US News says 3 of the best places to live in the country are in NC. Where?
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U.S. News and World Report listed three places in North Carolina as some of the best to live in the country for 2026-27.
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The group uses value, desirability, job market strength and quality of life to identify good places to live. U.S. News and World Report also ranks hospitals, including those in Raleigh and Charlotte.
Huntersville came in at No. 36. U.S. News and World Report identified the Mecklenburg town to have strong schools and employment. Huntersville is also home to Latta Plantation Nature Center and Preserve, where residents and visitors can partake in outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
Huntersville is also the 22nd-best small city to live in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report, which has the following statistics about the town:
Huntersville and the broader Lake Norman area stand out to families looking for more space and a suburban quality of life, the Observer previously reported.
Apex came in at No. 20. A part of the Raleigh suburbs and the Research Triangle, U.S. News and World Report identified Apex to have a better job market than the national average. It is also close to Duke, UNC and NC State.
Apex is also the 11th-best small city to live in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report. which has the following statistics about the town:
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Apex recently landed on WalletHub’s report of the best small cities in the United States, highlighted for its economic health, affordability and quality of life, The News & Observer previously reported.
Cary came in at number 11. Cary is in the Research Triangle area (though not a point in said triangle). Like other towns in the area, it has a healthy economy, especially in tech and healthcare. Cary also offers a lower cost of living compared to similarly sized cities, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Cary is also the fifth-best medium-sized city in America to live in, according to the group, which has the following statistics about the town:
Cary was recently named the No. 1 place to live in the country by Niche, an organization that provides rankings on schools and places to live. The town was highlighted for its public schools and family life, The N&O previously reported.
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This story was originally published August 13, 2026 at 3:32 PM.
