Hickory has been ranked number one on the Travel & Leisure rankings of the “Ten Most Beautiful and Affordable Places To Live in the U.S.” The list was compiled using data from U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 to 2023 rankings.

In its rankings, U.S. News & World Report evaluates the impact that cost of living, median monthly rent, median home price in relation to the national median, and quality of life have on a city, which generates a well-rounded figure for anyone looking to relocate.

In the article, Hickory is described as a family-friendly destination known for its ample hiking trails and Southern charm. Currently ranked as the cheapest place to live in the U.S., Hickory has a median home price of $161,000. The article continues by saying, this affordable neighbor to the east of Asheville and north of Charlotte is popular with retirees, but it’s also becoming more attractive to young families; a steady stream of residents has been flocking here for its newfound fame as a technological hub for Google and Apple.

The only other part of North Carolina represented on the list is the Raleigh-Durham area, which is ranked eighth. Greenville, South Carolina is listed third.