Top LOOKS for North Carolina
Moving to North Carolina: What It’s Like to Live in the Tar Heel State
North Carolina sits in a sweet spot. First, it has one of the strongest job markets in the country. It's also moderate in terms of cost of living relative to some of the bigger economic hubs like NYC or San Francisco. Finally, the state is beautiful, with amazing natural landscapes that range from beaches to mountains. People come for balance, careers in growing metros, and communities that have retained their vibe of connectedness. The state’s mix of tech corridors and small-town charm (beach or suburban, or "main street") gives movers options that fit nearly every lifestyle.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, North Carolina added more than 140,000 new residents in 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the country. Most new arrivals come from the Northeast, Midwest, and California, drawn by career opportunities and cost savings.
Cost of Living in North Carolina
North Carolina stays below national averages for housing, groceries, and transportation.
- Home prices: Median home value statewide hovers around $330,000, with metro averages of about $400,000 in Raleigh or Charlotte and $300,000–$325,000 in mid-sized or coastal towns like Wilmington and Greenville.
- Rent: A typical one-bedroom apartment runs $1,200–$1,400, depending on city size.
- Taxes: North Carolina’s flat income tax rate (currently 4.5%) keeps things predictable.
- Utilities and childcare cost less than in most large metros.
For many movers, it’s one of the few states that balances solid wages with an affordable lifestyle, especially for families or remote professionals leaving higher-cost regions.
TL;DR: North Carolina Regions at a Glance
Region-------------------------What Works--------------------------------Good Fit For
Research Triangle----------------Jobs, schools, innovation--------------------Professionals, families
(Raleigh–Durham–Cary)
Charlotte Metro------------------Finance, suburbs, access--------------------Career-driven families
Asheville & Mountain West--------Outdoors, arts, mild seasons-----------------Creatives, retirees
Wilmington & Coast--------------Beach life, charm, moderate cost-------------Remote workers, retirees
Piedmont Mid-Sized Cities--------Affordable, balanced pace-------------------First-time buyers, families
(Greensboro, Winston-Salem)
Where in North Carolina Should You Live?
The Research Triangle
The Triangle, Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, anchors the state’s innovation economy. It’s home to major universities with big health systems, and a massive tech scene with big companies, and a growing startup scene. The vibe is educated but relaxed, with strong schools and easy airport access.
What Works: High job density, excellent public schools, and parks woven through neighborhoods.
Watch Out For: Rapid population growth and rising housing prices in key suburbs.
Charlotte Metro
Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city and the region’s banking and logistics hub. Its Uptown core keeps growing, but most newcomers settle in leafy suburbs like Huntersville, Matthews, or Fort Mill just across the border.
What Works: Career opportunity, polished suburbs, and a solid balance between Southern hospitality and modern amenities.
Watch Out For: Traffic on I-77 and competition for homes near top schools.
Asheville and the Mountain West
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville blends the arts and outdoor life in a magical way. It attracts remote workers and retirees seeking creative energy without chaos, in ways only a smaller town can.
What Works: Four mild seasons, strong community vibe, and direct access to hiking, biking, and breweries.
Watch Out For: Limited housing stock and tourism pressure on local costs.
Wilmington and the Coast
Wilmington delivers beach life with urban edges. This includes film industry jobs, a walkable riverfront, and very chill and easy island access. Smaller beach towns like Carolina Beach or Southport give a quieter option.
What Works: Coastal living, lower cost than Florida, and mild winters.
Watch Out For: Hurricane risk and limited high-paying job sectors.
Best Cities in North Carolina to Consider
Raleigh
Tech and university hub with top schools and strong livability.
Durham
Historic downtown, healthcare jobs, and an emerging creative scene.
Cary
Safe, family-oriented, and well-planned with highly rated schools.
Charlotte
Financial capital of the South with a growing cultural footprint.
Asheville
Mountain arts hub and outdoor magnet.
Wilmington
Coastal charm with small-city accessibility.
Chapel Hill
University town energy and one of the most educated populations in the U.S.
Greenville
Eastern NC medical and university center with affordable housing.
Is North Carolina Right for You?
North Carolina works for people who want space and seasonally interesting opportunities. The Triangle attracts tech professionals; Charlotte fits career-driven families; Asheville appeals to creatives; and the coast draws anyone chasing mild weather and water. If you’re looking for variety, it’s hard to find another state that delivers so many different lifestyles within a few hours’ drive.
Trade-offs exist, there are growth pressures in the bigger metros, and there is hurricane season near the coast. But the state’s balance of value-based opportunity and community makes it a strong long-term bet.
FAQs About Living in North Carolina
Q: Is North Carolina affordable?
A: Yes. Housing and utilities are below national averages, though top suburbs near Raleigh and Charlotte have become pricier.
Q: What are the safest areas in the state?
A: Cary, Apex, and Davidson often rank among the safest midsize cities in the country.
Q: Do you need a car in North Carolina?
A: Mostly yes. Some downtowns are walkable, but statewide public transit is limited.
Q: How are schools?
A: Public schools in Wake and Mecklenburg counties perform well. Smaller college towns like Chapel Hill and Boone also have strong district reputations.
Q: What’s the job market like?
A: Tech, banking, healthcare, and education lead. Unemployment stays consistently below the national average.
Q: Is the weather extreme?
A: Not usually. Winters are mild, summers warm but not oppressive. Hurricanes can affect coastal counties.
Ready to Find Your North Carolina Match?
From mountain trails to beach towns, North Carolina fits nearly any lifestyle.
- Take the LookyLOO Quiz to find the cities that fit your priorities and save them in your Movebook.