What are the top Reasons To Move To North Carolina

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Moving to North Carolina in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to North Carolina.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to North Carolina.

Are you thinking of moving to North Carolina?

North Carolina is located in the southeastern region of the USA and its capital is Raleigh. The state is full of history and the state is named after Kind Charles I of England. The state has beautiful beaches, forests and mountains. The economy of the state is diverse with various industries at its strength pillars like biotechnology, finance, advanced manufacturing and knowledge economy. If you are planning to move to North Carolina you should know about it in detail. The state experiences a mild climate that encourages outdoor activities like hiking, surfing and more. The best feature of the state is its cost of living which is comparatively low.

We have prepared a state guide for North Carolina, in which you explore the in-depth details of the state.

North Carolina Demographics

North Carolina has a diverse population with about 10,261,240 people. People from different cultures call it their home and in the coming section you can learn about the demographics in detail-

Male vs Female Population of North Carolina 2022

Gender	Population	Percentage
Male	5,015,600	48.7%
Female	5,245,640	51.3%

Source: United States Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/NC

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in North Carolina 2022

Age Group	Male	Female
Under 5 Years	465,469	450,435
5 to 9 Years	454,754	435,665
10 to 14 Years	454,058	430,464
15 to 19 Years	454,654	443,254
20 to 24 Years	459,467	485,635
25 to 34 Years	854,354	885,635
35 to 44 Years	844,546	865,456
45 to 54 Years	954,354	954,654
55 to 59 Years	454,854	545,435
60 to 64 Years	435,655	454,654
65 to 74 Years	543,455	554,454
75 to 84 Years	354,654	454,754
85 Years and Over	154,654	254,354

Source: United States Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/NC

Population distribution by Ethnicity in North Carolina 2022

Ethnicity	Population	Percentage
White	7,221,254	69.9%
Black or African American	2,325,605	22.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native	165,857	1.6%
Asian	385,655	3.6%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander	10,546	0.1%
Two or More Races	254,165	2.6%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)	1,125,654	10.5%

Source: United States Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/NC

Quick Facts of North Carolina

Check out the best features and specialities of North Carolina

The nickname of North Carolina is Tar heel State or Old North State

It is 9th most populous state in the USA

North Carolina is home to the most visited national park in the country- the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

North Carolina is a major producer of tobacco, pork and sweet potato.

Pepsi was invented in North Carolina

The University of North Carolina is the first American public University.

The Wright Brothers chose North Carolina to test their first flight

Miniature Golf was born in North Carolina

North Carolina is also known as the “Barbeque Capital of the World”

Several moonwalkers including Neil Armstrong, Michale Collins and Buzz Aldrin are trained at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in North Carolina.

Top reasons to move to North Carolina

When you move to a new state you want to explore some new things and wish to grab better opportunities. So here we have listed the top reasons that encourage you to move to North Carolina-

Job opportunities- The job market in North Carolina is thriving because Charlotte is the second-largest banking city in the USA. With abundant job opportunities, the state has seen an increase in the number of young professionals moving here for job opportunities.

Affordable cost of living- The cost of living in North Carolina is comparatively low. The cost of housing and transportation is affordable.

Quality education- The state has a good public school system with some top colleges and universities for higher education. There are several public universities in the state.

Mild climate- North Carolina has a mild climate with four distinct seasons. You will experience wet and cool winters with hot and humid summers. The state does not experience any extreme climatic conditions.

Beautiful scenery- The state has beautiful mountains like the Blue Mountain Ridge and beaches.

Outdoor activities- If you are an outdoor person then you can find endless opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming, boating and more.

Food- The state is known for its barbeque, biscuits and fried chicken. There are plenty of award-winning restaurants in North Carolina.

Strong economy- The state is home to several Fortune 500 companies and several tech companies. There are abundant job opportunities and reportedly the unemployment rate in North Carolina is lower than the national average.

Sports- The state is home to several professional sports teams including Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), and UNC Tar Heels (NCAA).

