There are many reasons why North Carolina is a great place to live. For starters, the cost of living is very reasonable.
You can find a nice home in a safe and friendly neighborhood for a fraction of what it would cost in other parts of the country.
The weather is also mild, with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees year-round. And, of course, North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
If you’re looking for a place to raise a family, North Carolina is hard to beat. The state’s public schools are some of the best in the nation, and there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep kids entertained.
Raleigh, the state capital, is especially family-friendly, with its museums, parks, and zoos.
No matter what your budget or lifestyle, North Carolina has something to offer.
They say all good things come at a cost, and North Carolina is no exception. There are some pretty pricey places to live in the state, especially if you’re looking for a home near one of the state’s major metropolitan areas.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 most expensive places to live in North Carolina, based on the median home prices from major real estate listing websites.
Most Expensive Places to Live in North Carolina
1. Cashiers
The mountain town of Cashiers is a popular resort area in North Carolina that is known for its high cost of living. The median home price in Cashiers is over $1 million, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the state.
Despite the high cost of living, Cashiers is a popular destination for retirees and vacationers alike. The town offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
What makes Cashiers so expensive?
The cost of living is high in the Cashiers area because it is a popular vacation destination. Many people who own second homes in Cashiers drive up the cost of living by bidding on houses that are for sale.
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2. Highlands
Highlands is an affluent community located in the Western North Carolina mountains. The median home price in Highlands is $1.1 million, making it one of the most expensive places to live in North Carolina.
The community is located near several major attractions, including the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Highlands is also home to several high-end restaurants and shops.
What makes Highlands so expensive?
There are a few reasons that Highlands, North Carolina is so expensive. One reason is that the town is located in a very desirable area.
The town is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes it a very popular destination for those who love to hike and camp. The town is also close to Asheville, which is another popular city in North Carolina.
Highlands is also a very small town, which makes it a bit more exclusive than other places in the state. All of these factors contribute to the high cost of living in Highlands.
3. Nags Head
Nags Head is a town located in Dare County, North Carolina. It is home to the highest median home price in North Carolina, at $887,000.
The town is situated on a narrow barrier island just off the coast of North Carolina. It is a popular vacation destination due to its beaches, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
The town is also home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates the first powered airplane flight.
What makes Nags Head so expensive?
The high cost of living in Nags Head is due in part to the area’s popularity with tourists. With its wide beaches and abundance of activities, Nags Head is a top destination for vacationers.
This means that prices for lodging, dining and other services are typically higher than in other parts of the state.
Nags Head is also home to some of North Carolina’s most exclusive real estate. Luxury homes and oceanfront properties command high prices, and the town has a number of upscale amenities.
All of these factors contribute to Nags Head’s status as one of the most expensive places to live in North Carolina.
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4. Holden Beach
Holden Beach is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, and is a popular tourist destination. The median home price in Holden Beach is $816,000, making it one of the most expensive places to live in North Carolina.
The town is known for its beautiful beaches and lush vegetation. Holden Beach is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants.
What makes Holden Beach so expensive?
There are a few things that make Holden Beach NC so expensive. One factor is that it is a beach town and as a result, real estate prices are higher than in other parts of the state.
The cost of living is also higher in Holden Beach due to the high price of goods and services. Finally, the town has a high crime rate, which contributes to the overall cost of living.
5. Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle is a town in Carteret County, North Carolina. It is a popular tourist destination. The town has a median home price of $673,000, making it one of the most expensive places to live in North Carolina.
Emerald Isle is known for its beautiful beaches and its Emerald Isle Beach Park.
The town also has a number of golf courses and is home to the Bogue Banks Country Club. Emerald Isle is also home to the Emerald Isle Maritime Museum.
What makes Emerald Isle so expensive?
What makes Emerald Isle NC so expensive? One potential explanation is that the town is a popular vacation destination, and as a result, homes and other properties tend to be more expensive than in other parts of the state.
Emerald Isle is located on an island, which may also contribute to higher costs of living.
While the town may be expensive, it is also beautiful, with sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of amenities and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
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6. Blowing Rock
People looking for a luxurious and scenic place to live should consider Blowing Rock. This small town in North Carolina has a median home price of $624,947 and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are plenty of upscale shops and restaurants in Blowing Rock, as well as a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. The town is also home to the famous Blowing Rock attraction, which is a must-see for any visitor.
What makes Blowing Rock so expensive?
The cost of living in Blowing Rock is high due to a combination of factors, including the area’s scenic beauty and limited availability of land. The town is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
Blowing Rock is home to a number of upscale shops and restaurants. As a result, the demand for housing in Blowing Rock is high, and the prices reflect this.
7. Banner Elk
Banner Elk is a small town located in the mountains of North Carolina. The median home price in this town is $650,000, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the state.
The town is home to a variety of businesses and amenities, as well as several schools and a hospital. There are also many outdoor activities available in the area, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy the outdoors.
What makes Banner Elk so expensive?
Banner Elk, North Carolina is an expensive place to live because of its prime location in the Appalachian Mountains. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, and its close proximity to major ski resorts makes it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
The cost of living in Banner Elk is high, but the quality of life is also high. If you can afford to live in Banner Elk, you will be rewarded with stunning views, great skiing, and a small-town feel.
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8. Davidson
Davidson is a small town located in the Charlotte metropolitan area. The town is known for its excellent schools and its proximity to downtown Charlotte.
The median home price in Davidson is $639,000, making it one of the most expensive places to live in North Carolina.
Despite the high cost of living, Davidson is a popular place to live due to its small-town feel and its close proximity to Charlotte.
What makes Davidson so expensive?
What makes Davidson so expensive is its location. The town is situated in Mecklenburg County, which is one of the most affluent counties in North Carolina.
Davidson is home to a number of high-end shops and restaurants, which further contributes to its expensive cost of living.
Other factors that make Davidson an expensive place to live include its high property taxes and home insurance rates. Overall, Davidson is a beautiful town that offers its residents a high standard of living, but this comes at a price.
9. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is located in the heart of North Carolina and is known for its beautiful landscape and college town atmosphere. The median home price in Chapel Hill is $606,000, making it one of the most expensive places to live in North Carolina.
The high cost of living is due in part to a large number of businesses and amenities located in Chapel Hill, as well as its proximity to major cities like Raleigh and Durham.
Despite the high cost of living, Chapel Hill is a popular place to live due to its strong sense of community and its many cultural and recreational activities.
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10. Boone
The town of Boone is located in the western part of North Carolina and is known for its stunning mountain views. The median home price in Boone is $532,200, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the state.
However, Boone is also a great place to live if you’re looking for outdoor activities and a sense of community. There are plenty of hiking trails and parks in Boone, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
The town is also home to Appalachian State University, which adds to the sense of community.