The main reasons people move to North Carolina is work-related issues such as job transfers. Other reasons could be family, lower cost of living, lower taxes, nicer weather, or just a change in scenery. With these reasons in mind, it’s easy to understand why North Carolina is one of the top states people choose to move to in the United States.
Weather
North Carolina’s climate is moderate with four distinct seasons. The winters are mild here but just cold enough to enjoy a couple of snow days here and there. The spring and summer months are great for traveling to North Carolina’s beautiful beaches and mountains. The coldest city would be Asheville with an average January low of 26 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s mild compared to extreme lows in other states in the NorthEast.
United Van Lines performed a study of state-to-state migration and concluded in 2016 that North Carolina ranked as eighth for having the most inbound migration traffic.
Traffic and Commuting
Compared to other states, North Carolina’s traffic is minimal. The bigger cities of Charlotte and Raleigh experience the most traffic. The average commute time in Raleigh is 21.6 minutes, 25.5 minutes in Charlotte, 14 minutes in Asheville, and 18.8 minutes in Greensboro.
Job Market
North Carolina’s unemployment rate (4.1 percent) is lower than the national rate. The state’s leading employers are in the high salary growth industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and defense. College-educated workers and tradesmen will find plenty of opportunities in computer technology, pharmaceuticals, statistics, healthcare, food products, industrial machinery, textile mill products, transportation equipment, chemicals, and allied products. Companies like Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., IBM, and SAS Institute are in central North Carolina. Charlotte is a national banking hub.
Larger cities such as Raleigh and Charlotte have plenty of job opportunities to offer people in fields such as computer technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biosciences. Other areas of North Carolina have manufacturing jobs and service jobs such as nursing and teaching.
Lower Cost of Living
You can live high on the hog in North Carolina compared to states such as New York and New Jersey. In North Carolina, you can easily find a 3,000 square foot home for $400,000 and a 2,000 square foot home for $300,000 or less. Large estate homes in the 5,000 square foot range can sell for under $1 million. If you’ll be renting before finding a home, you’ll be glad to know that rental prices are below the national average. Both North and South Carolina enjoy affordable property tax rates. Some of the lowest in the country!
College tuition is far more affordable in North Carolina. For just $7,385 you pay for tuition and fees at a public state college for the 2017-2018 school year. The national average is $9,650.
Things to Do
North Carolina has state fairs and festivals going on year-round. Every season is teaming with events and music. The State Fair is in October with a mini state fair “Got to be NC” festival in June. There are plenty of holiday-oriented events and festivals in the fall and spring. Summer has plenty of opportunities for music festivals and travel. Those who love the beach, will absolutely adore North Carolina’s beautiful 300 miles of coastline. There are around 25 beaches in NC including the beautiful Outer Banks.
If you’re considering a move to the Carolinas, then please call us (704.577.9060) or email (adavis@fathomrealty.com) to learn more about the best cities and neighborhoods that North Carolina has to offer.
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