North Carolina City is the #1 City for Renters in the U.S.
Calling all renters in the U.S. Nowadays, many of us are renters in this economy. Well, if there’s one thing us renters know it’s that it is very expensive to find a place. Whether you are wanting to rent an apartment or rent a home, it can be costly and hard to find the best deal. Many renters complain about the costs of these places and the things you are actually getting. Now, as a renter, I know that it really is a great idea to rent when you are not sure if a place is where you want to settle. I also know that renting can be a great thing for those wanting an easy-going life with maintenance and amenities, but at what cost?
A recent study done by Zillow shows that the average rent price has increased by 35.7% from December 2018 to December 2023. Now THAT is insane. And as someone who has rented since 2018, trust me when I say I WISH the cost of renting was what it used to be. The idea of getting affordable rent cost can be very overwhelming. Fortunately, studies show that there are a few U.S. cities where rent isn’t that bad. The #1 BEST city for renters in the U.S. is actually right here in North Carolina.
#1 City for Renters in the U.S.
So where should you go for the best renter experience? Cary, North Carolina has been named the #1 best city for renters in the U.S. Thanks to its high safety score, affordability, and high-paying job market the city has really been booming. The typical rent in Cary is an average of $1,719 with the average renter making $73,872. Cary is located right outside of Raleigh near the Triangle area. The city has been named one of the best suburbs in North Carolina, a diverse city, and one of the best cities for young adults. It seems Cary has found its place to be one of the best cities in North Carolina.
Are you wondering what other cities made the list of the best cities for renters in the U.S.? Check out the full report here and see what other cities around the country might have better rent prices than us.
Beware: The 7 Riskiest North Carolina Cities For Homeowners
7. Cary, NC
Nationally Cary, NC the southwest Wake County suburb of Raleigh, ranked 160th out of 170th when it comes to risk. So if you’re looking to purchase a home, this is just another benefit to attribute to the city. It also has low crime, fantastic schools, lots of businesses, and is just a great place to live (or stay when visiting the Triangle).
Homes with Flood Risk: 12%
Homes with Wildfire Risk: 60%
Homes with Heat Risk: 89%
Natural Disasters: 23
Avg. Age of Homes: 22
Percent of Vacant Homes: 8.3%
Fire Stations Per 100K: 5.0
Property Crime Per 100K: 1,102
6. Raleigh, NC
Staying in the same area next on the list is our state’s capital. Raleigh North Carolina ranked 143rd nationally on the list. Making it one of the least risky cities nationwide to purchase a home. It is a great place to live with all the amenities of city life including professional sports- The Carolina Hurricanes, multiple universities, a thriving downtown, and more.
Homes with Flood Risk: 13%
Homes with Wildfire Risk: 59%
Homes with Heat Risk: 82%
Natural Disasters: 23
Avg. Age of Homes: 24
Percent of Vacant Homes: 13.3%
Fire Stations Per 100K: 5.9
Property Crime Per 100K: 2,304
5. Greensboro, NC
The third least risky spot to buy a home in North Carolina? Greensboro. It’s a city that probably (ok certainly) doesn’t get enough recognition. The city is thriving and growing, with tons to offer. The Greensboro Coliseum hosts national acts, and often the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament. I’ve also heard great things at the developing food and drink scene. It ranked 120th nationally.
Homes with Flood Risk: 10%
Homes with Wildfire Risk: 35%
Homes with Heat Risk: 100%
Natural Disasters: 25
Avg. Age of Homes: 37
Percent of Vacant Homes: 7.8%
Fire Stations Per 100K: 8.6
Property Crime Per 100K: 3,755
4. Durham, NC
The triangle certainly takes the title of the least risky area of the state to purchase a home in. Durham ranked 113th nationally. Downtown Durham is full of breweries, restaurants, the DPAC for performing arts and concerts, and a minor league baseball stadium home to the Durham Bulls. It also tends to be a little more affordable than other cities/suburbs in the Triangle.
Homes with Flood Risk: 9%
Homes with Wildfire Risk: 73%
Homes with Heat Risk: 97%
Natural Disasters: 21
Avg. Age of Homes: 26
Percent of Vacant Homes: 7.4%
Fire Stations Per 100K: 6.5
Property Crime Per 100K: 3,254
3. Charlotte, NC
Purchasing a home in Charlotte isn’t without risk. The Queen City ranks with the third highest risk in the state. Though it still ranks in the bottom half nationally at 101st. So make of that what you will. All I can say from experience is that it seems like you’ll get a good return on your investment as I watched home prices nearly double in the past 4 years. Which is great for homeowners, but terrible for those looking to purchase.
Homes with Flood Risk: 10%
Homes with Wildfire Risk: 58%
Homes with Heat Risk: 96%
Natural Disasters: 14
Avg. Age of Homes: 27
Percent of Vacant Homes: 6.9%
Fire Stations Per 100K: 4.8
Property Crime Per 100K: 3,592
2. Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville tends to get the short end of the stick when it comes to a lot of this list. I’ve only visited once, and while yes, there isn’t as much to offer as some of the larger cities it’s not a bad place from what I can tell. Fayetteville ranked 60th nationally and as the 2nd riskiest city in North Carolina. Being closer to the coast than any other city on this list probably factors in for metrics like natural disasters and flood risks.
Homes with Flood Risk: 16%
Homes with Wildfire Risk: 91%
Homes with Heat Risk: 100%
Natural Disasters: 20
Avg. Age of Homes: 39
Percent of Vacant Homes: 8.0%
Fire Stations Per 100K: 8.1
Property Crime Per 100K: 3,458
1. Winston-Salem, NC
And the riskiest city for homeownership in North Carolina? It’s Winston-Salem. Though for the city’s credit it still only ranks 56th nationally. So overall the state stands pretty well.
Homes with Flood Risk: 9%
Homes with Wildfire Risk: 57%
Homes with Heat Risk: 100%
Natural Disasters: 21
Avg. Age of Homes: 40
Percent of Vacant Homes: 12.2%
Fire Stations Per 100K: 7.6
Property Crime Per 100K: 3,893