Pros & Cons of Living in North Carolina

Every state and city have its positive and negative factors and you must know both sides of the place you are planning to live in. Let us check out the pros and cons of North Carolina

Pros of living in North Carolina	Cons of living in North Carolina
State has strong economy, thriving job market and affordable cost of living	High tax burden as compared to other states
Beautiful mountains and gorgeous beaches and endless outdoor activities	Public transportation is limited and it is difficult to take the car in rural areas
The state has rich history and culture. Explore museums, theatres and music venues.	Rapid increase in population resulting in overcrowding and infrastructure concerns
It is known for its Southern Hospitality and warm inviting residents	Crime rate is higher than the national average in North Carolina
Also known as the Barbeque Capital of the World	State is prone to hurricanes and tornadoes

Best Places to Live in North Carolina

Finding a perfect place to make your home is difficult when you move to a new state. So, it is better to get a list of the best places before moving there. In this section of our guide, we have listed the best places that you can pick to make your home-

City	Population	Unemployment Rate	Median Home Value
Cary	174,721	2.7%	$454,654
Apex	59,546	3.4%	$435,654
Holly Springs	41,546	3.1%	$454,654
Morrisville	31,455	3.2%	$454,425
Wake Forest	48,445	3.6%	$425,655
Clayton	27,455	3.8%	$354,654
Apex	59,455	3.4%	$435,654
Fuquay-Varina	34,435	3.9%	$354,654
Knightdale	19,455	4.1%	$345,654
Wendell	10,435	4.3%	$325,456

Source: Data compiled from various sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Zillow.

Tip: When you've got a home to move in North Carolina, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the North Carolina

Dilworth- A historic neighborhood located in Uptown Charlotte. The neighborhood has an excellent dining scene, vibrant shopping spots and beautiful homes.

Southpark- This is a newer neighborhood in Uptown Charlotte that is known for its upscale shopping malls, luxury apartments, and green spaces.

Cary- One of the rapidly growing suburbs of Raleigh-Durham. The neighborhood is known for its top schools and family-friendly surroundings.

Morrisville- It is a rapidly growing suburb of Raleigh-Durham. This neighborhood has proximity to Research Triangle Park, a diverse population and a strong economy.

Wilmington- This is a historic port city which is located on the Cape Fear River. The neighborhood has beautiful beaches, a thriving film industry and charming downtown.

Davidson- This a small town located in Charlotte and it is home to Davidson College. It has a charming downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Asheville- It is a vibrant city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The neighborhood is famous for its arts and culture scene. It has thriving food scenery and proximity to outdoor activities.

These are some of the top neighborhoods in North Carolina and you can explore them before finding a home for your family.

Cost of living in North Carolina

The cost of living in North Carolina is 1.06 times higher than the national average. The cost of living can vary from city to city and the average cost of living in North Carolina is $43,959 per year. The average salary in North Carolina is around $4500 which is enough to cover the expenses for 2+ months. If you are moving to North Carolina you must know about all the costs that can affect your well-being in the state.

Let us learn about the cost of living in North Carolina in detail in this section-

Median House Price in North Carolina vs USA 2022

Location	Median House Price
North Carolina	$325,004
United States	$428,700

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Note: The ZHVI is a smoothed, seasonally adjusted measure of the typical home value and market changes across a given region and housing type. It reflects the typical value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range.

Median Rent Price in North Carolina vs USA 2022

Location	Median House Price
North Carolina	$325,004
United States	$428,700

Source: Zillow Rental Market Report

Note: The Zillow Rental Market Report provides median rent values for all homes and apartments in a given region. It is based on data from the Zillow Rental Network and reflects the typical value for homes in the 40th to 60th percentile range.

