2023 Best Suburbs to Live in North Carolina

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  504 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up in Raleigh all of my life until I graduated high school. After doing such, and now being over half an hour from all of my friends that I had previously lived 5 minutes from, it made it much harder for me to maintain the same lifestyle I previously had. The neighborhood I live in, while noisy due to the close proximity to the highway, provides a nice community environment as many neighbors are always out with their kids or pets on walks or just playing in the yard. They are very friendly and open to getting to know one another and hosting community activities like pool parties and yard sales.... Read 504 reviews

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• Population 171,603

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  80 reviews

Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. As well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby. There's a lot of lovely and delicious restaurants to choose from in Morrisville, so I would like to name just a few. 1. Blaze Pizza. Location: 1024 Market Center Drive. 2. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Location: 3200 Village Market Place. 3. Carmen's Cuban Cafe & Lounge. Location: 108 Factory Shops Road. 4. C&T Wok. Location: 130 Morrisville Square Way. 5. G.58 Cuisine. Location: 10958 Chapel Hill Road. 6. Another Broken Egg Cafe. Location: 1121 Market Center Drive. 7. Full Moon Oyster Bar. Location: 1600 Village Market Place. 8. Babymoon Cafe. Location: 100 Jerusalem Drive #106. 9. Two Guys Grill Inc. Location: 4149 Davis Drive. 10. Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken. Location: 9575 Chapel Hill Road.... Read 80 reviews

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• Population 28,824

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 4.43 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: Small town charm with a slower pace, kind neighbors, low crime..and 2 lakes! The Buzz of Charlotte, Intnl. airport and nightlife, is 20-30 minutes away ~ but it feels like another planet! Grocery, restaurants,Churches, Music in the Park, Summer Saturday Farmer's Market, Davidson Christmas, College sports (when all opens again !) Pack a little patience (most are less stressed and not in a city-rush !) for traffic on Catawaba toward Cornelius and the 2 stoplights thru town, on a beautiful weekend :))) stop in for a coffee, or at the wine bar on the lake ! You will dream of living in a town like this one day - like we did...and now do. :) Love you Davidson... Read 35 reviews

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• grade A

• Population 14,644

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  230 reviews

Current Resident: Apex is a moderate-sized, close-knit town just west of Raleigh. It has everything you need, from a full-sized Costco to a street full of quaint, locally-owned businesses. It also has top-notch schools and welcoming citizens. My experience in Apex has been nothing less than great, I've met the kindest people and have shopped in the most amazing family-owned shops. The schools are big but fun, the teachers are understanding and kind. Every road is kept nicely and cleaned with care and new developments are always being built. Apex is equal distances from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. There are tons of good jobs and the commute is generally short. Apex is a rapidly growing town, homes here are in high demand. Because of this high demand, prices of houses are going up, increasing the value of the town. That said, Apex is on its way to becoming the best town in eastern North Carolina!... Read 230 reviews

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• Population 58,066

• Suburb of Durham, NC

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  44 reviews

Current Resident: It's a cool, graduate student and young family-friendly little town. You can find great restaurants and great community programs. It's a small town but there are different people from different many countries with complete different backgrounds and that's what I like about Carrboro, diversity! Also, they have a really good school system especially for ESL and EL(English learner students like myself).... Read 44 reviews

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• Population 21,237

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  41 reviews

Current Resident: I live on the border of Weddington & Marvin. I leave the uptown city of tall shiny buildings, past the sprawl of typical suburbs and then immediately sense the change into Weddington as I drive past horse pastures, farms, churches, sunflower fields, historical homes, and large lots. Weddington is the balanced position of being under 10 minutes from multiple excellent commercial centers and the highway, but far enough away to have a quiet county setting with clean air and water and good people. If I could change anything about Weddington it would be more trails, a library, a fast (few stops) rail line up providence road, and a couple wealthy businesses to lower the low taxes further. The biggest downside is the 30 minute commute, but I have an excellent place to raise my kids.... Read 41 reviews

