Destiney Watt headshot
Destiney Watt
Realtor • Relocation Specialist
(919) 628-7993 • Destiney@ncrelocate.com

Relocate to North Carolina — City Guide + Map + Checklist

Explore popular areas across the Triangle, Eastern NC, and the coast. Each city below includes price range estimates, key landmarks, and direct links to official city/tourism resources.

Where are these cities in North Carolina?

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How to use this page

• Jump to a city and compare lifestyle + price ranges.
• Use the custom shortlist form to tell me what you want.
• Use the moving checklist + buying timeline to stay organized.
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Raleigh

Low: $300k • Mid: $450k • High: $750k+
Why people move here
  • Strong job market, universities, and a growing tech corridor.
  • Neighborhood variety: urban condos, established suburbs, new construction.
  • Parks + greenways + easy access to I-40 and RDU.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Durham

Low: $280k • Mid: $425k • High: $700k+
Why people move here
  • Food scene, arts, and a strong downtown revival.
  • Close to Duke University + RTP commuting.
  • Mix of historic homes and modern infill neighborhoods.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Cary

Low: $350k • Mid: $525k • High: $900k+
Why people move here
  • Top-rated amenities, parks, and strong resale stability.
  • Convenient to RTP, Raleigh, and Durham.
  • Plenty of newer neighborhoods + established communities.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Chapel Hill

Low: $420k • Mid: $650k • High: $1.1M+
Why people move here
  • UNC culture, walkability, and a classic college-town feel.
  • Charming neighborhoods + strong demand.
  • Easy access to Durham/Raleigh while staying more “small town.”
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Benson

Low: $220k • Mid: $300k • High: $425k+
Why people move here
  • Small-town living with quick access to I-40 and I-95 corridors.
  • Great option for affordability and space.
  • Growing commuter interest toward Raleigh/Fayetteville.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Willow Spring

Low: $280k • Mid: $390k • High: $550k+
Why people move here
  • Quieter, more rural feel while still within reach of Raleigh/Fuquay.
  • Great for land, privacy, and space.
  • Convenient access across Wake/Johnston corridors.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Fuquay-Varina

Low: $280k • Mid: $380k • High: $550k+
Why people move here
  • Small-town charm with fast growth and new neighborhoods.
  • Popular for more space while staying near the Triangle.
  • Strong downtown vibe with events + dining.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities (official / community sites)
Direct links

Holly Springs

Low: $350k • Mid: $500k • High: $800k+
Why people move here
  • Fast-growing, family-friendly, close to major Triangle highways.
  • Plenty of newer construction and master-planned communities.
  • Parks + events calendar.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities (official / community sites)
Direct links

Fayetteville

Low: $210k • Mid: $285k • High: $450k+
Why people move here
  • Military-friendly market (Fort Liberty) with strong rental demand.
  • More affordability than many Triangle cities.
  • Easy access to I-95 and regional travel.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official / tourism)
Direct links

Goldsboro

Low: $190k • Mid: $265k • High: $400k+
Why people move here
  • Affordable market with central access to Raleigh + the coast.
  • Military influence (Seymour Johnson AFB).
  • Value + space for many buyers.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Jacksonville

Low: $230k • Mid: $320k • High: $500k+
Why people move here
  • Military-driven market (Camp Lejeune) with strong demand.
  • Close to beaches and outdoor recreation.
  • More home for the money vs many metros.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Topsail Beach

Low: $500k • Mid: $725k • High: $1.5M+
Why people move here
  • Relaxed coastal atmosphere with fewer crowds than larger beach towns.
  • Strong second-home and vacation rental interest (verify local rules).
  • Access to Wilmington and Jacksonville within driving distance.
Key landmarks
Communities / Areas
Direct links

Morehead City

Low: $325k • Mid: $475k • High: $900k+
Why people move here
  • Coastal waterfront living with boating and fishing access.
  • Growing appeal for retirees and second-home buyers.
  • Close to Atlantic Beach and Crystal Coast communities.
Key landmarks
Communities / Areas
Direct links

Wilmington

Low: $320k • Mid: $475k • High: $850k+
Why people move here
  • Coastal city with a vibrant historic downtown and riverwalk.
  • Beaches nearby + strong lifestyle demand.
  • Mix of condos, historic homes, and suburban neighborhoods.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Ocean Isle Beach

Low: $450k • Mid: $650k • High: $1.3M+
Why people move here
  • Beach lifestyle (second homes, rentals, or full-time coastal living).
  • Strong vacation demand (rules vary by area).
  • Close to other Brunswick beaches and Myrtle Beach.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

Holden Beach

Low: $475k • Mid: $700k • High: $1.4M+
Why people move here
  • Laid-back beach community with a quieter feel.
  • Popular for second homes, retirement, and rentals (rules vary).
  • Close to Shallotte and Brunswick coastal corridor.
Key landmarks (official)
Communities / areas (official)
Direct links

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Contact

Destiney Watt
Call/Text: (919) 628-7993
Email: Destiney@ncrelocate.com
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