I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify North Carolina’s towns with the most explosive growth over the past decade. The results reveal a fascinating pattern of wealth creation across diverse communities.
What stands out most is how the state’s growth isn’t concentrated in just a few hotspots. From coastal treasures to revitalized manufacturing centers, these 25 markets represent every corner of North Carolina’s evolving real estate landscape.
For investors and homeowners alike, these figures tell a compelling story of opportunity in markets that were once overlooked. The data suggests North Carolina’s combination of lifestyle, economic opportunity, and relative affordability continues to drive exceptional returns.
25. Bridgeton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 131.39%
- Home value in 2016: $90,396
- Home value in 2017: $98,794
- Home value in 2018: $109,975
- Home value in 2019: $119,623
- Home value in 2020: $116,640
- Home value in 2021: $130,579
- Home value in 2022: $158,317
- Home value in 2023: $185,337
- Home value in 2024: $203,048
- Home value in 2025: $209,164
Your investment in Bridgeton would have more than doubled over nine years, offering exceptional returns compared to traditional vehicles. The steady climb suggests a sustainable market rather than a speculative bubble. For buyers, this waterfront community near New Bern has transformed from hidden gem to proven performer. Its growth trajectory indicates continued appreciation potential with relatively accessible entry points.
24. Dallas
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 131.69%
- Home value in 2016: $114,304
- Home value in 2017: $124,286
- Home value in 2018: $133,020
- Home value in 2019: $148,102
- Home value in 2020: $161,974
- Home value in 2021: $191,538
- Home value in 2022: $225,309
- Home value in 2023: $249,782
- Home value in 2024: $258,421
- Home value in 2025: $264,837
With a remarkable 131.7% appreciation, Dallas represents a wealth-building powerhouse that’s outperformed even aggressive stock portfolios. Your timing window for maximum gains appears to have been 2020-2022, when values jumped nearly $64K in just two years. Savvy investors might consider this Gaston County town as a testament to Charlotte’s expanding economic influence. The moderating growth rate in recent years suggests a maturing market that’s finding its equilibrium.
23. Surf City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 132.00%
- Home value in 2016: $273,805
- Home value in 2017: $280,846
- Home value in 2018: $297,740
- Home value in 2019: $320,134
- Home value in 2020: $349,487
- Home value in 2021: $410,572
- Home value in 2022: $543,854
- Home value in 2023: $618,150
- Home value in 2024: $626,745
- Home value in 2025: $635,214
Surf City’s $361K absolute gain represents the largest dollar increase among these top performers, translating to roughly $40K in annual equity growth. The dramatic surge between 2021-2023 highlights coastal property’s explosive potential during lifestyle migrations. Your investment in this Topsail Island community would have benefited from both tourism appeal and remote work trends. The recent stabilization suggests a premium coastal market finding its ceiling after extraordinary pandemic-era demand.
22. Cherryville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 132.59%
- Home value in 2016: $101,247
- Home value in 2017: $108,072
- Home value in 2018: $115,977
- Home value in 2019: $128,293
- Home value in 2020: $138,586
- Home value in 2021: $167,740
- Home value in 2022: $195,531
- Home value in 2023: $218,085
- Home value in 2024: $228,762
- Home value in 2025: $235,488
Cherryville’s transformation represents prime small-town opportunity, with property values more than doubling while still remaining accessible compared to nearby markets. Your investment would have seen its strongest momentum during 2020-2022, when values jumped nearly 41%. This historic textile town west of Charlotte demonstrates how revitalization efforts can translate into remarkable equity growth. Recent moderation suggests a market that’s stabilizing after capturing significant migration from higher-priced regions.
21. Navassa
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.38%
- Home value in 2016: $114,830
- Home value in 2017: $122,759
- Home value in 2018: $132,382
- Home value in 2019: $146,620
- Home value in 2020: $161,414
- Home value in 2021: $186,145
- Home value in 2022: $218,888
- Home value in 2023: $246,369
- Home value in 2024: $263,844
- Home value in 2025: $267,987
Navassa’s strategic location near Wilmington has transformed your potential investment into a wealth-building vehicle, more than doubling values while outpacing inflation threefold. The consistent year-over-year gains indicate sustainable demand rather than speculative peaks. This Brunswick County town benefits from proximity to both coastal amenities and urban employment centers. Recent slowing growth suggests a maturing market that’s finding equilibrium after capturing significant regional migration.
