North Carolina City Lands On The Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025

Photo byHello Landing

Choosing the right city to call home can be a daunting task, especially in a country as vast as the U.S. Fortunately, U.S. News & World Report has made the decision a bit easier with their annual list of the Best Places to Live.

I'm thrilled to share that Charlotte, North Carolina, landed at #5 on this prestigious list!

Photo byhellolanding

I’ve lived all over the country—from northern New Jersey to Little Rock, Arkansas, Tucson, Arizona, Sacramento, California, and Memphis, Tennessee—before finally settling in Charlotte. So, I can confidently say that this ranking is well-deserved.

U.S. News evaluated 150 major cities based on factors like job market health, housing affordability, quality of life, and overall desirability. They also surveyed thousands of Americans to find out what really matters when choosing a place to live.

This year, Naples, Florida, took the top spot, praised for its job prospects and quality of life. Boise, Idaho, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, followed in second and third places, respectively. Greenville, South Carolina, also made the list, but let’s be honest—Charlotte’s the city that truly shines in the Carolinas!

Raleigh also represented North Carolina in the top 10, coming in just behind Charlotte. Whether you're drawn by its job opportunities, vibrant culture, or overall livability, Charlotte is proving itself as one of the best places to live in the U.S.