Best counties to raise a family in North Carolina
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March 5, 2021
realtor.com
Best counties to raise a family in North Carolina
Known in other parts of the world as shires, provinces, or territories, the United States’ counties (also known in certain states as boroughs or parishes) date back to the 1600s, when settlers first came to find freedom from British rule. Today, those counties remain, with the 50 states divided into several, each with its own unique makeup.
For people looking to find a home to raise a family in, choosing a county is an important decision. Most families place affordable homes, safe neighborhoods, a quality school system, and family-friendly activities at the top of their wishlists.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in North Carolina using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, healthcare, recreation and weather. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
The list features counties that boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season. Keep reading to explore the best counties to raise a family. Maybe you’ll find one that suits your brood.
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#25. Pitt County
- Population: 178,433
- Median home value: $148,600 (52% own)
- Median rent: $794 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $47,437
- Top public schools: Hope Middle School (A-), Wintergreen Intermediate School (A-), Chicod (B+)
- Top private schools: The Oakwood School (A+), John Paul II Catholic High School (A-), Christ Covenant School (B+)
- Top places to live: Winterville (A), Greenville (B+), Ayden (B)
- Pictured: 139 Vernon White Rd, Winterville ($699,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $148,600 (52% own)
- Median rent: $794 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $47,437
- Top public schools: Hope Middle School (A-), Wintergreen Intermediate School (A-), Chicod (B+)
- Top private schools: The Oakwood School (A+), John Paul II Catholic High School (A-), Christ Covenant School (B+)
- Top places to live: Winterville (A), Greenville (B+), Ayden (B)
- Pictured: 139 Vernon White Rd, Winterville ($699,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#24. Watauga County
- Population: 54,925
- Median home value: $238,000 (60% own)
- Median rent: $870 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $47,526
- Top public schools: Hardin Park Elementary School (A), Blowing Rock Elementary School (A), Parkway Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Grace Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Boone (A-), New River Township (A), Blue Ridge Township (A)
- Pictured: 453 Greystone Dr, Boone ($2.6 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $238,000 (60% own)
- Median rent: $870 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $47,526
- Top public schools: Hardin Park Elementary School (A), Blowing Rock Elementary School (A), Parkway Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Grace Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Boone (A-), New River Township (A), Blue Ridge Township (A)
- Pictured: 453 Greystone Dr, Boone ($2.6 million, 10 bedrooms)
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#23. Craven County
- Population: 102,491
- Median home value: $157,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $910 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $52,687
- Top public schools: Craven Early College High School (A-), Creekside Elementary School (A-), W. Jesse Gurganus Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Epiphany School of Global Studies (A), Calvary Baptist Church School (B+), New Bern Christian Academy (B-)
- Top places to live: Trent Woods (A), Brices Creek (A), River Bend (A-)
- Pictured: 4503 Tenella Rd, Trent Woods ($995,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $157,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $910 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $52,687
- Top public schools: Craven Early College High School (A-), Creekside Elementary School (A-), W. Jesse Gurganus Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Epiphany School of Global Studies (A), Calvary Baptist Church School (B+), New Bern Christian Academy (B-)
- Top places to live: Trent Woods (A), Brices Creek (A), River Bend (A-)
- Pictured: 4503 Tenella Rd, Trent Woods ($995,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#22. Sampson County
- Population: 63,385
- Median home value: $89,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $648 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $42,151
- Top public schools: Clement Elementary School (A), Sampson Early College High School (A), Midway Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Harrells Christian Academy (B+), Mintz Christian Academy (C+), Spirit of Life Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Clinton (B), Vann Crossroads (A), Herring Township (A-)
- Pictured: 6160 Bonnetsville Rd, Clinton ($730,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $89,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $648 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $42,151
- Top public schools: Clement Elementary School (A), Sampson Early College High School (A), Midway Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Harrells Christian Academy (B+), Mintz Christian Academy (C+), Spirit of Life Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Clinton (B), Vann Crossroads (A), Herring Township (A-)
- Pictured: 6160 Bonnetsville Rd, Clinton ($730,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#21. Lee County
- Population: 60,481
- Median home value: $144,200 (67% own)
- Median rent: $775 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $49,994
