Moving to North Carolina will allow you to experience true and widely praised Southern hospitality. Although reserved at first glance, the people of North Carolina will remind you of the sense of community and friendliness. We do not doubt that the first impression will be positive, considering the beautiful nature, excellent barbecue, and low cost of living. On the other hand, you have to look objectively and get to know the downsides of life in this southern country. We’ll point out the pros and cons of living in North Carolina to give you an initial notion of how things are there. So if you don’t mind the occasional hurricanes, movers in Raleigh NC will gladly move you.
Pros of living in NC
Perhaps lovers of barbecue and smoked ribs need no more reasons to move to North Carolina. The others will surely share their enthusiasm if they get to know all the good sides of Tar Heel State. It’s not a coincidence that North Carolina is the 9th most populous state in the US. It ranks 13th in terms of quality of life, which indicates that it is a nice place to live. It is estimated that by now there are 10.7 million inhabitants, with a growing tendency. All indications are that our interstate movers Raleigh NC will have their hands full, so hire on time. In the meantime, let’s see what are the pros and cons of living in North Carolina.
Southern hospitality and outstanding barbeque
At the very mention of the south, the notion of southern hospitality comes to mind. And indeed, it’s a way of life and a tradition, that Southerners cherish as their heritage. Every newcomer will be welcomed with respect and with friendly chatter. Of course, this applies mostly to smaller towns and communities, where people like to know their neighbors and build relationships based on mutual trust. On the other hand, it’s much to expect the same in a city of nearly a million residents like Charlotte. And where there is southern hospitality, there is also good food. North Carolina is known for its barbecue and Lexington is considered to be the barbecue capital of the world. It is believed that today’s way of preparing barbecue in NC originated right there in 1930. Of all long distance moving companies in Raleigh NC, our movers will relocate you at the best prices.
Gorgeous nature is one of the pros of living in North Carolina
North Carolina can boast the most diverse natural features, from the grandiose Smoky Mountains to the unique Ocracoke Island. In addition, there are 3,375 miles of coastline, wetlands, 17 rivers, hills, forests, and bays. All these natural beauties placed North Carolina in 9th place as the most naturally beautiful state in the US. This is the promised land for all nature enthusiasts and outdoor recreation fans. The options for practicing outdoor sports are limitless, in one of the 41 state and 10 national parks.
Low cost of living and a thriving economy
The economy of NC is considered the strongest economy in America, and it ranks as number 1. This greatly affects the job market, which is also on the rise with a growth rate of 1.5% for the last year. As a consequence of such a good economic situation, the cost of living is also low. The cost of living index is 90.6, making it one of the most affordable states to live in. You’ll need $38295 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Average Annual Per-Capita Cost in North Carolina:
- Housing and utilities – $7063
- Healthcare – $6250
- Groceries – $3470
- Gas – $778
- Personal expenses – $20732
For the sake of comparison, housing is 9% lower than the national average, utilities are also lower by 3%, and transportation by 8%. Food prices are at the level of the national average, only 2% lower. Hamlet has a reputation as a city with the lowest cost of living in NC with average property prices of around $107,000 and rentals of $425. Even the largest city in the state, Charlotte, has a 3% lower cost of living than average.
Cons of living in North Carolina
We cannot really claim that the following reasons will deter you from moving to NC, but they’re definitively some of the major downsides. If even this doesn’t sway you, our company provides a variety of moving services Raleigh. Keep this in mind when looking for a moving company that fits your moving needs.
High taxes
North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 4.75% for 2023, from last year’s 4.99%. Predictions are that by 2027, the rate will reach 3.99%. As for the sales tax, the base of 4.75% is also added to county and local taxes, which vary from place to place. In total, sales tax rates don’t exceed 6.98% in any case. That means you’ll spend about $1,127 in sales tax and another $1,215 in income tax annually. Compared to New Hampshire, it’s a lot, but still not as California with its tax rate of 13.3%.
Unpredictable weather conditions
Drastic weather shifts are very common in North Carolina. Its residents are familiar with these sudden changes when morning frosts turn to 70 °F at noon. On the other hand, clear and humid summer days can easily turn into thunderstorms, when the temperature drops to 40 °F. Also, NC ranks 4th in hurricane frequency, and they occur mostly in August, September, and October.
Crime rate higher than the average
Although it does not exceed the average crime rate by much, this still tarnishes North Carolina’s good reputation. The odds of becoming a victim of a violent crime are 1 in 232. Also, the odds of a house robbery are even more likely 1:45. Out of the 50 states NC ranks an infamous 18th.
Pros and cons of living in North Carolina: final thoughts
These are just a few pros and cons of living in North Carolina that may or may not influence your decision to move. However, it’s always good to be aware of both the good and the bad before moving to avoid surprises. For the same reason, inquire well about your movers. If you call our customer service, we will explain in detail everything about our team, packing services Raleigh NC, and our company overall.
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