Moving to North Carolina: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to North Carolina, you’re not alone. The Tar Heel State attracts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Charlotte and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about North Carolina, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to North Carolina to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in North Carolina
Moving to North Carolina has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges you’ll want to keep in mind.
Check out some of the main upsides and downsides of living in the Tar Heel State so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros of living in North Carolina
- ✓Great communities
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓High quality of life
- ✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
Cons of living in North Carolina
- ✖Hurricanes
- ✖Bland weather
- ✖High crime rate
- ✖High tax burden
- ✖Poor education
Things to do in North Carolina
Whether you’re moving to North Carolina for work, family, or simply a fresh start, there’s so much to explore once you arrive. From vibrant attractions to hidden gems, North Carolina offers something for everyone, making it easy to find your next adventure.
If you’re planning a family adventure or going out solo and hoping to make new friends, these spots have you covered. With such a wide variety, you’re bound to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.
Popular Attractions in North Carolina
- Biltmore Estate
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- USS North Carolina Battleship
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- North Carolina Zoo
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Chimney Rock State Park
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Discovery Place
Museums in North Carolina
- Biltmore
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum
- Greensboro Science Center
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
- Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
- Airborne and Special Operations Museum
- Oconaluftee Indian Village
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse
- North Carolina Museum of Art
Parks in North Carolina
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
- Mingo Falls
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- Fontana Lake
- Pearson’s Falls
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- The Cascades Trail
- Bird Island
- Freedom Park
Fun facts about North Carolina
Every state has its own unique vibe shaped by its history, culture, and people. Getting to know local traditions and quirks is the best way to truly experience life in a new place.
Discovering these fun facts about North Carolina highlights what sets the state apart—and might even inspire you to move there.
- The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is the oldest State University in the United States.
- In 1903 the Wright Brothers made the first successful powered flight by man at Kill Devil Hill near Kitty Hawk. The Wright Memorial at Kitty Hawks now commemorates their achievement.
- High Point is known as the Furniture Capital of the World.
- Know as “Fish Town” in the early 1700’s when Blackbeard frequented the coast, “Beaufort Town” was established as a seaport with the right to collect customs, in 1722.
- The Outer Banks of NC hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
- Whitewater Falls in Transylvania County is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States.
North Carolina population and demographics
Thinking about moving to North Carolina? Here’s what life in the Tar Heel State really feels like—beyond just the numbers.
Opting for a more populous state means you’ll have more job opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch infrastructure. On the flip side, settling in a less crowded state offers quieter living and the chance to become part of a tight-knit community.
Looking at average education levels can help you gauge local job prospects and see how easy it is to access schools or colleges in the area. At the same time, understanding a state’s political climate gives you insight into the values and priorities most important to its residents.
Getting to know the people, lifestyle, and values in North Carolina is a great way to figure out if it’s a place where you’ll feel right at home.
| Metric | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Population | 10,835,491 |
| Female | 51.10% |
| Male | 48.90% |
| College graduation rate | 34.91% |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 |
| Crime index | 24.69 |
North Carolina weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether North Carolina is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
For example, summer highs can affect everything from your energy bills to how much time you’ll want to spend away from the AC, while winter lows help you prepare for what kind of wardrobe (and heating system) you’ll need. Annual snowfall can mean anything from occasional flurries to full-on storms that impact travel and daily routines.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if North Carolina aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 29ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ |
Income and cost of living in North Carolina
Checking out key industries, typical salaries, home prices, and overall living expenses helps you gauge how affordable and practical life can be in North Carolina.
Understanding which industries power the local economy can give you valuable insight into job prospects and market stability in your field. And when it comes to deciding whether to rent or buy, housing costs will probably be one of the biggest factors shaping your move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.
These figures aren’t just statistics—they’re useful tools to help you weigh your current lifestyle against what North Carolina has to offer, so you can make your move with confidence and clarity.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($100.7 billion)
- Professional and business services ($68.1 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($64.4 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($49.2 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($45.3 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($32.7 billion)
- Retail trade ($28.8 billion)
- Construction ($21.4 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($21.3 billion)
- Information ($20 billion)
| Metric | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,093 |
| Average home cost | $328,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,186 |
| Cost of living index* | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 4.5% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in North Carolina
If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and community atmosphere.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school, have kids close to graduating, or just want to be in a place with top-notch educational options, North Carolina should be high on your list.
Here are some of the top schools in North Carolina:
- North Carolina State University
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- East Carolina University
- Appalachian State University
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- Duke University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Western Carolina University
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to North Carolina
We combed through 2,756 moving companies nationwide—including 110 right here in North Carolina—and got insights straight from movers and people just like you to uncover the top picks in the industry.
Getting ready to move to the Tar Heel State? Check out the top moving companies that will get your stuff to your new place safely, no matter where you’re starting from.
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Cost of moving to North Carolina
Planning your move to North Carolina? Be sure to budget ahead. Professional movers typically charge about $136 per hour, though your total bill depends on how much you’re hauling and how far you’re going—long-distance moves usually come with a higher price tag than local ones.
The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.
Looking to save on your move? Consider one of the top moving container companies. You can pack and load your stuff on your own schedule, and the company handles all the driving for you. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds—flexibility and savings—without going completely DIY or splurging on a pricey full-service move.
Trying to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is your most budget-friendly option. You’ll be in charge of packing, loading, driving, and unloading everything on your own.
Ready to ditch the hassle of moving by yourself? Professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this convenience typically costs more—so be sure to compare quotes and find an option that fits both your needs and your budget.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to North Carolina
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to North Carolina.
North Carolina car insurance requirements
North Carolina drivers license requirements
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