- Top public schools: Lee Early College (A), Tramway Elementary School (B+), Greenwood Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Grace Christian School (B), Lee Christian School (B-), Calvary Education Center (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Sanford (B+), West Sanford Township (A-), Jonesboro Township (A-)
- Pictured: 200 Cedar Ln, Sanford ($875,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $144,200 (67% own)
- Median rent: $775 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $49,994
- Top public schools: Lee Early College (A), Tramway Elementary School (B+), Greenwood Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Grace Christian School (B), Lee Christian School (B-), Calvary Education Center (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Sanford (B+), West Sanford Township (A-), Jonesboro Township (A-)
- Pictured: 200 Cedar Ln, Sanford ($875,000, 2 bedrooms)
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#20. Davie County
- Population: 42,257
- Median home value: $172,600 (80% own)
- Median rent: $740 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $60,434
- Top public schools: Davie County Early College High School (A-), North Davie Middle School (A-), William Ellis Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Trinity Baptist Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Bermuda Run (A), Mocksville (B+), Farmington Township (A-)
- Pictured: 114 Tifton St, Advance ($920,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $172,600 (80% own)
- Median rent: $740 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $60,434
- Top public schools: Davie County Early College High School (A-), North Davie Middle School (A-), William Ellis Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Trinity Baptist Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Bermuda Run (A), Mocksville (B+), Farmington Township (A-)
- Pictured: 114 Tifton St, Advance ($920,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#19. Carteret County
- Population: 69,070
- Median home value: $214,100 (73% own)
- Median rent: $902 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $57,194
- Top public schools: Tiller School (A+), Morehead City Middle School (A), Broad Creek Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Gramercy Christian School (B+), St. Egbert Catholic School (unavailable), Newport Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Cedar Point (A), Pine Knoll Shores (A-), Morehead City (A-)
- Pictured: 155 Cedar Point Blvd, Cedar Point ($699,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $214,100 (73% own)
- Median rent: $902 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $57,194
- Top public schools: Tiller School (A+), Morehead City Middle School (A), Broad Creek Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Gramercy Christian School (B+), St. Egbert Catholic School (unavailable), Newport Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Cedar Point (A), Pine Knoll Shores (A-), Morehead City (A-)
- Pictured: 155 Cedar Point Blvd, Cedar Point ($699,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#18. Polk County
- Population: 20,557
- Median home value: $225,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $851 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $48,787
- Top public schools: Saluda Elementary School (A), Polk County Middle School (A), Tryon Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Tryon Seventh-day Adventist School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Tryon (A), Tryon Township (A-), Green Creek Township (A-)
- Pictured: 1061 Honeyhill Ln, Tryon ($2.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $851 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $48,787
- Top public schools: Saluda Elementary School (A), Polk County Middle School (A), Tryon Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Tryon Seventh-day Adventist School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Tryon (A), Tryon Township (A-), Green Creek Township (A-)
- Pictured: 1061 Honeyhill Ln, Tryon ($2.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Johnston County
- Population: 196,870
- Median home value: $165,100 (73% own)
- Median rent: $857 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $59,865
- Top public schools: Johnston County Early College Academy (A), Cleveland Elementary School (B+), Corinth Holders High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Southside Christian School (A-), Childcare Network Benson (unavailable), Childcare Network Clayton East School Road (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Clayton (A-), Four Oaks (B+), Pine Level (B)
- Pictured: 139 Parque De Sarah Pl, Clayton ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,100 (73% own)
- Median rent: $857 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $59,865
- Top public schools: Johnston County Early College Academy (A), Cleveland Elementary School (B+), Corinth Holders High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Southside Christian School (A-), Childcare Network Benson (unavailable), Childcare Network Clayton East School Road (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Clayton (A-), Four Oaks (B+), Pine Level (B)
- Pictured: 139 Parque De Sarah Pl, Clayton ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. Henderson County
- Population: 114,913
- Median home value: $214,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $853 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $55,945
- Top public schools: Hendersonville Elementary School (A), Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School (A), Rugby Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Academy (A-), Fletcher Academy (B+), Immaculata Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Laurel Park (A), Fruitland (A), Mills River (A)
- Pictured: 1008 Indian Cave Rd Lot 77, Hendersonville ($39,999, None bedrooms)
- Median home value: $214,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $853 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $55,945
