Where to Live in NC as a Young Professional

Where should you live in North Carolina as a young professional? From Raleigh to Charlotte, here are ten top cities to live in NC as a young professional. 

When starting and growing a career, most young professionals want to live in an area that offers a lower cost of living, affordable housing prices, job opportunities, and access to entertainment and amenities. 

North Carolina is one of the best states to live in, and its many thriving and popular cities offer unique opportunities for young professionals to meet new people, make money, and establish themselves. 

If you are a young professional searching for a great place to live in North Carolina, check out these top ten cities. 

Live in one of these top North Carolina cities as a young professional 

1. Raleigh 

Population Size: 467,665

Median Age: 34.6 years 

Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina and is not only one of the best places to live in the state, but according to the U.S. News and World Report, it is the number six best place to live in the United States in 2024-2025. 

Alongside Chapel Hill and Durham, Raleigh completes the Research Triangle, which lures new residents to the area every day for its thriving job market, high quality of life, and large young professional population. 

As a growing technology and innovation hub, Raleigh is home to big businesses. It is attracting major technology companies such as Apple and Meta, which are building new offices in the Raleigh Research Triangle area. 

Many people who live in Raleigh are young, welcoming, and educated. Home to some of the world's most educated professionals, Raleigh is recognized for its access to quality education because it is home to North Carolina State University. 

Raleigh offers several working and lifestyle opportunities. It also offers many fun things to do and features excellent restaurants, live entertainment, and nightlife. 

Known for its affordability and fast-growing real estate market, many young professionals moving to the area live in up-and-coming neighborhoods that provide various home style options, from single-family homes to modern townhomes. 

Raleigh offers just the right amount of walkability and convenience to top-rated shopping centers and sought-after amenities. It has everything that a young professional might be looking for. 

Local Favorites: 

North Carolina Museum of Art: Featuring traveling exhibits, an outdoor park, and a permanent collection. 

William B. Umstead State Park: This 5,579-acre woodland area is perfect for hiking, camping, and fishing. 

Dorothea Dix Park: This local favorite city park is an excellent place to picnic and features an off-leash dog area. 

2. Durham 

Population Size: 283,506

Median Age: 34.7 years 

Durham is another great city for young professionals to call home in North Carolina. Part of the Research Triangle Region, Durham is an excellent place for technology companies to thrive. 

Employing 15% of the workforce and contributing $4.2 billion to the local economy, Durham welcomes many new professionals who are in tech and want to further their careers. 

Known for its continued job growth and a thriving economy, Durham is also a fantastic place to start a small business. Home to Duke University, one of the best colleges in the area, many students who graduate from Duke stay in the area after school and further propel the economy and job market. 

Durham has many desirable neighborhoods, providing residents with a welcoming and diverse environment. Although Durham's cost of living is slightly higher than Raleigh's, the city is still an affordable place to build a life. 

Local Favorites:

Sarah P. Duke Gardens: Visit this beautiful 56-acre public garden with walking paths. 

Durham Bulls Athletic Park: Cheer on the Durham Bulls, a minor-league baseball team and the Tampa Bay Rays affiliate. 

The Streets at Southpoint: Considered the best shopping mall in Durham. 

3. Charlotte 

Population Size: 874,579

Median Age: 34.5 years 

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and the 10th-best city in the United States for recent graduates. As a growing tech hub, Charlotte offers many employment opportunities, making it easy to find a job.

Charlotte is the perfect place to live and start a career, with an unemployment rate of only 4% for young professionals ages 20 through 29. Offering a low cost of living 2% lower than the national average, young professionals in Charlotte have access to an affordable lifestyle, fun things to do, and beautiful homes for sale. 

Offering a laid-back city vibe, Charlotte in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina features an up-and-coming food scene, tight-knit communities, green spaces, and a mild climate. 

Local Favorites:

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a top-rated public research university. 

Charlotte Douglas International Airport: Catch a flight to your next destination. 

Charlotte Motor Speedway: This speedway hosts three NASCAR events each year. 

4. Asheville 

Population Size: 94,589

Median Age: 41.3 years 

Asheville is a beautiful city in western North Carolina located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Best known for its vibrant arts scene, hiking opportunities, and peaceful way of life, Asheville is the perfect place to call home for young professionals. 

With a thriving job market, various career opportunities, and an affordable cost of living 2% lower than the national average, Asheville is the ideal destination for recent college graduates and millennial residents. 

Recently hit by Hurricane Helene, which devastated the area in late September, Asheville and the surrounding area are slowly working towards rebuilding and reopening. 

Local Favorites:

Biltmore: Visit this gorgeous 250-room home built by George W. Vanderbilt. 

The Omni Grove Park Inn: Book a stay at this relaxing mountain resort. 

Pisgah National Forest: Best known for its waterfalls and opportunities for hiking and camping. 

5. Greensboro

Population Size: 299,035

Median Age: 34 years 

Greensboro is considered an excellent place for young professionals to live in North Carolina due to its affordable housing costs, job opportunities, thriving culture, central location, and outdoor activities. 

