The state of North Carolina is a popular destination for travelers because of its beautiful mountains and coastlines and its history, culture, and career opportunities. There are three geographical areas in North Carolina. The coastal plains of the east make up a majority of the land area. A popular vacation destination along the coast is the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands. The Piedmont region is home to five major cities in South Carolina and picturesque towns like Pinehurst and historic Hillsborough. Mountain Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rockies, is found in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. In addition, there is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.
The benefits and challenges of relocating are unique for each area. North Carolina has both positives and negatives you should know: North Carolina:
1. North Carolina offers moderate living costs for the average family.
The state of North Carolina is one of the most affordable states in the country. The tax cost is lower, and the rental prices are lower than in other states. It is significantly cheaper to buy a home here in South Carolina than in other coastal states around the country. Renters pay a median rent price of $1,345.
The North Carolina sales tax rate is 4.75%, although county and local taxes can add to it. Although there are a few counties where the rate is 7.5%, most counties pay between 6.75% and 7%.
2. The climate in North Carolina is relatively temperate.
In North Carolina, the average temperature in January is 50°F. The average temperature in Wilmington, primarily if you reside in or around the Wilmington area, can be lower in some years due to a polar vortex. As a result, the state's average temperature does not reach 90°F during the summer months. Some areas are expected to exceed that threshold in July (Charlotte and Wilmington), but you can take advantage of those days to escape to the beach or the mountains.
Here are the cons to watch out for in North Carolina:
1. North Carolina has a higher crime rate than the average in the United States.
The rates in Oxford and Lumberton are typically higher than in similar-sized communities across the country. In 2018, Durham maintained its position as North Carolina's most dangerous city, while Oxford fell to second place. In Lumberton, 393 violent crimes were reported during 2016 (the last year for which FBI data is available), which means that 1 in 55 people will be physically or sexually assaulted. In Oxford, you also have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.
Compared to the rest of the country, these high crime rates put North Carolina in the above-average category.
2. North Carolina does not have the same seasons as other states.
A person who loves the four seasons and the many changes they bring each year may not want to live in North Carolina. Even if you live near the coast, you will find that the summers in this state are hot. Despite the state's mountainous terrain, you rarely see snow, even in the western areas. You'll love the weather if you like the idea of escaping the cold to live somewhere warmer. Getting familiar with it will take a while if not.
Bonus: Here are more fun facts in North Carolina:
- North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation. Students at a Wilson County school petitioned the North Carolina General Assembly to establish the sweet potato as the official state vegetable.
- Harker's Island hosts the annual Core Sound Decoy Festival in December.
- Morehead City is home to the North Carolina Seafood Festival, held the first weekend in October every year.
- The World War II battleship 'North Carolina' is permanently berthed on the Cape Fear River at Wilmington. She was saved from the scrap heap in the 1960s by public subscription, including donations of dimes by schoolchildren.
- The first English colony in America was located on Roanoke Island. Walter Raleigh founded it. The colony mysteriously vanished with no trace except for the word "Croatoan" scrawled on a nearby tree.
- Mount Mitchell in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It towers 6,684 feet above sea level.
- Krispy Kreme Doughnut was founded in Winston-Salem.
- The Venus Fly-Trap is native to Hampstead.
- The first miniature golf course was built in Fayetteville.
- Babe Ruth hit his first home run in Fayetteville on March 7, 1914.
What can you say about these pros and cons of living in North Carolina? If you tried living in the state, please share with us your experiences!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/slideshows/10-most-affordable-states
https://www.weather-us.com/en/north-carolina-usa-climate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_North_Carolina
https://www.50states.com/facts/north-carolina.htm