Where to Live in NC as a Family
What are the best places to raise a family in North Carolina? Here are ten great cities in NC for families to call home!
North Carolina is one of the best states to live in the Southeastern United States and is famous for its scenic landscape, history, and diverse culture. Offering a reasonable cost of living, affordable housing, and a mild climate, North Carolina is a beautiful state with many opportunities for jobs and education.
Considered a top place in the country for families, North Carolina has fun things to do, family-friendly amenities, safe communities, and growing neighborhoods. Whether you are drawn to bustling city life or prefer the tranquility of smaller communities, the Tar Heel State has something for every family.
Based on our extensive market knowledge and ranking based on crime rates, public schools, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to the top 10 family-friendly places in North Carolina.
Check out these family-friendly places in North Carolina
1. Cary
Cary, North Carolina, is one of the top places in the state to raise a family because of its high safety rating and family-friendly amenities. Best known for its small-town feel, the subdivisions in Cary are perfect for raising kids due to their beautiful homes that range in size and price.
Cary's housing market offers diverse options, from charming older neighborhoods with mature trees to modern subdivisions with contemporary amenities. The median home price reflects the area's desirability, but families find excellent value in the long-term investment potential and quality of life.
Offering an excellent education, Cary is part of the Wake County Public School System, which is home to top-rated public schools, including Green Hope Elementary School, Davis Drive Middle School, and Green Hope High School. Cary Academy, a sought-after private school dedicated to lifelong learning, is also here.
With convenient access to the Research Triangle, there are many job and career advancement opportunities, especially in the technology industry. Considered a rewarding place to call home, it is no wonder that Cary is named a top Raleigh suburb.
The town boasts an impressive parks and recreation system with over 30 parks, including the popular Bond Park with its lake, community center, and amphitheater. Cary also hosts numerous family festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival.
Home to the new and improved Downtown Cary Park, which features fun community events throughout the year, including outdoor movie showings, cultural festivals, local markets, free exercise classes, and holiday gatherings, there is always something to do here and ways to get involved. There is even a dog park, a well-maintained playground, and frequent food trucks parked along the street.
2. Apex
Known as the "Peak of Good Living," Apex combines historic charm with modern conveniences, making it an increasingly popular choice for families. Apex is a quiet suburban town outside of Raleigh that is perfect for families and raising kids.
Apex is the ideal place to call home, offering a quaint atmosphere and a family-oriented way of life. It is just outside Research Triangle Park, near the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and near major interstate highways.
Apex is proud of its multiple accolades, including being named the third-best suburb in North Carolina for raising a family and the seventh most liveable city in America. With a relatively affordable cost of living that is only about 3% higher than the national average, Apex has many beautiful communities with single-family homes and new construction.
Apex values quality education and provides access to top-rated schools, including Middle Creek Elementary School, West Lake Middle School, Green Level High School, and Middle Creek High School. Several university options within the Triangle also offer higher education.
Historic downtown Apex features charming shops, restaurants, and community events. The town maintains several parks, including Apex Community Park with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. The proximity to Jordan Lake provides additional recreational opportunities.
3. Holly Springs
Holly Springs has emerged as one of the Triangle's most desirable communities, particularly for families prioritizing education and community involvement. This beloved suburban area is about 19 miles from Downtown Raleigh.
As one of the safest cities in the state, many families want to live in Holly Springs since its low crime rate is ideal for raising children. Offering a blend of older, charming homes with neighborhoods full of new construction single-family homes, most communities in Holly Springs feature tree-lined streets, quiet atmospheres, and a pedestrian-friendly design with sidewalks.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Holly Springs include 12 Oaks, which is one of Holly Springs's most prestigious golf communities. The town features diverse housing options from starter homes to luxury estates.
Holly Springs offers many parks, recreation centers, a community library, and things to do for the whole family. Ting Park is located here, and it houses baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts that the community can use. The Holly Springs Salamanders baseball club plays at Ting Stadium.
4. Fuquay Varina
Fuquay Varina is a town south of Holly Springs that attracts many families because of its growing neighborhoods and small-town feel. Offering an array of family-friendly activities, including outdoor parks, nature preserves, and walking trails, there is something to enjoy for all ages.
Fuquay-Varina provides some of the most affordable housing options in Wake County while maintaining proximity to major employment centers. The market includes everything from historic homes in downtown areas to new construction in expanding subdivisions.
In 2025, Fuquay Varina was ranked the safest small town in North Carolina and one of the Triangle's best suburban towns for young families. Rising in popularity, Fuquay Varina is a great place to live, work, and play.
The town of Fuquay Varina is not only part of the Wake County Public School System, the most extensive and top-performing school system in the state, but it also offers beautiful and affordable housing just outside of Raleigh.
Many new developments are underway within this Raleigh suburb, and its various housing options and high safety standards make this the perfect place to raise a family.
5. Morrisville
Morrisville has transformed from a small railroad town into a vibrant, diverse community that attracts families from around the world, particularly those in technology and research fields.
Morrisville is one of the best places to live in North Carolina and is ranked number five in the United States as an excellent place for families. Considered a fantastic place for multi-generational families, many people want to live in Morrisville due to its dense suburban feel, growing population, and access to top-ranked amenities.
Found in an ideal location near Downtown Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, Morrisville is a clean and safe place to call home. With a lower crime rate than the national average, Morrisville is generally considered safe and offers a strong sense of community, which is excellent for residents moving to the area without knowing anyone in advance.
