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 |
The Triad Area is rapidly growing for a # of reasons, but being centrally located many folks living here are equally distant to the beach and the mountains. So if you can't choose between the two--there you have it!
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 |
Not far from Raleigh, Charlotte or the Triad is this area called the Sandhills where the pace might be a little bit slower but for a darn good reason--many folks retire in this area so they can enjoy playing golf year round! Or maybe they just need to be close enough to Fayetteville in case of emergency.....
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 after
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 |
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 |
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 |