15 North Carolina Cities You Should Never Buy Property In

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Buying a property is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make – it’s not just a house, it’s a community, a lifestyle, and a financial future. North Carolina’s mountains, beaches and bustling cities may appear to be a safe haven for potential buyers. Yet, even in this popular state, there are some areas that remain off the list when buying real estate.

There aren’t any cheap shots being taken here, every place has its charm. However, if you are thinking of investing your hard earned cash in a piece of real estate, you would do well to think twice about these cities in North Carolina that might make you wonder if that real estate dream has just turned into some real nightmare.

Rocky Mount

There are challenges for Rocky Mount. Over the years, it has struggled with economic stagnation. The city’s unemployment rates have been higher than the national average, restricting possibilities for residents and property appreciation. What also concerns is the crime rate, which, according to Neighborhood Scouts, is one of the highest and higher than the state average. This city has too many problems for those who want to invest.

Kinston

Kinston has seen better days, known for its barbecue and its rich Civil War history. The population has been in decline, the local economy has not kept up with more dynamic areas. It’s one of the city’s with the highest crime rates in the state, and that isn’t helped by the lack of any economic opportunities for potential homeowners or investors.

Goldsboro

The Seymour Johnson Air Force Base may be located in Goldsboro, but the area has problems that might keep potential property buyers away. The long term investment picture is painted less than rosy with high poverty rates and an above average crime rate. Its public schools are below the state average, potentially stopping families in their tracks.

Lumberton

This area has a bad reputation of being a high crime city, often being in the ranks of most dangerous cities in North Carolina. Despite being located in a desirable spot along I-95, Lumberton has trouble drawing companies and development that would give the area economic strength. This investment could feel like swimming upstream.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville has a large military presence, and is home to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg). It has diversity and activity; but also transient populations and fluctuating housing demand. Crime rates, poverty levels, and inconsistent economic growth are of concern, and property investment in the city is riskier than you might expect.

High Point

Southern Cities on the Verge of Becoming Unaffordable by 2025 — Image Credit: Bz3rk/Wikimedia Commons

High Point’s real estate prospects are far from soaring despite its name. The city, known for its furniture market, has struggled to diversify its economy. Some areas have high crime rate and are less desirable. Also, the housing demand is not well served by stagnant job growth.

Tarboro

This small town near the Tar River is picturesque, but it doesn’t appear to be economically rosy. Property investors don’t have much to get excited about with declining population numbers and limited growth opportunities. The financial stability is a concern while it has the historical charm.

Sanford

Sanford, within Lee County, often feels like it’s overshadowed by larger cities like Raleigh and Durham. According to NeighborhoodScout, the city’s crime rate is higher than average, and economic growth hasn’t kept pace with the Triangle region. Worse, yes, but it’s not the worst choice for your real estate dollar in the state.

Greenville

Although Greenville is a college town with East Carolina University breathing a little life into the town, Greenville fights economic disparity. The city is tarnished by higher crime rates on its west side. Student housing keeps the rental market alive but buying property here could be a closer look at what neighborhoods are worth the effort.

Hickory

Hickory was once a thriving furniture industry town, but like many others, has had difficulty maintaining the economy in the face of change. The city’s infrastructure cannot support new opportunities and job growth has been slow. It might not be the worst choice in this list, but it’s not quite the golden goose for property investors.

Gastonia

Located as a suburb of Charlotte, you’d think Gastonia would thrive by being close to the booming Queen City. But high crime rates and slow economic growth have kept it off most buyers’ radar. It’s a question mark, not a sure thing, but Gastonia has potential.

Burlington

The pros and cons of Burlington are divided, but its challenges outweigh its potential to be a great real estate market. Lacking in infrastructure investment, the city has been criticized for not being able to grow. And add crime concerns to the mix, and it’s not a place you’d want to buy a home.

Thomasville

Thomasville is famous for its furniture history but now it’s struggling to reinvent itself. Economic challenge to the residents of the city is also brought by the reduction of job opportunities in the city. This lack of growth affects property values and makes it unattractive to plant roots or put down investments here.

Reidsville

If Reidsville’s small town charm is your thing, it’s something you might enjoy, but its economy isn’t in good shape either. Local unemployment rates are higher than the state average and the local job market is very limited. What started as a great deal during the recession has stagnated property values so much that it’s no longer a good option for buyers looking for long term appreciation.

Albemarle

Albemarle, in Stanly County, has its share of economic hurdles. The city has fallen behind its peers as limited industry growth and a lack of significant infrastructure investment have stifled the city’s growth. The small size, along with its slower pace, might make it appealing to some people, but from a property investment point of view, it’s a hard sell.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.