It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic North Carolina Executive Mansion gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Raleigh, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your loved ones. Always Best Care makes it possible to stay in home, and stay as independent as possible. ABC staff are there to assist in keeping you or your loved ones safe, healthy and happy. If you are looking for top quality care, you have found the right place!”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Pullen Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Capital Grille or visit Mordecai House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Raleigh, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Raleigh, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Raleigh, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The North Carolina Tar Heels squeaked into the NCAA Tournament, grabbing an 11-seed and a spot in the play...
The North Carolina Tar Heels squeaked into the NCAA Tournament, grabbing an 11-seed and a spot in the play-in game against San Diego State.
Why it matters: North Carolina's appearance in the tournament was not a given, with many experts pointing to their weak showing against elite teams this season.
Here's which North Carolina schools will be competing in the NCAA Tournament:
???? Duke: Duke earned the No. 1 seed in the East Region and will take on the winner of American versus Mount St. Mary's in the No. 16 play-in game.
???? UNC: The No. 11 Tar Heels will play No. 11 San Diego State in Dayton on Tuesday. The winner of that game will go on to play No. 6 Ole Miss in the South Region in Milwaukee on Friday.
???? UNC-Wilmington: The Seahawks got the No. 14 seed in the West Region and will play No. 3 Texas Tech in Wichita, Kansas, on Thursday.
???? High Point: High Point got the No. 13 seed in the Midwest Region and will play No. 4 Purdue in Rhode Island on Thursday.
North Carolina schools were also well represented in the women's NCAA Tournament, and the Triangle's three ACC schools will get to host their opening games.
???? N.C. State: The Wolfpack got the No. 2 seed in Region 1 and will host No. 15 Vermont in Raleigh on Saturday.
???? Duke: The Blue Devils received the No. 2 seed in Region 2 and will welcome No. 15 Lehigh to Durham on Friday.
???? UNC: The Tar Heels will be the No. 3 in Region 2 and play No. 14 Oregon State in Chapel Hill.
???? UNC-Greensboro: The No. 16 Spartans will travel to Los Angeles to play No. 1 Southern California in Region 4.
???? High Point: The No. 16 Panthers will pay No. 16 William & Mary in the play-in game for Region 3 for a chance to take on No. 1 Texas.
RALEIGH, N.C. -- All three Triangle teams were named top 16 seeds in the women's basketball tournament, NCAA revealed Sunday.This means all of them are staying home the first weekend of the tournament. It's also the first time all three teams earned Top 3 seeds in NCAA Tournament history.DukeHaving ...
RALEIGH, N.C. -- All three Triangle teams were named top 16 seeds in the women's basketball tournament, NCAA revealed Sunday.
This means all of them are staying home the first weekend of the tournament. It's also the first time all three teams earned Top 3 seeds in NCAA Tournament history.
Having won the ACC Championship, the Blue Devils (26-7) earned the No. 8 overall seed and No. 2 seed in the Birmingham 2 regional.
Duke will face Lehigh in the first round on Friday in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Wolfpack (26-6) received the No. 6 overall seed and No. 2 seed in the Spokane 1 regional. This comes after a ACC title game appearance and ACC co-regular season title.
NC State will face Vermont in the first round Saturday inside Reynolds Coliseum. If the team advances, the Pack will face the winner of Michigan State-Harvard matchup.
Tar Heels (27-7) earned the No. 9 overall seed and No. 3 seed in the Birmingham 2 regional.
North Carolina entered the ACC Tournament sitting on the bubble of a No. 3 and 4 seed. A four-point win over Florida State in Greensboro secured a spot in the No. 3 seed.
The team will face Oregon State in the first round on Saturday in Carmichael Arena.
SEE ALSO | UCLA, South Carolina, USC, Texas top seeded for Women's March Madness
The Gamecocks were among the No. 1 seeds, alongside Southern California and Texas.
UCLA was awarded the top overall seed after having one of the best seasons in school history. They had two losses on the season, both of which came to the USC Trojans.
