Think about making a move to the sunny south? Have you thought about making North Carolina your new home? If not, there are dozens of reasons to move to The Tar Heel State. Mild, year-round weather, plentiful job opportunities, great schools, outdoor activities galore, and friendly, welcoming locals have attracted hundreds of thousands of newcomers to the state over the last 10 years.
If you’re contemplating a long-distance move from the Twin Cities area or anywhere in Minnesota, here are seven excellent reasons to move to North Carolina this year.
1. North Carolina’s Economy Is Growing
Whether you’re looking for a job transfer or searching for a new job, North Carolina is an excellent place to work. Unemployment rates are low, job opportunities are plentiful, and the state’s economy is continually expanding.
2. Outdoor and Entertainment Activities Abound
There is no shortage of things to do in North Carolina. The state is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as tons of other scenic terrain, which offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, and boating. And, no matter where you live in North Carolina, the beach isn’t too far off, so if you want to relax by the ocean for the weekend, you can do that too.
Aside from outdoor activities, North Carolina also offers plenty in the way of cultural experiences and entertainment opportunities. Museums, music venues, art galleries, performing arts centers, unique restaurants, local breweries, and local wineries abound, and the state is also home to the oldest cultivated grapevine in the U.S.
No matter what you like to do with your free time, you’ll easily be able to find something to entertain yourself with in The Tar Heel State.
3. The Schools Are Excellent
North Carolina is home to many universities and colleges, several of which hold top rankings among post-secondary educational institutions in the U.S. The state also boasts great elementary and secondary school systems and there are more National Board Certified teachers here than anywhere else in the country
Duke University, North Carolina State University, Davidson College, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are all excellent schools, and the state is also home to the third-largest community college system in the U.S.
Whether you’re looking for a place to attend college or want to settle down in an area where your young children can get a great education, North Carolina fits the bill.
4. Year-Round Weather Is Generally Mild
If you’ve lived up north for a while and are ready to leave Minnesota’s harsh winters and unpredictable weather behind, you’ll love the climate in North Carolina.
Summers are warm and sunny, spring is actually spring (not just an extension of winter), and autumn is colorful and mild. Although there is snow in winter, there’s usually not much — five to 10 inches on average — and winter temperatures rarely dip below zero.
No matter what time of year you’re thinking about moving, there are pros and cons associated with relocating during each season. Check out Summer, Winter, Spring, or Fall: When’s the Best Moving Season of All? to learn more about what you can expect.
5. Cost of Living Is Reasonable
Why pay a premium to live well in an expensive city when you can reduce your cost of living and enjoy a fulfilling life elsewhere? North Carolina is one of those elsewhere places. According to MERIC data from the second quarter of 2021, North Carolina’s cost of living is lower than 26 states in the U.S.
Currently, the state’s average cost of living — which includes housing, food, energy, healthcare, and other personal expenses — hovers just over $38,000 per year. Whether you’re already employed and looking to transfer or searching for a new career in an affordable place, living in North Carolina can help you keep more of your hard-earned money in the bank.
To keep even more of your money in your pocket when you move, check out our top tips for creating a moving budget that works for your needs. You might also want to learn about the many hidden costs of moving so you can better control those expenses, too.
6. Cultural Diversity and Welcoming Residents
Over the last decade, North Carolina has welcomed hundreds of thousands of new residents from all over the United States. Perhaps that’s because the state is widely known for its southern charm and welcoming communities where people feel safe settling down, raising families, and enjoying their golden years.
7. Relatively Low Tax Burden
Taxes — including property, state income taxes, and sales and excise taxes — can take a big bite out of your income depending on where you live. If you’re not thrilled with the tax burden associated with living in Minnesota (which is 10.20% as of 2022), you’ll love to know that The Tar Heel State’s overall taxes are lower.
As of 2022, North Carolina’s tax burden is approximately 8.16%, which means you’ll take home more of your hard-earned money by moving to this great state.
Get a Free Long-Distance Moving Estimate in Minneapolis
If you’re serious about making an interstate move this year, hiring a reputable long-distance moving company is your best bet for a smooth, streamlined relocation experience. At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we’ve proudly provided an extensive variety of professional moving services for more than 30 years, and we’d love to help make your move as simple as possible. We serve the entire Twin Cities metro area and specialize in local, intrastate, interstate, and international relocations.
To get a preliminary long-distance moving quote or learn more about what we offer, call us at 763-755-2045 or request a fast quote online, and we’ll be in touch!