Best places to live in North Carolina
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in North Carolina
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in North Carolina using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Boiling Springs
- Population: 4,565
- Median home value: $183,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $635 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $71,532
- Top public schools: Boiling Springs Elementary School (A-), Springmore Elementary School (A-), Crest Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 100 Tall Pine Dr, Shelby ($324,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $183,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $635 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $71,532
- Top public schools: Boiling Springs Elementary School (A-), Springmore Elementary School (A-), Crest Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 100 Tall Pine Dr, Shelby ($324,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#24. Stokesdale
- Population: 5,396
- Median home value: $205,400 (82% own)
- Median rent: $895 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $84,583
- Top public schools: The Early College at Guilford (A+), The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T (A+), Early College of Forsyth (A+)
- Pictured: 220 Leeward Dr, Stokesdale ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $205,400 (82% own)
- Median rent: $895 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $84,583
- Top public schools: The Early College at Guilford (A+), The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T (A+), Early College of Forsyth (A+)
- Pictured: 220 Leeward Dr, Stokesdale ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#23. Waxhaw
- Population: 15,237
- Median home value: $329,400 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,446 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $111,642
- Top public schools: Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+), Cuthbertson High School (A), Sandy Ridge Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Everbrook Academy of Waxhaw (unavailable)
- Pictured: 623 Lester Davis Rd, Waxhaw ($4.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $329,400 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,446 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $111,642
- Top public schools: Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+), Cuthbertson High School (A), Sandy Ridge Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Everbrook Academy of Waxhaw (unavailable)
- Pictured: 623 Lester Davis Rd, Waxhaw ($4.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#22. Charlotte
- Population: 857,425
- Median home value: $220,300 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,135 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $62,817
- Top public schools: Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (A+), Ardrey Kell High School (A+), Weddington High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Providence Day School (A+), Charlotte Country Day School (A+), Charlotte Latin School (A+)
- Pictured: 1508 Dilworth Rd, Charlotte ($7.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $220,300 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,135 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $62,817
- Top public schools: Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (A+), Ardrey Kell High School (A+), Weddington High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Providence Day School (A+), Charlotte Country Day School (A+), Charlotte Latin School (A+)
- Pictured: 1508 Dilworth Rd, Charlotte ($7.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#21. Rolesville
- Population: 7,488
- Median home value: $316,200 (84% own)
- Median rent: $788 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $119,615
- Top public schools: Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (A+), Heritage High School (A)
- Pictured: 917 Flash Dr, Rolesville ($750,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $316,200 (84% own)
- Median rent: $788 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $119,615
- Top public schools: Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (A+), Heritage High School (A)
- Pictured: 917 Flash Dr, Rolesville ($750,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Royal Pines
- Population: 4,759
- Median home value: $260,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,117 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $83,012
- Top public schools: Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (A+), T.C. Roberson High School (A), Valley Springs Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 9 Glencove Dr, Cashiers ($1.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $260,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,117 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $83,012
- Top public schools: Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (A+), T.C. Roberson High School (A), Valley Springs Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 9 Glencove Dr, Cashiers ($1.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#19. Lewisville
- Population: 13,861
- Median home value: $195,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $863 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $78,464
- Top public schools: Early College of Forsyth (A+), Ronald W. Reagan High School (A), West Forsyth High School (A)
- Top private schools: Forsyth Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 5400 Williams Rd, Lewisville ($2.1 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $195,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $863 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $78,464
- Top public schools: Early College of Forsyth (A+), Ronald W. Reagan High School (A), West Forsyth High School (A)
- Top private schools: Forsyth Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 5400 Williams Rd, Lewisville ($2.1 million, 2 bedrooms)
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#18. Matthews
- Population: 32,044
- Median home value: $265,300 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,279 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $84,594
- Top public schools: Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+), Providence High School (A), Cato Middle College High School (A)
- Top private schools: Covenant Day School (A), Carmel Christian School (A), Greyfriars Classical Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 207 River Birch Ln, Matthews ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $265,300 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,279 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $84,594
- Top public schools: Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+), Providence High School (A), Cato Middle College High School (A)
- Top private schools: Covenant Day School (A), Carmel Christian School (A), Greyfriars Classical Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 207 River Birch Ln, Matthews ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Huntersville
- Population: 55,980
- Median home value: $301,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,305 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $102,016
- Top public schools: William Amos Hough High School (A), Cato Middle College High School (A), Charlotte Engineering Early College (A)
- Top private schools: Lake Norman Christian School (A), SouthLake Christian Academy (A), St. Mark Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16207 Henry Ln, Huntersville ($2.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $301,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,305 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $102,016
- Top public schools: William Amos Hough High School (A), Cato Middle College High School (A), Charlotte Engineering Early College (A)
