20 Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina: There’s More to the Tar Heel State Than Southern Hospitality & Good Barbeque
North Carolina
Making the decision to call the Tar Heel State home might sound like an easy decision. In fact, over the span of 2018-2022 alone, more than 4 million households and businesses flocked to North Carolina. The metro areas of Charlotte and Raleigh — among the best places to live in North Carolina today — specifically reported the highest net growths in the state. But just like any other state, there are definitely pros and cons of living in North Carolina that you’ll need to consider first before packing up and actually moving to North Carolina yourself.
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Fun Facts You Should Know About North Carolina
- North Carolina’s nickname of the “Tar Heel State” comes from the state’s tar manufacturing industry for naval vessels in the 1700s and 1800s.
- On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth hit his first ever home run in the city of Fayetteville.
- The NASCAR Hall of Fame resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Parts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found in North Carolina.
- North Carolina is home to the Outer Banks, where the tallest brick lighthouse in the entire country can be found. It’s called the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Should I Move to North Carolina? — FAQs
Q: Is North Carolina a good place to live?
A: Absolutely! And due to the population growth in the last few years, it’s evident that North Carolina is a pretty popular place to live!
Q: What are the downsides of living in North Carolina?
A: Major downsides of living in NC include dealing with natural disasters such as hurricanes, a less than average public school system, and a lack of public transportation options.
Q: Why are more people moving to NC?
A: Job opportunities, affordable cost of living, and lots to explore outdoors are a few of the main reasons why so many people decide to move to NC.
Q: What are the biggest risks of living in North Carolina?
A: Crime rates in certain areas of NC can get pretty high, which is a concern for most families who are relocating to the state. The most dangerous cities you should avoid include Lumberton, Albemarle, and Reidsville.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina
Is it a good idea to move to NC? We think so. Whether you’re after abundant green spaces or a mild climate, you’ll find it in the Tar Heel State. That said, though, no place is perfect. There are definitely pros and cons of living in North Carolina to be aware of before moving, and we’re here to take you through 20 of them.
Hiking in NC is a common hobby of many residents, and hiking in certain towns — especially Asheville — gives you access to some of the state’s best outdoor locations.
Pro: A Dream Come True for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Getting outside is a huge part of North Carolina living. There are over 40 state parks and 13 national parks in North Carolina, including access to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. These beautiful outdoor hot spots provide plenty of activities for everyone, such as swimming, biking, running, and kayaking.
Hiking in NC is a common hobby of many residents, and hiking in certain towns — especially hiking in Asheville, NC — gives you access to some of the state’s best outdoor locations, such as Mount Mitchell, Rattlesnake Lodge, and Craggy Gardens.
The coastline of North Carolina also spans more than 300 miles, and the state is known for its world-class beaches. Not only are the beaches of North Carolina beautiful, but there are also a variety of activities that can be enjoyed there, such as fishing, surfing, and paddling. You can choose from a variety of gorgeous locations, such as Wilmington's vibrant port city or the beautiful Outer Banks.
Con: Natural Disasters
Because the state is located in a hurricane zone, hurricanes in North Carolina are expected to take place on an average of one to three years. Aside from hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and bad storms are also quite prevalent.
You will most likely need to purchase additional insurance coverage if you buy a property in a coastal area within the state, due to the high climate disaster risk.
Pro: Affordable Cost of Living in North Carolina
North Carolina is known for its reasonable prices, and even though it’s not the cheapest state in America, the cost of living score in North Carolina of 91 is still comfortable. Since the U.S. average is 100, North Carolina is certainly cheaper than many other places throughout the country!
North Carolina’s infrastructure is considered to be among the worst in the nation.
Con: Poor Road and Infrastructure Quality
In North Carolina, the quality of infrastructure and roads is considered to be among the worst in the nation. Numerous roads in the state are prone to potholes, and some areas, such as Charlotte, require significant repairs. Because of the state's road conditions, you should drive with extra care to avoid getting in accidents.
Pro: Mild Climate
The climate in North Carolina is mild and temperate, and you won’t need to bundle up much during the winter, as the average temperature is only around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, it remains closer to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. And although snow rarely occurs, it can sometimes be found in the mountains. Because of these great weather perks, North Carolina is a good place to live if you prefer warmer weather overall.
Con: Lacking Public Transportation
Unless you live in a major metropolitan area, such as Charlotte or Raleigh, you will most likely need a car to travel around. However, public transportation in North Carolina is expected to receive a boost in the near future due to receipt of more than $3 million in grants from the Department of Transportation.
If you're a fan of barbecue, then you're probably already aware of the can’t-miss BBQ scene in North Carolina.
(Source: Skylight Inn BBQ via Facebook)
Pro: Dining and Barbeque Scene
North Carolina, is home to some of the most outstanding restaurants in the U.S. You won’t want to miss the dining scene in Raleigh or the offerings at The Biltmore in Asheville. Likewise, North Carolina has over 170 breweries, providing you with a variety of unique flavors. And if you're a fan of barbecue, then you're probably already aware of the can’t-miss BBQ scene in North Carolina. Texas and Tennessee have nothing on the NC!
Con: Undesirable Public Education System
Unfortunately, the public education system for K-12 students is not as good as it could be. The state is ranked 32nd in the nation when it comes to the quality education for children. Some of the factors that were used to evaluate the state's educational system included the student-teacher ratio, ACT and SAT scores, and graduation rates.
