4 Amazing Places to Raise a Family in North Carolina

With an easygoing lifestyle combined with beautiful scenery and Southern hospitality, North Carolina is a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. In general, the state has a lower cost of living than many other areas and also has a lower than the national average violent crime rate. Plus, it is a haven for highly-rated public schools and top-notch higher education. Check out these four amazing places to raise a family in North Carolina and learn about their affordability, crime, and activities.

1. Winston-Salem

The city of Winston-Salem is in Forsyth County in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Winston-Salem is regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the state, especially when it comes to raising children. This suburban city is home to many families, parks, and great public schools. If you’re looking for a suburb of this city, check out Lewisville. It offers a safe, small-town feel, with affordable housing, plentiful jobs, and many family-friendly activities.

Best suburbs: Lewisville

Average home price: $158,600

Median household income: $50,204

Best public schools: Greensboro Academy, Atkins Academic & Technology High School, Ronald W. Reagan High School

Family-friendly activities: Kaleideum North Museum, Tanglewood Park, Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Reynolda Gardens, Adventure Landing, Bailey Park, The Winston Cup Museum

2. Charlotte

As a major city and commercial hub in North Carolina, Charlotte has a lot to offer and is considered one of the best places to live in the state. Residents benefit from a lively urban center while keeping a suburban feel. The city is in the Piedmont region in Mecklenburg County and features a mild climate, stunning scenery, a strong job market, and abundant activities for singles and families alike. Charlotte is known for its above-average public schools, affordable housing, and diverse community. The city has many family-friendly suburbs, such as Weddington, Providence Plantation, Harrisburg, and Davidson. Places like Weddington have higher housing costs, but they offer a safer environment, better schools, and activities geared toward families.

Best suburbs: Weddington, Providence Plantation, Harrisburg, and Davidson

Average home price: $258,000

Median household income: $68,367

Best public schools: Ardrey Kell High School, Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Pleasant Knoll Middle, Weddington High School

Family-friendly activities: Discovery Place Science Museum, Carolina Raptor Center, Carowinds, The Speedpark, Great Wolf Lodge, Sports Connection, Freedom Park, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Ray’s Splash Planet

3. Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina and is famous for its university and abundant free state-of-the-art museums. Raleigh, combined with Durham and Chapel Hill, make up the Research Triangle, named for its many technology and scholarly institutions. Raleigh is in Wake County and offers its residents an urban and suburban mix, with many family-friendly suburbs, including Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and Holly Springs. Along with low crime and plentiful diversity, this region of the state also has lower housing costs, above-average median household incomes, and highly-rated public schools.

Best suburbs: Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and Holly Springs

Average home price: $285,400

Median household income: $72,996

Best public schools: Panther Creek High School, Raleigh Charter High School, Green Level High School, of Science and Mathematics

Family-friendly activities: Marbles Kids Museum, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, of Natural Sciences, Pullen Park, Frankie’s, Museum of Life and Science, Lake Crabtree County Park

4. Wake Forest

While Wake Forest is located almost entirely in Wake County, it also sits within Franklin and Granville Counties. This town is just north of Raleigh and is known for its mild weather, abundant outdoor activities, affordability, and family-friendly atmosphere. As a suburban city, Wake Forest offers its residents a sparse residential feel with a welcoming community. This town features below-average crime, above-average schools, and a diverse population.

Best neighborhoods: Chapters, Bishops Grant, Dansforth, Hasentree, Holding Village, Wakefield

Average home price: $328,200

Median household income: $104,006

Best public schools: Heritage High School, Heritage Middle School, Wake Early College of Health & Science, Quest Academy

Family-friendly activities: E. Carroll Joyner Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Galaxy Fun Park, Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, Wake Forest Famers Market

A Recap of the Top 4 Places to Raise a Family in North Carolina