In the last 25 years, millions of new residents have flocked to North Carolina. It’s no surprise everyone wants in on the gem that is the Tar Heel State. With so much to offer in terms of work, recreation, and landscape, living in North Carolina is a real win-win. Here are 20 reasons to move to North Carolina – share them with everyone you know, because we think everyone should be here!

1. Charlotte is the second largest banking city in America after New York City.
Flickr / Alex G.
Meaning...jobs, jobs, and more jobs!
2. More young professionals than ever have been relocating to NC for work and play.
Flickr / Evonne
All major cities in North Carolina have seen an increase in young professionals seeking work and a fun lifestyle.
3. If you get sick, there's award-winning hospitals right near by.
Flickr / Mason Lindley Miracle Foundation
Notably the top two being Duke University Hospital and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Both are nationally ranked.
4. One word: barbecue
Mark & Danielle Parris/Flickr
You simply haven't had real barbecue until you have North Carolina barbecue. Period!
5. Speaking of food...you'll never run out of delicious new restaurants to try.
Flickr / Dion Hinchcliff
North Carolina's food scene is consistently ranked as one of the best, and most progressive in the nation. We have tied with states like California on notable lists for "best restaurants" in the country.
6. Two words: Southern hospitality
Flickr / Lisa Beebe
I've had out-of-state friends ask me how everyone is so nice and friendly in North Carolina. I just say...we were raised that way!
7. North Carolina is a craft beer paradise!
Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr
With up to 80 breweries you'll never drink mediocre beer again.
8. We have gorgeous beaches!
Corey Balazowich/Flickr
The best beaches in the country, we'd argue...
9. We also have breathtaking mountains!
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Nothing beats the Blue Ridge or the Outer Banks
10. North Carolina produces some of the best musicians in the country.
Flickr / Donald Lee Pardue / Darkwater Rising
We don't hold the record for most American Idol winners for no reason.

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11. We are home to America's most iconic and famous castle.
Biltmore/Facebook
The Biltmore is American royalty.
12. You'll basically become a genius here.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill/Facebook
North Carolina is nationally ranked not just for universities but for public schools, K-12 as well.
13. We've mastered the art of late night munchies.
Flickr / NC Cigany
Where else can you get a BBQ tray with cheerwine and hushpuppies for under five dollars at 3AM?
14. Krispy Kreme meets Cheerwine meets Doughnut equals heaven.
Flickr / Chris Short
Two of our proudest gems combined into one? Well honey, you can ONLY get that in North Carolina.
15. But don't worry, you'll burn all of those calories with a multitude of outdoor recreation activities.
Flickr / Maddie Wilkens
Surfing, cycling, rock climbing, rafting, wind-gliding, I could go on and on...you won't get bored when it comes to recreation and staying fit in our state.
16. If shopping is your preferred method of burning calories, you'll find plenty here!
Flickr / Atlantiquon
From SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, to Crabtree in Raleigh. North Carolina also has amazing boutiques and outlet malls.
17. Sport lovers rejoice!
Flickr / Kevin Oliver
College or professional, there isn't a sport we're NOT good at. You'll never run out of sporting events to attend. Even golf!
18. Beach bum, bohemian, professional, or even a farmer? There's a city or town perfect for you here!
Flickr / James Willamor
Just like North Carolina has a diverse landscape, we also have diverse cities that are perfect for any type of person. You're guaranteed to find your niche here.
19. All tea is served sweet!
Flickr / enigmachk1
I pity the (wo) man who has never had real, southern sweet tea! You don't know what you're missing.
20. Honestly, why wouldn't you?
Shoshanah/Flickr
The people are nice and welcoming, the food is delicious, the night life is amazing, the scenery is beautiful, you get all four seasons. There's nowhere else that holds a candle to living in North Carolina!

What would be your reasons to move to North Carolina if you were trying to convince someone to come here? Do you agree that living in North Carolina is the best?

Now that we’ve convinced you that life in North Carolina is amazing, check out the 10 safest places to live in the Tar Heel State.

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living in North Carolina

Sarah | December 05, 2021

What's it like living in North Carolina?

Living in North Carolina really is the best, as evidenced by the above list! (And that's only the beginning.) One of the best things about living in North Carolina is that we have four beautiful seasons to look forward to each year. In fact, the beauty of North Carolina really shines through in different ways depending on the season. For spring, it’s the migration of Monarch butterflies, hiking to waterfalls, and wandering through flower fields. Summer brings coastal visits, epic water parks, and fireflies flitting through fields. And of course, you don’t get better fall foliage than North Carolina’s -- the Tar Heel State puts on a spectacular show each autumn that's truly an embarrassment of riches. Then to top it all off, winter hits, and you can take sleigh rides through freshly fallen snow and see all of the best Christmas lights! Have we painted a magical picture for you of life in the Tar Heel State yet?

Where are the best places to live in North Carolina?

From the beach to the mountains, we have it all, and it's no wonder everyone wants to up and move here! Whether you're looking for the amenities of a big city or the charm of a small town, the coziness of a mountain town, or the carefree vibes of a beach village... it's all here in the Tar Heel State! For some of the best places to live in North Carolina, check out this list, which has the safest and more peaceful locales across the state.

What are the top places to visit in North Carolina?

Thanks to so many amazing attractions, you never have to look far if you’re in the mood for an adventure in North Carolina! From small towns to big cities, from state parks to playgrounds, from train rides to bridge walks to boat tours to museums and zoos and wineries, from thrift stores and book stores to antique shops and farmers markets, there’s always something to do or to see here. Visit a safari park like Safari Nation, ride the Great Raleigh Trolley, or splash your way through Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe, or any of North Carolina’s other waterparks. This is only the start of all the fun things you can do in the Tar Heel State! Click here for more amazing North Carolina adventures.

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