Living in North Carolina: 11 inspiring reasons North Carolina is a great state to live
Why Your Family Should Consider Living In North Carolina
If you're looking for a place with mild temperatures, scenic surroundings, and friendly faces, consider living in North Carolina. North Carolina has plenty to offer newcomers - from excellent educational institutions to thriving job markets and family-friendly towns. And from the coastal areas and the Outer Banks in the east to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are the reasons why moving to North Carolina is a great idea for you and your family.
1. People: Friendly and welcoming Southern charm
People living in North Carolina are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you will ever meet. It won’t take long for North Carolina newcomers to experience some Southern charm. No matter where you come from or what your story is, people will always wave and say hi when you walk by.
2. Climate/weather: Temperate and beautiful
North Carolina is the state for you if you're looking for a place to live with temperate weather and beautiful scenery. The state has a diverse array of landscapes, from the mountains in the west to the beaches in the east. And no matter where you live in North Carolina, you're never more than a few hours' drive from either.
The climate in North Carolina is also perfect for those who love all four seasons. In the spring, the flowers start to bloom, and the trees begin to turn green. Summer brings warmer temperatures perfect for swimming, hiking, and outdoor fun. It’s also a great time to go out to eat on one of many of the outdoor patios in the state. Fall is when the leaves change color and there's a crispness in the air. Winter can be mild, or it can bring snowfall - but either way, it's a great time to cozy up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa.
One weather-related note: for residents of North Carolina, hurricanes and tropical storms are a fact of life. The state is vulnerable to these massive storms, which can bring high winds, flooding, and other damage. Despite the risks, many people choose to live in North Carolina because of its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and friendly people.
3. Healthcare: easily accessible
Healthcare in North Carolina is easily accessible, with many options for residents. There are a variety of hospitals and clinics located throughout the state, as well as many private practices. This means that no matter where you live in North Carolina, you should be able to find a healthcare provider that meets your needs.
There are also many different types of health insurance plans available in North Carolina. This means that residents can choose a plan that fits their budget and provides the coverage they need. There are both public and private insurance options available, so everyone can find a plan that works for them.
Whether you need a hospital or clinic, or just want to see a private doctor, you should be able to find what you're looking for.
4. Education: excellent schools
One of the biggest draws of North Carolina is its colleges and universities, each with its unique advantages. Many of them with great athletics programs. Here are just a few of the best:
- Duke University is one of the top research universities in the world, and its beautiful campus is in Durham, NC.
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the flagship university of the state and is consistently ranked as one of the best public universities in the country.
- Wake Forest University is a private university located in Winston-Salem, NC that offers an excellent education at a relatively affordable price.
- Davidson College is a small liberal arts college located just outside of Charlotte, NC that has a reputation for being one of the most rigorous academic institutions in the country.
- North Carolina State, or NC State as it’s better known, is in Raleigh. Like Duke, it’s also one of the leading public research universities in the country.
NC has 11 HBCUs, which are historically Black colleges and universities. Of those, NC A&T State University in Greensboro is the largest.
Public schools in North Carolina offer a variety of educational opportunities for students. Some of these schools offer programs that focus on STEM education, while others offer programs that focus on the arts or humanities. No matter what your child’s interests are, there is likely an excellent public school in North Carolina that can meet their needs.
In addition to offering a variety of educational opportunities, public schools in North Carolina also have a commitment to ensuring that all students have access to quality education. These schools work hard to ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed.
5. Economy: strong and growing
The economy in North Carolina is strong and growing. The state has seen a surge in job growth, and the unemployment rate is at a historic low. The average wage for workers in the state has also increased.
North Carolina is one of the top states for business, and it continues to attract new businesses and investment. The state's transportation infrastructure is excellent, and its workforce is highly skilled. The cost of living in North Carolina is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live.
Looking to start a business in NC? The state is great for startups and WRAL TechWire has a complete guide
on how to successfully start your business. Looking to join a bigger company? Research Triangle Park not only is on the cutting edge of technology, but Meta and Apple have recently decided to call the area home creating an immense amount of tech jobs.
Overall, North Carolina is a great place to live and work. The economy is strong, and there are plenty of opportunities for businesses and workers.
6. Food and drink: Southern cooking and craft beer at its finest
There's nothing quite like Southern cooking. Hearty, home-cooked meals are a staple of life in the South. From country-fried chicken to Atlantic Beach pie, Southern cooking is some of the best in the world. And nowhere is that truer than in North Carolina.
The state's long history of agriculture and culinary tradition has resulted in a cuisine that is both unique and delicious. In North Carolina, barbecue is a noun, not a verb. Slow-roasted pork is also known as BBQ. From eastern North Carolina's vinegar-based BBQ to Lexington’s tomato- or ketchup-based sauce, there's BBQ for everyone in the Tar Heel State.
North Carolina is an "American Mecca" for craft beer, with Ashville being a major hub. Breweries like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium have made their home there, as well as White Labs which is one of the largest brewing yeast producers in the USA. There are over 370 breweries in the state. And if you're looking to explore the world of craft beer more deeply, then you can't go wrong with a visit to one of the many beer festivals that are held in the state throughout the year.
7. Outdoors: endless opportunities for exploration
There are endless opportunities for outdoor exploration in North Carolina. from the Appalachian Mountains to the coast of the Outer Banks.
The mountains offer hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans the Tennessee/North Carolina border, is the most visited national park in the country. There are also many scenic drives that wind through the mountains like the Tail of the Dragon, which is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And you can also hike Mt. Mitchell which is the tallest mountain in the eastern United States.
