A North Carolina suburb has been named the state’s top “boomtown,” and the accolades keep coming.
Apex, located southwest of Raleigh, currently ranks No. 10 on the nation’s list of the most desirable places to live, according to the latest results in late January.
“In our study, the southern United States was by far the most popular relocation destination,” wrote U.S. News & World Report, which released the rankings. “Mild temperatures, coastal living and year-round outdoor activities may be driving this interest, although a lower cost of living and more affordable housing may also be factors.”
To create the list, U.S. News said it looked at the proportion of people moving in and out of cities across the country. It also takes into account where people are looking online, focusing on searches that indicate interest in moving.
What’s so special about Apex?
Apex, with a population of about 85,000, is the only place in North Carolina to crack the top ten. The town has been praised for providing residents with a prime location close to employment opportunities in healthcare, education and technology industries.
“It offers a small-town feel while being close enough to Raleigh for big-city activities,” U.S. News writes. “Additionally, its proximity to the Research Triangle—the area that connects Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—offers a wealth of job opportunities.”
A skater skates at the Rodgers Family Skate Plaza in Apex, which once again made the national rankings.
Apex is no stranger to critical acclaim. In 2024, the suburb became the state’s number one “boom town” due to growth in population, income and housing. It was also recently named the safest town in the state and one of the best small cities in the country, The News & Observer previously reported.
What other cities in North Carolina are more ideal?
This time around, Apex isn’t the only destination drawing people to North Carolina. Here are the other top 50 cities in the United States:
Here are some other highlights from North Carolina’s national rankings:
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Brunswick County ranks No. 1 among most desirable counties
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North Carolina ranks fourth among most desirable states
Apex ranks among the most desirable cities in the United States.
Why people are attracted to North Carolina
Southern cities dominate the list of places people consider calling home. U.S. News says people may dream of North Carolina because of the state’s quality of life and other amenities.
“States like North Carolina offer diverse natural beauty — from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coast — yet have a lower cost of living than many other states,” U.S. News editor Kathryn Core told the N&O via email.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the number one most attractive city nationwide is Conway, South Carolina. This top-ranked destination is located near the popular vacation destination of Myrtle Beach.
Portions of this story were previously published in The News & Observer.
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