If you’ve ever driven through the rolling horse country of Union County or walked the quiet, shaded lanes of Biltmore Forest, you know North Carolina wealth isn't always loud. It’s often tucked away. Behind long driveways and massive oak trees. Honestly, the "old money" vs. "new money" divide in the Tar Heel State has never been more obvious than it is right now in 2026.
People are moving here in droves.
But they aren’t just going to Charlotte or Raleigh. They are flocking to specific enclaves where the median household income regularly clears $200,000. We're talking about places where the "starter homes" are pushing $1.5 million and the local high school parking lots look like European car shows.
The Shift Toward the Wealthiest Towns in North Carolina
For a long time, if you had money in North Carolina, you lived in Charlotte’s Myers Park (zip code 28207) or maybe a quiet corner of Chapel Hill. That's changing. The newest data shows a massive migration toward the suburbs.
Take Marvin, for example.
This tiny village in Union County has basically become the heavy hitter of the state. It’s not a city. It barely has a "downtown." But the median household income here is sitting pretty at roughly $250,001. That isn't a typo. It is arguably the richest town in North Carolina by a wide margin. Why? Because it’s where the CEOs and banking executives from Charlotte go when they want five acres, a six-car garage, and a tax rate that doesn't make them wince.
Then you've got Weddington. It’s right next door to Marvin.
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Weddington feels like a postcard of suburban perfection. You won't find many apartments or strip malls here. The town council is notoriously protective of its "rural" feel. In 2023, the median household income in Weddington was already hitting $196,159, a massive 14% jump from the year prior. By now, in early 2026, it’s only climbed higher. People aren't just moving here for the houses; they’re moving for the schools and the breathing room.
Biltmore Forest: The Definition of Old World Luxury
If Marvin is the new king of the suburbs, Biltmore Forest is the undisputed champion of heritage.
Located right outside Asheville, this town was literally designed to be elite. It was carved out of the original Biltmore Estate. You can’t just "build" a new house here easily. The architectural review board is famously strict.
- Median Home Price: Often exceeds $2.6 million.
- Atmosphere: Heavily wooded, private police force, zero commercial zoning.
- The Vibe: Stately. Think stone manors and 100-year-old hardwoods.
It’s a different kind of rich. In Biltmore Forest, the wealth is stable. While other markets fluctuated over the last few years, Biltmore Forest saw home prices jump 19.8% year-over-year in late 2025. It’s where the "quiet wealth" lives, far away from the hustle of the Research Triangle or the banking towers of the Queen City.
Coastal Gold: Wrightsville Beach and St. James
You can't talk about the wealthiest towns in North Carolina without looking at the coast. The Atlantic Ocean has a way of driving up property values like nothing else.
Wrightsville Beach is the standout.
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It’s small. It’s crowded. And it is incredibly expensive. The median home price here hit $1.7 million recently, with some oceanfront lots going for much more. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just a vacation spot. More people are living here year-round now, thanks to remote work. If you can run a hedge fund from a porch overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, why wouldn't you?
Further south, you’ll find St. James.
This is a master-planned community near Southport. It’s technically a town, but it functions like a massive, high-end resort. It’s a magnet for wealthy retirees. With a per capita income that has historically been the highest in the state (over $87,000 per person), it’s a bubble of golf courses, marinas, and private clubs. It’s the kind of place where your neighbor probably owned a Fortune 500 company before "retiring" to play 36 holes a day.
The Rise of the "Sub-Suburbs"
We are seeing a new trend in 2026: the rise of towns like Davidson and Summerfield.
Davidson is more than just a college town. It’s a sophisticated suburb north of Charlotte with a median income hovering around $153,000. It has that walkable, Hallmark-movie downtown that people with money crave.
Summerfield, located north of Greensboro, is the dark horse. It’s the Marvin of the Triad. Large lots, custom builds, and a median income of $151,131. It proves that wealth in North Carolina is spreading out. It’s moving north of Greensboro, south of Charlotte, and west of Raleigh.
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What's Driving the Numbers?
It isn't just luck. North Carolina has a specific mix of factors that appeal to high-net-worth individuals:
- The Tech/Banking Hubs: The Research Triangle Park (RTP) and Charlotte’s financial district provide the salaries that support these $200k+ median incomes.
- Tax Rates: Compared to New York, New Jersey, or California, North Carolina’s tax burden is a relief.
- Space: You can get a 5,000-square-foot home on a multi-acre lot in Weddington for the price of a cramped condo in San Francisco.
Honestly, the "wealthiest" tag can be misleading. Some towns have high median incomes but "lower" home prices, while others—like Highlands in the mountains—have astronomical home prices (median $2.75 million) but lower "permanent resident" income because so many owners are seasonal.
Actionable Insights for 2026
If you're looking to move or invest in these areas, keep a few things in mind. Inventory in places like Biltmore Forest or Marvin is almost always low. You often have to find "pocket listings" or work with brokers who specialize in off-market deals.
For those looking for the "next" Marvin, keep an eye on areas like Waxhaw or Apex. They are growing rapidly and the wealth is trickling down the highway. The infrastructure is finally catching up to the rooftops.
Check the local zoning laws before buying. Towns like Weddington and Marvin have strict minimum lot sizes. This keeps the density low and the property values high, but it also means you’ll be spending a lot more on landscaping and maintenance than you might expect. High-end North Carolina real estate is a long game.
Understand the "Buyer's Market" shift. In late 2025, several of these high-end areas, including Biltmore Forest, actually shifted into a buyer's market. Inventory stayed on the market longer—sometimes 80 to 100 days. This gives you leverage that didn't exist two years ago. Use it.