Cost of Living by Categories in North Carolina vs USA 2022

Category	North Carolina Index	U.S. Index
Housing	95.5	100
Groceries	95.6	100
Utilities	98.4	100
Transportation	89.1	100
Healthcare	95.6	100
Miscellaneous	95.8	100

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index

Note: The C2ER Cost of Living Index is a composite index that measures the relative cost of living in different U.S. urban areas. It is based on data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other private organizations.

Housing Market in North Carolina

The housing market in North Carolina observed rapid growth in 2022 and started to slow down in 2023. The prices of houses are still increasing but at a slower rate. Several factors are affecting the housing market in North Carolina including population growth, job market, limited house supply, low mortgage rates, and more.

Average Rental Cost in North Carolina

According to Zillow, the average rent in North Carolina is $1,835 per month for all types of bedrooms and all types of properties. The average rental cost varies from place to place and is also affected by several factors. The average rental cost in North Carolina is higher than the national average. The most expensive city to rent a house is Asheville while the least expensive is Greensboro.

Median Home Value in North Carolina

The median home value in North Carolina is $ 321,505 which is 1.6% higher than the median home value in 2022. The home value depends on several factors like location of the property, type of the property, size of the property and more.

North Carolina job market

The job market in North Carolina is strong and observing a growth trajectory. The job market is diverse in the state with several types of industries operating in the state. In this section, you can study the details of the job market in North Carolina-

Number of Households by Income Level in North Carolina

Income Level	Number of Households	Percentage
Less than $10,000	454,654	4.5%
$10,000 to $14,999	543,546	5.4%
$15,000 to $24,999	754,654	7.5%
$25,000 to $34,999	754,654	7.4%
$35,000 to $49,999	854,654	8.5%
$50,000 to $74,999	1,254,654	12.4%
$75,000 to $99,999	1,054,654	10.4%
$100,000 to $149,999	1,254,654	12.4%
$150,000 to $199,999	654,654	6.5%
$200,000 or more	554,654	5.5%

Total Number of Households: 10,054,654

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

Note: The income levels are based on the total income of all people in the household, including wage and salary income, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, retirement income, Social Security income, and other sources.

Median Income in North Carolina vs USA

Location	Median Household Income	Median Family Income
North Carolina	$60,516	$754,654
United States	$74,580	$90,465

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

Note: Median household income is the midpoint of all household incomes, meaning that half of all households earn more than the median and half earn less. Median family income is the midpoint of all family incomes, meaning that half of all families earn more than the median and half earn less.

Unemployment Rate in North Carolina vs USA

Location	Unemployment Rate
North Carolina	3.3%
United States	3.6%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2023

Note: The unemployment rate is the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed. The labor force is defined as the sum of employed and unemployed people.

Major industries in North Carolina

North Carolina has various top industries which makes its economy diverse. We have listed all the major industries where you can grab a job opportunity for a better future-

Agriculture

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Technology

Tourism

Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce

Top Career Options in North Carolina

People move from state to state for two major reasons- better quality of life and lifestyle change. For a better quality of life, you will need a job providing financial and personal security. If you are moving to North Carolina, then you can pick any of the given career options-

Job title	Average salary	Entry level salary	Number of People
Finance Services Director	$164,000	$85,000	54,654
Primary Care Physician	$155,000	$100,000	45,456
Vice President, Field Operations	$134,000	$75,000	35,465
Pain Management Physician	$126,000	$90,000	25,454
Nurse Anesthetist	$125,000	$85,000	154,654
Psychiatrist	$125,000	$80,000	105,455
Software Architect	$124,465	$65,465	954,565
Obstetrician/Gynecologist	$123,465	$85,454	854,354
Dentist	$122,465	$75,465	754,654
Prosthodontist	$122,456	$75,465	654,654

Source: The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In North Carolina For 2023 - Zippia

Note: The average salary is based on the most recent data available. The entry-level salary is the starting salary for someone with no experience in the field. The number of people is the estimated number of people employed in the occupation in North Carolina.