One of UCLA's wins this season came over South Carolina. The Gamecocks' coach, Dawn Staley, felt her team should have gotten the top seed and with it the extra day of rest if they advance to the Final Four.
"I mean I'm a little bit surprised because we manufactured our schedule and put ourselves in position to be the No. 1 overall seed," she said. "Do the blind test and put our resume against any other team in the field, you'd pick us. It's plain and simple."
Unlike last year, when the Gamecocks finished off an undefeated season with a national title, this team has three losses heading into March Madness.
"Two key factors between UCLA and South Carolina. One was the head-to-head matchup," NCAA selection committee chair Derita Dawkins said. "The other was one of our criteria is competitive in losses and South Carolina suffered a 29-point loss to UConn. Those were the two key differences in those resumes."
Staley's team is looking to be the first team to repeat as champion since UConn won four straight from 2013-16.
The top 16 seeds in the 68-team field will host first- and second-round games, with the regional rounds being played at two neutral sites for the third straight year. Spokane, Washington, will host half of the Sweet 16 and Birmingham, Alabama, will host the other eight teams.
The Final Four will be played in Tampa, Florida, on April 4, and the championship game on April 6.
Associated Press' Doug Feinberg contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2025 ABC11-WTVD-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved - The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A new study found that three cities in North Carolina are among the happiest in the nation.The study from WalletHub, a personal finance website, said Raleigh is the happiest city in North Carolina, coming in at No. 22 on the list, followed by Durham and Charlotte, ranked at No. 29 and No. 52, respectively.Of the 182 total cities ranked, Winston-Salem came in at No. 110, Greensboro at No. 116 a...
A new study found that three cities in North Carolina are among the happiest in the nation.
The study from WalletHub, a personal finance website, said Raleigh is the happiest city in North Carolina, coming in at No. 22 on the list, followed by Durham and Charlotte, ranked at No. 29 and No. 52, respectively.
Of the 182 total cities ranked, Winston-Salem came in at No. 110, Greensboro at No. 116 and Fayetteville at No. 150.
The WalletHub ranking comes just weeks after Hers, a health and wellness company, named Raleigh the 10th healthiest city in the nation, The Charlotte Observer reported. (Conversely, Hers ranked Charlotte the No. 10 least healthy city in the U.S.)
“Raleigh, North Carolina is the only Southern city to make it in the top 10 best cities for healthy living,” Hers writer Lauren Ward wrote in June. “The tech-centric city ranked particularly well for sleep, walkability, and access to psychologists and psychiatrists.”
That’s not the only time the capital city has earned attention for its focus on health. The U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Places to Retire ranking recently named Raleigh the sixth-best city to retire, the Observer reported.
A recent study from personal finance website SmartAsset found that a North Carolina household needed to earn $47,198 to $141,608 to be considered middle class in 2023, the Observer reported — but for a few cities in North Carolina, those numbers are higher.
? To be considered middle class in Raleigh in 2023, households needed to earn $57,534 to $172,618, putting it at No. 1 in the state in terms of highest middle-class income range.
? Charlotte ranked second on the list of N.C. cities, with a 2023 middle-class income range of $53,715 to $161,162.
? Durham came in at No. 3, with an income range of $53,371 to $160,128.
However, the middle-class income range in a couple of cities was lower than the state average in 2023. Households in Greensboro needed to earn $41,161 to $123,494 to be considered middle class in 2023, for example, and those in Winston-Salem needed to earn $39,455 to $118,378.
Here are the 10 happiest cities in America, according to WalletHub:
“The ideal city provides conditions that foster good mental and physical health, like reasonable work hours, short commutes, good weather and caring neighbors,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst, according to the study.
To determine the happiest places in America, WalletHub compared 182 of the largest cities in the U.S. across three metrics: emotional and physical well-being, income and unemployment, and community and environment. Here’s some of what was included in each of those metrics:
Inspired by a story from The Kansas City Star.
