Best Places to Live in North Carolina for Black Families
North Carolina, frequently referred to as the Tar Heel State, is home to both busy cities and tranquil countryside. It has a rich history, a booming economy, and a diverse cultural population. You’ll be delighted to discover that North Carolina has many wonderful areas for black families thinking about relocation to grow their careers and raise a family.
I’ve traveled through each of these places in North Carolina to get a first hand feel of the vibe. There were so many areas that are welcoming and diversified, that I just had to include as many as I could. This will give you lots of options when considering where to relocate to in NC.
Each of these towns and cities has its own attraction, and in this post, I’ll walk you through the 18 best places to live in North Carolina for black families, starting with number 18 and ending with our the best.
For the best places to live in Georgia for black families, check out this article.
18. Burlington
Beginning at number 18 on the list of the best places to live in North Carolina for black families, Burlington is a well-known city in Alamance County for its friendly vibe and strong sense of community. Black families will value the excellent education that the Alamance-Burlington School System offers.
The Mayco Bigelow Community Center, the center for cultural activities and neighborhood get-togethers that gives black families a feeling of community, is another highlight of Burlington [1]. A tribute to its flourishing black community, it also hosts the annual African-American Cultural Arts Festival [2].
17. Gastonia
Next is Gastonia, which is a city in Gaston County. In addition to the advantages of living close to Charlotte’s big metropolitan region, this community provides a small-town atmosphere. With a population that is economically diverse, Gastonia offers prospects for company owners, particularly those who want to launch small enterprises. Gastion Business Associaion offers resources specifically aimed at helping minority & women small business owners [3].
The African American Museum of History $ Culture at Loray Mill frequently host programs and activities focused on African-American history and culture [4]. I went along to the Martha Speaks art exhibit event in March 2023, it was fascinating finding out more about the culture in the city, and Martha’s inspiration which led to the incredible pieces of artwork being created.
16. Goldsboro
Wayne County is where Goldsboro is located. The outstanding healthcare system in this city gives families a sense of comfort [5]. Additionally, the area is home to a number of historically black churches that support the neighborhood by providing moral support and a feeling of unity.
In addition, Goldsboro is home to the African American Music Trail, which honors the vibrant musical tradition of the African American community.
15. Salisbury
A historic city with a strong feeling of community is Salisbury in Rowan County. Black families in this area appreciate the J.C. Price American Legion Post, an African-American Veterans organization that serves as the hub of the neighborhood. In 2019, the organization celebrated its’ 100th birthday [6].
It organizes yearly events including Memorial Day festivities that provide families a chance to get engaged with their neighborhood and origins.
There are a range of African American heritage sites in Salisbury, showcasing the black history in the area [7].
14. Wilson
The annual African American Music and Cultural Festival is held in Wilson, a town in Wilson County, and it is quite popular among black families. Its thriving cultural sector provides a variety of concerts and exhibitions, including those at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center [8]. Wilson also offers several job possibilities in the healthcare and customer service fields [9].
13. Kinston
Kinston, a city rich in history and culture, is located in Lenoir County. Here are several important destinations on the African American Music Trail, including the site of the former Manhattan Club.
Furthermore, Kinston has a vibrant NAACP branch that is actively involved in neighborhood projects and offers chances for families to get connected and make a difference. NAACP is advocate for social justice and civil rights for Black Americans [10].
12. High Point
Guilford County’s High Point has been referred to as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World” [11]. The city is multicultural and embraces all families. I went along to the annual John Coltrane Jazz Festival during Labor Weekend, and it was great to see such a diverse range of people at the event. It was special witnessing the John Coltrane Youth Jazz Workshop open the festival. It got its name after the city’s native and well-known African-American jazz musician.
Magnet programs are also available in High Point schools, giving kids varied educational possibilities.
11. Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is a city with a rich past and a developing tech sector [12]. The historically black university Winston-Salem State, which provides great educational and employment possibilities, is located in the city. Additionally, the Forsyth County Public Library’s African American Archive is a fantastic resource for local African American history.
This is also one of the most conservative city in North Carolina!
10. Greensboro
The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is one of several attractions in Greensboro, which is ranked number 10. A celebration of various cultures, including African-American folk music and dancing, the North Carolina Folk Festival is also held in the city [13]. When I was at the festival earlier this year, I witnessed the performance of Leyla McCalla, who is a Hairian-American milti-instrumentalist. The stories behind some of her songs are so emotional.
Additionally, Greensboro’s vibrant National Urban League Young Professionals branch offers young black professionals networking opportunities [14].
9. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, along with Raleigh and Durham, makes up a portion of the Research Triangle and is well renowned for its excellent educational possibilities [15].
The town hosts festivals like the Festifall Arts Festival, which contribute to its diversified cultural environment. At the University of North Carolina, the Stone Center for Black Culture and History acts as a center for African-American education and culture. I was lucky enough to get a tour of the center when I visited earlier this year, and I was amazed to find out that the facility was constructed using donations and private gifts, which covered almost all of the costs.