Pro: Excellent Choices for College Students
While the public education system for K-12 students is not where it should be, so many college students flock to North Carolina to attend prestigious universities within the state. In fact, you’ll find some of the best universities in the nation in North Carolina. Duke University, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are some of North Carolina’s options.
Con: Crime Rate
One of the biggest factors that you should consider when it comes to choosing a place to live is the crime rate — and the North Carolina crime rate is a little higher than the national median. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in North Carolina is 1 in 232, while your chance of being a victim of property crime in the state is 1 in 45.
The Yates Park Mill outside Raleigh, NC. The mill dates back to 1756, before the United States was formed.
Pro: Rich History Within the State
North Carolina is one of the original 13 colonies, and its history spans several centuries. In 1587, Sir Walter Raleigh established the ill-fated Roanoke Island colony on the Outer Banks. After leaving the colony, Raleigh came back three years later and discovered that the people had vanished.
North Carolina experienced some of the bloodiest fighting during the Civil War. One of the most notable battles that happened in the state was the Battle of Bentonville.
To commemorate its rich history, the state provides financial assistance to support various historical institutions and sites in North Carolina, such as Forth Fisher, the North Carolina Transportation Museum, and the Reed Gold Mine.
Con: Traffic Issues in Larger Cities
The traffic in North Carolina's larger areas, such as Raleigh and Charlotte, is becoming more problematic due to the state's growing population. Those living in or near major cities should prepare for delays ahead of time before traveling to work or school.
You can find the world's largest chest of drawers in High Point — A.K.A., the "world's furniture capital."
(Source: Worlds Largest Chest Of Drawers via Facebook)
Pro: Fun Roadside Attractions
There are some really unique roadside attractions in North Carolina that you can’t find anywhere else in the country. One of these attractions? The world's largest chest of drawers, found in High Point. It was constructed in 1926, and the city of High Point is even referred to as the "world's furniture capital." Furnitureland South constructed a building attachment that measures 80 feet tall, which is similar to a massive dresser! And although it doesn't get much attention, it serves as a great (yet peculiar) addition to the area.
Con: Unpredictable Weather
The weather in North Carolina is generally relatively mild, but it can still be unpredictable. The state can experience varying weather patterns, ranging from loud thunderstorms to quiet, warm afternoons.
Pro: Diversity
If you're planning on relocating to North Carolina and value a diverse community, then you're in luck! The state has a diversity score of around 71 out of 100.
The Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte areas, in particular, are considered to be some of the most diverse in the state. On the other hand, the northwest regions of the state have the lowest diversity scores.
Con: Housing Market Inflation
Because of the large influx of new North Carolina residents each year, the housing market is more inflated than ever. The current average home price in the state is $336,000, a 4.8 percent increase from 2023.If you’re looking to get the best deal on a new home, the odds might be best suited in your favor to look for a place in one of the state’s best small towns. Here are few of North Carolina’s small towns with average home prices lower than the state average:
- Average home value in Washington, NC: $238,300
- Average home value in Mount Airy, NC: $207,700
- Average home value in Marion, NC: $239,200
Pro: No Shortage of Sports
Moving to North Carolina as a sports fan is a treat. With eight NCAA Division 1 teams alone, Football Sundays in North Carolina are taken very seriously. You’ll find no shortage of bars to catch the game on the big screen, but you’re also just as likely to find a neighbor hosting a watch party at any point throughout the season.
Con: Liquor Under Lock and Key
What is the downside of living in North Carolina? If you want to grab liquor for game day watch parties, you’ll need to plan ahead. State-controlled liquor stores are the norm in NC, and ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission) stores only started to sell drinks on Sunday starting in 2021. If you like hitting up weekend brunch spots for bottomless mimosas, you won’t find it here — even happy hour specials are only limited to food.
The biggest inconvenience you might face, though, is not being able to grab beer or wine during your grocery runs. With everything else you gain from moving to North Carolina, though, this may be just a small price to pay.
Pro: Easy Accessibility
What NC lacks in transit is made up for with interstates. You can take the 252-mile trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway to experience the Appalachians, or you can try the Outer Banks Scenic Byway to explore the state’s barrier islands. You can even stop to see the Ocracoke Lighthouse — the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S. And with I-95 running through the state, you’re pretty much a straight shot up to New York and down to Florida. Planning your next family vacation just got a lot easier.Con: Icy Roads
If you’re a transplant from up north, you might roll your eyes, but hear us out. Temperatures in the winter can vary a lot, and ice on the roads is more common in this state than you might think. There’s a difference between the dry, fluffy snow you’re used to experiencing in Colorado versus the wet, slushy stuff that NC natives are accustomed to seeing (they’ll also be the first to tell you they’re not good at driving in it). Just be wary of driving the day after snow melts, and don’t drive down flooded streets.
With beautiful outdoor amenities, great job opportunities, delicious food, and rich history to explore, the good times never end when living in North Carolina.
Need Help With Your Tar Heel State Move? PODS Can Get You There With Ease
While there are definitely pros and cons of living in North Carolina, the good far outweighs the bad. With beautiful outdoor amenities, great job opportunities, delicious food, and rich history to explore, the good times never end when living in North Carolina.
Whether you're ready to move to North Carolina right now or just want to take things slow, PODS can help you get the job done! They will deliver a container right to your driveway, where you can load your things on your own schedule. PODS will then pick it up and deliver it to your new home whenever you're ready, with one month's storage built into every move.
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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