- Top public schools: Hendersonville Elementary School (A), Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School (A), Rugby Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Academy (A-), Fletcher Academy (B+), Immaculata Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Laurel Park (A), Fruitland (A), Mills River (A)
- Pictured: 1008 Indian Cave Rd Lot 77, Hendersonville ($39,999, None bedrooms)
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#15. Catawba County
- Population: 157,613
- Median home value: $143,600 (69% own)
- Median rent: $738 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $52,056
- Top public schools: Discovery High School (A), Challenger Early College High School (A), Shuford Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: University Christian High School (A), Hickory Christian Academy (A-), Tabernacle Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: Hickory (A-), Mountain View (A-), St. Stephens (A-)
- Pictured: 1530 46th Ave NE, Hickory ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $143,600 (69% own)
- Median rent: $738 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $52,056
- Top public schools: Discovery High School (A), Challenger Early College High School (A), Shuford Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: University Christian High School (A), Hickory Christian Academy (A-), Tabernacle Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: Hickory (A-), Mountain View (A-), St. Stephens (A-)
- Pictured: 1530 46th Ave NE, Hickory ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#14. Cumberland County
- Population: 332,861
- Median home value: $135,300 (51% own)
- Median rent: $941 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $46,875
- Top public schools: Cross Creek Early College High School (A), Massey Hill Classical High School (A), Cumberland International Early Colleges (A)
- Top private schools: Fayetteville Academy (A+), Village Christian Academy (A-), Fayetteville Christian School (A-)
- Top places to live: Spring Lake (B+), Fayetteville (B+), Vander (B+)
- Pictured: 169 Education Dr, Spring Lake ($489,970, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $135,300 (51% own)
- Median rent: $941 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $46,875
- Top public schools: Cross Creek Early College High School (A), Massey Hill Classical High School (A), Cumberland International Early Colleges (A)
- Top private schools: Fayetteville Academy (A+), Village Christian Academy (A-), Fayetteville Christian School (A-)
- Top places to live: Spring Lake (B+), Fayetteville (B+), Vander (B+)
- Pictured: 169 Education Dr, Spring Lake ($489,970, 5 bedrooms)
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#13. Iredell County
- Population: 175,538
- Median home value: $190,300 (72% own)
- Median rent: $868 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $60,955
- Top public schools: Pine Lake Preparatory School (A+), Collaborative College for Technology & Leadership (CCTL) (A), South Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Woodlawn School (A+), Statesville Christian School (B+), Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Mooresville (A), Troutman (A-), Statesville (B+)
- Pictured: 168 Broad Sound Pl, Mooresville ($7.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $190,300 (72% own)
- Median rent: $868 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $60,955
- Top public schools: Pine Lake Preparatory School (A+), Collaborative College for Technology & Leadership (CCTL) (A), South Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Woodlawn School (A+), Statesville Christian School (B+), Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Mooresville (A), Troutman (A-), Statesville (B+)
- Pictured: 168 Broad Sound Pl, Mooresville ($7.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#12. Durham County
- Population: 311,848
- Median home value: $223,000 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,067 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $60,958
- Top public schools: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (A+), Research Triangle High School (A+), Durham School of the Arts (A)
- Top private schools: Durham Academy (A+), Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill (A+), Camelot Academy (A+)
- Top places to live: Durham (A), Triangle Township (A+), Lebanon Township (A)
- Pictured: 483 Rosemont Dr, Durham ($6.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $223,000 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,067 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $60,958
- Top public schools: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (A+), Research Triangle High School (A+), Durham School of the Arts (A)
- Top private schools: Durham Academy (A+), Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill (A+), Camelot Academy (A+)
- Top places to live: Durham (A), Triangle Township (A+), Lebanon Township (A)
- Pictured: 483 Rosemont Dr, Durham ($6.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#11. Buncombe County
- Population: 256,886
- Median home value: $238,200 (63% own)
- Median rent: $975 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $52,207
- Top public schools: Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (A+), Evergreen Community Charter School (A), T.C. Roberson High School (A)
- Top private schools: Asheville School (A+), Carolina Day School (A+), Christ School (A+)
- Top places to live: Biltmore Forest (A+), Royal Pines (A), Weaverville (A)
- Pictured: 9 Brooklawn Chase, Asheville ($6.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $238,200 (63% own)
- Median rent: $975 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $52,207
- Top public schools: Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (A+), Evergreen Community Charter School (A), T.C. Roberson High School (A)
