Thinking of moving to North Carolina? You are not alone—over 165K people moved to NC in 2024 alone. With housing costs around 14% lower than the national average and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat, it’s a top pick for people looking to relocate.
Beyond affordability, the Tar Heel State is home to 28 Fortune 500 Companies, fostering a strong job market. Add in flat income taxes plus cheaper utility costs, and it’s a winning deal for anyone moving here.
👉 North Carolina Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in North Carolina today!
AT A GLANCE:
- North Carolina is one of the most preferred states for relocation, with over 165K new residents last year.
- With affordable housing, transportation, and daily expenses costing below the national average, it’s a sweet spot between affordability and quality of life.
- The state is home to 28 Fortune 500 companies, powering exponential growth in tech, healthcare, and finance sectors.
- Cities like Charlotte and Raleigh offer strong job opportunities, while Greensboro and Winston-Salem have affordable homes.
- You’ll get all four seasons—mild overall, with hot summers and occasional snow in the mountains.
- The current 4.25% flat income tax is set to reduce to 3.99% by 2027. Plus, corporate taxes will be completely removed by 2030.
6 Reasons to Move to North Carolina
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in North Carolina, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
The housing in North Carolina is 14% cheaper than the national average, which makes it much more affordable than states like California and New York. Plus, you’ll save on basics like utility and transportation, which makes it a smart move for your wallet.
The state offers various homebuyer assistance programs, like CPLP, with up to $25,000 for down payments. Plus, the state also offers a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 annually for first-time buyers and veterans.
2. Tax Benefits
North Carolina’s tax benefits are unbeatable. The state has a flat income tax of just 4.25% in 2025, and it’s set to drop to 3.99% by 2027. Plus, North Carolina has some of the lowest corporate tax rates in the US at just 2.25%, which will be reduced to zero by 2030.
Additionally, North Carolina is one of the states with the lowest property taxes, at just 0.80% of a home’s value. Whether you are buying a home or investing in real estate, these tax benefits can make a big difference.
3. Strong Job Market
Home to 28 Fortune 500 Companies, North Carolina is projected to add around 500,000 new jobs by 2030. Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector. Top employers in the healthcare sector include Duke Health and Atrium Health.
While Traditional manufacturing in North Carolina is slowing down, advanced manufacturing is growing and expected to add 22,246 new jobs in areas like aerospace and machinery. The largest employers in this sector are Toyota, Boeing, and Siemens.
4. Top-Notch Education
North Carolina serves around 1.5 million students across 120 school districts. Top school districts in NC include Chapel Hill-Carrboro (A+ rating) and Polk County. These school districts are known for strong academics, supportive teachers, and student success.
North Carolina is also home to Duke University (ranked 6th nationally) and the University of North Carolina, known for its STEM programs. Plus, North Carolina’s Career & College Promise (CCP) helps high school students take college classes for free.
5. Healthcare
North Carolina has a strong healthcare system with around 200 hospitals. Duke University Hospital is one of the best, ranked among the top 20 hospitals in the country. It specializes in cardiology, heart surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and nephrology.
Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center is the largest hospital in the state and serves as a major trauma center. Additionally, UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill are well recognized for their pediatric services and cancer care.
6. Mild Climate
North Carolina has a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are generally mild, with snow mostly limited to mountain areas. Summers can be warm, but not as extreme as in many southern states.
Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and clear weather, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Pros and Cons of Moving to North Carolina
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of relocating to North Carolina:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Booming Job Market, especially in tech, banking, and healthcare. | 1. Fewer jobs and opportunities in non-urban areas. |
| 2. The state is home to top-ranked institutions like Duke and NC State Universities. | 2. Public School education quality is the state varies by district and school. |
| 3. Flat income tax and relatively low property taxes. | 3. Hurricane risk is real, especially in coastal and eastern parts of the state. |
| 4. You get all four seasons. Winters aren’t too harsh, and summers are long. | 4. Seasonal allergies are common in spring and fall due to high pollen levels. |
| 5. The state has a diverse geography with mountains, beaches, forests, and lakes. | 5. Summers are humid and sticky, with lots of mosquitoes and insects. |
Things to Know Before Moving to North Carolina ✅
Before entering the North Carolina housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Firearm Laws: You will need a permit if you are carrying a concealed firearm. However, there is no such requirement if you are carrying it openly. Also, make sure to check the city’s local ordinance laws before moving to North Carolina.
- 60-Day Vehicle Registration: After moving to North Carolina, you have a 60-day deadline to get your address updated with the Division of Motor Vehicles in North Carolina to avoid any penalties.
- Flood Zones: Property owners in flood-prone areas need flood insurance and must follow certain building codes and regulations to reduce flood damage. Make sure to check if your area is a designated flood zone or not before moving to North Carolina.
Cost of Living in North Carolina
Though the average cost of living in North Carolina is equal to the US average, you save significantly on housing, which is 14% cheaper. Plus, daily expenses like Utility and transportation also cost less. A careful consideration of this is essential before your move.
How to Move to North Carolina?
If you’re planning to move to North Carolina, here’s a clear step-by-step North Carolina relocation guide to make it smooth and stress-free:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- For a vibrant tech and finance scene, consider Raleigh or Charlotte, or for a laid-back lifestyle, consider Asheville or Wilmington. Moving companies in North Carolina usually charge between $105[3]per hour, depending on distance and belongings.
- However, renting a truck or trailer is a good option if you decide to do it on your own. Renting a truck typically costs around $40 to $85[4] for mid-size trucks (4,000-6,000 lbs capacity), plus mileage fees.
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
- Electricity: While Duke Energy covers much of the state, there are different providers, like Dominion Energy or local cooperatives, for different regions in the state. Check your specific city’s provider and set up your account ahead of time.
- Water: Water supply is usually handled by the local municipalities or providers. Check your city’s website to find an appropriate water service provider in your city. We recommend setting up these at least 10-15 days in advance, as the process can take some time.
- Internet Connection: Major providers include Spectrum, AT&T, and Google Fiber in select areas. Fiber internet is increasingly available in bigger cities.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most North Carolina school districts offer online enrollment for new students. Here’s a quick overview of the general requirements:
- For Kindergarten: Children must be 5 years old by August 31st to enroll. Required documents usually include a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a photo ID from the parent or guardian.
- For Older Students: You’ll need the same basic documents plus transcripts or report cards from the previous school. Some districts may require withdrawal forms from the old school.
- Transfers & Special Cases: Check your local school district website for specific policies. Student-athletes should review eligibility rules through the North Carolina High School Athletic Association to avoid any difficulties.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For Remote Work: If you’re working from home and moving to North Carolina, check your employer’s compliance with state tax and employment laws to avoid any legal or tax complications.
- Find a New Job: North Carolina has a growing job market in industries like technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Cities like Raleigh and Durham lead the way, while smaller towns provide a quieter atmosphere perfect for remote work options.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- Average rent in North Carolina’s popular cities, like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham, ranges between $225 – $83,700 per month, with prices higher in desirable urban or suburban areas.
- If you plan to buy a house in a popular city, on average, homes for sale in Charlotte cost around $769K[2], respectively. On the other hand, smaller towns like Greensboro and Fayetteville offer more affordable options, often below $284K.
Should I Move to North Carolina?
Yes, you should definitely move to North Carolina. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to North Carolina isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, North Carolina’s best home-buying website, buying a house in North Carolina is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to North Carolina, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent prices
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to North Carolina, long before the moving boxes are packed.
