Thinking About Moving To North Carolina? Here’s What You Need to Know
North Carolina is one of the best places to live in. It is better than most places in the United States. It has a population of over 10 million people, and it is the ninth-largest state in the United State. North Carolina has 41 state parks, 10 national parks, and four national forests. If you enjoy outdoor activities, North Carolina is a place for you. It offers you the opportunity to explore and experience outdoor activities. If you are thinking about moving to North Carolina, we have highlighted some things (both positive and negative) you need to consider before moving to North Carolina.
Positive ThingsÂ
- Climate
The climate in North Carolina is generally mild but sometimes, you can experience extreme weather conditions. The temperature can get hot during some summer months but with time, you will get accustomed to the weather. It is not always very harsh during the winter season like those in the northern states. The landscape in North Carolina is beautiful. There are mountains to explore in the state. It is common to see snow in the mountains during winter. Every year, the region sees about 5 inches of snow. The coastal regions in North Carolina get about 2 inches a year, Raleigh receives about 7.5 inches.
- Cost Of Living
Generally, North Carolina is relatively affordable. It is one of the most affordable places in the United States. Housing, Utilities, Health Care, Transportation, and groceries are below the national average. Cities like Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, Concord, Fayetteville, Asheville, Cary, Boone, Gastonia, Goldsboro, Greenville, High Point, Rock Mount, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, Salisbury, and Hickory offer public transportation in North Carolina. Residents can also have private vehicles since gas prices are affordable.
- Outdoor Activities
North is blessed with natural beauties such as mountains, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, and other natural beauties. You can always enjoy outdoor activities in North Carolina. The hot summers and mild winter seasons make it possible to explore the beautiful places in North Carolina without having to worry. You can explore the Great Smoky Mountains if the weather is too warm or explore the big lake at Medoc Mountain. Fishing is another fun activity to do when having a good time outdoors. You can go fishing at Little Fishing Creek in Medoc Mountain. The little fishing creek is one of the cleanest streams in North Carolina and it is a good place to have a picnic with friends and family. There are other outdoor activities that you can enjoy in North Carolina such as hiking, going to the beach, attending live concerts, sports, among others.
- Education
There are prestigious schools in North Carolina. North Carolina places a lot of importance on education at all levels. There are a great number of outstanding universities available in North Carolina where you can pursue a degree of skill in North Carolina. You can learn whatever you want to learn and a lot of things while schooling in the State. Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Davidson, North Carolina State, Appalachian State University, Elon University, and several others make it possible to secure a good degree and learn what you love in North Carolina. You can also get a job in some of these institutions.
- Hospitality
There are great and amazing people in North Carolina. This is for a fact. People in North Carolina are friendly and welcoming. You will always find hospitality both in the small towns and big cities in the state. One of the most remarkable things about North Carolina is its diversity. There is a diversity of people, cultures, and ideas in the state making the state a place for all. You will fit in and find people who are movers like you. Also, there are varieties of food, drinks, and entertainment in the state. North Carolina is a place to have a great time and explore while living in the state.
- Healthcare
North Carolina is one of the most innovative states in the United States in terms of healthcare services. There are standard medical schools in the state. These schools are Duke University, East Carolina University, the University of North Carolina at Chap Hill, and Wake Forest University. In North Carolina, there are state-of-the-art hospitals in cities like Charlotte and the Triangle Regions.
Negative ThingsÂ
- Crime Rate.
The State exceeding the crime rate is a little higher than the national average. Places like Lumberton and Oxford have high criminal activities. Lumberton was named the most dangerous city in North Carolina in 2018 while Oxford comes second. Some of the small towns have high levels of unemployment which have, in turn, led to an increase in the crime rate in North Carolina.
- WeatherÂ
The weather in North Carolina is moderate. During the summer months, it could be very hot. Snow rarely falls in the state. However, if you prefer hot weather over cold weather, North Carolina is the place for you.
- Hurricane
Although the weather in North Carolina is enjoyable, there is also the risk of experiencing hurricanes in the state. People who live in the coastal areas of North Carolina suffer a great risk of being affected by hurricanes. The season runs from June 1 to November 30 every year. Hurricanes can cause a lot of damages to properties, so if you are living in the coastal areas of North Carolina, make sure to purchase insurance.
- Tax Rate
The tax rate in North Carolina is somewhat higher than the national average. While the overall tax rates in North Carolina are generally lower than what you will find in other states, there is a more substantial financial burden placed on families through taxation as well. The personal income tax rate for the state is 5.75%. Property taxes in most counties are less than 1% of the value of the home, which is lower than the national average.
Conclusion
In summary, knowing the positive and negative factors is important when thinking of moving. Both sides help you weigh your options. You should weigh the positive and negative factors before thinking of moving to North Carolina