8. Durham
North Carolina Central University, a well-known historically black university, is located in Durham, a city that is a member of the Research Triangle. Almost 3/4 of students enrolled at NCCU are African American [16].
Durham’s arts and culture institution, the Hayti Heritage Center, honors the African-American past of the city. In February to April 2023 they had an exhibition on the life and legacy of Floyb B McKissick Sr. It was intriguing learning about how he fought for equality in Durham for African Americans, and how his legacy lives on to this day.
The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People is actively involved in community involvement, which attracts black families to Durham. I would recommend new people to the area to get involved with the group, as it will be an easy way to make new friends and feel welcomed into the community.
Durham is a blue city, so will suit those that lean left.
7. Fayetteville
Fayetteville is a military community that provides a friendly neighborhood and inexpensive accommodation. The cost to buy and rent in Fayetteville is almost 30% lower than the national average [17].
The annual Black History Month Parade is eminent throughout the city. A historically black university, Fayetteville State University provides a variety of career and educational options [18]. If your children are planning on going to university, this is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for your family, as they will feel welcomed at FSU.
6. Asheville
The Blue Ridge Mountains’ Asheville has a vibrant cultural environment. One of the highlights is the Goombay Festival, an annual celebration of African and Caribbean culture. I attended the last event before lock-down, and my favorite part was trying all of the delicious food. The community spirit I saw at this event is the reason why Asheville is so high on this list of the best places to live in North Carolina for families. Whether you live in Asheville or are thinking of visiting, I would strongly recommend going in the first weekend of September, as this is when the festival is typically held.
Black business entrepreneurs originally founded the YMI Cultural Center, which now supports African American culture and diversity [19].
However, there are some reasons you might not want to move here.
5. Charlotte
The largest city in the state, Charlotte, has a variety of neighborhoods and great work prospects, notably in the financial and medical sectors [20]. Charlotte isn’t a majority African American city, but there is still a large group to welcome you to the city [21]. Additionally, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools provide youngsters with a top-notch education by offering magnet programs with specialties in many industries [22].
There are some amazing schools in Charlotte to send your children, which is one of the main reasons the city 5th on my list. I know a lot of you reading this will value education highly. Bain Elementary is rated at the best school in the city, so you could look for places to live in Mint Hill so you can send your children to this school [23].
For information on safety in Charlotte, this post will give you more insight.
4. Cary
Cary is a great option for families because it is known for its safety. When I compared the crime rates in Cary compared to other places such as Burlington, I noticed that Cary scores a lot better [24]. This is why it is so high on our list of the best places to live in North Carolina for black families.
With groups like the Ujima Group Inc., which supports black arts and culture, Cary has a notable black community [25]. The public schools in the city are among the best in the state and provide fantastic educational possibilities [26].
3. Raleigh
The state’s capital, Raleigh, is popular for its thriving tech sector and excellent standard of living. If you or your partner for in the tech industry, there is not a better place to move to in the state. Huge companies such as Celonis, Pennymac, and Cox Enterprises are always looking for new employees [27].
I would recommend visiting Raleigh for a few days to see if you like the city or not, and if you do, you could apply for jobs at these companies.
The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is yearly held in the city. Another example of the city’s strong black heritage is the Pope home Museum. It’s the only African American home museum in North Carolina, and showcases the life of Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope. It was so interesting learning about his life, and how he was the only African-American to try and become mayor of a Southern capital city during the Jim Crow Era.
2. Huntersville
Huntersville, which is ranked number two, and just misses out on top spot on our list of the best places to live in North Carolina for black families. There is a small-town atmosphere, with quick access to Charlotte’s facilities. As the town is located just outside of Charlotte, it’s a great place to live for those that like a quiet, relaxed environment, but also enjoy spending days in the city. This also means you can work in the big city without the more expensive housing costs.
The community in the town is strong, and the schools are superb. Huntersville is a desirable option for families because of the Carolina Raptor Center and Latta Plantation, which offer distinctive educational opportunities for youngsters [28].
1. Morrisville
Finally, Morrisville is our top pick for black families in North Carolina. This little town, which is a member of the Research Triangle, has a diversified population, top-rated public schools, and a high level of life.
Morrisville is one of the safer areas to live in NC. When I visited I could feel the sense of community, with shop owners being really polite to me. Whenever I asked someone for directions, they would always stop and help me get to the right place. The police have also created resources to help citizens keep safe [29].
The Triangle Uplift Foundation and other organizations that help the African American community have their headquarters in Morrisville, which also organizes an annual Juneteenth event.
Morrisville is the best place for black families to live in North Carolina due to its robust economy and prospects for career advancement. If you’re looking for more information regarding the best places for black families in Florida, read our article here.
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