Moving to North Carolina: Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina

There are many important things you need to know before moving to North Carolina. After all, you want to be sure you’re making the right choice so that you don’t experience any regrets after the move is over.

Why are people moving to North Carolina?

North Carolina is one of the best states to move to for a variety of great reasons  – from the mild climate with four distinct seasons and the scenic landscapes with abundant outdoor activities to affordable housing and a growing job market, the Old North State has so much (more) to offer.

However, just like moving to any other state in the United States, living in North Carolina comes with a few drawbacks as well.

To help you make an informed decision that you surely won’t regret, here are the major pros and cons of moving to North Carolina.

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Pros of moving to North Carolina

Moving to North Carolina can easily turn out to be one of the best decisions you’ve made in a long time.

Here are the major pros of living in North Carolina:

1. Diverse geography for outdoor enthusiasts

North Carolina offers a plethora of various outdoor activities to keep you busy all year round.

The diverse geography of the state will make sure you never get bored as long as you love spending your time outside in nature.

• Mountains. There are more than 40 state parks and 13 national parks in North Carolina, including easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. So, if you enjoy camping, hiking, biking, running, or skiing, then you’ll surely come to love your time in the state.
• Beaches. The state of North Carolina is known for its world-class beaches along its 300-mile coastline. In addition to going to the beach, you should be able to enjoy fishing, surfing, boating, kayaking, and swimming as well. There are also more than 350 waterfalls within the state.

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2. Four distinct seasons with mild winters

North Carolina’s temperate climate can be a compelling reason for many people to move there.

• Four distinct seasons. Many people love to experience the beauty of all four seasons. Plus, the varied climate gives the opportunity for diverse outdoor activities – beach outings in the summer and mountain skiing in the winter.
• Mild winters. North Carolina’s winters are considerably milder compared to northern states. If you’ve had enough of long, harsh winters, then moving to the 9th-most populous state in the country can be a great decision.
• Warm summers. Summers in North Carolina are warm and pleasant, giving you easy access to scores of beautiful beaches and many different water activities such as swimming, surfing, and boating.

With its mild winters, warm summers, and distinct seasonal changes, moving to North Carolina offers a balanced and appealing climate year-round.

3. Affordable housing and lower overall cost of living

Why is everyone moving to North Carolina?

The state is well known for its affordable housing and lower overall cost of living compared to other states in the country.

This fact alone is a reason enough for many people to consider moving to North Carolina to live there.

• Affordable housing. Housing prices in the state are generally lower compared to the rest of the U.S. states. For example, the state’s median sale price of $384,500 falls below the national median value of $439,716. What’s more, the state offers a wide variety of housing options to suit all preferences and budgets – from urban apartments and suburban single-family homes to rural properties.
• Low cost of living. Compared to neighboring states, the lower cost of living in North Carolina – groceries, utilities, transportation, etc. – means that the people who live there will have more disposable income to spend on non-essential items. This way, residents in the state should be able to enjoy a higher standard of living.

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4. A growing job market

The growing job market in North Carolina offers many advantages for people looking to move to the state in search of a new or better job.

With diverse and expanding industries, economic stability, and career growth opportunities, the state proves to be a magnet for anyone who wishes to further advance their career.

• Technology. One of the largest research parks in the world, located between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is a hub for tech firms, research institutions, and startup companies. Major tech companies, including IBM and Cisco, have significant business operations in the state.
• Healthcare. North Carolina is home to leading healthcare providers and research institutions like Duke University Health System and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
• Finance and banking. Charlotte – the most populous city in the state – is the second-largest banking center in the U.S. – it’s the home to Bank of America. Also, the finance sector offers various careers in banking, investment, insurance, and financial technology.

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5. Top-notch higher education

If you wish to continue your education, then moving to North Carolina is the choice that makes perfect sense.

The state is home to some of the nation’s top universities – Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.

• Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 1838. Its undergraduate admissions are among the most selective in the country, with an overall acceptance rate of 5.1% for the class of 2028. Duke University spends more than $1 billion per year on research, making it one of the ten largest research universities in the United States.
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The university first began enrolling students in 1795, making it one of the oldest public universities in the country. The university offers degrees in over 70 courses of study and is administratively divided into 13 separate professional schools and a primary unit, the College of Arts & Sciences.
• North Carolina State University is a public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1887, it is the largest university in the Carolinas. NC State has an enrollment of more than 35,000 students, and the graduate school offers master’s degrees in 104 fields, doctoral degrees in 61 fields, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

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6. Rich historical heritage

North Carolina is well known for its rich history and culture.

In fact, NC was the first U.S. colony to declare independence from Great Britain in 1775.

The National Register of Historic Places has documented about 2,900 structures, sites, and properties across the state. Fortunately, many of these interesting historical sites are still standing and can be visited in the present day.

Here’s a list of the top 7 historical sites in North Carolina that can be seen today:

1. Wright Brothers National Memorial. Located in Kill Devil Hills, the Memorial commemorates the Wright brothers’ historic achievement – their first successful powered flights.
2. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. It was built to protect and preserve England’s first New World settlements from 1584 to 1590.
3. Battleship USS North Carolina. Located in the city of Wilmington, the huge battleship had participated in every naval offensive in the Pacific Ocean during World War 2.
4. The Biltmore Estate. Visiting the 8,000-acre estate is a truly unique experience. The stunningly beautiful estate features a spectacular art exhibition and an award-winning winery. The Vanderbilt family lived in the castle up until the 1950s.
5. Locomotive No. 12. Also known as Tweetsie, the 100-year-old North Carolina Steam Locomotive No. 12 is one of the best historical sites in Western North Carolina.
6. Roanoke Island Festival Park. The park, stretching over 27 acres, gives visitors the unique opportunity to experience first-hand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585.
7. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The famous black-and-white-striped lighthouse is located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks and is the tallest brick lighthouse in the country.

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Cons of moving to North Carolina

Needless to say, there’s no such thing as an ideal place to live, so living in North Carolina comes with a few drawbacks as well.

Here are the major cons of living in North Carolina:

1. The weather is too unpredictable

One of the biggest disadvantages of living in North Carolina is the unpredictability of the weather within the state.

Yes, the NC climate is mild but the weather happens to be just too unpredictable – you just never know how a day will go – the morning can be chilly, the afternoon can be hot, and the evening may be stormy.

As a result, you should always be ready for the quickly changing weather and dress up appropriately.

Unfortunately, the unpredictable climate is the lesser of the two evils – the coastal areas in North Carolina are always at risk of hurricanes.

The tornado season, lasting from March to May, can have a huge impact on the state. On average, there are 31 tornados a year in North Carolina.

So, be sure to research well the North Carolina area you’re moving to. Typically, snow storms occur near the mountains while hurricanes form on the coast.

2. Limited public transportation

One of the disadvantages of moving to North Carolina is that, in general, the state does not have well-developed public transportation like other neighboring states.

With limited public transportation that does not cover all areas within the state, it can be rather difficult to get around, especially if you don’t own a car.

Even the biggest cities in North Carolina such as Raleigh and Charlotte have serious issues with the underdeveloped transportation options for the public.

3. Heavy traffic in the big cities

Another drawback of moving to North Carolina is the heavy traffic in big cities. This problem comes as a direct result of the lack of efficient public transportation.

The traffic in most urban areas has become quite problematic since most residents in the state commute by car. So, you should keep this con in mind and be prepared for long commute hours even before you reach your final NC destination.

To make things worse, the roads and infrastructure quality in most North Carolina areas are too poor – potholes are a common sight and many roads need urgent repair works.

Sadly, North Carolina ranks among the worst states in the country when it comes to the overall condition of its roads.

Is North Carolina a good place to live?

Definitely!

With its mild climate and four seasons, a plethora of outdoor activities, affordable housing, a growing job market, quality higher education, and rich history, the Tarheel State is an awesome place to move and live.

Don’t miss your chance to feel truly happy in North Carolina!

Remember to hire the best long-distance movers to help you organize a stress-free move.

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