If you’re considering moving to North Carolina, we’ll ask you one simple question: why haven’t you already?
With mild winters, diverse geography, a thriving job market, and some of the nicest neighbors around, North Carolina has become one of the top destinations for young professionals, growing families, and retirees alike.
As you consider all of your available options, we put together everything you need to know about moving to the Tar Heel State—beginning with the most important questions.
Is North Carolina a good place to live?
Living in North Carolina is a dream—it has a booming business climate, reasonable cost-of-living, and beautiful landscapes across the state. With a population of over 10 million, North Carolina is the ninth largest state in the U.S., and it continues to grow. It’s a popular state for transplants, especially millennials, and it offers all sorts of lifestyles for a variety of residents.
North Carolina is split into three geographic regions. In the east are the coastal plains, which take up nearly half the state. Along the coast are the beautiful Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands that are a popular vacation destination. The central area is the Piedmont region, which contains five of the state’s largest cities, plus charming towns like Pinehurst and historic Hillsborough. In the west are the Appalachian Mountains, where you’ll find Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rockies. There’s also Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the United States.
North Carolina has 41 state parks, 10 national parks, and 4 national forests. Here, you’ll find miles of hiking trails, placid lakes and streams, and roaring whitewater rivers. If you are into the outdoors, North Carolina offers the escape for you no matter where you decide to settle. Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up the “Triangle” region, and they’re some of the most popular destinations to call home.
North Carolina is a renowned research and technology hub, which might not paint the clearest picture of life in this state—what really gives North Carolina its charm is the small-town community feel and unique personality. No matter which town you decide on, we can tell you one thing: you’re going to love living in any of the best neighborhoods in North Carolina.
What Are the Disadvantages of Living in North Carolina?
Moving to a new area comes with unique opportunities and challenges. Here’s what you need to know about the negatives of moving to North Carolina:
The Crime
A handful of small towns with high unemployment and low wages, such as Whiteville, Oxford, and Gastonia, drives North Carolina’s crime rate. While slightly higher than the national average, North Carolina is the number-26 safest state overall.
The good news is that most places are safe, with, very few exceptions.
The Lack of Seasons
If you’re relocating to North Carolina from somewhere with four distinct seasons, the mild weather can definitely take some getting used to. Outside of the mountains, summers are on the hot side and can be humid at times, while snow is rare in the winter—ice storms are can be more common. But on the other hand, if you’re fleeing from the cold and snow in favor of warmer weather, you’re in luck!
The Hurricanes
We’re not talking about the state’s professional hockey team. While the weather is enjoyable year-round, residents that live on the coast are always at risk of hurricane damage. If you’re from out of state, hurricanes may take some getting used to! Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Just be sure to stay on top of warnings and purchase insurance if you’re near the coast.
Where Are the Best Cities, Towns, and Neighborhoods to Live in North Carolina?
Spanning nearly 500 miles from east to west, moving to North Carolina is an adventurer’s dream. Whether you enjoy spending your free time exploring nature’s mountains and beaches or you prefer more of an urban lifestyle, North Carolina’s cities offer something for everyone.
Charlotte
Known as the largest city in North Carolina and one of the best places to live in the U.S., Charlotte has become a popular destination for migrants around the country. Charlotte’s median income has increased substantially, which is partly why this metro region is responsible for more than a quarter of North Carolina’s GDP.
Students who come to study at UNC Charlotte, Johnson & Wales, Queens University, and Davidson College often stay thanks to job growth. Many of those jobs are at the six Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Charlotte metro. They include Bank of America, Lowe’s, Nucor, Duke Energy, Sonic Automotive, and Brighthouse Financial.
Between its up-and-coming neighborhoods, vibrant downtown life, and family-friendly communities, it’s no wonder that singles, young couples, and families are moving to Charlotte at a fast rate. Located in southeast North Carolina, it’s also a short drive to Asheville and South Carolina—offering even more to do in this area.
Raleigh and the NC Triangle Area
As the state capital and second-largest city in North Carolina, Raleigh has tons to offer its residents. If you’re moving to Raleigh, you’ll love the laid back environment, endless outdoor activities, and Southern hospitality.
Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill famously form the Triangle area of North Carolina, which includes the Research Triangle Park (RTP) technology and health care hub as well as leading universities in UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, NC State University, and others.
The area is consistently one of the nation’s top job markets, even beginning to rival Silicon Valley as a destination for tech and medical firms. This attracts highly qualified professionals from around the world.