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• Population 12,851

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  220 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here for quite a while, and I believe that this town is lovely! There are plenty of excellent schools, and it is incredibly family-friendly. It's also an excellent location in the middle of the state because the mountains (Boone/Asheville) are only 2.5-3 hours away, and the beaches (Wilmington/Carolina Beach) are roughly the same distance! Carrboro, Durham, Cary, and Raleigh are close, so there are lots to do and see.... Read 220 reviews

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• Population 60,920

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: I like that its a quiet, small time vibe but still only 25 minutes away from downtown Raleigh! We're starting to grow and adding more local breweries and unique restaurants. The neighborhoods are all connected with well maintained, tree lined greenways where you will always see someone out walking their dogs, riding bikes, or just enjoying family time.... Read 20 reviews

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• Population 8,995

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: Great schools with awesome administration. Housing is expensive. Lacks diversity but is improving. Overall, a lovely peaceful community to live in.... Read 13 reviews

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• Population 6,326

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  49 reviews

Current Resident: Harrisburg, North Carolina is a small town located in Cabarrus County. While individual experiences and perspectives may vary, here are some generally recognized positive aspects of Harrisburg: Small-town atmosphere: Harrisburg maintains a charming small-town atmosphere that appeals to many residents. The community is known for its friendly and close-knit nature, offering a sense of community and belonging. Proximity to Charlotte: Harrisburg is situated just a short distance from Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina. This close proximity provides residents with convenient access to urban amenities, employment opportunities, cultural events, and entertainment options. The area needs more community engagement and involvement, Increasing community engagement and involvement can help foster a stronger sense of community and belonging.... Read 49 reviews

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• Population 18,415

• Suburb of Winston-Salem, NC

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  76 reviews

Current Resident: Clemmons is a great area for people that just want to live a relaxing life. It is great for starting families! Most people just mind their own business and they are very nice. Plenty of restaurants to go to over the weekend and nature life is great. If you are the type of person that likes excitement, Clemmons is not for you but if you're not that type, Clemmons is the best.... Read 76 reviews

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• Population 21,032

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  139 reviews

Current Resident: I have been in Holly Springs for 24 years. The town has gone from ~7,000 people when we moved here to ~35,000 now. The growth has been handled well and has added multiple amenities to the Town. Originally the center of town was somewhat neglected and the town has patiently been bringing restaurants and other unique options to the center of town. The city has developed excellent parks such as Bass Lake and Sugg Park to allow a multitude of green space options. The soon to be complete 540 tollway will continue to improve access to the airport, RTP, new Apple Campus, etc along with local high tech jobs in Holly Springs such as Fuji Diosynth. City Services are exceptional with little to no crime. New developments are sprouting routinely and home prices have appreciated significantly. Beautiful developments such as Sunset Ridge offer a timeless and scenic example of how suburban development should occur. One of the best areas not just in NC but the US!... Read 139 reviews

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• Population 40,198

• Suburb of Winston-Salem, NC

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  Rating 4 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: Lewisvillle is a wonderful place to live. The downtown area is very quaint, and there are a number of family-friendly activities, including live theatre, available year-round in the town square. It’s a safe, quiet area, and it’s not polluted with the usual fast-food franchises and chain stores, but those are minutes away for anyone interested!... Read 38 reviews

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• Population 13,413

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  46 reviews

Current Resident: Cornelius is known for its friendly community and small-town charm. The downtown area offers a range of unique shops, restaurants, and cafes, and there are several parks and green spaces for outdoor activities. The town is also home to several events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Lake Norman Wine Festival and the All-American Fourth of July celebration.... Read 46 reviews

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• Population 30,925

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  190 reviews

Niche User: I've enjoyed living here in Wake Forest for 2 years now. It's one of my favorite suburbs in the Triangle Area. We have wonderful parks and greenway's to enjoy the beautiful weather, walking paths and a darling Historic Downtown area that begs you to cater at one of its lovely restaurants. There are plenty of waterways to enjoy Kayaking, Canoeing or fishing in Wake Forest. There is lots of culture as well here. Over here you are just a short drive to downtown Raleigh or Durham, meaning you are 20 minutes from either city which is perfect. Wake Forest also includes museums, world renowned performing arts centers, and wonderful gardens! I give shopping in this city an A+ as well. I would highly recommend Wake Forest for anyone wanting to call this place their home.... Read 190 reviews