Have a question about your community you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.
March 14, 2025 11:28 AM
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM.
When it comes to the fastest-growing metro in North Carolina, the coast is where you want to look.STORY HIGHLIGHTSIf you're looking for the North Carolina city where growth is on fire, you don't need to worry about Raleigh or Charlotte.When it comes to the fastest-growing metro in the state, the coast is wh...
When it comes to the fastest-growing metro in North Carolina, the coast is where you want to look.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
If you're looking for the North Carolina city where growth is on fire, you don't need to worry about Raleigh or Charlotte.
When it comes to the fastest-growing metro in the state, the coast is where you want to look. Wilmington is among the top 10 metro areas for population growth between 2020 and 2024, according to new numbers out of the U.S. Census Bureau. The city in New Hanover County grew by more than 13 percent over the period.
That is a higher rate than Raleigh at 10 percent and Charlotte at 8 percent. And it's a reflection of the coastal region's rapid ascent as a destination spot and economic engine. Retirees, young professionals and families are flocking to the coast, particularly the wider Wilmington area, and companies are taking notice.
The three-county region of Pender, New Hanover and Brunswick is now a thriving hub of residential construction and commercial investments with no signs of a slowdown ahead — barring a global economic crunch, of course.
The Wilmington metro, which includes Leland, had a population of 480,522 in 2024, up from around 425,000 in 2020 when the pandemic set off a wave of migration across the country. Many people on the move ended up on the North Carolina coast, which saw incredible growth in wealth based on federal tax data.
In the Census data, another notable city in the state was Burlington, which grew by more than 6.6 percent over the four-year span to 183,000 people — about the same size as Cary. That was a slightly higher rate than the Durham-Chapel Hill metro.
Ahead of Wilmington on the list is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a nearly 17 percent growth rate. Metros in Florida dominate the top 10, including the top spot, which went to retirement destination The Villages. The area had a nearly 19 percent growth rate and a population of around 155,000.
Raleigh's growth doesn't appear to be losing steam.
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Raleigh's growth doesn't appear to be losing steam as the Triangle region remains one of the most attractive places in the country to live and do business.
The Raleigh-Cary metro area grew by about 2.6 percent between 2023 and 2024, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, which show the area's population is now above 1.562 million.
The growth has been rapid. The Raleigh region's population was below 1.42 million in 2020, representing a more than 10 percent jump in four years.
In-migration has played a key role in fueling the boom. The Triangle and much of North Carolina have become destination spots for everyone from college graduates to young professionals, families and retirees. And companies big and small have followed suit by relocating or expanding here, making the region one of the top economic powerhouses in the country.
Likewise, the Durham-Chapel Hill metro grew by 6.6 percent between 2020 and 2024. The area now has a population of more than 620,000.
The Charlotte metro saw its population jump by more than 8 percent over the four-year span to nearly 2.9 million. The area grew by 2.2 percent between 2023 and 2024.
But Raleigh's growth didn't quite crack the top 10 metros nationwide for 2023-24. The fastest-growing area was Ocala, Florida, northwest of Orlando with a 4 percent growth rate. At No. 10 was Spartanburg, South Carolina, with a rate of 2.7 percent.
Florida has four metros in the top 10 while South Carolina and Texas each have two.
Top 10 fastest-growing metros in the U.S. by percent change
RALEIGH, N.C. —The March Madness craziness is upon us as the NCAA Tournament action will soon get underway.Raleigh will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament Division I Men’s Basketball, which will be held at the Lenovo Center.Here's a tournament guide featuring tournament details, buying tickets, directions, parking, food options, and a lot more.When is the Tournament in Raleigh?The first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament Division I M...
RALEIGH, N.C. —
The March Madness craziness is upon us as the NCAA Tournament action will soon get underway.
Raleigh will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament Division I Men’s Basketball, which will be held at the Lenovo Center.
Here's a tournament guide featuring tournament details, buying tickets, directions, parking, food options, and a lot more.