All of these things make the Triangle an incredibly attractive place to live, but if you’re interested in moving to the area, be ready to enter a relatively competitive North Carolina housing market.
Award-winning Triangle realtor Frankie Hagan has been helping people buy and sell homes in the area for 2 decades. He says, “It’s the diversity of economic opportunity here that makes the NC Triangle one of the most desirable housing markets nationally.”
In part because of the competition, many newcomers to the Raleigh area move to nearby small towns like Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs. They all have low unemployment rates and high median incomes while being a little more affordable and holding on to some of that small-town charm.
Durham
About 30 minutes northwest of Raleigh is another great place to plant some roots in North Carolina: Durham.
Durham borders RTP, and it is known as the City of Medicine for many reasons. It has one of the top 10 hospitals in the U.S. and a physician-to-population ratio almost 5 times the national average. Home to Duke University, Durham is one of the popular sports towns in North Carolina. Residents love their Blue Devils!
Durham also has rich history in the tobacco industry, so if you like the idea of living in a renovated brick warehouse that’s been updated into a swanky downtown condo, it could be the perfect place for you. Places like this in the American Tobacco campus and Brightleaf Square have that unique post-industrial charm in spades.
If you don’t mind a short commute, Morrisville and Wake Forest are other popular suburbs of Raleigh and Durham. They’re often more affordable than Raleigh and very safe.
Chapel Hill
Home to the University of North Carolina and its Carolina Tar Heels, Chapel Hill is a thriving college town not far from Raleigh and Durham. But, Chapel Hill is much more than a college town. The economy is closely tied to technology, science, and the arts. From its picturesque downtown and historic campus to the renowned Ackland Art Museum and breathtaking views of Jordan Lake, Chapel Hill is all about living authentically. There’s also the nearby town of Carrboro, with its vibrant arts and music scenes.
Asheville
Calling all foodies: Asheville is THE place to be for food and craft beer.
But really—it’s officially dubbed the world’s only “Foodtopian Society,” where residents believe incredible food fuels everything. Residents can enjoy the culinary collaborators’ creativity, passion, and local flavors that combine into a unique experience for all.
Don’t forget a craft beer. Asheville has been named Beer City USA four times. Boasting access to ideal beer-brewing water sources and a low cost of living, the area is home to dozens of independent craft brewers as well as large brewing operations that distribute nationally.
Between delicious food and beer, an eclectic music and arts scene, and outdoor adventures at nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Wilmington
Located in the Outer Banks region, Wilmington is the ultimate destination for beach lovers.
In a short drive, residents can visit Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. Unlike many of North Carolina’s top areas, Wilmington is far from suburbia. This historic port town is quaint, charming, and most of all, friendly. The area encourages locally owned shops, small businesses, and even a dog-friendly downtown.
You might also catch a glimpse of a famous actor here from time to time. Wilmington has been called the Hollywood of the East, or Wilmywood, because of the TV shows and movies filmed here. For those who appreciate an eclectic, laid-back lifestyle, Wilmington would make the perfect home.
Greensboro
Nicknamed the “Gate City” due to its convergence of interstate highways and its short distance to all the major cities in the state, Greensboro is one of North Carolina’s top destinations. Although it’s home to North Carolina’s third-largest metro, the area still feels like a small community—making it the perfect place to raise a family. Residents can enjoy plenty of attractions, including the world’s largest natural habitat zoo in nearby Asheboro, a waterpark, art galleries, and golf courses.
What Is the Cost of Living in North Carolina?
The average cost of living in North Carolina is usually near or a little lower than the national average. So, if you’re moving to NC, expect middle-of-the-road home prices, rent, and taxes.
The good news is, if you’re relocating from a larger metro area, you can usually expect more house for your money. Charlotte, for example, is considered a better value that similarly sized metro areas. Some of the most affordable cities are Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem, which are known as the Triad area in the Piedmont region of the state.
North Carolina’s Housing Market
The median home price in Charlotte is a little over $400,000, which is slightly higher than the national average, but still below most other major metro areas. Here’s what you can expect if you’re looking to rent in any of North Carolina’s 3 biggest cities:
- Greensboro: $1,112 average for a 1-bedroom, $1,290 average for a 2-bedroom
- Charlotte: $1,292 average for a 1-bedroom, $1,444 average for a 2-bedroom
- Raleigh: $1,362 average for a 1-bedroom, $1,558 average for a 2-bedroom
The cost of utilities in Charlotte is also 8% lower than the national average, contributing to North Carolina’s reasonable cost of living and high quality of life.“For all of these families, quality of life is the most important thing when buying real estate,” notes Neal Hanks, Jr., president of Beverly Hanks & Associates. “And that makes them the norm for people who choose to live in these states. I personally believe that the future for North Carolina real estate, particularly in the mountains, will remain very bright for the foreseeable future.”