- Top private schools: Asheville School (A+), Carolina Day School (A+), Christ School (A+)
- Top places to live: Biltmore Forest (A+), Royal Pines (A), Weaverville (A)
- Pictured: 9 Brooklawn Chase, Asheville ($6.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. New Hanover County
- Population: 227,938
- Median home value: $243,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,031 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $54,891
- Top public schools: Isaac M. Bear High School (A), John T. Hoggard High School (A), Wilmington Early College High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cape Fear Academy (A+), Coastal Christian High School (A-), Wilmington Christian Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Wrightsville Beach (A), Carolina Beach (A), Myrtle Grove (A-)
- Pictured: 1 Auditorium Cir, Wrightsville Beach ($16.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $243,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,031 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $54,891
- Top public schools: Isaac M. Bear High School (A), John T. Hoggard High School (A), Wilmington Early College High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cape Fear Academy (A+), Coastal Christian High School (A-), Wilmington Christian Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Wrightsville Beach (A), Carolina Beach (A), Myrtle Grove (A-)
- Pictured: 1 Auditorium Cir, Wrightsville Beach ($16.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#9. Moore County
- Population: 97,294
- Median home value: $216,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $879 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $59,963
- Top public schools: The Academy of Moore County (A+), West Pine Elementary School (A), West End Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The O'Neal School (A+), Sandhills Classical Christian School (unavailable), Episcopal Day School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Pinehurst (A), Southern Pines (A), Aberdeen (A)
- Pictured: 10 Village Green Rd, Pinehurst ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $216,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $879 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $59,963
- Top public schools: The Academy of Moore County (A+), West Pine Elementary School (A), West End Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The O'Neal School (A+), Sandhills Classical Christian School (unavailable), Episcopal Day School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Pinehurst (A), Southern Pines (A), Aberdeen (A)
- Pictured: 10 Village Green Rd, Pinehurst ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#8. Chatham County
- Population: 71,338
- Median home value: $281,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $845 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $67,031
- Top public schools: Perry W. Harrison Elementary School (A-), Margaret B. Pollard Middle School (A-), Chatham Charter School (A-)
- Top private schools: Haw River Christian Academy (unavailable), Thales Academy Pittsboro K-5 (unavailable), Auldern Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Fearrington Village (A-), Pittsboro (A-), Siler City (B)
- Pictured: 28 McDowell Rd, Pittsboro ($525,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $281,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $845 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $67,031
- Top public schools: Perry W. Harrison Elementary School (A-), Margaret B. Pollard Middle School (A-), Chatham Charter School (A-)
- Top private schools: Haw River Christian Academy (unavailable), Thales Academy Pittsboro K-5 (unavailable), Auldern Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Fearrington Village (A-), Pittsboro (A-), Siler City (B)
- Pictured: 28 McDowell Rd, Pittsboro ($525,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#7. Forsyth County
- Population: 375,195
- Median home value: $159,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $812 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $51,569
- Top public schools: Early College of Forsyth (A+), Atkins Academic & Technology High School (A), Ronald W. Reagan High School (A)
- Top private schools: Forsyth Country Day School (A+), Salem Academy (A+), Calvary Day School (A)
- Top places to live: Clemmons (A+), Lewisville (A+), Winston-Salem (A)
- Pictured: 3645 Harper Rd, Clemmons ($3.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $159,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $812 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $51,569
- Top public schools: Early College of Forsyth (A+), Atkins Academic & Technology High School (A), Ronald W. Reagan High School (A)
- Top private schools: Forsyth Country Day School (A+), Salem Academy (A+), Calvary Day School (A)
- Top places to live: Clemmons (A+), Lewisville (A+), Winston-Salem (A)
- Pictured: 3645 Harper Rd, Clemmons ($3.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#6. Cabarrus County
- Population: 206,615
- Median home value: $203,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $925 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $67,328
- Top public schools: Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School (A), J.N. Fries Middle School (A), Cox Mill High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cannon School (A+), Christ the King Catholic High School (A), Covenant Classical School (B+)
- Top places to live: Harrisburg (A+), Concord (A), Kannapolis (B+)
- Pictured: 9212 Sanger Ct, Harrisburg ($787,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $203,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $925 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $67,328
- Top public schools: Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School (A), J.N. Fries Middle School (A), Cox Mill High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cannon School (A+), Christ the King Catholic High School (A), Covenant Classical School (B+)
