There are over 10 million people living in North Carolina. Some might say it’s because of the southern charm. Others will say that the affordable cost of living has a lot to do with it.
Not only is it easy to find an inexpensive home, but residents can also take advantage of quality universities and mild weather. If you’re a foodie or a sports lover, there’s no better place to live.
Does all this sound good to you? If so, there are a few things you need to know before moving to North Carolina. Check out this guide to learn what you can expect.
Benefits of Moving to North Carolina
As stated above, there are tons of benefits to life in North Carolina. The weather is mild enough to enjoy a bit of hiking, and there are plenty of jobs to go around.
With the low cost of living, you’re sure to find a place for you and your family to live, and there are top-notch universities located across the state.
Outdoor Activities
Every year, tourists come to North Carolina to explore the state’s gorgeous landscapes. Between the mountains and beaches, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities that you can partake in.
Residents enjoy hiking, rafting, kayaking, boating, tubing, and mountain biking. If hitting a trail isn’t your idea of a good time, you can still have your own adventure. There are plenty of old historic towns that are waiting for you to walk through them.
Booming Economy
If you’re looking for a place to start a new career and get a fresh start, North Carolina has you covered. The job market is booming.
Whether you want to work in retail or you’re a recent graduate looking for a job in IT, there’s a place for you to work.
Mild Weather
North Carolina weather is mild when compared to other states in the US. Residents see a good amount of sunshine throughout the year.
Unless you live in the mountains, the weather can be a bit humid, but that’s the worst you’ll have to deal with. The temperatures never get too hot.
While you’ll see some snow during the winter season, blizzards are fairly uncommon.
Quality Universities
If you have kids, it’s never too late to start thinking about their future. North Carolina is home to some of the nation’s best colleges. Almost everyone has heard of Duke University.
There’s also Wake Forest University, the University of North Carolina, Davidson College, and Appalachian State University. On top of being great places for your child to go to school, they’re also always hiring.
Low Cost of Living
North Carolina real estate is affordable compared to other states like New York and Washington. This is true for even the larger cities in North Carolina, like Charlotte and Raleigh.
Delicious Food
North Carolina is known for its unique food options. It’s the home of Pepsi and the ever-notorious Cheerwine. If you’re unfamiliar with what Cheerwine is, it’s a sweet cherry cola that’s well-known in the Carolinas and almost nowhere else.
This soda packs a ton of sugar, so it’s not something that you should drink a lot of, but you try it at least once. It apparently goes well with the state’s famous BBQ if you ask the residents.
Speaking of food, in North Carolina, you can also enjoy fried green tomatoes and shrimp ‘n’ grits. The state also has hundreds of wineries and 5-star restaurants.
Cultural Attractions
North Carolina is a hub of art and culture. You and your family will have your pick between museums, performing art centers, festivals, art galleries, theaters, and musical attractions.
If you have the time while living in North Carolina, you’ve got to visit the Wright Brothers National Museum and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Sports Are a Big Deal
If you’re a big sports fan, you’ll love North Carolina. This state is serious about its sports teams. Football, baseball, and basketball are particularly popular.
If you’re a fan of golf, that’s also something you’ll see a lot of in North Carolina.
Cons of Living in North Carolina
There are a few cons that you should know about before moving to North Carolina. The weather is usually nice, but the seasons are non-existent.
The crime rate in this state is a bit high, and you may have to deal with hurricanes, depending on which part of the state you live in.
Seasons Are Non-Existent
If you currently live in a state that experiences harsh winters and hot summers, living in North Carolina will take some getting used to—the seasons sort of blur together.
Again, the state does get snow, but not a lot of it. The weather pretty much goes straight from fall to spring, with a little bit of winter in between.
Crime
You and your family will be safe in North Carolina, depending on where you move to.
The crime rate in smaller low-income cities can be high. Some places you may want to avoid are Whiteville and Oxford.
Hurricanes
Hurricane season starts on the first of June and continues until the end of November. As long as you don’t live on the coast, this stretch of months is something you’ll never have to worry about.
That doesn’t mean that you should avoid living on the coast. It means that if you do, invest in good flood insurance.
Tips That Will Help You With Your Move
As you can see, the pros of moving to North Carolina greatly outweigh the cons. If you don’t mind the non-existent seasons and crime rates, and still want to move, it’s a good idea to start the process as soon as possible.
You’ll need to update your utilities, hire a moving company, and prepare your family.
Start as Early as Possible
Procrastination is the quickest way to send your move to North Carolina into chaos. The general rule of thumb when relocating anywhere is to start about nine months in advance.
Make a to-do list of tasks and delegate them among your family members. If you’re renting your current home, give your landlord plenty of notice that you’re moving. If you don’t, you may get stuck with fees.
If you’re a homeowner, don’t wait to hire an experienced realtor to help you sell your current place. That process in itself could take several months.
Hire a Moving Company
If you can put off moving to North Carolina until the winter, you’ll be able to get the best rate on a moving company because it’s the off-season. If you can’t wait, you’ll need to start looking for movers as soon as you know you’re relocating to beat the crowd.
Call about three different companies to compare prices. Be sure to get written quotes.
Begin the Packing Process
The first part of the packing process is downsizing. This will reduce the number of boxes that need to go on the moving van. Separate your items into need, keep, and throw away piles.
Once you finish downsizing, pick up your boxes and packing materials. Pack a little bit each day instead of saving the job for the night before you move.
Prepare Your Family
Before moving, take your family to their regular physician for one last check-up. If you’re bringing a furry or scaly friend with you, look up North Carolina’s pet laws.
Take your kids to your new town to walk around, so they can get used to the idea of living there. You’ll also want to transfer their school and medical records well in advance.
Update Your Utilities and Address
About a month before you move, register your new utility accounts and disconnect your old ones if possible.
You’ll also want to take a minute to update your address. The last thing you want is for your subscription boxes to go to the wrong house.
Your Guide to Moving to North Carolina
Moving to North Carolina is the perfect idea for those who want to make a fresh start. There’s no end to the job opportunities, and the housing is more than affordable no matter where you go.
While there are some cons to relocating, nowhere is perfect. The high crime rates and hurricane storms are easy to avoid if you do your research and prepare ahead of time.
For more tips that will help you get ready for your move, visit the Real Estate section of our website.
