These 2 ‘dynamic’ NC cities rank among the best in the South. Here’s why
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- Southern Living asked its readers to share their favorite places in the region.
- Asheville ranks No. 3 and Wilmington is No. 7 as the cities were praised for attractions.
- Outside the top 10, Charlotte was named the 18th best destination in the South.
Two North Carolina cities are bursting with attractions — and fans can’t get enough of them.
Now, Asheville ranks No. 3 and Wilmington is No. 7 on a list of the Southern cities that people love the most, according to results published Thursday, March 12.
“This year, our reader-voted favorite cities represent the region, from the sunny shores of Florida to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains — and everywhere in between,” Southern Living magazine wrote in its report. “One thing they all have in common? A sense of soul that’s palpable in the vibrant green spaces, award-winning restaurants, and local shops that make these places so special.”
The North Carolina cities landed in the top 10 after the magazine worked with researchers at Proof Insights. From July 9 to Sept. 9, they conducted an online survey that asked readers to “rate their favorite places across the South.”
Why Wilmington and Asheville rank high
More than 17,000 people shared their input across several South’s Best award categories. When it came to cities, Southern Living praised the winners for being “dynamic” and having perks that range from “great food to vibrant neighborhoods.”
Of the two North Carolina cities in the top 10, Asheville ranked the highest at No. 3. The mountain destination was recognized for offering the “bucket-list”-worthy Biltmore Estate and a top-notch food and drink scene.
“An artsy mountain town with a penchant for an ice-cold beer, farm-to-table plate, and afternoon hike, you can have it all on a trip to Asheville,” Southern Living wrote. “Despite the widespread damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024, the city has bounced back, welcoming visitors with all the same energy that it has ever had.”
As Asheville continues to rebuild, it has ranked as a top destination on several best-of lists. The Explore Asheville tourism website encourages travelers to check if businesses in hard-hit areas are open before visiting them, CharlotteFive previously reported.
Another destination accustomed to receiving nods is Wilmington, which recently was named one of the nation’s top areas for beachgoers. In the latest Southern Living rankings, the city landed in the No. 7 spot.
“Named our South’s Best City on the Rise in 2024, this coastal charmer has only continued to get better each year since,” the magazine wrote. “There’s not much you can’t find here. There’s a scenic river walk, a historic downtown, great dining, nearby beaches, historic attractions, beautiful gardens, and unique neighborhoods to explore.”
Which other cities are fan favorites?
Outside the top 10, Charlotte was the only other North Carolina city to rank among Southern Living’s top 20. It took the No. 18 spot as it was praised for its “booming food scene,” lively event lineup and other assets.
Across the region, the magazine said the No. 1 best city was the tourist hot spot of Charleston, South Carolina. Here are the other places rounding out the top five:
- Savannah, Georgia, at No. 2
- Nashville, Tennesee, at No. 4
- New Orleans at No. 5
This story was originally published March 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "These 2 ‘dynamic’ NC cities rank among the best in the South. Here’s why."
