Moving to North Carolina: 6 Reasons to Pack Your Bags & Move

Planning your move to the Tar Heel State? You’re not alone! More than 82,160 people are moving to North Carolina annually, which is why the state’s population has reached 10.5 million in 2024.

Companies are also moving to NC. The Tar Heel State witnessed 41% growth in new businesses, indicating a strong economy and a robust job market. North Carolina’s cost of living is $3,663/mo, and the state’s flat income tax appeals to potential movers, too.

6 Reasons to Move to North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are six reasons to move to NC:

1. Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in North Carolina is 5% below the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.

Here’s a breakdown of basic expenses in top metros in North Carolina:

Metro	Home Price	Home Renting/mo	Public Transport/mo	Utilities/mo	Food/mo
Charlotte	$408,000	$1,651	$235	$127	$623
Raleigh	$440,000	$1,363	$103	$326	$671
Greensboro	$280,500	$1,128	$75.5	$180	$537
Winston-Salem	$285,000	$1,113	$104	$218	$558

2. Flat Tax Rate

North Carolina offers some great tax benefits. As of 2024, the state has a flat income tax rate of 4.5%, and by 2027, it’s set to drop even lower to 3.99%. For businesses, North Carolina already has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the country at 2.5%, and by 2030, it will completely disappear, going down to 0%.

On top of that, NC has low property taxes, with an average rate of 0.77% of a home’s value. These tax benefits can help you save money whether you’re buying a home or running a business.

3. Employment Opportunities

North Carolina is home to 14 Fortune 500 Companies. The state is projected to add 500,000 new jobs by 2032.

• Healthcare: North Carolina’s healthcare sector is the largest and fastest-growing. By 2032, it’s expected to add over 101,500 new jobs, especially in roles like nurses, medical assistants, and health managers. Major employers include Duke University Health System and Atrium Health.
• Engineering and Technology: The Raleigh-Durham area, known as the Research Triangle, is a major tech hub. Jobs in software development, computer systems analysis, and mechanical engineering are projected to grow by 11.9% by 2028. Top employers include IBM, Cisco Systems, and Red Hat.
• Finance: Charlotte is the second-largest banking hub in the U.S. The finance sector is projected to add 12.5% jobs by 2030. There is high demand for roles like financial analysts, auditors, and investment managers. Bank of America and Wells Fargo as well-known employers in the sector.
• Manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing is quickly growing in North Carolina. The state is set to add around 16,000 jobs by 2032 in areas like energy, machinery, and aerospace manufacturing. Siemens Energy, Caterpillar, and Honeywell are some of the key employers in this field.MdcavdnvdMdcadAAA dcad euirF

4. Education and Schools

North Carolina serves over 1.4 million students across 120 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options including:

• Public Schools: North Carolina has more than 2,484 public schools, known for their academic excellence and innovative programs. Wake County, in particular, is one of the largest school districts in the country and is known for its advanced placement (AP) programs and high graduation rates.
• Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: NC has over 200 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Schools such as Raleigh Charter High School and Woods Charter School are among the best in the state.
• Private Schools: North Carolina is home to over 700 private schools, known for their small class sizes and personalized attention. The average tuition for private schools is around $10,987 annually. Top-rated schools include Durham Academy, Charlotte Latin School, and Ravenscroft School in Raleigh.
• Higher Education: North Carolina has a robust higher education system, including 16 public universities within the University of North Carolina (UNC) system. North Carolina State University (NC State) is highly regarded for its engineering, technology, and research programs.

5. Healthcare

North Carolina has a strong healthcare system with about 135 hospitals. Duke University Hospital is the top-ranked hospital in the state and is also among the top 20 in the U.S. It specializes in cardiology, heart surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and nephrology.

Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center is the largest hospital in North Carolina and serves as a major trauma center. Additionally, UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill are well-known for their excellent pediatric services and comprehensive cancer care.

6. Outdoor Activities

North Carolina offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains at spots like Pisgah National Forest or Grandfather Mountain. The Outer Banks and Wilmington beaches are perfect for swimming, fishing, and surfing.

You can kayak or camp in places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or go mountain biking at DuPont State Forest. With mild weather year-round, North Carolina is a paradise for outdoor lovers.

Cost of Moving to North Carolina 💲

There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to NC:

1. Moving Costs ~ $431 and $3,519

Moving to NC involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.

• North Carolina movers typically cost $105 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
• If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.

👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLScompany to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to North Carolina.

2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month

Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to North Carolina.

• When moving to NC, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in North Carolina is around $371/month.
• You will have to register your vehicle in North Carolina. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in NC ranges from $38.75 to $53.75. A standard title transfer costs around $56.

3. Housing Costs

Housing costs in the Tar Heel State can vary depending on your location.

• In popular cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham, the average rent ranges between $1,300 and $2000.
• However, if you’re looking to buy a house in North Carolina, home prices vary across the state. Coastal cities like Wilmington have a median home price of $495K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Greensboro is $281K.

3 Things to Know Before Moving to North Carolina💡

Before you pack your bags for the Tar Heel State, here are three essential things to know that can impact your decision.

1. Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion can be a concern, particularly in urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh. Commuters in these cities face an average commute time of 25.1 minutes but heavy traffic during rush hour can extend this.

While cities like Charlotte and Raleigh have public transit systems like CATS and GoRaleigh, coverage can be limited. The vast majority of residents rely on cars, which can lead to congestion on major highways like I-77 and I-40 during peak hours.

2. Pollen Allergies

North Carolina ranks among the top 5 worst states for allergies. From March to May, pollen levels from trees like oak and pine can exceed 3,000 particles per cubic meter. It can significantly impact residents with seasonal allergies.

3. Natural Disasters

North Carolina experiences a range of weather hazards. The state sees an average of 31 tornadoes per year, particularly in the central and eastern regions. Coastal areas are vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during hurricane season from June to November.

To stay safe, it’s essential to have an emergency plan and kit ready. Consider purchasing hazard insurance to protect your home from storm damage, especially if you live near the coast or in flood-prone areas.

4 Tips for a Seamless Move to North Carolina ✅

Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.

1. Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
2. Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to NC, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
3. Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that North Carolina neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
4. Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.

Is Moving to North Carolina a Good Idea?

Moving to North Carolina offers a range of benefits, from its favorable tax policies and lower cost of living to a robust job market and year-round warm weather. The state appeals to diverse lifestyles, whether you’re seeking economic opportunities, top-notch education, or outdoor activities.

However, it’s essential to be prepared for the unique challenges, like hurricane seasons and local wildlife. With thoughtful planning, relocating to North Carolina can be a rewarding decision, providing a vibrant and affordable lifestyle in the Tar Heel State.

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