Wake County's excellent school system serves Morrisville, with several schools receiving top ratings. The community's diversity is reflected in its schools, creating rich cultural learning environments for children.
Offering a variety of single-family homes, townhomes, and new construction, it is easy to find your family's dream home in Morrisville.
6. Raleigh
As North Carolina's capital city, Raleigh offers families unparalleled access to cultural amenities, employment opportunities, and educational resources while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It is not only a great place to live for young professionals but also for families, thanks to its low crime rate, amazing education opportunities, numerous family-friendly activities, and access to good jobs.
A desirable place to put down roots and raise kids, Raleigh ranks among the nation's best cities for families, and it is easy to see why. Best known as a smaller city with spread-out amenities, Raleigh is rising in population and is beloved for its many family-oriented neighborhoods and happy residents.
Raleigh is home to many well-maintained parks, kid-friendly museums, and welcoming neighborhoods with large luxury homes and suburban single-family homes; Raleigh offers the perfect relaxing and laid-back lifestyle many families seek.
Raleigh's position as the state capital provides unique educational opportunities, from state government tours to world-class museums. The city's commitment to arts and culture ensures families have access to theater, music, and cultural events year-round.
7. Garner
Are you considering a move to Garner? Garner is located south of Raleigh and is a good place to live for families. Garner offers families an affordable alternative to more expensive Triangle communities while providing easy access to Raleigh's employment and entertainment opportunities.
The charming community of Garner is known for its exceptional quality of life, small-town feel, and growing suburbs. The town offers diverse options from starter homes to luxury properties, with many neighborhoods featuring mature trees and established communities.
Wake County Public Schools serve Garner, with several highly-rated elementary and middle schools. The district's commitment to excellence ensures quality education throughout the area.
8. Wake Forest
Wake Forest is located North of Raleigh and is considered the northernmost city in Wake County. This small town is the tenth fastest-growing municipality and is an integral part of the Research Triangle region.
Home to Wake Forest University until 1956, this charming town maintains its connection to higher education while offering families a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.
Wake Forest's housing market includes historic homes near downtown, established neighborhoods with mature landscaping, and new developments on the town's growing periphery. The market provides good value compared to nearby Raleigh while offering a superior small-town atmosphere.
The area also has over 10 parks and recreation facilities, providing families with abundant outdoor activities. The historic downtown area offers unique shopping and dining experiences, while community events bring residents together throughout the year.
9. Chapel Hill
Home to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill offers families an intellectually stimulating environment combined with excellent schools and cultural amenities. Located 29 miles from Raleigh, Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham counties with college students, young professionals, and families with children.
Featuring a balance of urban and suburban areas, Chapel Hill is a young and diverse community and an ideal place to live for school-aged children. Considered safe, Chapel Hill has a crime rate lower than the national average and quiet neighborhoods.
The town offers numerous parks, including the popular Southern Community Park with its extensive recreational facilities. University cultural events, including concerts, theater, and lectures, provide families with year-round entertainment and learning opportunities.
As part of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System, children living in Chapel Hill will have access to top-rated public schools.
10. Charlotte
North Carolina's largest city offers families big-city amenities with Southern hospitality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking urban advantages with family-friendly neighborhoods.
Charlotte, North Carolina, is the most populous city in the state. It has many pros and cons and is known as one of America's largest banking centers. Located about a three-hour drive from Raleigh, Charlotte is a fast-growing city offering a mild climate, an up-and-coming food scene, and an urban way of life.
Home of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the city has also named itself "America's Home for Racing" and is a prime destination for all things NASCAR. A lovely place to live and raise a family, the area boasts a high-ranking school system, quiet neighborhoods, and fun activities for all ages year-round.
With cheaper living costs than Raleigh, Charlotte offers residents affordable housing and diverse neighborhoods. It features many family-friendly parks, playgrounds, museums, libraries, and the Carowinds Amusement Park, so there are many activities for kids.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools serve the area, with numerous highly-rated schools throughout the district. The city also offers excellent private school options and is home to several colleges and universities.
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FAQs
What is the safest place to live in North Carolina for families?
Cary, North Carolina, located in the heart of the Triangle and just outside of Raleigh, is the safest place in the state for families. Cary took the second-place spot on a list of the top 50 cities across the country with the lowest cost of living and crime rate averages.
Where to live in North Carolina to avoid hurricanes?
In North Carolina, Charlotte is the best place to live to avoid hurricanes due to its inland location, minimal storm impact, and strong storm infrastructure. However, severe damage can still occur from hurricanes in inland areas, so it is always important to be prepared and evacuate in case of an emergency.
Is North Carolina good for raising kids?
North Carolina is considered one of the best places in the country to raise a family based on safety, family-friendly attractions, public school rankings, and income and cost of living. Cities such as Raleigh, Cary, and Sanford also have great family-friendly neighborhoods.
Methodology
To determine the best places to raise a family in North Carolina, data and information were sourced from the Raleigh News and Observer, the Town of Cary, the Town of Apex, the Town of Holly Springs, and the Town of Fuquay Varina.
Best Places to Raise a Family in North Carolina - Final Thoughts
Raleigh, the surrounding Triangle area, and Charlotte are among the top places to raise a family in North Carolina due to their abundance of parks, activities, high-quality schools, and above-average safety ratings.
If you want to find a home in a family-friendly community, contact the Experts at Raleigh Realty to begin your journey to finding the perfect family-friendly place to call home in North Carolina.
