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?
Interactive map with markers for every city listed on this page.
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.
• Use the custom shortlist form to tell me what you want.
• Use the moving checklist + buying timeline to stay organized.
Quick actions
Tip: On mobile, open landmarks/communities links in a new tab so you can come right back here.
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)
- Main Street area
- Rural acreage pockets (county)
- Nearby towns & communities
- Four Oaks (nearby)
- Coats (nearby)
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)
- Historic / Downtown area
- Berkeley Blvd corridor
- Pikeville (nearby)
- La Grange (nearby)
- Wayne County areas
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)
- Carolina Forest area
- Northwoods area
- Hunters Creek area
- Sneads Ferry (nearby)
- Other Jacksonville neighborhoods
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
- Downtown Waterfront
- Atlantic Beach (nearby)
- Beaufort (nearby)
- Carteret County Mainland
- Crystal Coast Corridor
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
Reviews
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Interactive Moving Checklist
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1–4 weeks out
Move week
What to Expect: Buying Timeline
Typical flow (timing varies by contract, lender, and inspections).
- Step 1: Consult + pre-approval + needs checklist
- Step 2: Home search + showings + offer strategy
- Step 3: Under contract → due diligence + inspections
- Step 4: Appraisal + underwriting + repairs (if any)
- Step 5: Final walk-through + closing day