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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Two Wake County communities ranked among the top 20 best places to live in the United States, according to a new national report released on Tuesday.
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The annual 2026–2027 “Best Places to Live” rankings from U.S. News & World Report evaluated hundreds of cities and towns nationwide, with several North Carolina communities earning spots on the list.
Cary led the state and ranked No. 11 nationally, while Apex followed at No. 20.
“Cary’s continued recognition as one of the nation’s top communities is especially meaningful because it reflects what people experience here every day,” Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said in a statement.
“People come here and stay here because Cary offers a rare combination of safety, opportunity, beauty, connection, and service. On behalf of Council, I’m grateful for our residents, community partners, and outstanding staff, whose shared commitment and thoughtful work continue to make Cary one of the best places to live in America.”
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Cary scored highly for value compared to similarly sized cities and also benefited from shorter-than-average commute times, a strong job market, lower unemployment and higher median household income.
Elsewhere in central North Carolina, Pinehurst ranked No. 102 nationally, while Raleigh and Chapel Hill came in at No. 185 and No. 188, respectively.
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In the statewide rankings, Cary, Apex and Pinehurst claimed the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5 spots. Raleigh and Chapel Hill ranked No. 8 and No. 9.
Other central North Carolina communities included in the statewide rankings were Durham (No. 12), Rocky Mount (No. 17), Goldsboro (No. 21) and Fayetteville (No. 22).
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The rankings were based on several factors, including quality of life, affordability, health care access, retiree taxes, desirability and job market strength.
According to the publication, the rankings were determined using a public survey of thousands of U.S. residents, along with data from federal agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The recognition comes after Niche.com once again named Cary the best place to live in North Carolina for 2026.
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