Great news for the Piedmont Triad—High Point, NC has been ranked 10th best place to live in the state by U.S. News & World Report for its 2025–2026 “Best Places to Live” list. This recognition highlights a community that’s thriving in affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life highpoint.edu.
What Makes High Point Stand Out?
- Population: Approximately 115,000 residents with a median age of 36.5 realestate.usnews.com+1niche.com+1.
- Cost of Living: Home values around $230K—significantly lower than the national average, while rent remains affordable at roughly $856 per month areavibes.com.
- Commute Times: Average daily commute is just 17 minutes—considerably shorter than national norms niche.com+12realestate.usnews.com+12nar.realtor+12.
- Cultural Richness: Known as North Carolina’s “International City,” High Point blends rich history, arts, and global commerce, home to over 70 international companies en.wikipedia.org+12highpoint.edu+12en.wikipedia.org+12.
Livability Highlights
- High Point scores well on housing affordability, low unemployment, and commute times bestplaces.net+5realestate.usnews.com+5areavibes.com+5.
- Although crime rates are a noted concern, the city’s vibrant arts scene, community spirit, and familial appeal balance the scale nar.realtor+3areavibes.com+3architecturaldigest.com+3.
- With deep ties to the furniture industry and growing international businesses, it’s a hub of economic growth highpoint.edu.
Why This Matters for Residents and Businesses
- For families and professionals: Affordable living, shorter commutes, and a strong community fabric make High Point an attractive choice.
- For businesses and developers: A growing city with reputable quality of life rankings brings talent, stability, and economic appeal.
What Locals Say
High Point’s identity as the “International City” echoes in its strong global business presence—bolstered by annual cultural events like the John Coltrane Jazz & Blues Festival and diverse dining options bestplaces.net+5highpoint.edu+5areavibes.com+5.
What’s Next for High Point?
Being named a top 10 North Carolina city sets the stage for continued growth in:
- Commercial developments and infrastructure projects
- Investment in community amenities and public safety
- Residential expansion driven by affordability and lifestyle
Explore More
Curious how High Point ranked compared to other top 10 cities nationally? Check out U.S. News’ full Best Places to Live report.
High Point’s #10 ranking reflects the city’s ongoing evolution—from furniture capital to a diverse, dynamic, and family-friendly community. It’s a strong signal that this is a great time to live, work, and invest here.
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2 NC cities cracked US News’ top 10 ‘Best Places to Live … – Yahoo
