Explore the Best Places to Live in the Carolinas
Brought to you by Pulte Homes®
The best places to live in the Carolinas range from charming towns in the foothills of the mountains to dynamic, bustling cities and beachfront coastal communities. North and South Carolina each offer ideal spots for any lifestyle, where you can thrive amid inviting atmospheres, enjoy easy access to great attractions and amenities, and find new construction homes you’ll love to live in.
Summary:
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Best Places to Live in the Carolinas Overall
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Best Coastal Carolina Towns to Live In
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Best Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in the Carolinas
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New Construction Homes in the Carolinas
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Best Places to Live in the Carolinas Conclusion
Best Places to Live in the Carolinas Overall
From their coastal shorelines to their western borders, North and South Carolina have much to offer homebuyers in terms of comfort, convenience, and activities. With so many places to choose from to find your perfect home, these are our picks for some of the best cities to live in the Carolinas.
Raleigh, NC
Living in Raleigh places you within North Carolina’s capital city and on the border of the Research Triangle region, where major employers in the tech and research industries mingle with educational institutions like North Carolina State University. This prime location helps make this city one of the best places in the Carolinas to live, especially for professionals in those fields. The cost of living in Raleigh is also reasonable, as it’s 3% lower than the national average, according to Payscale® as of July 2025. Raleigh also features more than 70 neighborhoods and suburbs, offering a wide range of ideal spots to settle down. Plus, it’s conveniently close to the city of Durham, putting commuters conveniently close to top employers there. Additionally, Raleigh has much to offer in recreation and relaxation, including parks, restaurants, stores, and several museums, such as the popular North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Durham, NC
Both Raleigh and Durham earned a spot in the top 10 on the U.S. News & World Report® list of the Best Places to Live in North Carolina for 2025–2026, in part thanks to their top employers and a cost of living that’s 1% less than the national average, according to Payscale’s May 2025 data. Durham is also home to Duke University and great attractions, such as Duke Gardens, the Museum of Life + Science, an award-winning performing arts center, and the Duke Lemur Center.
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte sits just north of the South Carolina border, offering bustling big-city energy for young professionals and inviting suburbs for growing households. As of May 2025, Payscale finds the cost of living in Charlotte to be 2% lower than the national average, adding to the city’s appeal. Charlotte also boasts a diverse cultural scene with plenty of things to do, from trendy bars and restaurants to all-ages attractions like the Museum of Illusions or Carowinds® Amusement Park.Cary, NC
Cary, a small town in North Carolina about 12 miles outside Raleigh, not only ranks #1 as one of U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Places to Live in North Carolina for 2025–2026, but it lands at #5 on that publication’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025–2026. Several factors contribute to Cary’s popularity. The city offers an ideal quality of life with its community-oriented environment, numerous parks and greenways, and its conveniently close location to Raleigh, Durham, and the tech employers at Research Triangle Park. Plus, Cary is home to several sports teams, the USA Baseball National Training Complex, and a variety of cultural and entertainment experiences, like hosting the North Carolina Symphony during the summer.
Apex, NC
Apex is another appealing city in the Raleigh-Durham area. Located roughly 15 miles southwest of Raleigh, Apex is a historic railroad town that dates back to the 1860s. This enchanting city features boutiques, mom-and-pop shops, and restaurants, and it hosts regular festivals and events to bring the community together. Top attractions in the town include Jordan Lake State Recreational Area, the Halle Cultural Arts Center, and the Cloer Family Vineyards. Along with quality schools and ample green spaces, it’s no wonder Apex is one of the best towns to live in the Carolinas, earning the #2 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in North Carolina for 2025–2026 and the #7 spot on its Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025–2026.
