2023 Healthiest Counties in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  49 reviews

Current Resident: This is a rapidly growing community with plenty of fun, safe opportunities to explore! There are parks, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, churches, community events, and much more. It is a short distance from Raliegh and Durham but is still small-town living. There is a perfect harmony of activities for all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. It is home to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and very close to Wake Technical Community College, NC State, and UNC-Chapel Hill. There are four moderate seasons to enjoy as well as relative close proximity to the NC mountains and beaches. From a small coffee shop to big city living, Wake County has it all.... Read 49 reviews

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• Population 1,112,883

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: I first visited Mecklenburg County when I came to Charlotte for a summer enrichment program for Wake Forest. It was a great introduction to the city. I visited Nascar and the White Water Center. My mom took a different job with her company and moved to Charlotte in 2021. There are a ton of things for young people to do. You have Carowinds (Six Flags), Optimist Hall to try Charlotte's favorite restaurants, No Da, Plaza Midwood and Camp North End just to name a few. You can't go wrong with Freedom Park and many other parks in the area. You have a wide array of gyms and outdoor clubs to join. This area is great and continues to grow providing more jobs and things to do. The sky is the limit.... Read 29 reviews

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• Population 1,100,984

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I'm originally from New Jersey so moving to Orange county was definitely a culture shock, but I really enjoy it here. People are neighborly and the environment just always feels comfortable. What I enjoy most is looking out my window at the runners and walkers and dog walkers! I feel like I'm in a movie.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 147,376

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Buncombe county from Greenville County, SC this past year. The school system in better. The downtown area is bad for "family friendly" because of the people. I miss downtown Greenville! ... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 266,981

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  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Nice little county on the beach, good people and good public schools... On negatives are the traffic, taxes and job availablility... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 225,175

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  Rating 4 out of 5  100 reviews

Current Resident: Overall, I enjoy living in Durham the hospitality is like no other it's like one big family; everyone looks out for one another and are very helpful, and caring; Of course there are accidents and violence in some parts but what other place doesn't go through similar things we aren't all perfect, but you can be perfectly at home living in Durham.... Read 100 reviews

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• Population 320,146

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  16 reviews

Current Resident: Union County is a tiny yet accepting community. While it's not busy like big cities, it's very mellow and calming, with many opportunities to explore. Spending the majority of my life here, I have experienced North Carolina at its finest and have been gifted many opportunities and open doors in my life here.... Read 16 reviews

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• Population 235,699

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: It is a nice quiet community with lots of places to go eat, but not that much entertainment unless you really like golf.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 98,618

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• Population 36,718

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Hendersonville. Cute, quaint and down to earth. It is very affordable with a small town vibe. I specifically love being so close to nature. My home is a ten minute drive from a state park, which I go to frequently. We are very close to all kinds of recreation! Kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, you name it! Our downtown area is very cute and we have the best apple festival in the country!... Read 12 reviews

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• Population 115,613

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  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: The county has attentiveness to the local needs, providing enrichment activities and services that are essential or recreational. The natural beauty of this area is retained while also the development for convenience is well balanced.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 183,965

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  Rating 4 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: The people are overall nice, and I enjoy the opportunities that are given. There are more than enough places to experience. People are ever so changing, and we are ever so growing.... Read 17 reviews

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• Population 537,113

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: People are very polite, there’s a strong preference for locals I noticed at the post office. Reasonably priced organic food, overall good drivers. Christian churches are everywhere if you enjoy worshipping there. It’s also very nice to see university youth walking in safety throughout Boone. There is noticeable poverty but that is everywhere.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 54,077

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Chatham county is a rural but quickly up and coming part of North Carolina. There is a significant amount of suburban life, as seen in neighborhoods such as the Legacy, the Preserve, Briar Chapel, the Governor's Club, and more. There are plenty of good places to eat and shop. Another apparent aspect of this county is its rural culture. Right outside of suburbia, meadows, forests, and farms spread across the land. A good part of this county embodies the essence of small town America. Pittsboro is a lovely little artsy town with cute shops, a hair salon, and a diner with town hall in the center.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 75,070

