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Trying the top The Largest Cities In North Carolina cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. Charlotte, NC (Population: 911,311)
Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, is a dynamic financial hub and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Known as the “Queen City,” it boasts a skyline filled with modern skyscrapers, including the headquarters of Bank of America, Truist, and numerous other corporations. The city also has a thriving cultural scene, with the Levine Center for the Arts, Mint Museum, and Discovery Place drawing residents and visitors alike. Sports play a huge role in Charlotte’s identity, from NASCAR and the Charlotte Motor Speedway to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Its diverse neighborhoods, greenway system, and culinary offerings—from Southern comfort food to international cuisine—make it a vibrant place to live.
Interesting Fact: Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for American Airlines.
2. Raleigh, NC (Population: 482,295)
Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital, is part of the famed Research Triangle alongside Durham and Chapel Hill. The city blends history, academia, and cutting-edge innovation. Downtown Raleigh offers a lively mix of historic sites, restaurants, breweries, and music venues, while the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of Art anchor its cultural offerings. With North Carolina State University at its core, Raleigh has a youthful energy that feeds into its startup ecosystem and tech industries. Its parks and greenways provide ample outdoor activities, while food halls like Morgan Street bring together diverse cuisines in vibrant social settings. Raleigh continues to attract new residents for its balance of career opportunities, affordable living, and quality of life.
Interesting Fact: Raleigh is nicknamed the “City of Oaks” because its streets are famously lined with oak trees, symbolizing strength and growth.
3. Greensboro, NC (Population: 302,296)
Greensboro is a city rich in history and deeply connected to the Civil Rights Movement. In 1960, four North Carolina A&T students held a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter here, sparking a wave of peaceful protests across the country. Today, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum commemorates this pivotal moment. Greensboro is also known for its role in the textile industry, earning it the nickname “Gate City” for its historic railway connections. Modern Greensboro combines higher education, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, while still honoring its cultural roots. The Greensboro Coliseum hosts major concerts and sporting events, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nearby parks, trails, and lakes. Its blend of history, industry, and community spirit defines the city’s character.
Interesting Fact: Greensboro is home to one of the world’s largest furniture shows, the High Point Market, held nearby twice a year.
4. Durham, NC (Population: 296,186)
Durham is best known as the home of Duke University and the world-renowned Duke University Hospital. Part of the Research Triangle, it has become a leader in technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, drawing professionals from around the globe. Once an industrial center fueled by the tobacco industry, Durham has reinvented itself as a modern hub of culture and innovation. The revitalized American Tobacco Campus now houses offices, dining, and entertainment, while the Durham Performing Arts Center ranks among the top theaters in the nation. Its food scene, especially farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries, reflects its diverse community. Durham also prides itself on preserving its unique history while embracing modern growth.
Interesting Fact: Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home of the Durham Bulls minor league team, inspired the beloved baseball movie *Bull Durham*.
5. Winston-Salem, NC (Population: 252,975)
Winston-Salem, often called the “Twin City,” blends its heritage as both an industrial powerhouse and a center of arts and innovation. Originally shaped by the Moravian settlement of Salem, the city later thrived as a hub for tobacco and textiles. Today, it has reinvented itself with a strong focus on biomedical research, technology, and higher education, anchored by Wake Forest University. The city has a deep appreciation for the arts, with the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art and Old Salem Museums & Gardens drawing visitors. Winston-Salem also offers vibrant festivals, a growing culinary scene, and numerous parks and trails that make it an attractive place to live.
Interesting Fact: Winston-Salem is nicknamed the “City of Arts and Innovation,” reflecting both its cultural vibrancy and cutting-edge industries.
6. Fayetteville, NC (Population: 209,749)
Fayetteville is a city defined by its close ties to the U.S. military, thanks to its proximity to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), one of the largest military installations in the world. This connection gives the city a strong patriotic identity and a highly diverse community. Beyond the military presence, Fayetteville boasts a revitalized downtown with cultural attractions, including the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and numerous art galleries. Its economy is supported by defense, education, and healthcare, while its parks and trails offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city has grown steadily by embracing both its historic roots and forward-looking development.
Interesting Fact: Fayetteville has been named an “All-America City” multiple times for its civic engagement and community spirit.
7. Cary, NC (Population: 180,010)
Cary is a rapidly growing suburb of Raleigh and a key part of the Research Triangle region. Known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods, Cary consistently ranks among the best places to live in the U.S. Its parks, greenways, and cultural centers make it especially attractive to families and professionals. Cary has also become a hub for technology and biotech companies, drawing talent from around the globe. Its diverse community brings together cultures, cuisines, and traditions, creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflects its growth and modern identity.
Interesting Fact: Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts concerts and cultural festivals in a scenic lakeside setting surrounded by pines.
8. Wilmington, NC (Population: 122,698)
Wilmington, a historic port city along the Cape Fear River, combines Southern charm with coastal beauty. Its picturesque downtown features a riverwalk lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The city is well known for its proximity to beautiful beaches like Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure Beach, making it a popular tourist and retirement destination. Wilmington has also become a hub for the film and television industry, earning the nickname “Hollywood East.” The University of North Carolina Wilmington contributes to the city’s lively atmosphere, while its cultural scene includes theaters, museums, and music venues.
Interesting Fact: Wilmington’s EUE/Screen Gems Studios is the largest film and television production facility east of California.
9. High Point, NC (Population: 116,926)
High Point is internationally recognized as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World.” Twice a year, it hosts the High Point Market, the world’s largest furniture trade show, drawing buyers and designers from across the globe. Beyond its furniture industry, High Point has a growing economy supported by education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The city is also home to High Point University, which has grown into one of the region’s most prominent private institutions. Its neighborhoods are a mix of historic charm and modern development, while cultural attractions and nearby green spaces provide a high quality of life.
Interesting Fact: During the High Point Market, the city’s population temporarily doubles as more than 75,000 visitors arrive from over 100 countries.
10. Concord, NC (Population: 110,119)
Concord is a thriving city located just northeast of Charlotte, blending historic character with modern growth. Its downtown features restored 19th-century buildings, local shops, and restaurants, while its suburban areas have seen rapid development. Concord is famous for its motorsports culture—Charlotte Motor Speedway and the zMAX Dragway host major racing events that draw fans nationwide. Beyond racing, Concord Mills Mall provides one of the largest shopping destinations in the region, and the city continues to expand in population and economic opportunity. The blend of tradition, entertainment, and opportunity makes Concord a notable part of North Carolina’s growth story.
Interesting Fact: Concord is home to Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history.
