We all like to take pride in our home cities and states. For example, I’m originally from Texas. And, trust me when I say Texans are loud and proud. But, according to a WalletHub study, the North Carolina capital gives those from the Tar Heel State something to shout about. WalletHub took a look at capital cities across the country to compile a ranked list of most desirable to live. And, this study seems to back up Texans’ right to boast about their capital city of Austin. But, Raleigh fares extremely well, too. The site analyzed a number of factors including economic well-being, education, health, safety and affordability. And, according to the WalletHub study, North Carolina’s capital of Raleigh landed as second best capital city in the country.
So, here’s how some of the numbers stacked up. Raleigh’s best category was overall “quality of life,” where it scored a 10. Although the economic well-being score was a 7, affordability was much lower at a 1 in the WalletHub study. Of course the Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham area is home to North Carolina State University as well as UNC, Duke University and more. The area is known as “The Research Triangle.” So, it’s no surprise the capital city gets decent numbers in quality of education and health. And, those factors probably helped the North Carolina capital score its second best ranking. Visit WalletHub’s full list to see all the numbers and where each capital city ranks. And, although you can see for yourself who took the number one spot, I will let you know the top ranking city blew Raleigh away when it comes to affordability.
These 6 Cities Are The Best Places To Retire In North Carolina
6. Greensboro, NC
Greensboro, North Carolina skyline from the west. (Photo: Raynor Garey/Getty Images)
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,195
Median monthly rent: $846Greensboro is much more affordable than the other large metro areas of the state but it’s still a short drive from all those cities have to offer.
5. Charlotte
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,419
Median monthly rent: $1,073The largest city in the state has a lot to offer retirees and many others. And while the cost of living is higher than other areas of the state it’s cheaper than many parts of the country.
4. Hickory
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,048
Median monthly rent: $708Hickory keeps popping up on lists among the top cities in North Carolina, and in this case placing higher than Charlotte. It’s lower cost of living is a large factor in those rankings.
3. Winston-Salem
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,178
Median monthly rent: $790A quieter city in the Triad and with easy access to the popular Yadkin Valley, Charlotte, lakes, and other resources makes Winston a fantastic place to retire.
2. Raleigh and Durham
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,602
Median monthly rent: $1,162The triangle gives residents all the benefits of a large city and a metro of the state’s most prominent college towns.
1. Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina, USA at twilight.
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,357
Median monthly rent: $953While it has a significant cost of living, if you can afford to retire in Asheville then its money well spent to spend your time in the beautiful mountains.