20. Albemarle
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.02%
- Home value in 2016: $105,977
- Home value in 2017: $113,018
- Home value in 2018: $121,776
- Home value in 2019: $131,663
- Home value in 2020: $140,087
- Home value in 2021: $167,031
- Home value in 2022: $196,197
- Home value in 2023: $221,917
- Home value in 2024: $235,040
- Home value in 2025: $248,004
Albemarle’s 134% appreciation demonstrates how smaller markets can deliver outsized returns while maintaining affordability relative to nearby urban centers. Your investment would have seen its most dramatic acceleration between 2020-2023, when values jumped over $81K in just three years. This Stanly County seat offers a compelling case study in how satellite communities benefit from big-city migration trends. The continued growth through 2025 suggests sustained demand rather than a market reaching saturation.
19. Hemby Bridge
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.18%
- Home value in 2016: $139,553
- Home value in 2017: $152,217
- Home value in 2018: $167,310
- Home value in 2019: $186,973
- Home value in 2020: $201,597
- Home value in 2021: $230,422
- Home value in 2022: $276,339
- Home value in 2023: $305,567
- Home value in 2024: $322,024
- Home value in 2025: $328,204
Hemby Bridge has rewarded property owners with nearly $189K in equity growth, translating to approximately $21K annually over nine years. Your investment would have particularly accelerated between 2021-2023, capturing over $75K in just 24 months. This Union County community represents the premium suburbs capturing Charlotte’s economic expansion and migration inflows. The tapering growth rate since 2023 suggests a high-end market finding its equilibrium point after extraordinary pandemic-era demand.
18. Kannapolis
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.35%
- Home value in 2016: $111,172
- Home value in 2017: $119,726
- Home value in 2018: $134,928
- Home value in 2019: $146,650
- Home value in 2020: $161,110
- Home value in 2021: $190,535
- Home value in 2022: $230,332
- Home value in 2023: $253,375
- Home value in 2024: $264,179
- Home value in 2025: $264,978
Kannapolis demonstrates how revitalization and strategic reinvestment can translate into remarkable wealth creation, with values increasing over 138% while maintaining relative affordability. Your property would have gained over $103K during the 2020-2023 acceleration phase alone. This former textile town’s renaissance has been fueled by major downtown redevelopment and proximity to Charlotte’s economic engine. The flattening curve in 2024-2025 suggests a market catching its breath after capturing significant migration from higher-priced regions.
17. Ranlo
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.60%
- Home value in 2016: $109,118
- Home value in 2017: $116,939
- Home value in 2018: $127,719
- Home value in 2019: $144,330
- Home value in 2020: $154,023
- Home value in 2021: $181,214
- Home value in 2022: $225,780
- Home value in 2023: $246,162
- Home value in 2024: $256,091
- Home value in 2025: $260,358
Ranlo’s 138.6% appreciation showcases how Charlotte’s economic gravity transforms even modest satellite communities into wealth-building opportunities. Your investment timing would have been critical, with the 2021-2022 period alone delivering almost $45K in equity growth. This Gaston County town exemplifies how workforce housing markets can deliver outsized returns when connected to strong employment centers. The moderating growth since 2023 suggests a market finding its natural price ceiling after extraordinary pandemic-era demand.
16. Lowell
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.89%
- Home value in 2016: $110,005
- Home value in 2017: $120,995
- Home value in 2018: $133,986
- Home value in 2019: $149,232
- Home value in 2020: $160,174
- Home value in 2021: $187,137
- Home value in 2022: $226,586
- Home value in 2023: $250,236
- Home value in 2024: $255,928
- Home value in 2025: $262,788
Lowell’s nearly 139% value increase demonstrates how Charlotte’s economic expansion radiates outward, transforming formerly overlooked communities into investment hotspots. Your property would have experienced its greatest momentum between 2020-2023, gaining over $90K in just three years. This Gaston County town exemplifies how strategic location between employment centers and affordable housing creates sustainable demand. The moderating growth since 2023 suggests a market establishing its value equilibrium after capturing significant migration from higher-priced regions.