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I like and love everything of Forsyth County. The people are very respectful and understand. They also are very comprehensive and like ti help others.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 380,583

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  Rating 4.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Great school system. My mom works for the county and loves it! We moved from Charlotte just to be in this County.... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 221,200

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I live here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, this small town is filled with lots of friendly people willing to help you and anyone else who needs it.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 67,944

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: Living in Lincoln County is such a wholesome and comfortable area to live in. It is a small town in which neighbors smile to one another and wish another a good day. The citizens in this town demonstrate a lot of southern hospitality which may be rare to find in other locations and we have a lot of small businesses ran by our home town locals that make one feel that we are attributing to our society. What I would like to see more is more adequate funding for schools and education. Unfortunately, with budget costs the schools have suffered the impact of it but hopefully with time it will improve.... Read 15 reviews

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• Population 85,670

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  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Overall, it is a nice area. However, there are a lot.of issues with traffic and people not knowing how to drive. Especially some of the older folk. I mean i nearly almost always get hit by someone coming out of Brunswick forest.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 133,789

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  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Transylvania county covers several little towns. All of these towns are nice, but I like living in Penrose best. The corner gas station knows you by name and everyone is very welcoming. We are close to two state forests, Pisgah Forest and DuPont. We have plenty of fishing, camping, trails, and horseback riding. The views are breathtaking and the atmosphere is amazingly cozy. Great place to visit and a wonderful place to live.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 32,979

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  Rating 4.03 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Gaston County for most of my life. While it has its fair share of flaws, it also has some great benefits. It is home to Gastonia, a city of approximately 75,000 with a diverse array of chains, local shops, and restaurants. Charlotte is conveniently located within an hour of any part of Gaston County. I would describe most of the county as very safe. While particular areas have certain issues, the county as a whole is safe. The county has great access to outdoors and recreational activities, including Crowders Mountain State Park, the US National Whitewater Center, and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The county as a whole is not all that diverse, aside from the cities of Gastonia and Mount Holly. The schools are decent, though there is definitely room for improvement. If you're looking for an affordable area in the Charlotte region, Gaston County simply cannot be beaten.... Read 33 reviews

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• Population 226,097

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: Big enough to have major shopping and health care, but small enough that there’s no traffic, good quality of life. As other racers have mentioned, you can know your kids teachers, principals and even the superintendent. Lenior Rhyne university in downtown Hickory’s a real jewel with a beautiful campus and high quality liberal arts education. Catawba valley medical center and Duke life point hospitals (yes, there are two hospitals) are exceptional in a variety of care offerings. World class companies are headquartered in the county (CommScope, Corning Cable Systems, Lowe’s foods, Transportation Insight). I can go from my office to Panthers game or a fantastic trout stream in less than hour. Life is good!... Read 14 reviews

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• Population 159,852

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: I moved here when i was 7 and i call it my hometown , it is very unite though and i feel like they need more things to do for teens and children , all they have is the movies and bowling alley.... Read 1 review

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• Population 62,676

• County in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Haywood County is a great place to live if you enjoy a peaceful setting, but also want to keep up with the evolving, fast-paced society we now live in. It is great if you enjoy doing outdoor or low-key activities, and still want to be close to a larger city(Asheville). Haywood isn't too diverse, and some people can be very close-minded and not open to exploring/understanding different cultures. However, there are many people that enjoy learning about cultures and having connections with people they aren't familiar with. It is a very friendly place and people are very outgoing and kind to each other. Haywood has a small-town feel, but also has many opportunities and organizations for staying connected to the rest of the world. A few of my favorite things about Haywood County is the arts community, the nature surrounding Haywood, and the many festivals and parades held throughout the year. The food is pretty great, too.... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 61,695

• County in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.59 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: If there could be more bus stops through out Fayetteville, it will feel more city-like. Other than that, it is really great!... Read 17 reviews

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• Population 333,582