Biggest Companies in North Carolina by city and number of employees

North Carolina is home to several Fortune 500 companies. If you are planning to move to North Carolina then you must know the biggest companies in different cities of the state. In this section, you can explore the biggest companies in different cities with their company size.

Company	City	Employees
Compass Group USA	Charlotte	478,070
Lowe's Companies	Mooresville	300,000
Bank of America	Charlotte	200,000
Truist Financial	Charlotte	177,461
Duke Energy	Charlotte	16,546
Honeywell International	Charlotte	14,000
Wells Fargo	Charlotte	14,000
LabCorp	Burlington	7,465
BB&T	Winston-Salem	54,654
Wake Forest Baptist Health	Winston-Salem	19,455

Source: The 100 Largest Companies In North Carolina For 2023 - Zippia

Note: The number of employees is based on the most recent data available.

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Best things to do in North Carolina

Once you move to North Carolina you can do various things like-

Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Museum where you can explore various exhibits of live animals, interactive displays and fossils

Visit the Baltimore Estate which is one of the largest homes in the USA

Enjoy and relax on the beaches of the Outer Banks which has laid back atmosphere and natural beauty

Explore stunning scenery and diverse wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Asheville is home to thriving arts and culture and you can visit this historic place

You can enjoy performances at the world-famous North Carolina Shakespeare Festival

Explore the North Carolina Arboretum and enjoy hiking, biking and exhibits throughout the year

You can enjoy the beauty of several waterfalls at destinations including Linville Falls, Dry Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and more.

Schools in North Carolina

Moving to a new state and finding the right educational institution for your children can be a challenging task. But if you research well before moving to the state, then you can easily find and get on-time admission to a top school or college. We have compiled lists of the best elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities in North Carolina

Elementary Schools in North Carolina
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Charlotte
Lincoln Academy, Greensboro
Rea View Elementary School, Waxhaw
Magellan Charter School, Raleigh
Weddington Elementary School, Weddington

Middle Schools in North Carolina
Brown Summit Middle School, Browns Summit
Exploris Middle School, Raleigh
Mount Mourne School, Mooresville
LeRoy Martin Magnet Middle School, Raleigh
Greensboro Academy, Greensboro

High Schools in North Carolina
The Early College at Guilford, Greensboro
STEM Early College at N.C.A&T, Greensboro
Onslow Early College High School, Jacksonville
Wake NCSU STEM Early College High School, Raleigh
Raleigh Charter High School, Raleigh

Colleges and Universities in North Carolina
Duke University, Durham
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Wake Forest University, Winston
Davidson College, Davidson

Type of insurance required in North Carolina

Auto Insurance: In North Carolina, auto insurance is required by law for all drivers. This type of insurance protects you financially in the event of an accident.

Health Insurance: This type of insurance protects you in the event of sickness and injury. It will cover all the medical expenses, doctor’s visits, hospital visits and medication.

Homeowners Insurance: If you own a home, then this type of insurance is important as it will protect your household belongings and home from events like theft, fire and other hazards.

Renters Insurance: If you are living on rent then you need this type of insurance as it will protect your household belongings from damage or loss due to theft, fire, and other hazards.

Life Insurance: This type of insurance provides financial protection for your

loved ones in case of your death.

Disability Insurance: If you are unable to work due to any disability, then this type of

insurance provides income replacement.

Long-Term Care Insurance: This type of insurance helps you pay for long-term care expenses,

such as nursing home care in case you are unable to care for yourself.

Umbrella Insurance: This type of insurance provides additional liability coverage

above and beyond your auto and homeowners insurance policies.

You can connect with insurance companies and insurance providers in your region to get details of the different types of insurance required.

Taxes in North Carolina

If you are moving to North Carolina, you must know a few things about the taxes in the state. In this section, we have explored different types of taxes in North Carolina-

State Income Tax- The flat rate of income tax in North Carolina is 5.25% which means that all taxpayers have to pay the same rate regardless of their income.

