North Carolina is a great place to raise a family. With big cities and bustling suburbs, it can be challenging to find that perfect fit. Based on school rankings, cost of living, and community safety...here are ten great places to settle down for a while!

1. Mooresville

While being known as 'Race City,' Mooresville is also a great place to raise a family. The schools have the third-highest test scores in the state. The New York Times even did an article on how the dollar stretched further in Mooresville than any other school system in the state. Besides education, you can find a pretty reasonable cost of living for being so close to beautiful Lake Norman. The median price of housing here is $188k while the median age of residents is 34.

2. Morrisville

Morrisville is right in the middle of Durham and Raleigh. Being smack-dab in the Research Triangle makes an easy route for commuters. With a bustling tech industry, and family values, this family-dominated area is the perfect location for quiet neighborhoods fairly close to two large cities. The median age is 33, while the average cost of buying your very first home is $256k.

3. Apex

Apex is one of the fastest growing areas in the Research Triangle, and for good reason. You get a beautiful downtown that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You also get close proximity to Raleigh. With a family feel, quaint streets, and cute neighborhoods...this sought after area is still a fairly reasonable place to settle down. The average cost of housing is $252k while the median age of residents is 37.

4. Matthews

While Charlotte has a booming finance industry with plenty of employment opportunities, a lot of families choose to settle down in the quiet suburbs instead of raising their children in a big city environment. Enter Matthews, the perfect suburb just outside of Charlotte. With great schools, safe living, and a good price, Matthews is a reasonable option for those who work in Charlotte but crave the suburban lifestyle. The median cost of housing here is $211k while the average age of residents is 41.

5. Indian Trail

Another Charlotte suburb is Indian Trail. Indian Trail really takes you outside of the city and into peaceful nature and residential areas. While still being extremely 'suburb', plans are in development for more of a 'downtown' area. Indian Trail is also a great option for younger families with less money to spend on a first home. The median cost of housing here is a low $169k while the average age of residents is 34.

6. Asheville

One of the places on this list that is NOT a suburb is the beautiful Asheville. While Asheville is certainly a city, it is perfect for an active family that wants to raise their children in a very outdoor environment. Surprisingly enough, the median house cost is only $209k while the average age of residents is 37. While many associate Asheville with young hippies, it's a very family-friendly town with plenty of beautiful, safe neighborhoods.

7. Lewisville

While many in the medical field may find themselves moving to Winston-Salem for work at Baptist or Forsyth Hospital, you might be wanting to conserve money but not be too far from the city. Luckily, Lewisville is a great option for young families starting out. With the median cost of housing a low $184k you get a lot for a little. Like quiet neighborhoods, land, and interior space. Lewisville still has lively town activities and close proximity to restaurants and downtown Winston. The median age of residents here is 46.

8. Wake Forest

Wake Forest is close enough to Raleigh for a reasonable commute, yet far away enough to have a feel and atmosphere of its own. You get a small town feel in the historic downtown, but you're also close to nature with lakes and parks nearby. The median cost of a home here is $253k while the average resident age is 34.

9. New Bern

New Bern is one of the most historically beautiful cities in North Carolina. It's perfect for families looking for a waterside environment, without the constraints of moving to Wilmington or the coastal isolation of other towns. With a bustling downtown, plenty of family activities, and easy access to beautiful beaches...it's great for a young family wanting to live near the coast. The median cost of housing here is $148k while the average age of residents is 34.

10. Cary

Cary is another great Raleigh suburb. Tied tightly into the Research Triangle, tech-industry jobs are easy to come by in this area. With a family feel, and plenty of residential areas and shops, Cary is well-known for good reason. The average cost of housing here is $302k while the average age of residents is 36.

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Where would you raise a family in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments.