List of Cities in North Carolina Alphabetically

by btobers · Published August 14, 2024 · Updated November 11, 2024

North Carolina has around 552 incorporated cities and towns. The state capital is Raleigh, which is also part of the Research Triangle along with Durham and Chapel Hill. The largest city is Charlotte, known for its banking industry. The top 10 largest cities include Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, High Point, and Concord. North Carolina is known for its growing economy, diverse industries, and large metropolitan areas. Many smaller towns have strong ties to agriculture, education, and manufacturing.

1. Charlotte

City Facts

Population: Approximately 900,000 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 704, 980
Zip Codes: 28201–28299
County: Mecklenburg County

Geography and History

Charlotte, located in the southwestern part of North Carolina, is the state’s largest city and a major financial hub. It sits at the junction of Interstates 77 and 85, and is positioned approximately 30 miles south of the North Carolina-South Carolina border. The city’s climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Charlotte’s history dates back to 1768 when it was established as a trading post and named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The city grew rapidly in the 19th century due to its location on the North Carolina Railroad, which facilitated trade and commerce. The economic boom of the 20th and 21st centuries transformed Charlotte into a major banking center, hosting the headquarters of Bank of America and a significant presence of Wells Fargo.

Colleges and Universities

University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte): A major public research university known for its engineering, business, and education programs.
Queens University of Charlotte: A private liberal arts university offering programs in arts, business, and health sciences.
Johnson & Wales University – Charlotte: Focuses on culinary arts, hospitality, and business programs.
Central Piedmont Community College: Provides a range of associate degrees and vocational training in various fields.
Belmont Abbey College: A private Catholic institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts and business.

Major Landmarks

Charlotte is home to several prominent landmarks. The NASCAR Hall of Fame celebrates the history and achievements of NASCAR with interactive exhibits and memorabilia. The Levine Museum of the New South explores the post-Civil War South through engaging exhibits. The Bank of America Stadium, home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, is a focal point for sports enthusiasts. Discovery Place Science offers hands-on science exhibits and educational programs. The Mint Museum, with its collections of American, contemporary, and European art, enriches the city’s cultural scene. Freedom Park, with its walking trails, lake, and sports fields, provides a natural retreat in the heart of the city.

2. Raleigh

City Facts

Population: Approximately 475,000 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 919, 984
Zip Codes: 27601–27699
County: Wake County

Geography and History

Raleigh, located in central North Carolina, is the state capital and part of the Research Triangle region, which also includes Durham and Chapel Hill. The city is situated on the eastern edge of the Piedmont region and is characterized by a moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters. Raleigh was established in 1792 as a planned capital city, designed by city planner William Christmas to serve as a central location for the state government. The city’s location was chosen to be equidistant from the state’s major cities at the time. Raleigh’s development was significantly influenced by its role as a government center and its proximity to several major universities and research institutions, which have contributed to its growth and prominence.

Colleges and Universities

North Carolina State University (NC State): A prominent public research university with strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and textiles.
Meredith College: A private women’s college known for its programs in liberal arts, business, and education.
William Peace University: A private institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts and business.
Wake Technical Community College: Provides a variety of associate degrees and vocational training in fields such as healthcare, technology, and business.
Shaw University: A private historically Black university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, business, and social sciences.

Major Landmarks

Raleigh boasts several key landmarks. The North Carolina Museum of Art features a diverse collection of artworks ranging from classical to contemporary. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences provides engaging exhibits on the state’s natural history and ecology. The State Capitol, a historic building, offers tours and insights into North Carolina’s political history. PNC Arena, home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, hosts sporting events and concerts. The JC Raulston Arboretum offers beautifully landscaped gardens and educational programs on horticulture. The Raleigh City Museum provides exhibits on the city’s development and heritage.

3. Greensboro

City Facts

Population: Approximately 300,000 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 336
Zip Codes: 27401–27429
County: Guilford County

Geography and History

Greensboro is located in the central part of North Carolina, in the Piedmont region. The city lies at the intersection of major highways, including Interstates 40 and 85, making it a transportation hub. Greensboro experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Founded in 1808, the city was named after the Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. Greensboro played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, particularly with the Greensboro sit-ins of 1960, where four African American college students initiated a series of peaceful protests against segregation at a local Woolworth’s lunch counter. The city has since developed a diverse economy, with strong sectors in manufacturing, education, and healthcare.

Colleges and Universities

University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG): A major public research university known for its programs in education, music, and social sciences.
North Carolina A&T State University: A public historically Black university with strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and business.
Greensboro College: A private liberal arts college offering programs in business, education, and the humanities.
Guilford College: A private liberal arts institution with programs in arts, sciences, and social justice.
Piedmont Community College: Provides vocational training and associate degrees in various fields.

Major Landmarks

Greensboro is known for several notable landmarks. The Greensboro Science Center combines an aquarium, zoo, and museum, offering diverse educational experiences. The International Civil Rights Center & Museum commemorates the Greensboro sit-ins and the broader civil rights movement. The Greensboro Arboretum features themed gardens and walking paths, showcasing regional flora. The Tanger Center for the Performing Arts hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and other performances. The Greensboro Historical Museum offers exhibits on the city’s history and heritage. The Cone Denim Entertainment Center provides a venue for live music and events.

4. Durham

City Facts

Population: Approximately 290,000 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 919, 984
Zip Codes: 27701–27722
County: Durham County

Geography and History

Durham is located in the central part of North Carolina, within the Research Triangle area. The city is situated at the edge of the Piedmont region, with a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Durham was founded in 1869 as a railroad town and grew rapidly due to its location on the North Carolina Railroad. The city is known for its strong ties to the tobacco industry and later to the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. Durham has evolved into a vibrant cultural and educational center, influenced significantly by the presence of Duke University, which has played a key role in shaping the city’s development and character.

Colleges and Universities

Duke University: A prestigious private research university known for its strong programs in law, medicine, and engineering.
North Carolina Central University (NCCU): A public historically Black university offering programs in law, business, and education.
Durham Technical Community College: Provides associate degrees and vocational training in fields such as healthcare, technology, and business.
The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham: Offers programs in design, media arts, and culinary arts.
Piedmont Community College – Durham Center: Provides additional educational opportunities with a focus on vocational training and associate degrees.

Major Landmarks

Durham is known for several significant landmarks. Duke University’s Gothic-style campus features the Duke Chapel and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, which offer beautiful landscapes and cultural events. The Museum of Life and Science provides interactive exhibits and a wildlife park. The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) hosts major concerts, Broadway shows, and other performances. The Durham Bulls Athletic Park is home to the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team. The Historic Stagville State Historic Site preserves one of North Carolina’s largest antebellum plantations. The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University offers diverse collections and exhibitions.

5. Winston-Salem

City Facts

Population: Approximately 250,000 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 336
Zip Codes: 27101–27199
County: Forsyth County

Geography and History

Winston-Salem is located in the north-central part of North Carolina, in the Piedmont region. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Winston-Salem was formed in 1913 by the merger of the cities of Winston and Salem. Salem, founded in 1766 by the Moravian Church, was a significant settlement with a strong cultural and religious heritage. Winston developed as a center for tobacco and textiles. The combined city became known for its rich history in these industries and its role as a center for the arts and education. Winston-Salem has a diversified economy with a focus on education, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Colleges and Universities

Wake Forest University: A private research university renowned for its programs in law, business, and medicine.
Winston-Salem State University: A public historically Black university offering strong programs in nursing, education, and business.
Forsyth Technical Community College: Provides a variety of associate degrees and vocational training in fields such as healthcare, technology, and business.
Salem College: A private women’s college known for its programs in liberal arts and health sciences.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts: Offers specialized programs in the performing and visual arts.

Major Landmarks

Winston-Salem features several key landmarks. The Reynolda House Museum of American Art, located in the historic Reynolda estate, showcases American art from the colonial period to contemporary works. Old Salem Museums & Gardens preserves and interprets the historic Moravian settlement, offering insights into 18th-century life. The North Carolina Transportation Museum explores the history of transportation with exhibits on automobiles, trains, and aviation. The Benton Convention Center hosts a range of events, including trade shows and conventions. The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) features contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs. The Hanesbrands Theatre offers a venue for performing arts and cultural events.

List of Cities in North Carolina Alphabetically

1. Charlotte

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

2. Raleigh

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

3. Greensboro

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

4. Durham

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

5. Winston-Salem

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

List of All Cities and Towns in North Carolina in Alphabetical Order

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