- Top private schools: Lake Norman Christian School (A), SouthLake Christian Academy (A), St. Mark Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16207 Henry Ln, Huntersville ($2.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. Wake Forest
- Population: 42,111
- Median home value: $297,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,117 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $92,210
- Top public schools: Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (A+), Heritage High School (A)
- Top private schools: Thales Academy Wake Forest Pre-K-5 (unavailable), St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School (unavailable), Montessori Children's House of Wake Forest (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2115 Rolling Rock Rd, Wake Forest ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $297,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,117 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $92,210
- Top public schools: Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (A+), Heritage High School (A)
- Top private schools: Thales Academy Wake Forest Pre-K-5 (unavailable), St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School (unavailable), Montessori Children's House of Wake Forest (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2115 Rolling Rock Rd, Wake Forest ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Harrisburg
- Population: 15,806
- Median home value: $288,900 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,634 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $108,942
- Top public schools: Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School (A), J.N. Fries Middle School (A), Harrisburg Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Stafford Road KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9212 Sanger Ct, Harrisburg ($787,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $288,900 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,634 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $108,942
- Top public schools: Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School (A), J.N. Fries Middle School (A), Harrisburg Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Stafford Road KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9212 Sanger Ct, Harrisburg ($787,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#14. Oak Ridge
- Population: 6,901
- Median home value: $383,300 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,059 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $127,578
- Top public schools: The Early College at Guilford (A+), The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T (A+), Early College of Forsyth (A+)
- Top private schools: Oak Ridge Military Academy (A)
- Pictured: 8305 Meadows Rd Unit 4, Oak Ridge ($2.5 million, 11 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $383,300 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,059 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $127,578
- Top public schools: The Early College at Guilford (A+), The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T (A+), Early College of Forsyth (A+)
- Top private schools: Oak Ridge Military Academy (A)
- Pictured: 8305 Meadows Rd Unit 4, Oak Ridge ($2.5 million, 11 bedrooms)
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#13. Raleigh
- Population: 464,485
- Median home value: $248,300 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,121 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $67,266
- Top public schools: Raleigh Charter High School (A+), Green Hope High School (A+), Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ravenscroft School (A+), St. David's School (A+), Saint Mary's School (A+)
- Pictured: 3319 White Oak Rd, Raleigh ($5.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $248,300 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,121 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $67,266
- Top public schools: Raleigh Charter High School (A+), Green Hope High School (A+), Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ravenscroft School (A+), St. David's School (A+), Saint Mary's School (A+)
- Pictured: 3319 White Oak Rd, Raleigh ($5.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#12. Clemmons
- Population: 20,313
- Median home value: $226,600 (74% own)
- Median rent: $866 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $70,659
- Top public schools: Early College of Forsyth (A+), West Forsyth High School (A), Southwest Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of Winston-Salem (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3645 Harper Rd, Clemmons ($3.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $226,600 (74% own)
- Median rent: $866 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $70,659
- Top public schools: Early College of Forsyth (A+), West Forsyth High School (A), Southwest Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of Winston-Salem (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3645 Harper Rd, Clemmons ($3.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#11. Holly Springs
- Population: 34,874
- Median home value: $320,900 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,416 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $112,029
- Top public schools: Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (A+), Apex High School (A)
- Top private schools: Thales Academy Holly Springs Pre-K-6 (unavailable), Holly Springs KinderCare (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Holly Springs (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6312 Cass Holt Rd, Holly Springs ($1.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $320,900 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,416 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $112,029
- Top public schools: Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Wake Early College of Health & Sciences (A+), Apex High School (A)
- Top private schools: Thales Academy Holly Springs Pre-K-6 (unavailable), Holly Springs KinderCare (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Holly Springs (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6312 Cass Holt Rd, Holly Springs ($1.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#10. Weddington
- Population: 10,794
- Median home value: $457,900 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,108 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $136,891
- Top public schools: Marvin Ridge High School (A+), Weddington High School (A+), Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+)
- Top private schools: Weddington Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6014 Hathaway Ln, Waxhaw ($3.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $457,900 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,108 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $136,891
- Top public schools: Marvin Ridge High School (A+), Weddington High School (A+), Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+)
- Top private schools: Weddington Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6014 Hathaway Ln, Waxhaw ($3.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#9. Marvin
- Population: 6,553
- Median home value: $677,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $3,364 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $206,469
- Top public schools: Marvin Ridge High School (A+), Weddington High School (A+), Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+)
- Pictured: 9800 Sedgefield Dr, Marvin ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $677,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $3,364 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $206,469
- Top public schools: Marvin Ridge High School (A+), Weddington High School (A+), Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+)
- Pictured: 9800 Sedgefield Dr, Marvin ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#8. Cornelius
