What would you say is the most fun city in North Carolina? It has to be one of the largest right? Well, that is right. But how can you tell for sure? Especially when what people consider fun understandably varies? Maybe you like trying new restaurants, traveling, going to bars and clubs, or playing outdoor sports. Some people like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Others enjoy riding roller coasters, going to the movies, or playing video games. All are fun for different people! But having fun can be expensive. Our friends at WalletHub report that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average American spends over $3,500 on entertainment per year. Somehow I feel like I exceed that.
But when people have such different preferences, what, then, makes a fun city? That’s where WalletHub comes in. They define a “fun city” as one that packs a little bit of everything for everyone. If you want a city with enough variety, you won’t have to compromise with your friends, your family, or even yourself about the next fun activity to participate in. So to help Americans find the cities with the greatest number and variety of fun yet cost-effective options, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 65 key metrics. They range from fitness centers per capita to movie costs to the average open hours of breweries. This helped them to compile their “Fun Cities List”. So which is the most fun city in North Carolina? Keep reading to find out. You’ll see where each NC and SC city ranked as well as the top 10. Do you agree? Let us know!
1. (47 Overall) Raleigh, NC
Total Score: 38.99
Entertainment & Recreation: 69
Nightlife & Parties: 34
Costs: 67
2. (48th overall) Charlotte, NC
Total Score: 38.89
Entertainment & Recreation: 61
Nightlife & Parties: 38
Costs: 87
3. (69th overall) Durham, NC
Total Score: 35.45
Entertainment & Recreation: 112
Nightlife & Parties: 66
Costs: 2
4. (87th overall) Winston-Salem, NC
Total Score: 32.73
Entertainment & Recreation: 97
Nightlife & Parties: 99
Costs: 44
5. (98th overall) Greensboro, NC
Total Score: 31.55
Entertainment & Recreation: 95
Nightlife & Parties: 104
Costs: 32
6. (122nd Overall) Fayetteville, NC
Total Score: 29.25
Entertainment & Recreation: 142
Nightlife & Parties: 124
Costs: 64
1. (23rd overall)
Total Score: 44.08
Entertainment & Recreation: 22
Nightlife & Parties: 39
Costs: 77
2. (59th Overall) Columbia, SC
Total Score: 37.32
Entertainment & Recreation: 50
Nightlife & Parties: 68
Costs: 101
10. Chicago, IL
Total Score: 49.59
Entertainment & Recreation: 10
Nightlife & Parties: 12
Costs: 152
9. New York, NY
Total Score: 49.90
Entertainment & Recreation: 10
Nightlife & Parties: 12
Costs: 152
8. Honolulu, HI
Total Score: 50.00
Entertainment & Recreation: 2
Nightlife & Parties: 19
Costs: 171
7. Austin, TX
Total Score: 51.21
Entertainment & Recreation: 21
Nightlife & Parties: 7
Costs: 88
6. San Francisco, CA
Total Score: 52.65
Entertainment & Recreation: 6
Nightlife & Parties: 5
Costs: 178
5. New Orleans, LA
Total Score: 53.14
Entertainment & Recreation: 16
Nightlife & Parties: 4
Costs: 117
4. Atlanta, GA
Total Score: 53.59
Entertainment & Recreation: 11
Nightlife & Parties: 6
Costs: 125
3. Miami, FL
Total Score: 55.60
Entertainment & Recreation: 7
Nightlife & Parties: 3
Costs: 143
2. Orlando, FL
Total Score: 63.90
Entertainment & Recreation: 3
Nightlife & Parties: 2
Costs: 60
1. Las Vegas, NV
Total Score: 73.95
Entertainment & Recreation: 1
Nightlife & Parties: 1
Costs: 84
