The Heart of North Carolina
- The Central Piedmont and Sandhills area is often considered the heart of NC simply because this is where you'll find the majority of the population living and working. If you are contemplating a move to NC and still planning to work you are likely going to want to be reasonably close to this area.
- --Charlotte is the most populous city with a population over 900k and is a major hub for business. --Raleigh is the state capital with a population nearing a half million and is known for its strong economy (technology among others) and is home to many colleges and universities including NC State. --Greensboro, the 3rd largest city has a population of over 300k and is a hub for employment --Durham is the 4th largest city with a population just under 300k and is known as the "City of Medicine" and is home to Duke University.
- --Winston-Salem rounds out the top 5 and boasts a population of over 250k.
- While being centrally located, choosing where to reside may also lead one to consider your preference of Coast vs. Mountains as each area is a reasonable drive. I must admit that I was a golf and beach bum when I lived in Raleigh while I prefer Winston-Salem's proximity to the mountains of NC for my daytrips and weekend excursions., but of course--to each his own.
Central Piedmont
The heart of the Old North State lies around the Raleigh area-- whether you are ITB or OTB (Inside the Beltline or Outside the Beltline) there's a lot to do--hundreds of miles of bicycle trails, Art and Music festivals, restaurants and more! Come see for yourself!
City | Population |
Raleigh | 482,000 |
Garner/Clayton | 60,000 |
Cary | 174,000 |
Apex | 59,000 |
Holly Springs/Fuquay-Varina | 75,000 |
Morrisville | 30,000 |
Wake Forest | 50,000 |
Knightdale | 20,000 |
Wendell | 10,000 |
Zebulon | 7000 |
Durham | 296,000 |
Chapel Hill / Carrboro | 85,000 |
Hillaborough | 10,000 |
City | Population |
Burlington | 57,000 |
Eden | 15,400 |
Elon | 11,300 |
Summerfield | 10,000 |
Greensboro | 300,000 |
High Point | 115,000 |
Archdale | 12,000 |
Thomasville | 27,000 |
Lexington | 20,000 |
Kernersville | 26,000 |
Winston-Salem | 250,000 |
Lewisville/Clemmons
| 35,000 |
Asheboro | 27,000 |
City | Population |
Fayetteville | 208,000 |
Laurinburg | 15,000 |
Sanford | 30,000 |
Pinehurst | 18,000 |
Southern Pines | 16,000 |
Aberdeen | 8500 |
Rockingham | 9250 |
Lumberton | 19,000 |
If golf is your game, NC has it all. here's a list of Golf Digest's top Courses in NC but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Don't even get me started, but Pinehurst has the most while the entire state never disappoints... Featuring some of the finest municipal courses in the land, Pinehurst area is the heartland of golf in NC. One visit and you'll see why folks retire here or visit again, year a
Central Piedmont
The heart of the Old North State lies around the Raleigh area-- whether you are ITB or OTB (Inside the Beltline or Outside the Beltline) there's a lot to do--hundreds of miles of bicycle trails, Art and Music festivals, restaurants and more! Come see for yourself!
City | Population |
Raleigh | 482,000 |
Garner/Clayton | 60,000 |
Cary | 174,000 |
Apex | 59,000 |
Holly Springs/Fuquay-Varina | 75,000 |
Morrisville | 30,000 |
Wake Forest | 50,000 |
Knightdale | 20,000 |
Wendell | 10,000 |
Zebulon | 7000 |
Durham | 296,000 |
Chapel Hill / Carrboro | 85,000 |
Hillaborough | 10,000 |
City | Population |
Burlington | 57,000 |
Eden | 15,400 |
Elon | 11,300 |
Summerfield | 10,000 |
Greensboro | 300,000 |
High Point | 115,000 |
Archdale | 12,000 |
Thomasville | 27,000 |
Lexington | 20,000 |
Kernersville | 26,000 |
Winston-Salem | 250,000 |
Lewisville/Clemmons
| 35,000 |
Asheboro | 27,000 |
City | Population |
Fayetteville | 208,000 |
Laurinburg | 15,000 |
Sanford | 30,000 |
Pinehurst | 18,000 |
Southern Pines | 16,000 |
Aberdeen | 8500 |
Rockingham | 9250 |
Lumberton | 19,000 |
If golf is your game, NC has it all. here's a list of Golf Digest's top Courses in NC but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Don't even get me started, but Pinehurst has the most while the entire state never disappoints... Featuring some of the finest municipal courses in the land, Pinehurst area is the heartland of golf in NC. One visit and you'll see why folks retire here or visit again, year a
Coastal Region
Cape Lookout National Seashore--only accessible by boat is only minutes from Harker's Island, Beaufort and Morehead City!
A great place to find awesome sea shells!
