2 NC metros named among the most livable in the US (one’s No. 8)
North Carolina is home to two of the most livable metros in the U.S., a new analysis says.
Rent Cafe ranked Asheville and Wilmington among the nation’s Most Livable Metro Areas, both earning high marks for location and overall quality of life, according to the Jan. 3 report.
The annual report ranks 149 U.S. metros across 17 metrics including cost of living, access to health care, and the unemployment rate. The share of higher educated residents and availability of social clubs/organizations were also considered.
Here’s how these North Carolina cities stacked up against other major metros:
How livable is Asheville?
Home to more than 400,000 residents, the Asheville metro is among the most livable in the U.S.
It was the only North Carolina metro to crack the Top 10, coming in eighth on the nationwide list, according to Rent Cafe’s report. Here’s how it fared in key categories:
- Socioeconomics: 50th
- Quality of life: 31st
- Location & community: 6th
“Known for its mountain-town vibes, this area’s appeal lies in its income growth rate (8%, third-highest nationwide) and its focus on overall wellness, offering access to more than 3,000 healthcare providers,” the report said.
The Asheville area especially shined in location & community. Travel + Leisure magazine recently recognized the city as a top travel destination in 2026, highlighting its attractiveness to nature enthusiasts.
Recovery efforts are ongoing in Western North Carolina more than a year after Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville and surrounding cities. The region saw heavy rain and catastrophic flooding, leaving roads impassable and littered with mud, trees and debris.
“My biggest concern post-hurricane was: Will people give up?” Meherwan Irani, chef and owner of Chai Pani in Asheville, told Travel + Leisure. The restaurant specializes in Indian street food and served as a base for World Central Kitchen during the storm, the magazine reported.
“What I’ve seen over the last year was people not throwing in the towel, but choosing to rebuild, sometimes against financial odds,” Irani said.
How livable is Wilmington?
In overall livability, the Wilmington area was ranked 17th out of 149 major U.S. metros, according to Rent Cafe’s report. The port city shined across key metrics:
- Socioeconomics: 38th
- Quality of life: 40th
- Location & community: 18th
The Coastal Carolina city is also a popular travel destination known for its beaches, food and shopping.
“The heart of Wilmington is concentrated in its lively, walkable river district, which showcases the city’s progressive culture and historic setting,” according to Wilmington + Beaches.com
“Defined by its rich past and a bright future, Wilmington, NC, is a vibrant riverfront city with timeless character that has preserved its historic places, while fostering an ever-evolving independent spirit.”
What are the most livable metros in the US?
The Washington, D.C. area is the most livable metro in the U.S., according to Rent Cafe’s report.
The nation’s capital took the No. 1 spot and was recognized for its location and quality of life. More specifically, its “focus on wellness, revitalization efforts and unmatched professional networking opportunities helped it climb from seventh place last year to the top spot,” the report said.
Here are the other major metros that landed in the top 10:
- Washington, DC (No. 1)
- Portland, Maine (No. 2)
- Kansas City, Missouri (No. 3)
- Des Moines, Iowa (No. 4)
- Ann Arbor, Michigan (No. 5)
- Albany, New York (No. 6)
- Columbus, Ohio (No. 7)
- Asheville, NC (No. 8)
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (No. 9)
- Boise, Idaho (No. 10)
How other North Carolina cities were ranked
Beyond Asheville and Wilmington, several other North Carolina metros were recognized for their livability:
- Durham, North Carolina (No. 62)
- Raleigh, North Carolina (No. 85)
- Winston, North Carolina (No. 92)
- Fayetteville, North Carolina (No. 96)
- Hickory, North Carolina (No. 98)
- Charlotte, North Carolina (No. 129)
This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 12:52 PM.