5 Undervalued NC Counties for Land Investment Right Now

Published on July 29, 2024 | By Tyler Moncrieff

For savvy investors, land is the ultimate asset. But the real returns are found by buying in the path of growth. We've analyzed market data, development trends, and infrastructure projects to identify 5 North Carolina counties that present outstanding off-market land investment opportunities for those willing to look beyond the obvious hot spots.

1. Chatham County: The Path of Progress

The Thesis: Situated directly between the booming Research Triangle Park and the growing Greensboro-Winston-Salem metro, Chatham County is ground zero for strategic growth. With massive investments from companies like VinFast and Wolfspeed, the demand for residential and commercial land is set to explode. Early investors can acquire parcels that will soon be prime real estate for subdivisions and commercial services.

2. Brunswick County: The Coastal Boom

The Thesis: As coastal cities like Wilmington become more crowded and expensive, the population is spilling into Brunswick County. It offers a more affordable coastal lifestyle, attracting retirees and families. Land here is perfect for residential development, from single-family homes to larger planned communities. Its proximity to both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach makes it a logistical sweet spot.

3. Randolph County: The Manufacturing Heartland

The Thesis: With the Toyota battery plant and other manufacturing giants setting up shop, Randolph County is experiencing an industrial renaissance. This creates a two-fold opportunity: the need for industrial-zoned land and, more importantly, a massive demand for workforce housing. Acquiring residential-zoned land near these new mega-sites is a surefire strategy for long-term growth.

4. Burke County: The Mountain Value Play

The Thesis: While Buncombe County (Asheville) has become prohibitively expensive, neighboring Burke County offers the same stunning mountain scenery at a fraction of the cost. As remote work continues and people seek a better quality of life, areas like Morganton are attracting new residents. This is a great market for recreational land, private estates, and smaller-scale residential developments.

5. Johnston County: The Raleigh Suburb Surge

The Thesis: As Wake County's prices continue to soar, Johnston County has become the go-to suburb for Raleigh commuters. It offers more affordable land, good schools, and a direct path of residential expansion. For builders and developers, Johnston County represents a reliable, high-demand market for new housing projects. Finding unzoned or agricultural land that can be rezoned for residential use is the key to maximizing returns here.