- Top places to live: Harrisburg (A+), Concord (A), Kannapolis (B+)
- Pictured: 9212 Sanger Ct, Harrisburg ($787,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#5. Union County
- Population: 231,053
- Median home value: $241,400 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,030 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $80,033
- Top public schools: Marvin Ridge High School (A+), Weddington High School (A+), Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+)
- Top private schools: Arborbrook Christian Academy (A-), Metrolina Christian Academy (A-), Grace Academy (B)
- Top places to live: Marvin (A+), Weddington (A+), Waxhaw (A)
- Pictured: 7301 Twelve Mile Creek Rd, Lancaster ($649,815, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $241,400 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,030 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $80,033
- Top public schools: Marvin Ridge High School (A+), Weddington High School (A+), Central Academy of Technology & Arts (A+)
- Top private schools: Arborbrook Christian Academy (A-), Metrolina Christian Academy (A-), Grace Academy (B)
- Top places to live: Marvin (A+), Weddington (A+), Waxhaw (A)
- Pictured: 7301 Twelve Mile Creek Rd, Lancaster ($649,815, 4 bedrooms)
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#4. Guilford County
- Population: 527,868
- Median home value: $167,000 (59% own)
- Median rent: $878 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $53,261
- Top public schools: The Early College at Guilford (A+), The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T (A+), Greensboro Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Greensboro Day School (A+), Wesleyan Christian Academy (A), Caldwell Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Oak Ridge (A+), Summerfield (A), Jamestown (A)
- Pictured: 8305 Meadows Rd Unit 4, Oak Ridge ($2.5 million, 11 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $167,000 (59% own)
- Median rent: $878 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $53,261
- Top public schools: The Early College at Guilford (A+), The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T (A+), Greensboro Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Greensboro Day School (A+), Wesleyan Christian Academy (A), Caldwell Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Oak Ridge (A+), Summerfield (A), Jamestown (A)
- Pictured: 8305 Meadows Rd Unit 4, Oak Ridge ($2.5 million, 11 bedrooms)
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#3. Mecklenburg County
- Population: 1,074,475
- Median home value: $238,000 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,146 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $66,641
- Top public schools: Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (A+), Ardrey Kell High School (A+), Community School of Davidson (A+)
- Top private schools: Providence Day School (A+), Charlotte Country Day School (A+), Charlotte Latin School (A+)
- Top places to live: Uptown (A+), First Ward (A+), Dilworth (A+)
- Pictured: 6933 Loretta Pl, Charlotte ($337,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $238,000 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,146 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $66,641
- Top public schools: Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (A+), Ardrey Kell High School (A+), Community School of Davidson (A+)
- Top private schools: Providence Day School (A+), Charlotte Country Day School (A+), Charlotte Latin School (A+)
- Top places to live: Uptown (A+), First Ward (A+), Dilworth (A+)
- Pictured: 6933 Loretta Pl, Charlotte ($337,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#2. Orange County
- Population: 144,836
- Median home value: $308,800 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,093 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $71,723
- Top public schools: East Chapel Hill High School (A+), Carrboro High School (A+), Chapel Hill High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Carolina Friends School (A+), Emerson Waldorf School (A), St. Thomas More Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Chapel Hill (A+), Carrboro (A+), Hillsborough (A)
- Pictured: 131 Lots 1 2 4 Winsome Ln, Chapel Hill ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $308,800 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,093 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $71,723
- Top public schools: East Chapel Hill High School (A+), Carrboro High School (A+), Chapel Hill High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Carolina Friends School (A+), Emerson Waldorf School (A), St. Thomas More Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Chapel Hill (A+), Carrboro (A+), Hillsborough (A)
- Pictured: 131 Lots 1 2 4 Winsome Ln, Chapel Hill ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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realtor.com
#1. Wake County
- Population: 1,069,079
- Median home value: $281,700 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,150 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $80,591
- 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: Cary Academy (A+), Ravenscroft School (A+), St. David's School (A+)
- Top places to live: Morrisville (A+), Cary (A+), Apex (A+)
- Pictured: 204 Weston Estates Way, Morrisville ($899,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $281,700 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,150 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $80,591
- 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: Cary Academy (A+), Ravenscroft School (A+), St. David's School (A+)
- Top places to live: Morrisville (A+), Cary (A+), Apex (A+)
- Pictured: 204 Weston Estates Way, Morrisville ($899,900, 5 bedrooms)
