Best North Carolina Cities For Young Professionals

Are you a young professional wondering about the best cities to move to in North Carolina? Here is everything you need to know about the top cities for young professionals.

North Carolina has many cities that are good for young professionals, including cities with job opportunities, affordable cost of living, and thriving cultures. From gorgeous beaches to low housing costs, North Carolina has many attractions you will love. 

North Carolina is a mid-Atlantic paradise for many people. The Tarheel State offers coastal lifestyles in the east and mountain-like climates in the west. With thriving hospitals, universities, and a competitive cost of living, there are many different places to live in North Carolina, whether you're retiring, looking for schools, or a young professional. 

North Carolina was overall the 5th most migrated-to state for millennials, with a couple of cities, Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro, being in the top 24 in the list of millennials' favorite United States cities. There are many reasons why young professionals are flocking to these areas. Keep reading to learn more and to find the best place for you. 

Here is what you should know about the best cities for young professionals in North Carolina. 

Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, ranked 23rd on the list, offers millennials a strong job market and plenty of suburbs for those who prefer not to be in the middle of the bustling city. With a population of more than 464,000 people, Raleigh offers all the excitement of a big city without the hassle, traffic, and other issues that come with other metro cities. 

Raleigh is known for its restaurants, museums, and parks that give something to everyone, from young professionals to growing families. With nearby colleges, including North Carolina State University, as well as smaller institutions, such as Wake Technical Community College, William Peace University, and Meredith College means that Raleigh boasts a lot of smart to go with the fun. 

Raleigh is attractive to others for many reasons, including the affordable cost of living, the high-ranked education, the thriving job market, the high quality of life, and the central location. It's a place where career, culture, and community combine, making it ideal for relocation. 

Below is a chart of some numbers from the city according to Forbes. 

Population	469,124
Median Home Price	$486,500
Estimated Monthly Expenses	$7,349
Average Income	$69,710
Unemployment Rate	3.3%

Charlotte, NC

In June 2023, U.S. News and World Report ranked Charlotte as the 9th best city in the United States for young professionals. Charlotte has a strong job market, diverse culture, good schools, and a relatively affordable cost of living. Home prices are 11% lower than the national average, making it a highly sought-after place. 

Many different neighborhoods throughout Charlotte are ranked among the top Niche Best Places For Young Professionals in North Carolina, such as Fourth Ward, Dilworth, Uptown, Cherry, and many others. 

Home to significant players in the financial industry like Bank of America, Charlotte has a median annual salary in life with a national average of $58,260. Charlotte has been growing steadily as the population increases, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With the rapid growth, there has been much new construction and more businesses flocking to the area.  

Population	879,709
Median Home Price	$425,000
Estimated Monthly Expenses	$7,126
Average Income	$65,359
Unemployment Rate	3.6%

Durham, NC

Durham, often overshadowed by Raleigh, is a hidden gem for young adults. Home to Duke University and the Research Triangle Park, Durham offers a unique blend of education and career opportunities. This area tends to compete with Raleigh for tech sector jobs; however, healthcare is a vital source of employment here. 

Durham is called "City of Medicine," as it is home to over 300 medical-related companies, including Duke University. Durham was ranked the 3rd best place to live by the U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024 due for many reasons. The area in the Triangle region consistently ranks nationally as the best place to live because of the job market and local attractions they offer. 

You can move to Durham with or without a job and have many opportunities to get started in employment. The Triangle area is one of the best places with low unemployment and has been ranked as the country's best place for job happiness. So, if you are wondering if Durham is for you, start searching for homes available here to jumpstart your move. 

Population	285,527
Median Home Price	495,507
Estimated Monthly Expenses	$7,218
Average Income	$61,962
Unemployment Rate	3.2%

Asheville, NC

If you are searching for a more laid-back place to live, Asheville may be the place for you. Located in the Western part of North Carolina, Asheville is known for its breathtaking mountain views, lakes, and thriving arts community. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural lifestyles. 

Young adults here can explore the local breweries, immerse themselves in vibrant local music, and have many diverse cultural experiences. On the other hand, the Asheville economy and job market are strong, and there is a stable unemployment rate. The city's proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains means that tourism and hospitality industries provide employment year-round. 

There are many other major employers in the area, such as health care and education. If you are looking into moving to Asheville, these employers keep the economy booming and offer various options. 

Population	94,067
Median Home Price	$524,950
Estimated Monthly Expenses	$7,912
Average Income	$53,621
Unemployment Rate	3.2%

Wilmington, NC

Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina near the beach, and it is relatively affordable compared to other coastal towns. The seaport city has plenty of industries that support the residents even without tourism. This town has a rich historic district and is only a few hours away from other major North Carolina cities. 

