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This NC city is among HGTV's up and coming cities in the US. Here's why.

Portrait of Cheryl M. Whitaker Cheryl M. Whitaker
Wilmington StarNews
  • Burlington offers a mild climate, strong wages, a growing job market, and outdoor activities.
  • The city boasts breweries, food trucks, coffee shops, and a historic theater.
  • HGTV based its list on economic growth, job markets, and housing affordability.

HGTV has included a North Carolina city in its list of "The 30 Best Up-and-Coming Small Cities in America."

Burlington is less than 40 minutes from Greensboro, Chapel Hill and Durham, which HGTV says makes the town tops for college sports lovers given its proximity to Elon University, Duke and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Burlington, located in Alamance County, is part of the 18th largest county by population in North Carolina and one of the fastest growing, according to the city of Burlington website. The Burlington Carousel Festival is the largest two-day festival hosted in Burlington city limits. The annual festival features live music, performances, children’s activities, arts and craft vendors, fair foods and features the amusement park, with special emphasis on the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel.

The Historic Depot located in downtown Burlington.

HGTV: More to know about Burlington

Burlington is known for a mild climate, easy commuting, strong wages and a growing job market, particularly in the healthcare field. There’s plenty to do in Burlington, like hiking, fishing and picnicking at Cedarock Park and Great Bend Park. There’s also the Haw River Trail, which offers both paddling and hiking opportunities. In town, stroll Front Street and Main Street for breweries, food trucks and coffee shops, as well as the historic Paramount Theater.  

How was the list compiled?

HGTV examined the list, but also checked in with the Millken Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, which put out their own annual report on the Best Performing Cities. They looked at United States cities driving economic growth, tracking qualities like jobs, wages, housing affordability and access to broadband. Selecting great towns from both lists, as well as from a survey on the best small hometowns.

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Here are the 30 top up-and-coming cities in America

  • Georgetown, Texas
  • Queen Creek, Arizona
  • Buckeye, Arizona
  • New Braunfels, Texas
  • Fort Myers, Florida
  • Meridian, Idaho
  • St. George, Utah
  • Coeur D'Alene, Idaho
  • Redding, California
  • Sioux Falls, South Dakota
  • Gainesville, Georgia
  • Bend, Oregon
  • Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
  • Goodyear, Arizona
  • Maricopa, Arizona
  • Idaho Falls, Idaho
  • Abilene, Texas
  • Logan, Utah
  • Rapid City, South Dakota
  • Lewiston, Idaho
  • Burlington
  • Kyle, Texas
  • Mankato, Minnesota
  • Punta Gorda, Florida
  • Bloomington, Indiana
  • Bozeman, Montana
  • Santa Cruz, California
  • Bowling Green, Kentucky
  • Medford, Massachusetts
  • Missoula, Montana

Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at cheryl.whitaker@starnewsonline.com.