What Is The Job Market Like In North Carolina?
No matter which city you’re moving to, there are plenty of career opportunities across several different industries—including small businesses and startups.“I think the exciting thing is that in our larger cities, other than the Triangle–the Triad Region, Charlotte, and communities like Asheville and Wilmington and Greenville–there are very refreshing locally grown entrepreneurial initiatives, some represented by co-working spaces,” notes Scott Daugherty, North Carolina’s Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Director. “We are seeing more and more communities looking at creating that kind of space.”
What was once known as a traditional economy built on agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing has quickly evolved into a technology-driven economy. Energy, finance, and information technology are all rapidly growing sectors in the state with several major employers nearby.
Here Are Some of the Top Industries in North Carolina:
Finance
North Carolina is the second-largest banking center in the U.S. and is primarily known for its top-ranked business climate. Companies with major operations in the area include AT&T, Lowe’s, Compass Group, Microsoft, Nucor, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.
Energy
North Carolina’s energy sector is rapidly growing and making a name for itself. The state is the third-largest producer of electricity and is second when it comes to turbine manufacturing growth. Companies include Duke Energy, Siemens, GE Hitachi, and more.
Biotechnology
Major biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are flocking to North Carolina. Companies include Biogen, BD, Merck, Bayer, and more. This is due to North Carolina housing the largest research park in the country and its well-known research universities in the Triangle area.
Aerospace
North Carolina is home to several leaders in the defense and security industry, including Honda Jet, Honeywell, GE Aviation, and Lockheed Martin. Many local graduates pursue this field, helping the state continue its legacy as a leader in aerospace.
Furniture
Believe it or not, North Carolina is the “Furniture Capital of the World.” The Triad town of High Point is home to the largest furnishings trade show and the largest furniture manufacturer in the world. Companies include Ashley Furniture, Ethan Allen, Century, and more.
Education
In addition to these growing sectors, schools in the area act as a major source of employment too. Schools that have an affiliation with RTP include Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. Wake Forest University, Davidson College, and Appalachian State University are also some of the top-ranked universities in the state.
What Educational Institutions are in North Carolina?
North Carolina boasts world-class educational institutions, comprising top colleges and universities in nearly every area of study.
North Carolina’s Best Colleges and Universities
The leading secondary education institutions, including public and private colleges and universities, in North Carolina include:
- Duke University in Durham
- Davidson College in Davidson, just north of Charlotte
- Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem
- UNC Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill
- North Carolina State University in Raleigh
- Elon University in Burlington
- UNC Wilmington in Wilmington
- East Carolina University in Greenville
- Appalachian State University in Boone
- Western Carolina University in Cullowhee
HBCUs in North Carolina
When it comes to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), North Carolina stands out, featuring 11 public and private HBCUs across the state. Those include:
- North Carolina Central University in Durham
- Shaw University in Raleigh
- Barber-Scotia College in Concord, just north of Charlotte
- Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem
- North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro
- Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville
- Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh
- Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte
- Bennett College in Greensboro
- Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City
- Livingstone College in Salisbury
Is North Carolina a good place to retire?
If you’re moving to North Carolina and wondering what retirement life looks like, you’re in the right place. From majestic mountains to incredible vistas and exciting hikes, who wouldn’t want to spend their retirement in North Carolina? The numbers back up the argument, too. North Carolina has an affordable housing market. The cost of living for retirees in NC is 8.3% cheaper than the national average, and North Carolina no longer taxes Social Security income. Other taxes are generally low, too, making North Carolina a great place to settle down in your later years.
So whether you’re looking for assisted living facilities, senior living communities, or just great retirement communities in general, North Carolina has it all covered.
Here Are Five of the Best Places to Retire in North Carolina:
Brevard
Offering beautiful waterfalls, mountains, and friendly locals, this town was No. 1 on Forbes’ list of Best Places to Retire in the U.S. as recently as 2019. This small town of about 7,000 is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brevard sits adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest, with its 470 miles of hiking trails. It has a robust music and arts scene, thanks in large part to the impact of the Brevard Music Center.
Asheville
This breathtaking city located in the Southern area of the Appalachians is historical, hip, and always has something going on. There are more than 500 restaurants and bars and 150 art galleries, many located in the River Arts District. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right through Asheville, taking you west toward the Cherokee Indian Reservation and east toward Grandfather Mountain.
