Quick answer
North Carolina is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $437,150 versus $446,800. North Carolina shows +2.9% population change and Tennessee +2.2%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
| Metric | North Carolina | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $437,150 | $446,800 |
| Median rent | $1,706/mo | $1,726/mo |
| Household income | $120,364 | $111,424 |
| Population change | +2.9% | +2.2% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 331 | 499 |
| Home value ÷ income | 3.6× | 4.0× |
| State wage income tax | Yes | None |
North Carolina in numbers
Median home value
$437,150
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,706/mo
Household income
$120,364
Violent crime / 100k
331
North Carolina, 2025
Population change
+2.9%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+12.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
3.6×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuquay-Varina, NC | 87 | $410,600 | $1,646 | $111,447 | +6.6% |
| Holly Springs, NC | 86 | $485,500 | $1,858 | $132,435 | +3.3% |
| Morrisville, NC | 81 | $481,800 | $1,785 | $125,404 | +2.4% |
| Apex, NC | 79 | $514,800 | $1,784 | $138,442 | +3.4% |
| Huntersville, NC | 78 | $439,300 | $1,742 | $119,951 | +2.1% |
| Wake Forest, NC | 78 | $435,000 | $1,458 | $120,777 | +6.6% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Currituck County | 79 | $351,200 | $1,126 | $91,548 | +3.5% |
| Johnston County | 77 | $267,600 | $1,007 | $79,838 | +3.5% |
| Lincoln County | 76 | $279,500 | $977 | $78,490 | +2.8% |
| Chatham County | 75 | $397,800 | $1,066 | $88,534 | +2.0% |
| Union County | 74 | $374,400 | $1,390 | $99,243 | +2.0% |
| Camden County | 73 | $289,800 | $1,220 | $87,781 | +1.9% |
Tennessee in numbers
Median home value
$446,800
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,726/mo
Household income
$111,424
Violent crime / 100k
499
Tennessee, 2025
Population change
+2.2%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+11.0%
State wage income tax
None
Home value ÷ income
4.0×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Hill, TN | 81 | $452,400 | $1,738 | $106,658 | +4.4% |
| Farragut, TN | 79 | $513,100 | $1,691 | $142,402 | +2.2% |
| Mount Juliet, TN | 71 | $423,000 | $1,875 | $107,847 | +3.3% |
| Germantown, TN | 67 | $441,200 | $1,760 | $144,799 | -0.7% |
| Franklin, TN | 66 | $646,300 | $1,861 | $115,000 | +2.3% |
| Brentwood, TN | 63 | $926,700 | $2,497 | $184,720 | +1.0% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loudon County | 78 | $292,600 | $995 | $80,296 | +2.7% |
| Van Buren County | 75 | $149,200 | $705 | $60,281 | +1.8% |
| Williamson County | 75 | $673,700 | $1,895 | $131,202 | +2.3% |
| Sumner County | 72 | $364,000 | $1,339 | $86,005 | +1.9% |
| Wilson County | 72 | $397,000 | $1,370 | $94,048 | +3.0% |
| Maury County | 68 | $307,500 | $1,206 | $74,162 | +2.8% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
North Carolina vs. Tennessee: Which One Makes More Sense?
North Carolina is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $437,150 versus $446,800. North Carolina shows +2.9% population change and Tennessee +2.2%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
What are the best places to live in North Carolina?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring North Carolina cities are Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Apex, Huntersville, and the top counties are Currituck County, Johnston County, Lincoln County, Chatham County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does North Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes, North Carolina taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