If you live in Wilmington, the main college in the area is the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Get ready to embrace the Seahawks because this college town is all about teal. Other universities in the area include Cape Fear Community College and Miller-Motte College of Wilmington. These institutions attract young adults from various places and contribute to the diversity of this port city.

This coastal lifestyle attracts many young adults and has a lot to offer, with beautiful beaches, a historic downtown, and a growing film industry. Many other job opportunities, such as healthcare, education, and tourism, are offered here, making it a great place for young professionals. 

Population	117,643
Median Home Price	$529,900
Estimated Monthly Expenses	$7,296
Average Income	$51,137
Unemployment Rate	3.5%

Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, home to Elon University, Guilford College, and UNC-Greensboro, is a metro area in central North Carolina located between Winston-Salem and Raleigh-Durham. The city center generally attracts students and young professionals, while some areas attract more families. 

While Greensboro is still a major center of the textile industry, the city has come a long way from its historic roots. Traditionally, the economy of this area was centered around tobacco, textiles, and furniture. Because the city is located in a central area, it has become a popular place for families and businesses alike. You'll also find all sorts of companies moving to Greensboro.

Some of the top industries in Greensboro are trade, transportation and utilities, professional and business services, manufacturing, and education and health services. The largest employers in the city as of 2010 were the Guilford County Schools, Cone Health, the City of Greensboro, and the United States Postal Service.

Population	301,115
Median Home Price	$284,000
Estimated Monthly Expenses	$4,013.50
Average Income	$51,667
Unemployment Rate	5.6%

Chapel Hill, NC

If you're considering moving to Chapel Hill, you'll quickly discover why it's one of the best places to live in North Carolina. With a perfect blend of urban and suburban living, Chapel Hill offers a variety of delicious new restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and well-maintained public parks for residents to enjoy.

As a hub of innovation and a meeting place for professionals, Chapel Hill offers a lifestyle that balances work and play while remaining close to the neighboring metropolitan areas of Raleigh and Durham.

Chapel Hill is not only an ideal place to raise a family but also a popular choice for college students, young professionals, and couples due to its vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.

With job growth in Chapel Hill expected to increase by 39% in the next ten years, there are ample opportunities for work across a variety of fields. Additionally, neighboring cities like Raleigh and Durham are also projected to experience similar job growth, making job hunting in the area relatively easy. Some of Chapel Hill's top employers include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, WakeMed Health and Hospitals, and the University of North Carolina Health Care System.

Population	62,098
Median Home Price	$616,321
Average Income	$85,940
Unemployment Rate	3.3%

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data to create this guide about North Carolina's best cities for young professionals. There were various data to use, so we put them together to guide you on what you should know about North Carolina's best cities for young professionals. 

• North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
• U.S. News and World Report
• Forbes
• Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
• Duke Health

We used The following sources to gather most of our information about about North Carolina's best cities for young professionals. 

FAQS

Where are the best places for young professionals in North Carolina?

Charlotte tops Raleigh and Durham on the list of the best cities for young professionals in North Carolina. This state has major metros that are ranked the best places to live and many thriving job markets. 

Is North Carolina good for young people?

North Carolina has been attracting many young professionals over the past couple of years due to the expansive job opportunities within the state, including Raleigh's booming tech scene and Charlotte's job opportunities across a range of different sectors. 

Is Raleigh, NC, good for young professionals?

If you are thinking about moving to Raleigh, the capital city has a lot to offer singles and young professionals thanks to the thriving job market, abundant job opportunities, fun things to do, and so many other things. Many neighborhoods in Raleigh also attract young adults. 

Best North Carolina Cities For Young Professionals - The Bottom Line

North Carolina benefits from a diverse, skilled, and well-educated workforce, low tax rates, and easy access to transportation, all of which contribute to the state's thriving ability. Despite economic challenges, CNBC's annual competitiveness study recognized the Tar Heel state as America's Top State for Business.

The state is well-positioned to thrive thanks to North Carolina's diverse, skilled, and well-educated workforce, low tax rates, and easy access to transportation. Suppose you are considering relocating to North Carolina. In that case, you are in luck because numerous top employers throughout the area are thriving and offer endless opportunities for their employees.

North Carolina has transformed into a global powerhouse, propelled by knowledge-based industries. Numerous business sectors are experiencing rapid growth, and others are choosing to relocate here, making it an excellent destination for those seeking corporate headquarters.

Before you buy your next home, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. We know that buying a home can be overwhelming, so make sure you are prepared beforehand.