Asheville has been a playground for the wealthy since the 1800s. George Vanderbilt began buying property here in the late 1800s and built what is now America’s largest single-family home: The Biltmore House.
New Bern
If you’re familiar with the movie “The Notebook”, you might fall in love with this quaint, charming town near the sea. It’s where Pepsi-Cola was invented and is North Carolina’s second-oldest town. Life here focuses on the water. Two rivers converge in New Bern, then flow into the Atlantic Ocean, which is a 45-minute drive away.
The Outer Banks
If your idea of relaxation is by the sea, Outer Banks is for you. It’s where English settlers first attempted to build a colony in the New World. They failed, leaving behind the mystery of the Lost Colony. In 1903, two bicycle-making brothers came here from Ohio and broke the bonds of gravity. There’s a monument to the Wright Brothers’ achievement at Kill Devil Hills.
The Outer Banks also feature North Carolina’s famed seven coastal lighthouses, which are perfect destinations for anyone looking to experience the full span of the Outer Banks.
A popular place for retirees, North Carolina’s barrier islands are an ideal spot to soak up the sun or relax in a beach house.
Davidson
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Charlotte, Davidson is a lakeside town offering a small-town feel and Southern hospitality. Davidson College is right on Main Street, giving the town a youthful vibe. Lake Norman, with its 520 miles of shoreline, provides a myriad of water activities. It’s been rated one of the safest towns in America.
Will you spend your retirement years relaxing on a beach? In the mountains? Shopping downtown? Regardless of which you prefer, North Carolina’s geography, culture, and diverse range of destinations have you covered.
How Bad is North Carolina Traffic?
While public transportation is available, most residents in North Carolina commute by car. If you plan to live outside of the city, you’ll probably want to own one, too. Residents in any major city obviously have to deal with rush-hour traffic. But here’s the good news: compared to other metro areas of its size, Charlotte traffic is a little bit better than average.
If you’re within the city centers, they’re walkable, but outside the downtown area, North Carolina neighborhoods tend to be less walkable since they’re more spread out. City centers also have a range of public transportation for those without vehicles.
The four largest transit agencies in North Carolina are located in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem. There are many bus routes running through the major cities, and some free transit lines as well.
To put price into perspective, a ride on the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail (Charlotte) costs $2.20 each way. Bus passes cost $3.00. Yellow Cab’s rates are $2.50 for passenger pickup and $2.50 per additional mile.
North Carolina’s larger cities also have bike-share systems. Charlotte Joy Rides offers passes at $5 per 30 minutes and $30 for 24-hour passes. Some residents prefer to invest in an annual membership, which is $150.
Best North Carolina Restaurants, Breweries, and Wineries
Food culture is a huge deal in North Carolina, making it a foodie’s dream state. While you can certainly find high-end dining from renowned chefs, including a number of James Beard Award winners, NC is most well-known for its signature barbecue, locally founded fast food joints, and highly varied seafood options—in addition to its enormous craft beer brewing scene and dozens of wineries statewide.
North Carolina Barbecue Restaurants
NC is well-known for smoked pork barbecue—just don’t confuse Lexington style, with its sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, with Eastern style and its bright and peppery apple-cider-vinegar-based sauce. In this state, barbecue is a noun, not a verb.
If you’re looking for food traditions that go back many decades or even a century, check out Stamey’s in Greensboro, Clyde Cooper’s in Raleigh, Lexington Barbeque in Lexington, and the Skylight Inn in Aiden, among many, many others.
Fast Food in North Carolina
You might be surprised to learn how much fast food, including regional and national chains, originated in North Carolina. These fast food restaurants are favorites among North Carolinians:
- Bojangles
- Cookout
- Biscuitville
- Hardees
- Krispy Kreme
Another national chain restaurant that got its start in North Carolina is Golden Corral, now considered America’s #1 buffet and grill.
Seafood in North Carolina
From golden-friend Calabash style to oysters on the half shell and even mountain-stream trout, North Carolina offers something for every seafood lover. The coast is a major area for shrimp fishing, blue crab, and even large migratory fish like mahi-mahi, tuna, and swordfish.
There’s more to NC seafood than the coast, however—there’s a thriving trout farming industry in the mountains, where you’ll find Sunburst Trout Farms and Market and many others raising these beautiful, delicious fish in pristine mountain stream water.