The first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament Division I Men’s Basketball will be held on March 21 and 23.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21:
Session 1 - Doors Open @ 10:45 a.m.12:15 p.m.: (8) Baylor vs. (9) Mississippi State2:50 p.m.: (1) Duke vs. (16) TBD
Session 2 - Doors Open @ TBD6:50 p.m.: (1) Florida vs. (16) Norfolk St.9:25 p.m.: (8) UConn vs. (9) Oklahoma
SUNDAY, MARCH 23
Session 3 - Doors Open at TBDGame times TBD following Friday's games
Make sure to select the Raleigh area when viewing tickets at the links below.
TICKETMASTER | SEATGEEK | VIVID SEATS | STUBHUB |
No. Lenovo Center transactions for tickets, parking, concessions, and retail are cashless.
Tailgating on site is permitted. Vehicles must occupy only one parking space. Use of grills must follow Open Fires Prohibited guidelines.
Parking Passes
Parking Fees vary for select events. Lenovo Center now offers the opportunity to purchase advance parking passes. This allows you to arrive, scan your mobile pass, and park with ease.
To enter the Lenovo Center Parking Lots from I-40 or Wade Avenue, exit Edwards Mill Road. Travel South to Edwards Mill Road. The main Lenovo Center entrance is on your left.
?Check out the general parking map.
?Traffic at capacity redirect ingress map
Find directions below to the Lenovo Center.
Greensboro, Durham, Chapel Hill
Fayetteville, Lumberton, South Carolina
Goldsboro, Kinston
Wilmington, Jacksonville
Wilson, Greenville
Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury
Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia Area
There are lots of food options.
Some options also include the Ledge Lounge and the Arena Club Restaurant.
See below for a few options.
Located at the Sec. 301 stand, or Sec. 110 cart, Alpaca Peruvian Chicken offerings include fresh salads and bowls, yuca fries, desserts, horchata, and more.
The BBQ Lab features brisket and smoked turkey with homemade side dishes. Located in the Priority Lounges at Section 105 and 120, this offering is available to Priority Lounge and Club Level ticketholders. BBQ Lab sauces will be available at all BBQ Sandwich carts.
With stands at Sections 114 and 318, Buffalo Brothers offers fresh baked personal pizzas, chicken wings ft. signature sauces, draft beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Pizzas will also be available in the Club Level lounges.
Chick-fil-A offers additional menu items at the new Section 109 stand. Carts offering sandwiches and drinks are available at Sections 120 and 325.
Gonza Tacos Y Tequila features fresh tacos and more at the Section 112 stand and Section 130 cart. The local taco hot-spot offers tacos, nachos and quesadillas.
Shake Shack, located by Section 123, offers 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, a portobello burger, flat-top Vienna beef dogs, french fries, and spun-fresh frozen custard shakes.
NEW! Shake Shack offers a shake-only cart near Section 332.
Stop by at Section 329 to enjoy Primo Hoagies with fresh-baked bread, filled with high-quality meats and cheeses, fresh vegetables, and more.
Visit the Carvery cart at Section 120 for fresh carved sandwiches and chips.
Enjoy our in-house North Carolina pulled BBQ sandwich with slaw, BBQ Nachos, and BBQ Lab sauces. Carts are located at Sections 107, 123, 305, and 326.
Swing by Sections 126 or 314 for a 'quick stop' variety of beverages, snacks, candy, and specialty items such as Cheerwine Slushies (Section 126 only), Sabra Hummus, Health & Beauty convenience items and more.
Carts at Sections 105, 120, and 306 serve grilled Italian Sausages and Bratwurst with sautéed sweet peppers and onions.
Raising the Steak at Section 123 serves freshly prepared steak sandwiches with onions and provolone cheese on a sub roll.
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Carolina Hurricanes + NC State Bag Policy:
When it comes to representing the best teams, you gotta rep the best! Here's where you can buy some new threads for game day.
Click on the links below to find merch to buy for your team.
910-213-3800