Greensboro is known for its strong economy. The education, healthcare, and transportation industries are the most popular. Most jobs here pay well; the top employers are the Guilford County School System and the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. 

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Greensboro College are located here, which helps add to the city's diverse population and strong workforce. Offering a fair share of delicious restaurants and exciting amenities, Greensboro has much to offer young professionals and singles moving to the area. 

Local Favorites:

Greensboro Science Center: Check out this 12-acre zoo and aquarium. 

Greensboro Arboretum: Featuring 17 acres of display gardens and 14 plant collections. 

Greensboro Complex: Visit this sports and entertainment complex. 

6. Morrisville 

Population Size: 29,630

Median Age: 34.3 years 

Morrisville is part of the Research Triangle Region and is considered one of the area's fastest-growing and most diverse towns. Located in Wake County near Cary and the Raleigh Durham International Airport, many young professionals love living in Morrisville because of its convenience for big businesses. 

Companies such as Microsoft and Lenovo are located here, offering short commute times to residents who work in the tech industry. This growing economic hub provides various housing options and is considered a top place for families. It is also the number one suburb for young professionals. 

Local Favorites:

Lake Crabtree County Park: Featuring 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and fishing and boating opportunities. 

Park West Village: Shop at this popular retail complex with popular chain stores and restaurants. 

Triangle Rock Club - Morrisville: Visit this indoor climbing center. 

7. Cary 

Population Size: 79,310

Median Age: 39.4 years 

Cary, North Carolina, is a well-known Raleigh suburb with excellent schools, beautiful weather, top-rated amenities, a strong real estate market, and safe neighborhoods. Considered a very safe place to live in the Triangle Region, Cary is full of families and is attracting many young professionals to the area. 

With significant companies establishing a presence in the area and located just a short drive from the heart of Research Triangle Park, young professionals living in Cary fall in love with its charm and high quality of life. 

Local Favorites:

Downtown Cary Park: This community park is located in the heart of Cary. 

Fred G. Bond Metro Park: Featuring walking trails, playgrounds, and athletic fields. 

The Cary Theater: Hosting film festivals and screening current movies. 

8. Apex 

Population Size: 72,225

Median Age: 35.9 years 

Much like Cary, Apex is a town in Wake County that is a lovely place for young professionals, families, and retirees. Offering an affordable cost of living, single-family homes for sale, and a great location within the Triangle Region, Apex continues to grow in popularity. 

Apex is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. It offers a historic downtown, tasty restaurants, and abundant community events. Great for young adults, Apex is very welcoming and warm to new residents. 

Local Favorites:

Knights Play Golf Center: Play a round of golf here with friends. 

Cloer Family Vineyards: Enjoy wine tastings on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Apex Community Park: A great place to walk your dog. 

9. Wilmington 

Population Size: 115,451

Median Age: 37.6 years 

Wilmington is a quaint, relatively affordable coastal gem in North Carolina. Home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, many residents are college students, recent graduates, and millennials. 

Considered a port city and a gateway to the best beaches in North Carolina, Wilmington is ideal for people looking for suburban communities, waterfront homes, friendly people, historic charm, and lots of outdoor recreation. 

Local Favorites:

Battleship North Carolina: This WWII Battleship is located in historic Downtown Wilmington. 

Wilmington Riverwalk: Visit this historic district with shops and scenic views. 

Airlie Gardens: Featuring walking trails and 10 acres of freshwater lakes. 

10. Winston-Salem 

Population Size: 249,545

Median Age: 35.7 years 

Winston-Salem is not only a great place to start and grow your career, but it ranks 20th on a list of the best places for young professionals to live. Located about two hours west of Raleigh and the Triangle, significant employers in the area are in the technology, healthcare, tobacco, and financial industries. 

Local Favorites:

Old Salem Museum and Gardens: Visit this historic site and museum. 

The Quarry at Grant Park: This quarry is a great walking spot. 

Historic Bethabara Park: Visit this 1753 Moravian historical site. 

FAQs 

What city in North Carolina has the most job opportunities? 

Raleigh is home to one of the fastest-growing job markets in North Carolina, specifically in terms of technology job growth and STEM. 

Is Charlotte or Raleigh better to live? 

Raleigh and Charlotte are two of the largest cities in North Carolina, and deciding where to live depends mainly on your lifestyle. Charlotte is larger and offers the feel of a big city, while Raleigh provides more of a suburban lifestyle and is part of the Research Triangle. 

What is the best place for IT professionals to live in North Carolina? 

Raleigh and Durham are two of the best cities in North Carolina for IT professionals since significant technology companies such as IBM and Cisco are located here, and tech jobs here are expected to grow by 9.5%. 

Methodology 

Data and information were sourced from U.S. News and World Report, Nucamp Coding Bootcamp, The Business Journals, Wake County Economic Development, and Payscale to determine the best places for young professionals to live in North Carolina. 

Best Places to Live in North Carolina for Young Professionals - Final Thoughts 

From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina is home to beautiful cities to call home that young professionals will love. If you are ready to move to Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty.