Move to North Carolina Migration Report
If North Carolina is on your list for a potential move, this migration report gives you the fast answers you need. We cover where newcomers are coming from, which cities people are moving to, what’s happening to prices, and how NC stacks up nationally.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Key takeaways
Here are the headline insights from our North Carolina migration analysis. These points reflect a blend of public data and moveBuddha’s real-time move inquiries and route trends.
- North Carolina remained a top net in‑migration state in 2024–2025: It consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders for numeric population gains according to recent U.S. Census estimates, indicating durable demand from both workers and retirees.
- Top sending states are familiar and diverse: Florida, New York, Virginia, California, Texas, and South Carolina continue to dominate pipelines, with notable contributions from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Tennessee.
- Charlotte, the Triangle, and coastal metros draw the most newcomers: Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Wilmington capture the bulk of demand, while college towns and mountain hubs like Asheville remain premium markets.
- Value, jobs, and lifestyle are the primary motivators: NC’s relative affordability, strong job base in tech and life sciences, and four‑season climate make it a compelling alternative to many coastal hubs.
- Home values have cooled from pandemic highs but remain elevated: Affordability varies by region, with the Piedmont offering entry points while the Triangle and Charlotte stay competitive.
- Growth is pressuring infrastructure and services: Traffic, school capacity, and healthcare access are top concerns in fast-growing counties, prompting ongoing investment and planning.
2024–2025 North Carolina migration overview
Recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the state adding population at a top‑tier pace, trailing only a handful of high‑growth peers like Texas and Florida for numeric gains. Year over year through 2024, NC continues to post strong net domestic migration alongside steady international inflows.
Sustained net in‑migration supports job growth, housing demand, and community investment, but it also raises the stakes on affordability and infrastructure planning. Understanding where people are moving from and which metros are absorbing them can help you pick the right neighborhood and moving strategy.
Where newcomers are coming from
Multiple datasets point to a familiar cast of “sending” states. IRS state‑to‑state migration, U‑Haul Growth Indexes, and Census flows all show strong pipelines from expensive coasts and nearby Southeast neighbors.
Top sending states
Based on indicators through 2025, these states send the most movers to North Carolina. The reasons vary by region, but affordability, jobs, and family proximity come up consistently.
- Florida: Many retirees and families are leaving high insurance costs and summer heat for NC’s milder climate and lower overall costs.
- New York: Cost‑of‑living trade‑downs and remote work have strengthened the New York to Raleigh and Charlotte corridor. Former New Yorkers cite better home values, shorter commutes, and strong schools as key motivators.
- Virginia: Movers from Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. area target the Triangle and Charlotte for similar job opportunities with a lower price tag.
- California: Tech and life sciences professionals relocate for more attainable housing and a comparable innovation ecosystem.
- Texas: Sunbelt‑to‑Sunbelt migration is common as workers follow corporate expansions and new projects.
- South Carolina: Cross‑border churn works both ways, but North Carolina tends to attract movers seeking broader job options. In the Charlotte region, some households hop the state line depending on schools, taxes, and commute preferences.
- New Jersey: Northeastern households pursue larger homes and suburban amenities at a lower monthly cost. Many settle in Wake and Mecklenburg counties to balance jobs, schools, and access to major airports.
- Pennsylvania: Families and early retirees head south for milder winters and predictable property taxes. The Piedmont Triad often appeals to those seeking value and a slower pace close to interstates.
- Georgia: Regional moves from metro Atlanta to Charlotte or the Triangle reflect job changes and lifestyle shifts.
- Tennessee: Relocations between Nashville/Knoxville and NC are fueled by employer transfers and personal ties. Movers often compare housing costs and commute times before choosing a side of the state line.
Trend notes:
- “Half‑back” retirees are steady and organized: These movers often trial Florida, then relocate “half‑back” to NC for milder summers and proximity to family in the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast. They typically prioritize healthcare access, low‑maintenance housing, and social communities.
- Remote and hybrid professionals target job‑rich metros: Knowledge workers leaving high‑cost hubs like New York, the D.C. area, and the Bay Area often land in the Triangle and Charlotte. They cite strong airports, top schools, and robust tech and life sciences networks as decision drivers.
Top destinations within North Carolina
Newcomers tend to cluster around job centers and lifestyle hubs. The metros below attract the lion’s share of long‑distance moves, with several smaller markets punching above their weight.
- Charlotte metro: Banking, tech, logistics, and a major airport draw both young professionals and families. Rapid growth in suburbs like Fort Mill, Huntersville, and Concord offers newer housing and convenient commutes.
- Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill (Triangle): Research Triangle Park, top universities, and life sciences growth keep demand high. Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs are favorites for schools, parks, and master‑planned communities.
- Wilmington & Brunswick County: Coastal living with expanding amenities appeals to retirees and remote workers alike. Towns like Leland, Southport, and Oak Island offer a beach lifestyle within reach of healthcare and airports.
