those working in Research Triangle Park and tech industries. Both cities also offer a mix of ethnic restaurants and shops, especially due to their large Asian population and citizens of Indian descent.
Greensboro
Caron Jones of Burlington, North Carolina reports that Greensboro, with a steadily growing population since the 1990s, also ranks highly among family-friendly North Carolina cities for homebuyers to consider. Though its metro area contains over 750,000 people, it still maintains a friendly, small Southern town vibe.
At just a little over $250,000, the median home price is still affordable and its location near the middle of the state means that both beaches and mountains are only a few hours away.
Charlotte
Caron Jones notes how North Carolina’s largest city (880,000 residents and counting) is a testament to its status as the combination of a major commercial hub (banking is the big industry) and lush, safe suburbs.
Neighborhoods like Colonial Village and Providence Plantation get extremely high marks for their public schools, housing options, nightlife offerings, and mix of young professionals and families.
Locations such as McAdenville still have a very small-town feel — it’s also known for its yearly abundance of Christmas lights and decorations.
Just north of Charlotte, homebuyers can discover Davidson, which borders Lake Norman. This city is also home to Davidson College and is becoming a major tech hub (the town is the headquarters for Ingersoll Rand). Davidson ranks at the top of Rocket Homes’ list of housing cost-to-income ratios.
Holly Springs, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina
Caron Jones of Burlington, North Carolina says that if Raleigh’s housing market is out of reach, these three exurbs are worth a look. All three are smaller than Cary and even Morrisville, but the populations of each are growing at an average of 10%.
Clayton has a homeownership rate of nearly 66%, and USDA Home Loans are easy to come by in the still-quiet area.
Holly Springs, home to big companies such as Novartis, is just 20 miles from the state capital while still feeling like an old-fashioned country town with a rich history. Plus, it’s home to several highly rated schools in the Wake County Public School System.
New homes are spreading across Fuquay-Varina, which is also located in Wake County. This city is known for its charming downtown and military presence due to its proximity to Ft. Bragg, reports Caron Jones of Burlington, North Carolina.
Asheville
Yes, Asheville’s home prices are very high on average — $519,000 — but visitors to this artsy, quirky mountain town will not want to leave.
Caron Jones of Burlington, North Carolina also points out that, because it is nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville is a top pick for hikers, craft beer lovers, and those looking for charming, historic homes in a breathtaking setting. Who doesn’t love that?