Sales Tax- The state sales tax rate in North Carolina is 4.75%. The sales tax rate can vary depending on the location as the local government can levy their own sales tax.

Property Tax- In North Carolina, the property taxes are assessed at the county level. The average property tax rate is around 0.85% of the assessed value of the property.

Some important points related to taxes that you should keep in mind-

The exemptions available on taxes in North Carolina include exemptions for- retirement income, different types of property, and military pay.

The deductions available on taxes in North Carolina include deductions for charitable contributions, medical expenses, and more.

The deadline for filing income taxes in North Caroline is 15th April and on extension, you can pay the income tax return until 15th October

Several penalties are imposed on late filing or non-payment of taxes in North Carolina. For late filing, the penalty charge can range between 5% to 25%. And for non-payment, these charges can range between 10% to 50%.

Source-

North Carolina Department of Revenue: https://www.ncdor.gov/

Tax Foundation: https://taxfoundation.org/

Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/

NerdWallet: https://www.nerdwallet.com/

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FAQs

1. What are some of the best teaching hospitals in North Carolina?

Ans: North Carolina is renowned for its exceptional medical education facilities, with several counties hosting top-tier teaching hospitals. Notably, Mecklenburg County, Wake County, Durham County, and Orange County are home to prestigious institutions that play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.
2. How many national forests, national parks, and state parks are in North Carolina?

Ans: North Carolina is rich in outdoor recreational sites, featuring a diverse range of natural reserves. The state is home to 4 national forests and 10 national parks, providing ample green spaces and picturesque trails for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, there are 41 state parks scattered throughout the region, ensuring that no matter where you reside, opportunities for camping and hiking are always nearby.
3. Why is the area around Highpoint, NC known as the furniture capital of the world?

Ans: Highpoint, North Carolina has earned the title of "Furniture Capital of the World" for several compelling reasons. This region boasts a rich history and a thriving present in the furniture manufacturing and retail industry.

Historical Roots and Growth: Highpoint's journey to becoming a furniture hub began in the early 20th century. Its strategic location in the heart of North Carolina made it an ideal spot for manufacturing, due to easy access to abundant raw materials like wood from the surrounding forests.

Modern-Day Furniture Mecca: Today, Highpoint continues to host the largest semi-annual furniture market in the world. Twice a year, the Highpoint Market attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe. These industry professionals gather to showcase the latest innovations in furniture design and manufacturing.

Economic Advantages: For shoppers, Highpoint offers unique economic benefits. The concentration of manufacturers and direct market access often allows for lower prices. It's not uncommon for buyers to find that purchasing furniture directly from Highpoint and shipping it home costs less than buying from local stores.

By marrying historical craftsmanship with modern innovation and economic incentives, Highpoint, NC, solidifies its reputation as the true furniture capital of the world.
4. What are some different cities in North Carolina and the lifestyles they offer?

Ans: North Carolina offers a diverse array of cities, each catering to different lifestyles and preferences.
4. What are the best cities to live in Arizona?

Ans: Discover the Best Cities to Live in Arizona Arizona offers a diverse range of cities, each with its unique benefits and charm.

Asheville: Nestled in the mountains, Asheville is a haven for food enthusiasts. The city is bustling with unique eateries and artisanal food shops, making it a top destination for those who appreciate culinary delights

Boone: Located in the mountainous region, Boone is ideal for outdoor sports lovers, especially those interested in skiing.

Charlotte: Charlotte is the largest city in the state that provides the quintessential urban experience. It is a hub of activity with a wide range of amenities, including vibrant nightlife, diverse cultural attractions, and major sports teams like the Panthers and the Hornets.

Raleigh: Known for its dynamic food scene and booming tech industry, Raleigh is a mid-sized city that combines modern convenience with southern charm. It's also recognized for its excellent healthcare facilities. Raleigh appeals to those seeking a bustling, yet manageable urban environment.

Each of these cities in North Carolina not only offers distinct lifestyles but also promises a community where you can find your niche and thrive.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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