Cape Carteret 75 Excellent
Cape Carteret Livability #46 ranked city in North Carolina#4,084 ranked city in the USARanks better than 86% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Cape Carteret

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Ratings Ratings

    AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

What's it like Living in Cape Carteret?

Cape Carteret, North Carolina is a small city with a population of 2,800 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Cape Carteret is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Cape Carteret might be a good fit as 73% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 54% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Cape Carteret your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 25 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Cape Carteret is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in North Carolina, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Cape Carteret and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.

Cape Carteret, NC receives 74/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #53 in North Carolina and #4,346 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Cape Carteret has received high marks for crime (A+), education (B), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Cape Carteret, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Cape Carteret has an unemployment rate of 1.8% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Cape Carteret apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Cape Carteret real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Cape Carteret. Median real estate prices in Cape Carteret come in at $494,703, which is 70.9% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cape Carteret, the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 2.4% higher than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Cape Carteret

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      Cape Carteret transportation information

      Statistic Cape Carteret North Carolina National
      Average one way commute25min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work90.6%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.0%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home4.4%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Cape Carteret, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.