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• Population 46,387

• Suburb of Greensboro, NC

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: Love our small town! Great access to grocery store, hair cut, dance, eye doctor, dentist, fast food, urgent care, gas, dry cleaning and so much more. Schools are excellent and neighborhoods are friendly.... Read 24 reviews

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• grade A

• Population 7,461

• Suburb of Greensboro, NC

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: This area is comparatively safe with a low crime rate. It is a more rural suburb, making it not very walkable and difficult to navigate without a car, but the roads are pretty safe. It is quiet with good schools and reasonably close supermarkets. The nearby job market is expanding, and this is a good place to live if employed in the growing Greensboro area.... Read 21 reviews

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• Population 11,026

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  159 reviews

Current Resident: Matthews is an amazing town for families, children, and adults all overall. There's always something to do, the variety of stores and entertainment is huge, and the events hosted by Matthews downtown really make the place feel like home. I'm so grateful I live in Matthews, and living near Matthews downtown is one of the biggest blessings I've been given.... Read 159 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 29,417

• Suburb of Greensboro, NC

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: Stokesdale is a very small town in North Carolina. There are a few local businesses, a Subway, a few gas stations, and that’s about it. I have lived in Stokesdale for my entire life. I like the area because it is close to various large North Carolina cities without being large itself. I feel safe in Stokesdale. My only complaint would be that there isn’t much do to around town, but small towns rarely have a lot of activities.... Read 14 reviews

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• Population 5,895

• Suburb in North Carolina

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: Little to no crime in my neighborhood.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 1,233

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 4.44 out of 5  100 reviews

Current Resident: I like living in the town of Waxhaw. It's small but has a lot of different kinds of people. I like seeing the vast ranges in diversity and people here. However, I do not like how competitive the schooling system is here.... Read 100 reviews

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• Population 19,645

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: Stallings is a great place to raise a family or retire. The area has grown a LOT in the ten years we’ve been here, and that has brought challenges including increased traffic, loss of trees, and a strain on the infrastructure such as roads, water, and sewer. But the local governments are good at fixing things. People are approachable but not all up in your business. The cost of living is good compared to lots of other places in the USA. A new hospital is opening soon so we won’t have to travel to Matthews, Pineville or Charlotte. There are lots of grocery stores and plenty of basic food options and basic shops. It is not Charlotte and doesn’t want to be. You won’t like it if you seek fancy restaurants, shops, or nightlife. We feel safe living here and even though there are more interesting and prettier places to live, this is a good compromise, schools are above average, and Charlotte is just a short drive away. Politically it’s about even between red and blue.... Read 28 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 15,932

• Suburb of Charlotte, NC

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  Rating 4 out of 5  208 reviews

Current Resident: Huntersville is a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. It is located north of the city. Huntersville is a very family friendly place to live. It has many community style neighborhoods which often have playgrounds, pools and sports courts. Huntersville is a very safe place to live. People take care of their homes, and look out for each other. A really nice thing about Huntersville is the location. There are several public parks with playgrounds, walking and hiking trails, tennis courts, sports fields and more. Lake Norman is also right here for people who like to swim, boat, fish and paddle board. There are a lot of shopping options including numerous grocery stores, retail stores, boutiques and more. There are plenty of dining options too, from national chains, to locally owned restaurants. Huntersville is a great place to live!... Read 208 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 60,166

• Suburb in North Carolina

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: I like it here in Royal Pines because it's close to my college by commute, it's not too far from grocery stores, fast food places, and it's along a bus route since I cannot drive. Even though I live here with my aunt, it's pretty nice here, and quiet and the neighbors are friendly.... Read 1 review

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• Population 4,606

• Suburb of Durham, NC

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Hillsborough is a great small town with a historical downtown area filled with small businesses. The school systems are good but teachers are in very high demand right now. There are many job and entertainment opportunities in Hillsborough and in neighboring towns, 3 major universities are within a short drive, including UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, and Duke. The state's capital, Raleigh, is relatively close by, about a 45 minute drive. Hillsborough is at the converging point of 2 major highways: 85 and 40. Hillsborough is rapidly growing, there are tons of new houses being built.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 9,342