Beer in North Carolina: Breweries and Brew Pubs
North Carolina’s craft beer scene has exploded over the past 10 years, with Asheville and Charlotte becoming brewery hubs. Asheville alone is home to more than 50 breweries and cideries, and this thriving beer scene has helped Asheville win recognition as “Beer City USA” 4 times, among a host of other brewing-related accolades.
In addition to countless small craft breweries across NC, the state is also home to several regional and national brewers, from Highland Brewing Company and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in the Asheville area to Mother Earth Brewing and Duck Rabbit Brewery in the eastern part of the state.
Wineries and Meaderies in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to the mothervine, the oldest cultivated grapevine in the country that dates to 1584. With more than 175 wineries, North Carolina ranks 10th nationwide.
Muscadine wine is a specialty in North Carolina, made from muscadine grapes, which are native to the area and considered America’s first grape. You can find dozens of options for muscadine wine across the state, including varieties from Duplin Winery, Childress Vineyards, and others.North Carolina also boasts multiple meaderies, capitalizing on the thriving beekeeping and honey industry in the state. Mead, also called honey-wine, tastes similar to light white wines and comes in dry, sweet, infused, spiced, and even barrel-aged varieties. Check out Fox Hill Meadery in the mountains of western NC as well as Starlight Mead in Pittsboro, Honeygirl Meadery in Durham, and much more.
Entertainment: Sports, Activities, and Events in NC
North Carolina Sports Teams
North Carolina boasts a thriving sports scene ranging from college athletics to professional teams in a variety of sports.
College Basketball in North Carolina
We couldn’t talk about sports culture in North Carolina without talking college hoops. There are many storied college basketball programs in the state, which is often known as “Tobacco Road” nationally.
The biggest college basketball rivalry in the state, and among the top rivalries in all of sports, is Duke and UNC Chapel Hill (or simply “Duke/Carolina ” to locals). With huge fan bases going back generations and featuring players who’ve gone on to NBA greatness, this rivalry transcends the sport.
Other strong and historic college basketball programs in North Carolina include Wake Forest, NC State University, Davidson College, UNC Charlotte, and more.
Pro Sports in North Carolina
NC is home to an array of professional sports teams:
- NHL hockey: The Carolina Hurricanes, based in Raleigh
- NFL football: The Carolina Panthers, based in Charlotte
- NBA basketball: The Charlotte Hornets, based in Charlotte
- NWSL women’s soccer: The North Carolina Courage, based in Cary
- USL men’s soccer: North Carolina FC, based in Cary
Minor League Baseball in North Carolina
Another huge part of NC sports culture is minor league baseball, with strong teams across the state and many beautiful new baseball facilities for fans to enjoy.
The Durham Bulls are easily the state’s most successful and recognizable minor league baseball franchise, based out of the beautiful Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) in downtown Durham. Founded in 1901, the team was featured in the classic 1988 film Bull Durham and captured national championships as recently as 2009 and 2017.
But no matter where you are in NC, you’re never far from a fun, laid-back, and family-friendly experience at a minor league baseball game.
Outdoor Activities in NC: Hiking, Water Recreation, Golf, and More
While summers can be hot and humid, winters are extremely mild in North Carolina—a pleasant surprise for most residents moving in from out of state.
Hikers flock to the NC mountains for the famed Appalachian Trail and endless miles of other trails. Savvy hikers know it’s not just the mountains, though—there are trails across the state, from Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock state parks in the Piedmont to Raven Rock State Park in the Triangle to Croatan National Forest near the coast, just to name a few.
NC is a water recreation dream, as many residents escape to the water to avoid the summer heat. You may already know about the beautiful beaches and serene sounds of Between the Outer Banks. But there are aquatic paradises everywhere you go in the state, including lakes, spanning Gaston, Jordan, and Norman as well as, rivers like the Neuse, the Cape Fear, and the New.
There’s also the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte and Coble Water Ski School in Lillington—these are just a few examples. Whether you’re bass fishing at Lake Mattamuskeet or white-water rafting on the French Broad River, residents will never run out of aquatic places to explore.
Golfers love North Carolina’s more than 600 courses, too, including Pinehurt’s famed No. 2, which has hosted tournaments as prestigious as the U.S. Open. Pinehurst and Southern Pines are hugely popular for retired golfers, but you’ll find lush, green links to play no matter where you are in the state.
North Carolina’s Educational and Historical Activities
Museums, zoos, and aquariums are another pride of the state. Many people have heard of the famous Biltmore House in the Asheville area, but there are countless historical places to visit in North Carolina, from Revolutionary and Civil War sites to the legendary site of the first powered aircraft flight in Kitty Hawk. Get your fill of local Native American history in the town of Cherokee, west of Asheville.