I really don't know what to say about the Outer Banks other than it's a "must see" destination as far as the Coastal US goes. I really don't want to say too much more because these #s make you think it's not crowded when it can be but that doesn't matter because it's one of the best places to be in NC--anytime of year!!
Jockey's Ridge State Park is one of the best places to view a sunset in all of NC too, btw.
Once you access the Island along HWY 64 you can journey South on NC HWY 12 through Pea Island Wildlife Refuge and over the Oregon Inlet (best Fishing Charters) in order to reach Hatteras Island and the ferry terminal that can take you and your auto to Ocracoke Island. Of course you must first visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse--tallest lighthouse in America. The climb to the top is worth every step!
Travelling by ferry is a super fun way to explore the Outer Banks--But Be aware of the schedule, plan ahead and make reservations so you are not stuck...summer traffic can be busy!! Click here for 2025 NC Ferry schedule
Pictured below is the lighthouse at Ocracoke--"Discover the area patrolled by Blackbeard at your own risk, Argh!!"
Inner Banks
City | Population |
Elizabeth City | 19,000 |
Hertford | 2000 |
Edenton | 4500 |
Washington
| 10,000 |
Williamston | 5250 |
Greenville | 88,000 |
Rocky Mount
| 55,000 |
Wilson | 48,000 |
Roanoke Rapids | 15,250 |
I am including these towns and their populations in the classification of the "Inner Banks". Some of these communities, like Rocky Mt, Wilson, Roanoke Rapids and Greenville are not really on the banks, but they are east of the I-95 Corridor and are best suited for this categorical area.
While North Carolina is home to 3 National Parks, two of them are here on the coast.
be sure to visit the Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore when out or down east.
4 Wheel drive vehicles and permits are required to drive along the beach here--so be prepared to make your own fun!
Meanwhile, some of the finest state parks anywhere. are located here in North Carolina.
www.ncparks.gov for more details
Swimming, Fishing, Surfing, Camping, Shelling, Hiking opportunities are endless.....heck, go fly a kite!!
Charlotte Area
Home to many corporations and nearly 1 million North Carolinians, Charlotte has a lot to offer that will keep one entertained.
City | Population |
Charotte | 911,000 |
Pineville | 10,600 |
Matthews | 30,000 |
Monroe | 35,000 |
Albemarle | 16,500 |
Concord | 105,000 |
Kannapolis | 53,11 |
Harrisburg | 19,000 |
Mint Hill | 26,500 |
Indian Trail | 40,000 |
Waxhaw | 20,500 |
Gastonia | 80,400 |
City | Population |
Ft. Mill, SC | 33,600 |
Rock Hill, SC | 75,650 |
Columbia, SC | 142,000 |
Spartanburg, SC | 40,000 |
Greenville, SC | 72,800 |
Cramerton, NC | 5300 |
Mount Holly , NC | 18,000 |
Kings Mountain, NC | 11,100 |
Gastonia, NC | 80,400 |
Lincolnton, NC | 11,000 |
Shelby | 22,000 |
Forest City | 7400 |
Western NC & the Mountains
Considered the hub of western NC, Asheville is a scenic town that's full of energy and activities. Summertime is a bit cooler, so head for the hills--the Blue Ridge Parkway can be accessed from many parts of town offering a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.
City | Population |
Asheville | 95,000 |
Black Mountain | 8500 |
Marion | 7800 |
Fairview | 3500 |
Fletcher | 8000 |
Hendersonville | 15,000 |
Pictured above is the Blue Ridge Parkway just below Rough Ridge and the Tanawah Trail. In the distance you can see the Linn Cove Viaduct as it traverses around Grandfather Mountain State Park. One of NC's most recognizable landmarks--no visit to this area is complete without enjoying this stretch of "America's Favorite Highway." Not too far away and huddled in the Northwest corner of the state is Boone; home to Appalachian State University
City | Population |
Boone | 20,000 |
Blowing rock | 2000 |
W, Jefferson | 4000 |
Mt. Airy | 11,000 |
Wilkesboro & N, Wilkesboro | 8000 |
Lenoir | 18,500 |
Hickory | 44,000 |
Morganton | 17,500 |
If you follow I-40 through Asheville, you will reach Tennessee in about 40 miles as you pass through the Great Smoky Mountains. But if you detour south you will find so much more fun and excitement. Or maybe you'll only find peace and quiet. Either way, it's out there and it's waiting for you to discover. Whether you're cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way into Cherokee, the Smoky Mountain Parkway or US Hwy 64 through the Land of Waterfalls--there's just too much fun to be had!
City | Population |
Brevard | 7800 |
Franklin | 4200 |
Cashiers/Highands | 2000 (?) |
Murphy | 1500 |
Bryson City | 1600 |
Waynesville | 10,000 |
Cullowhee | 7600 |
Central Piedmont
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City | Population |
Central Piedmont
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City | Population |