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Charlie & Debbie

North Carolina Capital Is Second Best Capital City In WalletHub Study

Author Debbie Nance

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

If you’re looking for a great place to retire look no further than North Carolina. The state offers affordable homes with mild winter temperatures. Additionally, easy access to the coast and mountains makes the state attractive to retirees. Retiring in North Carolina gives you the option of choosing a coastal area, bustling metro area, or college town. The experts over at US News and World Report ranked the top 5 cities to retire in North Carolina. This has me asking how can I be one of those people who retire in their 30s? #goals.

If your retirement dreams include moving to a quaint town full of relaxation, amenities, and activities then you’re in luck. There are some fantastic places to retire in North Carolina. Whether you want to golf, relax on the beach, revel in small-town living, or be closer to the city you won’t be bored in these cities and towns! Some offer various activities perfect for the retiree who wants an active lifestyle. Others are ideal for those looking to fully kick back and relax.

Read the full US News article here or keep reading to see where the top 5 cities to retire in North Carolina are.

  • 6. Greensboro, NC

    Greensboro skyline

    Greensboro, North Carolina skyline from the west. (Photo: Raynor Garey/Getty Images)

    Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,195
    Median monthly rent: $846

    Greensboro 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

    Things to do Charlotte

    Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,419
    Median monthly rent: $1,073

    The 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

    Hickory

    Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,048
    Median monthly rent: $708

    Hickory 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

    Winston-Salem

    Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,178
    Median monthly rent: $790

    A 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

    North Carolina

    Raleigh, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.

    Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,602
    Median monthly rent: $1,162

    The triangle gives residents all the benefits of a large city and a metro of the state’s most prominent college towns.

  • 1. Asheville

    Asheville

    Asheville, North Carolina, USA at twilight.

    Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,357
    Median monthly rent: $953

    While 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.

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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