These Western NC towns ranked among best places to live in NC in 2026

A new list from WorldAtlas named 13 North Carolina towns writers deemed the best places to live in the state in 2026 ― including two Western North Carolina locations.

Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, and travel.

Previous Citizen Times articles have covered numerous mentions of Western N.C. from WorldAtlas, including the publication’s favorite North Carolina towns for 2026 visits, best day trips in the state, “idyllic” and “unpretentious” towns, scenic drives, towns that rival Europe’s finest and more.

From mountain landscapes to coastal access to quieter suburban neighborhoods, here’s where WorldAtlas writers chose.

Best places to live in North Carolina 2026

The full list of best places to live in North Carolina includes:

• Raleigh
• Charlotte
• Durham
• Apex
• Morrisville
• Asheville
• Winston-Salem
• Wilmington
• Boone
• Cary
• Greensboro
• Greenville
• Chapel Hill

Is Asheville, NC, a good place to live?

WorldAtlas called Asheville “an artsy mountain town that welcomes residents with a creative spirit and seemingly endless green spaces.” When it came to reasons why writers suggested it as one of the state’s best places to live, the following was cited:

• Outdoor recreation options that draw travelers from around the globe, from waterfalls to whitewater rapids.
• An escape from “the heat associated with much of the state” due to the area’s elevation.
• The River Arts District, including its art galleries and studios, breweries and historic buildings.

Is Boone, NC a good place to live?

WorldAtlas stated that making a home in the Appalachian Mountains means “waking up to the sight of rolling green hills out of your window.” Writers suggested Boone as one of the Tar Heel State’s best locations to live in 2026 because of the following:

• The town’s welcoming college culture, created by Appalachian State University at “the heart of this town.”
• Appalachian State University itself has eight research centers and over 150 community-focused groups that serve the local area.
• Restaurants and other “warm and welcoming third spaces” for residents and locals to “enjoy between work days and evening hikes through mountain trails.”
• Year-round options for activities, from the Yoga & Wellness Festival to the Boonerang Music & Arts Festival.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.