15. Oak Island
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 140.52%
- Home value in 2016: $227,373
- Home value in 2017: $236,078
- Home value in 2018: $253,527
- Home value in 2019: $276,223
- Home value in 2020: $300,521
- Home value in 2021: $345,030
- Home value in 2022: $452,085
- Home value in 2023: $509,440
- Home value in 2024: $530,647
- Home value in 2025: $546,886
Oak Island’s remarkable $319K absolute gain translates to approximately $35K annually over nine years, outperforming most traditional investment vehicles. Your coastal property would have experienced explosive growth between 2021-2023, when values surged $164K in just 24 months. This Brunswick County beach destination demonstrates premium coastal property’s exceptional wealth-building potential during lifestyle migration periods. Recent moderating growth suggests a luxury market finding its equilibrium point after capturing extraordinary pandemic-era demand for secondary and retirement homes.
14. Selma
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 140.54%
- Home value in 2016: $109,969
- Home value in 2017: $122,973
- Home value in 2018: $132,840
- Home value in 2019: $144,683
- Home value in 2020: $158,927
- Home value in 2021: $198,436
- Home value in 2022: $229,076
- Home value in 2023: $246,639
- Home value in 2024: $263,118
- Home value in 2025: $264,515
Selma’s impressive 140.5% appreciation demonstrates how strategic location along transportation corridors can transform modest markets into wealth-building opportunities. Your investment would have seen its greatest momentum during 2020-2022, gaining nearly $70K in just two years. This Johnston County town benefits from proximity to both Raleigh’s employment centers and more affordable housing options. The flattening curve in 2024-2025 suggests a market reaching its natural equilibrium after capturing significant regional migration flows.
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13. Gastonia
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 142.74%
- Home value in 2016: $110,689
- Home value in 2017: $120,963
- Home value in 2018: $133,937
- Home value in 2019: $150,508
- Home value in 2020: $163,226
- Home value in 2021: $188,480
- Home value in 2022: $234,607
- Home value in 2023: $258,219
- Home value in 2024: $265,222
- Home value in 2025: $268,686
Gastonia’s 142.7% appreciation illustrates how secondary cities can deliver outsized returns while maintaining relative affordability compared to neighboring employment hubs. Your investment would have seen extraordinary acceleration during 2021-2023, gaining nearly $70K in just 24 months. This Gaston County seat benefits from Charlotte’s economic expansion while offering more accessible price points for first-time buyers and investors. The moderating growth since 2023 suggests a market establishing its value equilibrium after capturing significant migration from higher-priced urban cores.
12. Lilesville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.42%
- Home value in 2016: $34,935
- Home value in 2017: $38,319
- Home value in 2018: $40,724
- Home value in 2019: $43,037
- Home value in 2020: $45,269
- Home value in 2021: $57,529
- Home value in 2022: $67,432
- Home value in 2023: $71,173
- Home value in 2024: $82,571
- Home value in 2025: $85,388
Lilesville demonstrates how even ultra-affordable rural markets can deliver exceptional percentage returns, with values increasing 144% while remaining within reach of first-time buyers. Your investment would have seen its most dramatic acceleration during 2020-2021, when values jumped 27% in just one year. This Anson County town showcases the potential of remote locations as remote work trends expand the geography of viable housing markets. The continued growth through 2025 suggests sustained demand rather than a speculative peak, offering unique opportunities in an overlooked rural segment.
11. Bessemer City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 145.18%
- Home value in 2016: $91,535
- Home value in 2017: $98,390
- Home value in 2018: $107,614
- Home value in 2019: $122,770
- Home value in 2020: $134,441
- Home value in 2021: $159,370
- Home value in 2022: $189,117
- Home value in 2023: $209,270
- Home value in 2024: $216,622
- Home value in 2025: $224,426
Bessemer City’s 145% growth showcases how former manufacturing towns can transform into wealth-building opportunities when connected to growing metropolitan economies. Your investment would have seen its greatest momentum during 2020-2023, gaining nearly $75K in just three years. This Gaston County community exemplifies how Charlotte’s economic gravity extends opportunity to previously overlooked markets within commuting distance. The continued growth through 2025, albeit at a slower pace, suggests sustainable demand rather than a market reaching its ceiling.
