46. Stallings, N.C.
| AT A GLANCE | |
| Population | 13,795 |
| Median Income | $72,721 |
| Job Growth | 11.8% |
| Median Home Price | $194,125 |
| Property Tax | $1,500 |
Located just outside of Charlotte, N.C., Stallings boasts old-school Southern charm in close enough proximity to big-city attractions that residents need never fear boredom. Museums, performing arts centers, an increasingly vibrant food scene, and other attractions in the Queen City make the nearby towns perfect nesting spots for families and individuals who want to be close to the action but still have their own space.
It’s unsurprising, then, that Stallings has attracted so many families. Stallings Fest, an annual fall event, features local and regional performers, artists, and vendors, as well as amusement park-style rides, all for free. On some weekend nights in the summer, the town also offers outdoor movies, with local band performances before dusk and other activities for the young and old to enjoy.
The $194,125 median home price in Stallings is slightly below the national average of $207,995, while Moody’s projects a 5-year job growth rate of 11.79%, significantly higher than the 7.4% national outlook. Many families working in Charlotte make the move to Stallings for quality schools for their children. Stallings is also one of the safest towns on this year’s list, with low levels of both property and violent crime, despite its proximity to a larger urban area.—Alicia Adamczyk