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 $616,300. Virginia shows +1.7% population change and North Carolina +2.9%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
| Metric | Virginia | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $616,300 | $437,150 |
| Median rent | $2,257/mo | $1,706/mo |
| Household income | $139,980 | $120,364 |
| Population change | +1.7% | +2.9% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 210 | 331 |
| Home value ÷ income | 4.4× | 3.6× |
| State wage income tax | Yes | Yes |
Virginia in numbers
Median home value
$616,300
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$2,257/mo
Household income
$139,980
Violent crime / 100k
210
Virginia, 2025
Population change
+1.7%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+6.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
4.4×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brambleton, VA | 97 | $833,000 | $2,592 | $250,001 | +5.3% |
| South Riding, VA | 78 | $689,400 | $2,853 | $190,701 | +2.5% |
| Merrifield, VA | 75 | $637,600 | $2,308 | $136,173 | +3.1% |
| Buckhall, VA | 73 | $598,700 | $2,591 | $169,591 | +1.8% |
| Chantilly, VA | 71 | $633,900 | $2,260 | $143,786 | +2.8% |
| Chester, VA | 71 | $290,600 | $1,463 | $88,455 | +2.0% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Kent County | 85 | $371,500 | $1,653 | $120,125 | +3.6% |
| Lexington city | 85 | $275,300 | $985 | $89,598 | +1.0% |
| Fluvanna County | 77 | $281,700 | $1,173 | $91,959 | +1.2% |
| Goochland County | 77 | $483,700 | $1,567 | $118,695 | +2.8% |
| King William County | 77 | $276,500 | $1,246 | $85,212 | +2.2% |
| Hanover County | 75 | $372,700 | $1,496 | $109,504 | +1.0% |
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% |
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
Virginia vs. North Carolina: Where Should You Live in 2027?
North Carolina is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $437,150 versus $616,300. Virginia shows +1.7% population change and North Carolina +2.9%. 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 Virginia?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Virginia cities are Brambleton, South Riding, Merrifield, Buckhall, Chantilly, and the top counties are New Kent County, Lexington city, Fluvanna County, Goochland County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Virginia have a state income tax?
Yes, Virginia 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.
