Best Cities for Young Professionals in North Carolina
North Carolina ranks #14 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 63.1. Apex is its best city for young professionals at 75.9.
- North Carolina, all states
- #14 of 50
- Population
- 70,630
Why North Carolina Works for Young Professionals
North Carolina ranks #14 out of 50 for young professionals, placing it in the upper tier for career-oriented relocators. The state's economy scores 43/100, though with 3.8% unemployment and a median household income of $73,958. Population growth of 1.32% signals that people — and employers — are actively choosing North Carolina.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. North Carolina's cost-of-living index of 94.3 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. The growth score of 66/100 — driven by population gains and migration patterns — suggests expanding opportunity.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. North Carolina's livability score of 35/100 is modest, which may matter to young professionals who value nightlife, dining, and cultural events. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 48/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 22 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Apex | A+ | 75.9 | 74.9 | 89 | 95 | 42 | 70,630 |
| 2Cary | A+ | 68.3 | 71.2 | 84 | 52 | 51 | 179,306 |
| 3Wake Forest | A+ | 68.3 | 69.2 | 78 | 71 | 48 | 52,844 |
| 4Huntersville | A+ | 67.3 | 68.0 | 76 | 65 | 45 | 63,969 |
| 5Chapel Hill | A | 62.0 | 65.1 | 59 | 45 | 67 | 61,607 |
| 6Raleigh | B+ | 60.9 | 61.2 | 61 | 59 | 56 | 481,031 |
| 7Concord | B+ | 59.9 | 60.8 | 60 | 59 | 43 | 108,719 |
| 8Charlotte | B | 58.8 | 56.3 | 56 | 63 | 52 | 903,844 |
| 9Durham | B | 58.4 | 57.4 | 59 | 59 | 53 | 291,467 |
| 10Kannapolis | B | 57.7 | 57.9 | 53 | 58 | 56 | 57,890 |
| 11Wilmington | B | 56.8 | 55.7 | 51 | 53 | 62 | 120,805 |
| 12Mooresville | B+ | 56.6 | 60.5 | 60 | 48 | 35 | 52,381 |
| 13High Point | C+ | 52.6 | 53.3 | 45 | 58 | 37 | 116,245 |
| 14Jacksonville | C+ | 52.5 | 53.4 | 39 | 38 | 30 | 71,279 |
| 15Greenville | C | 50.9 | 49.6 | 39 | 51 | 41 | 92,857 |
| 16Greensboro | C | 49.5 | 49.7 | 45 | 48 | 38 | 301,198 |
| 17Asheville | C | 48.3 | 51.7 | 44 | 20 | 70 | 94,535 |
| 18Winston-Salem | D | 48.1 | 47.8 | 44 | 46 | 34 | 252,037 |
| 19Gastonia | D | 47.9 | 47.3 | 46 | 54 | 35 | 82,884 |
| 20Burlington | D | 47.4 | 48.1 | 44 | 41 | 38 | 59,610 |
| 21Fayetteville | D | 45.9 | 46.8 | 39 | 37 | 32 | 210,815 |
| 22Rocky Mount | D | 45.3 | 44.4 | 32 | 33 | 61 | 54,297 |
City young professionals scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: North Carolina for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina a good state for young professionals?
North Carolina ranks #14 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 63.1/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (74/100) and its weakest is Livability (35/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in North Carolina?
Apex ranks #1 in North Carolina for young professionals with a score of 75.9/100, followed by Cary and Wake Forest.
What factors are most important for young professionals in North Carolina?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.