10. North Topsail Beach
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.08%
- Home value in 2016: $207,801
- Home value in 2017: $215,862
- Home value in 2018: $236,963
- Home value in 2019: $274,415
- Home value in 2020: $290,280
- Home value in 2021: $334,039
- Home value in 2022: $444,457
- Home value in 2023: $500,186
- Home value in 2024: $508,631
- Home value in 2025: $511,359
North Topsail Beach’s remarkable $303K absolute gain translates to wealth creation of roughly $33K annually over nine years, far outpacing traditional investment vehicles. Your coastal property would have experienced explosive acceleration during 2021-2022, when values surged $110K in just one year. This barrier island destination showcases how premium coastal markets captured extraordinary pandemic-era demand for second homes and remote work locations. The flattening curve since 2023 suggests a luxury market finding its natural ceiling after dramatic pandemic-era price discovery.
9. Penrose
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 147.28%
- Home value in 2016: $159,056
- Home value in 2017: $169,684
- Home value in 2018: $186,997
- Home value in 2019: $199,504
- Home value in 2020: $211,458
- Home value in 2021: $248,068
- Home value in 2022: $304,906
- Home value in 2023: $341,826
- Home value in 2024: $369,343
- Home value in 2025: $393,307
Penrose’s impressive 147% appreciation illustrates the explosive potential of mountain communities as remote work trends transform lifestyle preferences into market dynamics. Your investment would have gained over $181K during the four-year period from 2020-2024 alone. This Transylvania County community benefits from proximity to Brevard’s amenities and the region’s exceptional natural resources. The continued strong growth through 2025 suggests a market still discovering its equilibrium as demand for mountain living remains robust among remote workers and retirees.
8. Badin
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 152.48%
- Home value in 2016: $66,105
- Home value in 2017: $67,880
- Home value in 2018: $74,171
- Home value in 2019: $84,347
- Home value in 2020: $91,309
- Home value in 2021: $110,949
- Home value in 2022: $136,992
- Home value in 2023: $154,860
- Home value in 2024: $162,881
- Home value in 2025: $166,900
Badin’s remarkable 152.5% growth demonstrates how historically overlooked communities can deliver exceptional returns while maintaining extraordinary affordability for first-time investors. Your property would have experienced its greatest momentum during 2020-2022, when values surged nearly 50% in just two years. This historic Stanly County town showcases the untapped potential of small communities with unique architectural character and lakefront amenities. The moderation since 2023 suggests a market finding its equilibrium after capturing significant interest from bargain-hunters and remote workers.
7. Longview
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 153.59%
- Home value in 2016: $68,496
- Home value in 2017: $72,323
- Home value in 2018: $76,565
- Home value in 2019: $87,215
- Home value in 2020: $97,459
- Home value in 2021: $119,343
- Home value in 2022: $131,939
- Home value in 2023: $150,733
- Home value in 2024: $166,721
- Home value in 2025: $173,698
Longview’s extraordinary 153.6% appreciation showcases how overlooked communities near regional growth centers can transform into wealth-building opportunities. Your investment would have seen dramatic acceleration since 2020, with values climbing by over $76K in just five years. This Catawba County town benefits from proximity to Hickory’s economic revitalization while maintaining relative affordability. The continued growth through 2025 suggests a market still discovering its true value as regional migration patterns expand the geography of viable housing markets.
6. Gamewell
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.91%
- Home value in 2016: $75,223
- Home value in 2017: $82,665
- Home value in 2018: $90,014
- Home value in 2019: $102,160
- Home value in 2020: $114,680
- Home value in 2021: $133,807
- Home value in 2022: $150,778
- Home value in 2023: $173,175
- Home value in 2024: $182,717
- Home value in 2025: $195,512
Gamewell’s nearly 160% growth illustrates how secondary and tertiary markets can deliver exceptional returns while remaining accessible to a broad range of buyers and investors. Your property would have gained over $120K since 2016, with remarkably consistent year-over-year appreciation suggesting fundamental demand rather than speculation. This Caldwell County community near Lenoir showcases how western North Carolina’s small towns benefit from quality of life factors and regional migration. The sustained growth through 2025 indicates a market still discovering its equilibrium as remote work expands viable housing geography.
