North Carolina, a state renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history, is also becoming a haven for cyclists. With an increasing number of cities prioritizing bike-friendly infrastructure, it’s an exciting time to explore the state on two wheels.
In this Redfin article, we delve into the top ten most bikeable cities in North Carolina, offering insights into their unique characteristics and appeal to cycling enthusiasts.
All data sourced January 2024.
1. Carrboro, NC
Bike Score: 58
Median Sale Price: $395,000
Median Rent Price: $1,580
With a bike score of 58, Carrboro, a suburb of Chapel Hill, is the most bikeable city in North Carolina. The region boasts several cyclist-friendly neighborhoods, like Colins Crossing and Colonial Heights. These areas contain bike lanes and plenty of attractions accessible by bike.
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2. Wilmington, NC
Bike Score: 51
Median Sale Price: $412,000
Median Rent Price: $1,520
A coastal hub, Wilmington has a bike score of 51, making it the second most bikeable city in the state. There are bikeable roads, neighborhoods, and trails throughout Wilmington, like the River to Sea Bikeway, helping make the city accessible without a car.
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3. Chapel Hill, NC
Bike Score: 50
Median Sale Price: $635,500
Median Rent Price: $2,050
Chapel Hill is the third most bikeable city in the state. Particularly bikeable areas in Chapel Hill include Downtown and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. These places are home to destinations like the Morehead Planetarium and the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
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4. Elizabeth City, NC
Bike Score: 49
Median Sale Price: $288,000
Median Rent Price: $1,180
Elizabeth City has plenty of amenities a cyclist needs to succeed, including bike paths, local parks, and wide residential streets. Particularly bikeable streets include Ehringhaus Street and Hughes Boulevard. So, whether you’re in the mood for commuting or a leisurely ride, you’re sure to find a route that works for you.
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5. Greenville, NC
Bike Score: 43
Median Sale Price: $236,990
Median Rent Price: $1,350
As the fifth most bikeable city in the state, Greenville is known for its university and medical center. Cycle to the River Park North or get a bite to eat at Sup Dogs with friends after a group ride. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, head to the Greenville Greenway.
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6. New Bern, NC
Bike Score: 42
Median Sale Price: $300,000
Median Rent Price: $1,560
New Bern, with amenities like wide residential streets and brunch shops, is the sixth most bikeable city in North Carolina. Consider taking a ride with friends to enjoy the views at Union Point Park or the New Bern Historical Society Civil War Battlefield Park. If you’re a commuter, take advantage of the wide roads like Neuse Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.
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7. Havelock, NC
Bike Score: 41
Median Sale Price: $195,000
Median Rent Price: $1,100
With a Bike Score of 41, Havelock is the seventh most bikeable city in North Carolina. Havelock has plenty of amenities a cyclist might need, from wide open roads like East Main Street, to gorgeous destinations like the Croatan National Forest. Consider riding with friends, commuting to work, or starting a weekly cycling group.
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8. Morrisville, NC
Bike Score: 41
Median Sale Price: $532,500
Median Rent Price: $1,955
Known for its tech industry and proximity to the Research Triangle Park, Morrisville is the eighth most bikeable city in North Carolina. With mild hills, bike lanes, and plenty of amenities cyclists love, there’s something for every rider. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, consider cycling to Lake Crabtree County Park or the Indian Creek Greenway.
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9. Jacksonville, NC
Bike Score: 40
Median Sale Price: $203,000
Median Rent Price: $1,180
Jacksonville has a bike score of 40, making it the ninth most bikeable city in the state. There are a number of parks in Jacksonville, like Northeast Creek Park and Wilson Bay Park, that are great cycling destinations. You can also stop at Biagio’s for a mid-ride snack.
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10. Raleigh, NC
Bike Score: 39
Median Sale Price: $400,000
Median Rent Price: $1,685
The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is the tenth most bikeable city in the state. The area has many great spots for cyclists, like the Neuse River Trail, the Capital Area Greenway, and the Morning Times cafe. Consider planning a route and commuting to work or school if you’re able.
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Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Bike Score for a city, Walk Score measures a location’s bikeability using four equally weighted components: Bike lanes; hills; destinations and road connectivity; and bike commuting and mode share. Points are awarded based on importance and are weighted based on total amounts. Bike Score does not take into account access to restaurants, grocery stores, parks, or other amenities. Bike Score uses data from OpenStreetMap, USGS, and the Census Bureau.
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