Carolina Core Communities

As the fourth-largest Metropolitan area in North Carolina, Winston-Salem is an innovation hub at the heart of the state. This city is not only one of the fastest growing urban districts in the United States - home to the corporate headquarters of HanesBrands, Inc. and Lowes Food Stores - but it also serves its community through a variety of artistic attractions, such as the Piedmont Opera Theater and the Winston-Salem Symphony, and two of the top universities in the nation, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Wake Forest University.

Greensboro's workforce - educated from colleges like UNC Greensboro and NC A&T State University - and favorable business climate have made it into a hive for young and energized talent. Employers, such as Boom Supersonic and Cone Health have also attracted the nation’s best and brightest to the area while endless entertainment from the city’s cultural centers and natural wonders have kept them there. From the International Civil Rights Center & Museum to LeBauer Park and the Greensboro Science Center, there is always something going on in Greensboro. And, though Greensboro is so much more than a “tournament town,” we cannot forget the fun that the Wyndham Championship, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and the men’s and women’s Atlantic Coast Conference basketball tournaments bring to the city annually.

Believe it or not, High Point is more than just the Home Furnishings Capital of the World™. As a community steeped in innovation, High Point is home to a vibrant downtown scene, a premier life-skills university, and various fun activities for the whole family. From Truist Park, a multi-use stadium; to Congdon Yards, a state-of-the-art co-working and event space; and the Quebin Children's Museum, you'll quickly learn why High Point is where creativity meets commerce.

One any given day you can soak in over 100 years of historic North Carolina in Burlington. A lively, celebrated city nestled between the mountains and coast, Burlington is home to a handful of Late-Victorian and American Foursquare-style homes, America’s top-ranked teaching university, Elon University, and the famous Dentzel Menagerie Carousel - this marvel’s hand-carved caricatures are celebrated annually for two-days during the city’s largest annual festival. Don’t stress, however, there is plenty of 21st-century fun to had in Burlington as well! From the city's Paramount Theater to its animal park and 4th Friday festivities, there is no shortage of new things to try in Burlington.

Located in the heart of North Carolina, Asheboro is home to one of the state’s most popular attractions: the NC Zoo. Featuring over 55 species of animals, the NC Zoo is one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world and is the 4th largest employer in the city. Almost as famous as its zoo, however, is the city’s “come as you are” attitude. Whether you’re a business owner, a permanent resident, or just passing through, Asheboro’s community invites you to learn the city's history from their downtown, soak up a concert at their Sunset Theatre, or, of course, celebrate nature at their world-famous zoo.

Welcome to the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” Lexington. For almost 40 years Lexington has hosted the largest barbecue celebration in North Carolina, The Barbecue Festival. With samples from over 20 local restaurants and as many as 200,000 annual visitors, Lexington wears their honorific with pride. When you’re not chowing down on their world-famous slow-cooked pork shoulders, in Lexington, you could catch up on over 200 years of history at the Davidson County Historical Museum or Boone’s Cave Park, enjoy a glass of locally sourced wine form one 46 wineries in the Yadkin Valley or gaze upon the city’s public art initiative “Pigs in the City” - commissioned decorative life-sized pig sculptures that have been installed throughout the city.

Pinehurst is the country’s foremost golf town. As the officially designated “Home of American Golf,” it is little surprise golf lovers from around the state, country, and world gather in Pinehurst to play a round - or four. The town’s historic Pinehurst Resort has hosted the Men’s and Women’s US Open Championships in Golf multiple times and is set to host the Men’s tournament five times in the next three decades. Of course, there is more to do in Pinehurst than golf 18 holes. In addition to boutique shopping, spa treatments, historical walking tours, and hiking, there are quaint coffee shops to cozy up with a cup of joe in and deliciously innovative restaurants taking southern cooking to new heights.

In Sanford, residents enjoy a charming downtown steeped in history, peaceful neighborhoods with a close community feel, and top-tier educational and professional opportunities-all at a cost of living well below the national average. Anchored by robust local parks, cherished annual festivals, and a dynamic arts scene, Sanford offers a broad range of recreational and leisure opportunities to enhance your quality of life and foster a sense of community.

Pittsboro’s scenic, rural environment and energized, local community make it one of the best places in North Carolina to raise a family. Whether you want to volunteer in wildlife conservation at the Carolina Tiger Rescue, learn about local history at the Chatham County Historical Museum, teach the little ones to fish at the Lower Haw River State Natural Area or enjoy award-winning fine dining at the Fearrington House Restaurant, the opportunity to grow are endless in Pittsboro. On top of the town’s local resources, it is just a 40-minute drive from Raleigh, Durham and the Research Triangle, meaning you never have to pick between big-city amenities and small-town living.

Fayetteville is a thriving, suburban community whose rich history and fun activities have led families and young professionals to call it home for generations. Adjacent to Fort Liberty, one of the largest military installations in the world — formerly Fort Bragg — Fayetteville is known as a community of “History, Heroes and a Hometown Feeling.” In 2000, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, a branch of the US Army Museum System, opened in the city’s historic downtown to honor Fayetteville’s connection to our service members. Also known for its food, culture and hospitality, Fayetteville is home to the International Folk Festival, Cape Fear Botanical Gardens and the famous Southern Egg Roll — made with bacon braised collards, house-made pimento cheese and pepper jelly.