MAIN Home Life House & Home Moving North Carolina

Bordered by South Carolina on the south, Georgia on the southwest, Tennessee on the west, Virginia on the north, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Carolina enjoys a rich history as one of the original Thirteen Colonies and home to the first English colony in the Americas.

Today, North Carolina is a fast-growing state which continues to draw record numbers of new residents and businesses with its attractive cost of living and low property taxes, along with its scenic Blue Ridge Mountain views and warm and sunny coastal North Carolina beaches.

Main industries making up its diverse economic base includes agriculture, manufacturing, banking, science, technology and hi-tech including more than 60 major employers located at Research Triangle Park in Durham, the largest such hub in the U.S.

Although praise for North Carolina's affordable housing and quality of life have become a big draw of late, the professional corporate and hi-tech sector holds the most promise for those seeking to live or work here. Otherwise, employment in North Carolina largely entails low-wage jobs at Walmart and Lowes, the state's two biggest employers.

The huge influx of out-of-state residents has also understandably rankled against the tradition of warm Southern hospitality exhibited by most North Carolinians. Transplants from bigger metro areas, on the other hand, may find weekend socials mainly revolving around the backyard barbecue, with a noticeable lack of art and cultural activities compared to larger cities or towns along the Atlantic seaboard.

North Carolina quality-of-life statistics

Cost of Living: Sperling's Best Places - North Carolina - Compared to the rest of the country, North Carolina's cost of living is 11.72% lower than the U.S. average.

Property Taxes : North Carolina Tax Climate - Comparatively low, with per capita property tax collections equaling $713 in FY2004, ranking it 38th nationally.

Housing & Real Estate Overview : also see Zillow - North Carolina Real Estate
Home ownership rate : 69.4%
Average home price : $162,700
Average travel time to work : 24 minutes

Personal Income Taxes: North Carolina imposes state taxes in four tax brackets with rates ranging from 6.0% – 7.75% depending on income and filing status. Residents are required to file state income taxes using form D400 each year by April 15.

Schools : Among states where the SAT is the most commonly used college entrance exam, North Carolina students have shown the largest 10 year gain according to 2010 data. Also see North Carolina Public Schools and NC School Report Cards.

Weather : Generally, weather conditions in North Carolina vary between cooler mountain regions and warmer and more humid low-lying areas. Along the Atlantic Seaboard, tropical storms are a constant threat during summer hurricane season.

Crime : see North Carolina Crime Statistics

also see -> NC eviction laws | North Carolina taxes | NC fall foliage

North Carolina tourism | North Carolina outlets | Christmas in NC

Kids party locations in Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte

North Carolina wineries

More about relocating to North Carolina around the Web:

Moving to North Carolina - Official guide from the State of North Carolina with tips, facts and helpful information for newcomers including links to real estate agents and job listings, how to enroll kids in school, voter registration, getting around, road maps.

Berkeley Parents Network - Moving to North Carolina - Archived message board posts with tips & advice on family-friendly communities, schools, and cost of living in Raleigh / Durham, Charlotte, Ashville and other towns & cities throughout North Carolina.

Charlotte Chamber - Newcomers - Relocation guide from the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce with recommended listings of real estate agents and apartment brokers, moving companies, retirement services, plus online relocation packet order form.

City of Raleigh | Resident - Home buying, real estate & neighborhood guides, bus & trolley schedules, other city services, local news & events.

Durham, NC - Residents - Official portal to city services, schools, maps & neighborhoods, entertainment & cultural events, transportation, weather facts.

North Carolina real estate, apartments & job classifieds:

Charlotte : Observer
Raleigh : News & Observer
Winston-Salem : Journal