- Asheville: Mountain scenery, arts, and outdoor recreation consistently drive premium demand. Limited inventory and short‑term rental dynamics keep prices elevated relative to smaller mountain towns.
- College towns and suburban rings: Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, and Johnston/Chatham County suburbs remain magnets for families. New construction, greenways, and community centers add to their long‑term appeal.
From our move data perspective, the Charlotte and Triangle metros capture the bulk of long‑distance arrivals, with Wilmington and Asheville punching above their population weights. If you’re comparing metros, consider commute tolerance, school assignment zones, and access to airports.
|
|
|
|
rating
Why move to North Carolina?
Most movers are chasing a similar combination: more space, better value, and strong career options without sacrificing lifestyle.
- Cost of living: North Carolina’s overall costs come in lower than many Northeast and West Coast metros, especially on housing. Depending on the city, you can often trade a cramped apartment for a single‑family home without blowing your budget.
- Jobs and career mobility: The Triangle and Charlotte support growing clusters in tech, life sciences, finance, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Frequent corporate expansions and university spin‑outs create a healthy pipeline of roles.
- Climate and lifestyle: Four seasons, easy access to beaches and mountains, and robust parks and greenway systems appeal to active households. Outdoor recreation is a year‑round reality, not just a vacation perk.
- Retirement appeal: Master‑planned communities, reliable healthcare systems, and proximity to family up the East Coast are big draws. Many retirees also appreciate lower property taxes relative to prior states.
- Space and schools: Suburban growth delivers new homes, playgrounds, and upgraded school facilities. Families often prioritize districts with magnet programs and strong extracurriculars.
Real moving experiences
Case study: In July 2024, Kyle G. moved from Washington, DC to Chapel Hill with North American Van Lines (final cost $5,330.92). He reported strong communication, a custom crate for a 6.5‑foot mirror, and only minor damage — and said he’d use the mover again. — Better Moves Project, moveBuddha
Case study: In December 2022, Lyle Z. relocated from Clearwater, FL to Raleigh for a small move with MiniMoves. He noted cost transparency challenges versus his estimate but ultimately completed the move with his electronics and art intact. — Better Moves Project, moveBuddha
How NC compares to other high‑growth states
North Carolina competes in the same “value, jobs, and lifestyle” arena as Texas, Florida, and its neighbor South Carolina. If you’re weighing multiple Sunbelt options, these distinctions can help clarify the fit.
- Texas and Florida: Both post larger numeric gains because they are bigger states with multiple mega‑metros. NC offers a tighter cluster of high‑wage hubs within a smaller footprint, which can translate to simpler commutes and community cohesion.
- South Carolina: Also a net gainer, with strong coastal and upstate growth around Greenville and Charleston. NC retains a deeper tech and life‑sciences bench via the Triangle, which supports higher‑pay roles and a more diversified economy.
- Georgia and Tennessee: Atlanta and Nashville are hot, but many movers see NC as a balance between affordability, climate, and diverse geography. If you want beaches and mountains within a half‑day drive, North Carolina is tough to beat.
Bottom line: NC consistently ranks among the top states for net in‑migration and remains a Southeast favorite for career‑builders and retirees. The right choice often comes down to industry fit, school preferences, and your tolerance for heat or humidity.
Inbound vs. outbound: Net effect and trends
While outbound flows exist — often to South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia — the net effect remains positive. That means more people move in than move out, reinforcing local labor markets and consumer spending.
Outbound snapshot
Even strong in‑migration states see churn as households change jobs, age into retirement, or reevaluate costs. Here are the most common outbound patterns we hear about from customers and carriers:
- Border hops for value: Some Triangle and Charlotte residents relocate over the border into South Carolina for lower housing costs and taxes. Others reverse course into North Carolina if schools, commutes, or amenities end up being a better match.
- Sunbelt trial and error: Newcomers try North Carolina while long‑time residents test Florida, Tennessee, or Georgia. Personal ties, climate preferences, and housing affordability ultimately determine who stays put.
Case study: In mid‑2022, Christopher H. moved from Wilmington, NC to Lexington, KY. He flagged a final bill roughly 35% higher than quoted and communication issues with his mover. Outbound movers often cite affordability or work changes as reasons to leave. — Better Moves Project, moveBuddha
Who’s moving? Demographic trends
NC’s growth is broad‑based, but several household types show up consistently in our data. Understanding who’s moving can help you anticipate competition for housing, schools, and services.
- Young professionals and families: Many seek space, schools, and remote‑work flexibility in the Triangle suburbs and Charlotte’s outer rings. Newer communities with trails, pools, and playgrounds top the wish list.
- Retirees, especially “half‑backs:” Households returning from Florida choose coastal and Sandhills communities for beaches, golf, and healthcare access. Low‑maintenance homes and active‑adult amenities are common priorities.
