Living in North Carolina

Are you considering moving to North Carolina but need to know if it's worth it? In this article, we will break down the Pros and Cons of living in North Carolina as a guide to help you make the best decision!

North Carolina is one of the top states to live in, from the rolling Blue Ridge mountains to the sandy beaches and everything in between. Of course, there are ups and downs for any area, and before moving to a new state, you must understand the pros and cons. 

Depending on your ideal location, each city and town has something unique to offer you. The Tar Heel state is known as one of the top states for raising a family, finding a job, or retiring. 

As the 9th most populous state, NC is growing dramatically as more and more people realize they are being drawn to the beautiful state. Home to the birthplace of Aviation, delicious restaurants, friendly communities, stunning homes, and a deep history, there is no place like it. 

Don't miss out on his state's beauty, fun, and history. Before deciding on where to move to in NC, make sure to completely understand all the pros and cons of this unique state. 

Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of living in North Carolina.

Pros of Living in North Carolina

1. Relaxed Lifestyle

Whether you are looking for a safe place for your kids to grow up or a quiet location to retire, North Carolina is known for its easy-going lifestyle. There are many bustling cities like Raleigh to Charlotte, but the charming small towns offer something else. 

No one is in a hurry here, and Southern hospitality is booming in every area. Not only are people easy-going, but they are also known to be kind and helpful no matter where you are. This is one of the top reasons why people are buying their first homes here in NC. 

The quiet beach towns are some of the best places to relax, and you'll quickly realize why they are big vacation spots. If you're looking for a slower lifestyle, NC has the best towns to choose from. 

2. Beautiful Beaches and Mountains

From the Triangle, you can drive two hours to the east for the beaches and a short couple of hours to the west for the mountains. Whether you enjoy surfing or skiing, you will be able to enjoy it all in NC. 

Both the beaches and mountains are prime vacation destinations, although many people live in both areas. There are highly rated colleges like the University of North Carolina Wilmington at the beach and Appalachian State University in the mountains. After college, many graduates decide they can't leave their beautiful locations and even buy their first homes. 

You can't go wrong with the beaches or mountains, so it's a good thing you won't have to choose because you can have it all in NC. Whether you are looking for a new home or a vacation home, NC is the place to look. 

3. Low Cost of Living

When searching for a place to move to, researching the cost of living should be at the top of your list, as it varies greatly from place to place. As the ninth most populous state in the country, NC still has a healthy growth and median household income of $60,516.

The overall cost of living is 4% lower than the national average, and the common expenses like housing, utilities, food, and clothes are all lower than the national average as well. 

According to the US News and World Report, NC ranks #23 overall on the list of most affordable states. Keep in mind that each area does vary in price, so make sure to check out the best places to live in North Carolina. Check out understanding property taxes in NC if you are looking to own a property here. 

4. Great Job Opportunities 

North Carolina offers many job opportunities, and the economy is booming, which attracts people from all over the country. NC is projected to add over 302,000 more jobs between 2018 and 2028, meaning an annual growth rate of 0.6%. 

Most jobs in demand in NC are in computer and mathematical, healthcare, information technology, food and processing manufacturing, and textiles. In addition, major schools like Duke University, North Carolina State University, and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill attract a lot of educated professionals and graduates.  

There are 10 Fortune 500 companies and 17 Fortune 1000 companies located in NC, many near Charlotte. There are more than enough job opportunities available, and you can be guaranteed to find the perfect job near your home. 

5. Abundance of Fun Things To Do

Aside from the beaches and mountains, North Carolina is known for its rich history, fun events, nightlife, restaurants, parks, farmers markets, and more. You won't have trouble finding something to do with your time in NC. 

Whether you are searching for something to do on the weekends or a special event like the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, NC, has you covered. Check out all the amazing museums, sporting events, and golf courses NC offers.

No matter how you like to spend your time, you can rest assured that NC has something for everyone, and you will never be bored. Depending on where you move, each location has different activities. But each area has fun events, bars, festivals, and more just waiting for you to enjoy. 

Cons of Living in North Carolina

1. High Traffic in the Big Cities

As a result of the lack of public transportation, most residents commute by car. This means traffic can be high in major cities. Many people who work in Raleigh commute from towns like Apex, Holly Springs, and Cary. 

Traffic in major urban areas like Raleigh and Charlotte is becoming more problematic as more people move to the area. Before moving, be prepared for long commute times. 

