An NC city is among Top 10 ‘best affordable’ places to live in the US in 2024, report says

Hickory, NC was named one of the best affordable places to live in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report.Photo byChad Austin, Inc.

Four North Carolina cities were recently named among the top 25 places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Now, Hickory, NC, is also being recognized for its affordability. For the second consecutive year, Hickory has been listed among the best affordable places to live in America, ranking at No. 6.

Key Highlights:

• Overall Rank for Best Places 2024: 26
• Population: 58,242
• Median Household Income: $63,531
• Income Spent on Living Expenses: 22.48%

About Hickory:

• Location: Nestled in the rolling mountains of Appalachia.
• Community: Offers a small-town atmosphere with growth from nearby metro areas like Charlotte and Asheville.
• Attractions: Bustling arts district, endless mountain ranges, and a notable stock car speedway.
• Demographics: Popular among retirees, families, and young professionals.
• Housing Affordability:
• • Median home price: $213,934
  • Median monthly rent: $890
  • Ranked No. 4 for housing affordability.

Comparison with Other NC Cities:

• Top 25 Best Places to Live: Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, and Greensboro.
• Best Affordable Places: Hickory is the only North Carolina city on the list.

Other Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.:

1. Fort Wayne, IN
2. Huntsville, AL
3. Wichita, KS
4. Springfield, MO
5. Davenport, IA
6. Hickory, NC
7. Montgomery, AL
8. Green Bay, WI
9. Little Rock, AR
10. Oklahoma City, OK
11. Lexington, KY
12. Lafayette, LA
13. Omaha, NE
14. Brownsville, TX
15. Lincoln, NE
16. Peoria, IL
17. Louisville, KY
18. South End, IN
19. Toledo, OH
20. Rockford, IL
21. Indianapolis, IN
22. McAllen, TX
23. Kansas City, MO
24. Tulsa, OK
25. Dayton, OH

For the full report of the 25 best affordable places to live in the U.S., visit here.