How livable is Raleigh? See how it stacks up against other US metros
Raleigh is among the most livable metros in the U.S., according to a new analysis.
The metro area, home to more than 1.5 million residents, was one of multiple North Carolina metros to land on RentCafe.com’s Most Livable Metro Areas list, published Jan. 3.
Noteworthy metrics include the city’s access to local food and availability of social clubs and organizations, data show.
The annual report ranks 149 U.S. metros across 17 metrics including cost of living, access to health care, and the unemployment rate. Here’s how the Raleigh area measured up against other major metros:
How livable is Raleigh, NC?
In overall livability, Raleigh was ranked No. 85 out of 149 other major U.S. metros, according to Rent Cafe’s report. Here’s a breakdown of key metrics:
- Socioeconomics: 19th
- Quality of life: 97th
- Location + community: 109
Asheville is the highest rated NC city
Asheville placed highest among North Carolina metros, coming in eighth on the nationwide list.
“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,” Rent Cafe said.
Durham and other NC rankings:
- Wilmington at No. 17
- Durham at No. 62
- Winston-Salem at 92
- Fayetteville at 96
- Hickory at 98
- Charlotte at 129
What are the most livable metros in the U.S.?
The Washington, D.C. area was crowned this year’s most livable metro, knocking Portland, Maine from the No. 1 spot. The city was recognized for its location and quality of life.
“Specifically, the capital’s focus on wellness, revitalization efforts and unmatched professional networking opportunities helped it climb from seventh place last year to the top spot,” the report says.
Here are the other major U.S. 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, NY (No. 6)
- Columbus, Ohio (No. 7)
- Asheville, North Carolina (No. 8)
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (No. 9)
- Boise, Idaho (No. 10)
Raleigh among fastest-growing metros
U-Haul rental data showed strong inbound moves to the Raleigh area in 2025, placing it among the fastest-growing metros in the U.S.
The Raleigh area placed eighth on the Top 25 list and outpaced other major metros including Atlanta and McAllen, Texas, data show.
For the report, the moving company ranked U.S. cities and metro areas “by their net gain (or loss) of customers” who rented a one-way truck, trailer or moving container in one city or metro and dropped off the equipment in another.
Interstate and intrastate moves were also included.
“While rankings may not correlate directly to population or economic growth, the U-Haul Growth Index is an effective gauge of how well states, metros and cities are attracting and maintaining residents,” U-Haul said.
This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 1:25 PM.