On the bright side, NC is prepared for the influx of people moving by adding more highways and improving significant roads. NCDOT is completing Interstate 540 from Holly Springs to Knightdale, which will help tremendously.

2. Hot Summers

As a Southern state, NC isn't known for the cold aside from the mountains, but it is known for the heat. Temperatures in the summer can get as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. This may be a con to some, but to others, it is another reason to enjoy the refreshing waters at NC's best beaches. You can still cool off at one of NC's best waterparks if you aren't near the ocean. 

Be warned: Summers are very humid as well, meaning you'll have to be extra careful with sunscreen and hydration. August and July are typically the hottest months, so if you visit in the summer, this may be the best time to visit the coast. 

The mountains are typically a bit cooler in the summer, with a high in the 80s. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably, summer may be perfect.

3. Lack of Public Transportation

Most cities and towns in NC don't have the best public transportation options; it may be hard to get around the state without a car. However, some options remain, including highways, rail, aviation, buses and ferries.

If you travel from the Triangle area to Charlotte, Burlington, Greensboro, and more, NC has the Amtrak, which only takes a few hours. Another downside is the road conditions which need much improvement in some areas.

Public transportation systems near the Wilmington area and northeast are expected to improve after receiving a $6 million grant to improve services for residents. 

4. High Crime Rates in Some Areas

One of the biggest factors you should consider when choosing where to move is the crime rate. NC does have many safe cities, but many urban areas are known for high crime rates. 

Raleigh has a lower violent crime rate than the national average but a higher property crime rate. Overall, crime went down 1.4% across NC, which is a combination of violent and property crime. Compared to South Carolina, NC has higher property crimes but lower violent crimes.

The areas with the highest crime rates are Whiteville, Henderson, and Wadesboro. You can feel safe moving to almost any area in NC.  

5. Unpredictable Weather

Most NC residents know how unpredictable the weather can be; one day, it can be snowing, and the next, you could be wearing shorts along with the hot summers and mild winters due to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, which contribute to the climate. 

The coast is at risk of hurricanes, devastating for all residents. Most coastal areas are well-prepared for these disasters. Keep power banks,  extra batteries, food, water, and a plan in case. 

Tornado season impacts North Carolina from March to May, although tornados can occur at any time. Although there are fewer tornados in this state than in the Midwest, NC sees an average of 31 tornados a year.

Unpredictable weather isn't typically a reason not to move to a new state, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared for anything. Make sure to research the area you're considering, as snow storms typically occur near the mountains and hurricanes on the coast. 

FAQ: Pros and Cons of Living in NC

Here are some commonly asked questions about the pros and cons of living in NC.

What are the biggest risks of living in North Carolina?

Similar to many states, natural disasters are one of the biggest risks, and NC has been hit by all sorts of disasters. Tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, snow, and ice storms have hit all parts of the state. These natural disasters can cause power outages, property damage, and more. Make sure you are prepared to handle anything before moving. 

What is the #1 safest city in NC?

Rolesville has been named the safest city in NC because it has the lowest crime rate. The crime rate is about 451 per 100,000 people, which is 93% lower than the state average. 

Does it snow in North Carolina?

Depending on where you live, you can expect to see beautiful snow in most winters, especially in the mountains. It does vary from the coast to the mountains on the western side, but even the capital, Raleigh, averages about 6 inches of snow in the winter. 

What is the hottest month of the year in NC?

July has been the hottest month of the year in NC for decades now. NC has many amazing beaches where you can enjoy the hot weather and cool off in the beautiful ocean. 

What is the cost of living in North Carolina?

The overall cost of living in NC is $38,295, 4% lower than the national average. Many of the common expenses like utilities, housing, and food are also lower than the national average, making it a relatively affordable state to live in. 

Pros and Cons of Living in NC - The Bottom Line

From adorable small towns to growing cities, NC is truly one of the best states to live in. Every state has its pros and cons, but luckily, the benefits of living in NC heavily outweigh the cons. 

With incredible outdoor activities, fun bars, festivals, sports games, incredible colleges, and interesting historical sites, there are more than enough reasons to move to NC. Now that you have read about all the pros and cons of living in NC, it is up to you to decide if this beautiful state is for you. 

We know that finding the perfect place to live can be difficult, so make sure to contact one of our helpful Real Estate Specialists. They are dedicated to finding you and your family the perfect home. Check out the stunning homes for sale in NC's capital, Raleigh.