When it comes to recreation outdoors, the central region known as the Piedmont region of North Carolina has a lot to offer. From hiking and camping to fishing and boating, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Explore the Uwharrie National Forest, Hike in Hanging Rock State Park, and traverse the Yadkin River. And with so many beautiful parks and natural areas to explore, you'll never run out of things to do.
The beautiful North Carolina coast offers beaches, fishing, and boating. There are also many lighthouses like the Bodie Island lighthouse or the Cape Hatteras lighthouse to explore in quaint coastal towns. Whether you are looking to relax in the Outer Banks or see where the Wright Brothers had their first flight in Kill Devil Hills, you’ll find the perfect coastal experience in North Carolina.
8. History and cool landmarks
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a great place to start exploring North Carolina's history. These mountains were home to the Cherokee Indians long before European settlers arrived. Today, you can still see evidence of their culture at places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Of course, no trip to North Carolina would be complete without a visit to the Outer Banks.
Many movies have been filmed in North Carolina too including Bull Durham, Dirty Dancing, Nights in Rodanthe, The Hunger Games, and I Know What You Did Last Summer to just name a few.
The state has many areas rich in American history if you're interested. Also, love it or hate it, there's a lot of Civil War history here (and limited amounts of Revolutionary War history).
A few well-known tidbits include:
- Roanoke was the first English colony in America. It was abandoned mysteriously after only a few short years, and the lore of the Lost Colony is a well-known ghost story in the state.
- Orville and Wilbur Wright were the first to achieve powered flight with their Wright Flyer in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903. The brothers had been building and experimenting with gliders since 1899, and their innovations in design and engineering led them to success. The Wright Flyer was a revolutionary aircraft, and the brothers' achievement made them world-famous. They continued to develop their flying machines, and their work paved the way for the modern aviation industry.
- North Carolina also played host to multiple battles and treaties in the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
- The history of pirates is incredibly deep in the state of North Carolina. Notably, the notorious pirate Blackbeard plundered the waters off the coast of North Carolina. He met his demise just off the coast of Ocracoke Island.
- Tobacco has been a staple crop in North Carolina since the beginning of the state’s roots. It was so important to the colonists that they even used it as money. Durham’s revitalized American Tobacco Campus (formerly the Lucky Strike cigarette plant) is a must-see tobacco history highlight.
9. Politics: purple, blue center with red outside
Politics in North Carolina are, to some degree, more moderate than in other parts of the country. The state is largely an urban/rural divide with the city "centers" being liberal/blue and the rural parts "outside" being conservative/red. That’s a generalization though. There are plenty of rural Democrats in NE NC and plenty of old-money Republicans living in wealthy city suburbs statewide.
But Republicans and Democrats still have stark differences between their parties as they try to appeal to the state's large contingent of unaffiliated voters on several issues. One issue that is debated is gun control. North Carolina is an open carry state and allows people to possess firearms without a permit, though cities and counties can make their own rules.
Another issue that is often debated is education. North Carolina has many charter schools, and there is often disagreement over how they should be funded and regulated. There are also different views over the role of standardized testing in schools and how the state's well-regarded public universities are administered.
10. Sports: It means everything in NC
When it comes to sports, North Carolina means everything. The state is home to some of the most passionate fans in the country. Whether it's college basketball, football, baseball or NASCAR, North Carolinians love their sports.
And living in North Carolina means being a part of that passion. From the sound of the Tar Heel faithful cheering on their team at Chapel Hill to epic tailgate parties in Raleigh for N.C. State games, sports are a big part of life here.
Whether you're a fan or not, there's no denying that sports play an important role in North Carolina culture. So, whether you're cheering on your favorite team or just enjoying the atmosphere, make sure to experience a sporting event in North Carolina - you won't regret it! Here is an abbreviated list of some of the more well-known sports and teams in North Carolina that you can check out:
- College Sports (Duke Blue Devils, UNC Tar Heels, NC State Wolfpack, etc)
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL team based in Raleigh)
- Carolina Panthers (NFL team based in Charlotte)
- Charlotte Hornets (NBA team based in Charlotte)
- NASCAR (Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord)
- Charlotte FC (MLS in Charlotte)
- North Carolina FC (USL League One pro soccer based in Cary)
- North Carolina Courage (National Women’s Soccer League team based in Cary)
- Durham Bulls (Minor League Baseball team based in Durham)
Finally, you can’t talk about North Carolina and not talk about golf. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find plenty of challenging and exciting courses to choose from in North Carolina. And with the mild climate, you can play all year round. The courses at Pinehurst have hosted multiple US Open golf tournaments from the USGA.
11. Arts & Entertainment in NC
The state of North Carolina is home to a variety of arts and entertainment options. From the world-renowned art museums in Raleigh to the live music scene in Charlotte, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
April through October is festival season in North Carolina and you are bound to find something that will spark your interest. Anything from the NC Strawberry Festival (May 5-7) to the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
(Aug. 5-6) are great places to get out and really know what NC is all about.
As for incredible art, The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh is one of the largest and most popular art museums in the state. The museum has a wide range of exhibitions and programs that focus on both local and international artists. The Durham Arts Council also operates an art museum featuring rotating contemporary art exhibitions. For those interested in seeing more traditional artwork, the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra offers public tours of its facility which houses a collection of European paintings. But North Carolina has incredible art; from local art gallery openings to beautiful downtown murals.
The perfect place to call home: living in North Carolina
If you're looking for the perfect place to call home, look no further than North Carolina. NC has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a big city vibe or a more laid-back lifestyle. For you, the climate might be a top priority, or you might be more interested in job opportunities. And, with so many beautiful places to live, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you.
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