- STEM and healthcare workers: Researchers, software engineers, and clinicians target the Triangle’s universities and hospital systems, as well as Charlotte’s finance and tech scene. These movers often emphasize commute times and school quality.
- Military households: Moves between bases contribute to growth and churn around Jacksonville, Fayetteville, and the southeast coast. Flexible lease terms and storage options can be valuable during PCS (Permanent Change of Station) cycles.
Impact on real estate and local economy
Home prices: After the 2020–2022 surge, price growth moderated through 2024, but values remain well above pre‑pandemic levels. The Triangle and Charlotte stay competitive, while the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro, Winston‑Salem, High Point) often offers better entry points.
Rents: Apartment construction helped ease pressure in some metros, but rents remain elevated compared to 2019. Suburban product and build‑to‑rent communities add options for families.
Jobs: Migration supports a healthy labor market in tech, life sciences, finance, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Corporate expansions and university spin‑outs continue to attract talent.
Why this matters: If you’re buying, expect competition near top schools and research parks. If you’re renting, timing your lease and exploring suburbs can unlock value. Either way, touring on weekdays and locking in movers early can reduce stress and cost.
Impact on infrastructure and services
Population growth strains key systems, especially in high‑growth counties. Local governments are investing, but it pays to understand what’s changing on the ground in your target neighborhoods.
- Schools: Rapid‑growth districts add capacity via new schools and expansions, but assignment zones and waitlists can shift. Families should check boundary maps and magnet/lottery timelines before making offers.
- Transportation: Commutes on I‑40, I‑85, and beltway routes around Raleigh and Charlotte can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on widening projects and light‑rail or bus‑rapid‑transit plans that may improve travel times.
- Healthcare: Hospital systems across the Triangle, Charlotte, and the coast continue to expand facilities and clinics. Retiree‑heavy ZIP codes often see new urgent care and specialty providers come online first.
- Community amenities: Parks, greenways, and mixed‑use town centers are growing alongside suburban development. These investments can boost livability and future resale value.
FAQ
Is North Carolina still gaining more residents than it’s losing?
Yes. Multiple sources — including the U.S. Census, IRS migration tables, and U‑Haul indicators — show North Carolina continues to be a net in‑migration state through 2024–2025. While every market has outbound movers, NC’s inflows more than offset them, particularly into Charlotte, Raleigh, and coastal metros.
Where are most newcomers to North Carolina coming from?
Florida, New York, Virginia, California, Texas, and South Carolina lead the way, with notable inflows from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Tennessee. The top reasons include lower housing costs, strong job markets, and proximity to family. We also see steady “half‑back” retirees from Florida and remote workers from high‑cost metros landing in the Triangle and Charlotte.
Which North Carolina cities are seeing the most growth right now?
Charlotte and the Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill Triangle attract the largest share of newcomers thanks to jobs, schools, and amenities. Wilmington/Brunswick County and Asheville remain high‑demand lifestyle markets, especially for retirees and remote workers. The Piedmont Triad is a relative value play for buyers who want more house for the money without sacrificing access to interstates and airports.
How is migration affecting home prices and rents?
After the pandemic surge, price growth cooled but remains above pre‑2020 levels in most metros. New apartment inventory helped stabilize rents in some submarkets, though costs are still higher than in 2019. Buyers should expect competition near top schools, while renters can often find value by widening their search radius and timing leases off‑peak.
Sources and methodology
This North Carolina migration report blends public datasets with moveBuddha’s real‑time relocation intelligence. We analyze where people search for movers, which routes they book, and how those patterns align with official data releases.
- U.S. Census Bureau: Annual population estimates and net domestic migration trends
- IRS Statistics of Income (SOI): State‑to‑state migration tables (latest available year)
- U‑Haul Growth Index: Directional insight on DIY migration patterns, annual rankings by state
- Zillow Housing Data (ZHVI): State and metro home value trends to gauge affordability pressures
- HUD Fair Market Rents: Context on rental trends
- moveBuddha Better Moves Project: Real customer experiences referenced as case studies within this report
Notes and update cadence: Public datasets have different release cycles, and some lag by a year or more. We synthesize the most current releases with our live move data to provide a timely, balanced view of migration.
- Data freshness: We reference the latest available data through 2024–2025 at time of publication. Where sources lag, we note directional trends rather than definitive year‑over‑year counts.
- Report updates: Our team refreshes this report as new Census, IRS, and private‑sector indicators publish. Bookmark this page for updated visuals, rankings, and route insights.
Planning a move to North Carolina
Ready to price your move and compare trusted pros? Use our moving cost calculator for instant ballpark pricing, recommended mover options, and timeline guidance tailored to your route.
Use the moving cost calculator to get personalized moving quotes.
Pro tip: NC’s most popular metro areas book up quickly during spring and summer. Lock in your mover early, consider flexible load dates, and ask about discounts for mid‑week pickups.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