5. Beech Mountain
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 160.60%
- Home value in 2016: $174,187
- Home value in 2017: $175,513
- Home value in 2018: $182,813
- Home value in 2019: $195,744
- Home value in 2020: $212,380
- Home value in 2021: $261,490
- Home value in 2022: $381,476
- Home value in 2023: $430,929
- Home value in 2024: $450,502
- Home value in 2025: $453,931
Beech Mountain’s extraordinary $279K absolute gain showcases the explosive potential of premium recreation destinations during lifestyle migration periods. Your mountain retreat would have seen truly remarkable acceleration during 2021-2022, when values surged $120K in just one year. This high-elevation resort community exemplifies how the pandemic fundamentally reordered priorities toward amenity-rich locations with natural distancing. The tapering growth since 2023 suggests a luxury market finding its natural ceiling after experiencing extraordinary pandemic-era demand discovery.
4. Collettsville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 168.78%
- Home value in 2016: $55,976
- Home value in 2017: $61,155
- Home value in 2018: $68,357
- Home value in 2019: $76,638
- Home value in 2020: $82,782
- Home value in 2021: $106,882
- Home value in 2022: $121,190
- Home value in 2023: $128,728
- Home value in 2024: $139,470
- Home value in 2025: $150,453
Collettsville’s remarkable 168.8% growth demonstrates how even remote rural communities can deliver exceptional returns as remote work transforms the viability of previously overlooked markets. Your investment would have gained nearly $95K while starting from an extremely accessible price point. This small mountain community near Wilson Creek showcases how natural amenities and affordability create compelling value propositions. The continued strong growth through 2025 suggests a market still discovering its equilibrium as outdoors-oriented buyers expand their search radius beyond traditional destinations.
3. Spencer
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 177.30%
- Home value in 2016: $72,794
- Home value in 2017: $76,802
- Home value in 2018: $85,784
- Home value in 2019: $94,076
- Home value in 2020: $105,829
- Home value in 2021: $131,735
- Home value in 2022: $160,850
- Home value in 2023: $176,094
- Home value in 2024: $193,788
- Home value in 2025: $201,860
Spencer’s extraordinary 177.3% appreciation showcases how historic small towns can experience renaissance-level growth while maintaining relative affordability. Your investment timing would have been critical, with the 2020-2022 period delivering a remarkable 52% jump in just two years. This Rowan County community near Salisbury demonstrates how character-rich housing stock and strategic location create compelling value propositions. The continued strong growth through 2025 suggests a market still benefiting from spillover demand as buyers expand their search radius from higher-priced regions.
2. Brookford
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 180.95%
- Home value in 2016: $48,459
- Home value in 2017: $48,066
- Home value in 2018: $59,908
- Home value in 2019: $66,433
- Home value in 2020: $74,822
- Home value in 2021: $91,179
- Home value in 2022: $103,049
- Home value in 2023: $113,144
- Home value in 2024: $128,535
- Home value in 2025: $136,144
Brookford’s remarkable 181% growth demonstrates how micro-communities can deliver extraordinary percentage returns while remaining among the most affordable entry points in growing regions. Your $48K investment in 2016 would now command $136K, creating substantial equity from a minimal starting capital. This tiny enclave near Hickory showcases how strategic location and affordability create compelling investment mathematics. The continued strong growth through 2025 suggests sustained demand as workforce housing remains critically undersupplied throughout the region.
1. High Shoals
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 201.27%
- Home value in 2016: $41,546
- Home value in 2017: $39,107
- Home value in 2018: $39,201
- Home value in 2019: $60,006
- Home value in 2020: $75,400
- Home value in 2021: $100,108
- Home value in 2022: $115,283
- Home value in 2023: $119,752
- Home value in 2024: $125,765
- Home value in 2025: $125,167
High Shoals’ explosive 201.3% growth crowns it as North Carolina’s ultimate percentage performer, tripling your investment while remaining extraordinarily affordable. Your timing would have been remarkable if you purchased during the 2017-2018 trough, potentially quadrupling your property value in just seven years. This small Gaston County community exemplifies how overlooked markets can deliver exceptional returns when connected to regional growth dynamics. Despite slight regression in 2025, the long-term trajectory suggests an impressive transformation from forgotten town to compelling investment opportunity.