Every city has museums, kid-friendly science centers, and historic sites to interest almost anyone. Not only is North Carolina home to the largest zoo by acreage in the world, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, the state also boasts one of the country’s top systems of public aquariums—the NC Aquarium system, which features four unique indoor/outdoor facilities celebrating our aquatic environments.
North Carolina Music and Performing Arts
Music and the arts are a big part of North Carolina culture, whether you’re dancing the shag at the Carolina Beach Music Festival or enjoying the latest fine art exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
NC has many outstanding concert venues across the state, including large outdoor pavilions like PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte and Walnut Creek Amphitheater in Raleigh, where you can enjoy concerts from top national and international touring acts. Plus, the state is home to many more intimate venues like the picturesque Hall River Ballroom and the legendary Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, just to name a few.
Performing arts are strong in North Carolina, as the state is home to its own symphony orchestra, the North Carolina Symphony, as well as a professional ballet company, the Carolina Ballet Company, and even an opera company, North Carolina Opera.
North Carolina’s Hidden Gems
North Carolina has more than its share of hidden gems to enjoy across the state. Let’s take a look at three—one in each of the state’s major regions.
Mountains: North Carolina Waterfalls
Western North Carolina is home to hundreds of scenic waterfalls, including many where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Some of the most popular NC waterfalls are Sliding Rock, Linville Falls, and Looking Glass Falls, among countless others. Whether you’re looking for a nice hike to a breathtaking view or a cool dip to escape the summer heat, North Carolina’s waterfalls have something for everyone.
Piedmont: Seagrove, the Largest Pottery Community in the Country
Central North Carolina is the top mecca for pottery in the United States, going back to the 18th century. In the Seagrove area, you’ll find the North Carolina Pottery Center as well as more than 100 independent potters with studios and shops to explore.
A few favorite Seagrove potters include:
- Ben Owen III, a master potter whose family has been renowned for pottery in the area for 6 generations
- Phil Morgan, known for rare crystalline glazes
- Westmoore Pottery and its famous Moravian red glaze
Coast: NC’s Wild Horses
Early explorers and settlers in the New World came to the coast of modern-day North Carolina, attracted to the barrier islands and the shelter they provided. They brought horses with them to help in their explorations, and over time, enough got released or left behind that wild herds became native to a number of islands. These horses adapted to drink the brackish water and survive on their own.
Today, you can see North Carolina’s wild horses in places like Currituck Island as well as Shackleford Banks and many others, and there are even guided horse tours to enjoy.
Moving Tips for New North Carolina Residents
Do you like professional sports like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and NASCAR? Will you be moving to North Carolina for a condo in Charlotte? Beach views near Lake Norman? Incredible food in Asheville? Regardless of your preferences, North Carolina is a beautiful state for planting your roots. If you’re debating moving to North Carolina, hopefully our relocation guide will help answer some of your most important questions.
If you’re looking for assistance through the moving process, we’re here to help however we can. Life Storage offers self-storage in Durham, self-storage in Greensboro, and moving truck rentals so you can move into your North Carolina home as seamlessly as possible.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina?
While there are many pros to living in North Carolina, life in the state is not without its drawbacks. Here are the major pros and cons to living in NC:
Pros of Living in North Carolina
- Warm, welcoming communities
- Mild winters
- Relatively low cost of living for cities with great job markets
- Easy access to beaches and mountains within hours
Cons of Living in North Carolina
- High crime rates in certain places
- Summers can be long, hot, and muggy
- Hurricanes are an annual worry
- K12 education has room for improvement
What Do I Need to Know Before Moving to North Carolina
- You’ll need to get a North Carolina driver’s license before you can register your vehicle in the state
- You’ll need to register your vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident in North Carolina, and you’ll need to pass a safety and emissions inspection before you register
- You’ll need to enroll your kids in school
- Don’t forget to register to vote in NC
- Watch out for moving company scams
- Learn what you need to do to bring a pet into North Carolina
- Most importantly, get excited to take advantage of all the great things North Carolina has to offer
What are you most excited for in moving to North Carolina? What tips do you have for new residents? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Update: This post was originally published on July 2, 2018, and was revised on August 24, 2020, with new information from North Carolina expert, Harry Hoover. It was then updated on July 28th, 2022, with new information from North Carolina expert, Jon Wolf.
