Multiple Carolinas Cities Rank Among Nation’s Best

Recent rankings highlighted the appeal of cities across the Carolinas: U.S. News placed Apex, North Carolina, at No. 10 among the nation’s most desirable places to live, with Wilmington at No. 24 and Cary at No. 49, citing migration interest and the region’s affordability, climate and outdoor amenities. Charleston ranked No. 10 overall and No. 2 among midsize cities in WalletHub’s 2027 college-town list, which assessed factors including academic opportunities, cost of living and recreation; the city is home to six colleges. Charleston also topped Condé Nast Traveler’s reader-voted list of the nation’s best small cities for the fifth consecutive year, while Greenville ranked fourth. South Carolina also earned top spots in the publication’s island and resort categories, though Charleston’s popularity coincides with substantial population growth and tourism.