- Population: 29,256
- Median home value: $322,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,219 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $90,542
- Top public schools: William Amos Hough High School (A), Cato Middle College High School (A), Charlotte Engineering Early College (A)
- Top private schools: Grace Covenant Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Kenton (unavailable), Cornelius KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17002 Freshwater Ln, Cornelius ($5.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $322,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,219 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $90,542
- Top public schools: William Amos Hough High School (A), Cato Middle College High School (A), Charlotte Engineering Early College (A)
- Top private schools: Grace Covenant Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Kenton (unavailable), Cornelius KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17002 Freshwater Ln, Cornelius ($5.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#7. Biltmore Forest
- Population: 1,473
- Median home value: $910,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,083 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $180,781
- Top public schools: Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (A+), T.C. Roberson High School (A), Valley Springs Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Carolina Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 Brooklawn Chase, Asheville ($6.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $910,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,083 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $180,781
- Top public schools: Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (A+), T.C. Roberson High School (A), Valley Springs Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Carolina Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 Brooklawn Chase, Asheville ($6.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Carrboro
- Population: 21,230
- Median home value: $368,800 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,078 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $58,702
- Top public schools: East Chapel Hill High School (A+), Carrboro High School (A+), Chapel Hill High School (A+)
- Pictured: 131 Lots 1 2 4 Winsome Ln, Chapel Hill ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $368,800 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,078 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $58,702
- Top public schools: East Chapel Hill High School (A+), Carrboro High School (A+), Chapel Hill High School (A+)
- Pictured: 131 Lots 1 2 4 Winsome Ln, Chapel Hill ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Chapel Hill
- Population: 60,998
- Median home value: $399,700 (50% own)
- Median rent: $1,191 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $73,614
- Top public schools: East Chapel Hill High School (A+), Carrboro High School (A+), Chapel Hill High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas More Catholic School (unavailable), Montessori Community School (unavailable), Montessori Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 131 Lots 1 2 4 Winsome Ln, Chapel Hill ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $399,700 (50% own)
- Median rent: $1,191 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $73,614
- Top public schools: East Chapel Hill High School (A+), Carrboro High School (A+), Chapel Hill High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas More Catholic School (unavailable), Montessori Community School (unavailable), Montessori Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 131 Lots 1 2 4 Winsome Ln, Chapel Hill ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#4. Apex
- Population: 51,370
- Median home value: $327,800 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,380 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $111,435
- Top public schools: Green Hope High School (A+), Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Panther Creek High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Thales Academy Apex JH/HS (A), St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School (unavailable), Thales Academy Apex K-5 (unavailable)
- Pictured: 360 Democracy Pl, Apex ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $327,800 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,380 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $111,435
- Top public schools: Green Hope High School (A+), Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Panther Creek High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Thales Academy Apex JH/HS (A), St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School (unavailable), Thales Academy Apex K-5 (unavailable)
- Pictured: 360 Democracy Pl, Apex ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#3. Davidson
- Population: 12,735
- Median home value: $448,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,264 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $124,853
- Top public schools: Community School of Davidson (A+), Collaborative College for Technology & Leadership (CCTL) (A), William Amos Hough High School (A)
- Top private schools: Davidson Day School (A)
- Pictured: 17416 Gillican Overlook Rd, Davidson ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $448,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,264 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $124,853
- Top public schools: Community School of Davidson (A+), Collaborative College for Technology & Leadership (CCTL) (A), William Amos Hough High School (A)
- Top private schools: Davidson Day School (A)
- Pictured: 17416 Gillican Overlook Rd, Davidson ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. Cary
- Population: 166,268
- Median home value: $356,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,246 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $104,669
- Top public schools: Green Hope High School (A+), Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Panther Creek High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Cary Academy (A+), Cary Christian School (A+), Hopewell Academy (A)
- Pictured: 302 Annandale Dr, Cary ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $356,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,246 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $104,669
- Top public schools: Green Hope High School (A+), Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Panther Creek High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Cary Academy (A+), Cary Christian School (A+), Hopewell Academy (A)
- Pictured: 302 Annandale Dr, Cary ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#1. Morrisville
- Population: 26,280
- Median home value: $331,800 (48% own)
- Median rent: $1,398 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $101,738
- Top public schools: Green Hope High School (A+), Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Panther Creek High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Discovery Child Development Center (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Morrisville (unavailable), Kids 'R' Kids Academy - Morrisville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 204 Weston Estates Way, Morrisville ($899,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $331,800 (48% own)
- Median rent: $1,398 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $101,738
- Top public schools: Green Hope High School (A+), Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School (A+), Panther Creek High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Discovery Child Development Center (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Morrisville (unavailable), Kids 'R' Kids Academy - Morrisville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 204 Weston Estates Way, Morrisville ($899,900, 5 bedrooms)
