North Carolina, a once small southern state, has grown exponentially in the past 30 years. With a population of 6.657 million in 1990, the figure has nearly doubled to 10.7 million in 2022 and that number is still growing. But what has made our state so attractive to people across the country and abroad? Our universities, nature, or ever growing job opportunities? Well to put it frankly, North Carolina has a little something for everyone; whether it be our geography or our cost of living, The Old North State has become a hotspot for young and old alike.
Many people move to North Carolina because of the ever growing business parks such as The Research Triangle (Technology sector between Raleigh, Durham, & Chapel Hill). The Research Triangle is one of the fastest growing technological sectors in the country, and it’s not hard to see why. Its location between the Urban Centres of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill has made it, and the surrounding areas rich with job opportunities, and have made it a major draw for new residents. Many companies have seen these opportunities and have located to the Triangle, companies such as Fidelity, IBM and GSK have their headquarters there, while Apple, Google and Epic Games (creators of Fortnite) are all major employers in the area. Software companies employ 60,000 employees alone and serve as one of the largest industries in the triangle along with medicinal companies and biotechnology, which are the major employers of the region.
Another major reason why people move to the Tarheel State is the general affordability to live here. North Carolina has low taxes, a low cost of living and Affordable housing. North Carolina has the 23rd lowest cost of living in the nation, and because of this, the typical family expenses cost 5.8% lower than the rest of the country. Tax rates in the state remain low, as N.C. has a general sales tax of 7% and a 0.63% property tax, while many items still remain untaxed such as medicinal products and other necessities. The median cost of housing units here are well below the national average, being 18% lower than the rest of the nation. These low costs for residents mean you get more for your money in the Tarheel State and it shows. This is a major deciding factor in what makes people want to move here.
A big factor at play on why people choose to move to North Carolina is the lifestyle and culture. Good food and Southern Hospitality plays a huge role in everyday life and boy do we show it. The state fields a laid back lifestyle in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Northeast and West Coast. Rural or Urban, North Carolinians generally provide a friendly environment for most who come.
In addition to the lifestyle comes the abundance of leisure activities throughout the state. Golf courses, Sporting courts, and Nature parks all are littered across the state, providing residents with recreational opportunities or just a fun time. To relax on the beach or hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains is never far away either, just a three hour drive from the center of the state can lead you to the Outer Banks or Smoky Mountains depending if you go east or west. From visiting historic sites to riding roller coasters, or camping in the woods to going to a concert, it’s never hard finding something to do in North Carolina.
People move to North Carolina for many reasons, job opportunities, low prices or just to have a sense of community. It’s no wonder why North Carolina is becoming the most moved-to state in the nation. The Tarheel state really has something for everyone, be it financial or recreational, almost everyone who moves here loves it here. The Old North State has become a hotspot for people of all ages and backgrounds to share their culture and thrive economically, physically, and emotionally.
