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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

Raleigh--The Capitol City and the Triangle Area
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
Winston-Salem, Greensboro & the Triad Area
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


Piedmont & Sandhills Area
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

Raleigh--The Capitol City and the Triangle Area
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
Winston-Salem, Greensboro & the Triad Area
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


Piedmont & Sandhills Area
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

SE Coastal Region
City
Population
Wilmington
122,000
Leland
22,900
Oak Island
8400
Surf City
4000
Jacksonville
72,000
New Bern
32,000
Havelock
16,650
Morehead City
10,000
Emerald Isle
3850
Atlantic Beach
1365
Beaufort
4500
Surf City
4000
Sunset Beach
4175
Kinston
20,000
Goldsboro
33,000
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!
Outer Banks
City
Population
Manteo
1600
Kitty Hawk
3689
Kill Devil Hills
7656
Nags Head
3168
Hatteras Island
??
Ocracoke
??
Duck
750
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

Charlotte
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
Upstate-SC & West Clt Suburbs
Upstate SC is often chosen by those who wish to avoid NC's state Income tax---the rest of us, well, we just have creative accountants!
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
Lake Norman Area
If recreational boating is your style--Lake Norman Area is for you! It's proximity to Charlotte is a big plus for those who choose to live in "these parts."
City
Population
Huntersville
61,500
Davidson
15,000
Cornelius
31,400
Mooresville
50,200
Dallas
6000
Statesville
29,000

Western NC & the Mountains

Asheville
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
Boone & NW NC area
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
Western, NC
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

Raleigh--The Capitol City and the Triangle Area
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City
Population








Greensboro & the Triad Area
Piedmont & Sandhills Area

Central Piedmont

Raleigh--The Capitol City and the Triangle Area
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Greensboro & the Triad Area
City
Population








Piedmont & Sandhills Area
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