Nothing could be finer: North Carolina’s happiest cities

Two North Carolina cities have cracked the top 30 in WalletHub’s first annual Happiest Cities in America report. 

The rankings were determined using 29 metrics, with Raleigh (22) and Durham (29) leading the way for North Carolina. Key factors included Emotional & Physical Well-Being, Income & Employment, and Community & Environment. 

While it’s often said that money can’t buy happiness, the survey found that individuals earning over $75,000 a year reach a happiness plateau, with additional income having little impact on their overall happiness. 

“Research shows that having more money only increases your happiness until you’re making at least $75,000 per year – anything more you earn likely won’t have an impact,” said WalletHub analysis Chip Lupo. “Therefore, when deciding where to live to maximize your happiness, you’ll want to pick a city that offers more than just a decent average income. The ideal city provides conditions that foster good mental and physical health, like reasonable work hours, short commutes, good weather, and caring neighbors.” 

Four other North Carolina cities ranked in the top 150: Charlotte (52), Winston-Salem (110), Greensboro (116), and Fayetteville (150). 

A WalletHub study last year ranked the happiest states, with North Carolina landing in the middle of the pack at 24th. 

In 2022 and 2023, CNBC ranked North Carolina as the top state for business in the U.S. The study also included data on quality of life, with North Carolina placing 28th in the “Life, Health & Inclusion” category in 2022 and 34th in 2023. 

The post Nothing could be finer: North Carolina’s happiest cities first appeared on Carolina Journal.