Greenville, SC
The South Carolina city of Greenville features Reedy River Falls, a stunning waterfall that’s part of the Reedy River, which flows right through the center of downtown. Liberty Bridge, a pedestrian-only path, overlooks the falls and Greenville cityscape, while also leading you to Falls Park. In addition to a plethora of downtown activities to enjoy, including numerous parks, a children’s museum, a zoo, and local sports teams to cheer on, another factor that helps make Greenville one of the top places to live in the Carolinas is its affordable cost of living. Overall, Greenville living expenses are 7% less than the national average, with housing costs also being an astonishing 26% less, according to Payscale’s July 2025 data. Plus, you’ll find many beautiful, quiet suburbs, such as Easley or Boiling Springs.
Mount Pleasant, SC
Just over 5 miles from Charleston, across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, is Mount Pleasant, SC. Claiming the top spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Places to Live in South Carolina 2025–2026, this coastal city offers stunning waterfront scenes, plenty of outdoor opportunities, like kayaking along the coastal waterways, diverse housing options, and easy access to everyday amenities like grocery stores, as well as abundant entertainment, dining, and retail choices. In addition to Mount Pleasant’s popular attractions, such as Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Shem Creek Waterfront, and Pitt Street Bridge, its close proximity to Charleston offers residents even more opportunities to explore historical sites and cultural hot spots.Best Coastal Carolina Towns to Live in
If you prefer being conveniently close to the sand, salty water, and endless fun that comes from living on the coastline, look no further than these Carolina cities that share their border with the ocean.
Myrtle Beach, SC
In April 2025, Travel + Leisure® recognized Myrtle Beach on its list of the 10 Best Beach Towns in South Carolina. Reviewers on Niche.com (May 2025) praise the area’s schools, and the neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach offer residents easy access to the shoreline and popular tourist spots. Attractions in and around this seaside city include amusement parks, a Ferris wheel, Myrtle Beach State Park, the famous boardwalk, and, of course, the many beaches. Looking for a quieter spot to bask in the sun? Head to North Myrtle Beach, which offers a more laid-back atmosphere. As of May 2025, the cost of living in Myrtle Beach is 7% lower than the national average, with housing costs 32% lower, according to Payscale as of May 2025.
Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head has long been one of the best coastal Carolina towns to live in and ranks #10 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Places to Live in South Carolina in 2025–2026. Coligny Beach Park and Coligny Plaza are two reasons why it appeals to so many. These renowned locations allow you to surf the waves, lie in the sun, or play in the sand, then stroll over to the plaza for lunch, dinner, or shopping. Overall, Hilton Head features 12 miles of beautiful beaches to explore.
A little-known fact about this city is that it has a robust bike system with 60 miles of bike paths, which makes it one of the most fun things to do in Hilton Head. While the cost of living in Hilton Head is often on par with the national average, it can be more affordable to live in suburban areas, such as Bluffton. As of May 2025, the cost of living in Hilton Head is roughly 4% higher than the national average, but Bluffton’s cost of living was 3% lower, according to Payscale.
Charleston, SC
Charleston offers a perfect blend of history and charm, along with oceanfront access. Between the sea breezes and the beautiful historic buildings, including the iconic Rainbow Row homes, you’ll find some of the hottest restaurants, rooftop bars, quaint boutiques, parks nestled among towering live oak trees, and an abundance of fun Downtown Charleston activities, too. Head to the aquarium, travel back in time at the city’s museums, or take a drive to Folly Beach, Johns Island, or Sullivan Island for a day in the sun.
Beaufort, NC
Beaufort, North Carolina, sits next to the state’s famous Outer Banks. For anyone looking for a coastal escape with loads of water-based activities, Beaufort is one of the best places to live in the Carolinas. Even Southern Living® agrees, putting Beaufort at #3 on their list of the Best Beach Towns in North Carolina (April 2024). Beyond the peninsula, Beaufort is connected to neighboring islands through a network of bridges, leading to incredible attractions like Fort Macon State Park, Cape Lookout, and Hammocks Beach State Park, as well as the North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Coastal Estuarine Reserve. In Beaufort, you can explore the city’s historic past while also immersing yourself in the town’s natural beauty.
Wilmington, NC
With so much to do in this North Carolina port city, Wilmington is one of the most popular coastal destinations. Situated between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find no shortage of attractions and activities in Wilmington that center around being outside and on or around the water, like spending the day at Carolina Beach, kayaking on Cape Fear, strolling through Airlie Gardens, or observing wildlife at Tregembo Animal Park. Per Payscale, as of May 2025, the cost of living in Wilmington is 4% less than the national average, with housing costs 23% less.
Best Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in the Carolinas
If you prefer an impressive mountain backdrop overlooking your Carolina neighborhood to a sandy shoreline or busy city living, then these cities offer you the crisp air, changing leaves, and adventurous thrills of living amid the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville, NC
Asheville has a little something for everyone. The city is known for all you can experience outdoors, from its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, various falls, forests, hiking trails, and nature preserves to spending time at the North Carolina Arboretum or the Asheville Botanical Garden. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, centered around the River Arts District, with an abundance of live music, performing arts venues, and dozens of galleries and studios. Asheville’s cost of living matches the national average, according to Payscale as of May 2025, and reviewers on Niche.com give the city high marks for quality schools, nightlife, and diversity, while also noting how community-oriented the city is.
Boone, NC
Boone is one of the best mountain towns to live in the Carolinas, where you can make the most of all four seasons. Located in the High Country region within the Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of just over 3,300 feet, Boone features over 50 trails and 20 overlooks. Take to the slopes at one of the three ski resorts in winter, marvel at the fall colors in autumn and stunning blossoms in spring, or travel the Blue Ridge Parkway in summer to gaze at the expansive beauty of the area. Additionally, Boone ranks well on Niche.com (May 2025) for its school system and welcoming atmosphere, and the town is conveniently close to Appalachian State University, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and the Linville Caverns.
Easley, SC
Thirteen miles west of Greenville is Easley, a quiet mountain town with proximity to waterfalls, swimming holes, and numerous parks and hiking trails, as well as Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell, all of which appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. However, Downtown Easley also offers all the essential amenities homebuyers appreciate, including abundant retail, dining, and entertainment options, with a popular local gathering spot being The Silos, a shared restaurant space. Plus, Greenville is only 12 miles away, and Clemson University is within 17 miles, helping make Easley an ideal location for commuters. As of May 2025, Easley earns an A- rating on Niche.com, where reviewers praised the city’s focus on community, its friendly atmosphere, and the quality schools.
Travelers Rest, SC
Another lovely Greenville suburb and the final entry on our list of the best Blue Ridge Mountain towns in the Carolinas is Travelers Rest, affectionately known as “TR” by locals. Ten miles north of Downtown Greenville, Travelers Rest sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a charming, inviting area. Residents enjoy its small-town atmosphere and all the opportunities for outdoor adventure. Travelers Rest is part of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which stretches 28 miles and connects to Greenville, and is only about 20 miles from Paris Mountain State Park, where you can camp, bike, hike, fish, kayak, and much more. According to Payscale as of May 2025, the cost of living in Travelers Rest is about 7% less than the national average, with housing costs 27% cheaper as well.
New Construction Homes in the Carolinas
Are the Carolinas calling your name? Consider exploring Pulte new construction communities, which can be found in many of the featured best places to live in the Carolinas listed in this guide. Pulte offers a mix of new construction homes tailored to your needs and designed to grow with you.
New Construction Homes in North Carolina
New Construction Homes in South Carolina
Best Places to Live in the Carolinas Conclusion
Whether you prefer a laid-back coastal vibe, a picturesque mountain town, or the excitement of a dynamic city, the Carolinas have a lot to offer for any lifestyle. From the shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and everywhere in between, the Carolinas offer scenic views, activities for all seasons, and plenty of places where you can thrive.
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Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist
Last Updated: 10/27/25