1. Living In NC Means You Have Benjamins To Spare
The cost of living index in
North Carolina is 95 compared to the national index of 100, meaning it’s a lot cheaper to live in NC than your average US state! You’ll also be saving more on utilities: the index for utilities in NC is 97 compared to the national average of 100. Additionally, you’ll be saving on transportation (the index is 98). With the extra dough, you’ll have more to spend on groceries, gas, and (of course) fun times!
2. In NC, You’re Safe And Sound
The violent crime rates in North Carolina are lower national average. There are only 3.4 violent crimes committed in North Carolina per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 3.8. Additionally, this number has decreased significantly over the past several years. And while there are slightly more property crimes committed than national average in NC, the rate of property crimes is also declining.
3. The Commute In NC Is A Breeze
The average commute time in North Carolina is 23.4 minutes, which is lower than the national average. Additionally, North Carolina cities have some great alternative options for commuting to work, like Charlotte’s Light Rail which is basically a high-speed train that can get you around the city fast and efficiently! Also, look into Raleigh’s 12 mile bike path that runs through the city.
4. North Carolina Weather Is Amazing
With their totally mild winters and their warm, temperate summers it’s hard to argue with the fact that North Carolina weather is pretty awesome. Maybe you’ll have a few colder days in the winter, and on a very rare occasion you might see seme snow, but other than that NC weather is golden. The average summer temperatures range in the 70s and 80s and your average winter day doesn’t get much colder than low 50s.
5. Median Income and Unemployment Rates Are On Par WIth National Averages
The median household income in North Carolina is $46,064, which is slightly lower than the national average of $51,939. However, the unemployment rate is 5.5% which is equivalent to the national average. Additionally, the cost of living in NC is lower, making up for the fact that the median household income is below average.
6. Living In NC Means You’ll Get More Bang For Your Buck When You Buy A Home
The median price of buying a home in North Carolina is $144,600, which is significantly lower than the national average of $188,900. So when you live in North Carolina, you’ll be able to afford to buy a bigger house with more space and a better property than your average US state. Additionally, home appreciation the last year is 1.20 percent, meaning that the value of homes in North Carolina is increasing.
7. The ACC Tournament Means All Other Activities STOP
You’re not going to find a state that cares more about college basketball than North Carolina. In this state, work and school both take a backseat when it comes time for the ACC Tournament. With such amazing college basketball teams of their own, it’s no wonder that North Carolinians have a sincere love of basketball.
8. Living In NC Means Choosing A Side: Duke, UNC, or NC State
When you’re living in NC, you have to choose a side. Are you going to be a UNC Tar Heel or a Duke Blue Devil? Or maybe you’ll be unique and become part of the NC State Wolfpack. There isn’t a soul in North Carolina who hasn’t chosen a side. And once you do, you might as well bleed the school’s colors. It’s so much a part of you that you can’t separate your identity from your team.
9. North Carolina Takes BBQ Seriously…
While it’s true that all North Carolina barbecue is delicious, not everyone in North Carolina agrees on what constitutes “delicious” BBQ sauce. The region is known for being split into two basic camps of people who love Eastern NC sauce (which is vinegar and pepper based) and Western NC sauce (which is vinegar and ketchup based). The addition of ketchup is apparently just too cruel to some NC barbecue lovers who don’t want that tomato-y taste in their BBQ sauce. And if you think this argument is trite, you probably haven’t tasted all that NC has to offer in the BBQ department.
10. So Seriously That NC Is Home To A Phenomenon Called “Pig Pickin’”
No matter your BBQ sauce preference, all North Carolinians can agree on the fact that there’s nothing as deliciously awesome as a pig pickin’. A pig pickin’ is basically a North Carolinian’s opportunity to pig out. People come together to enjoy a few cold ones while watching the pork slow roast on a spit until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tasty.
11. The Only Way To Order A Hot Dog or Burger Is “All The Way”
Though the phrase “All The Way” when referencing hot dog and hamburger toppings started in Raleigh, NC, it has spread throughout the state and become the standard way to ask for all of that yummy goodness you want on your hot dog or burger, including chili, coleslaw, mustard, and onions. Yum!
12. The NC State Fair Is The Best Time Of Year
If you haven’t been to the NC State Fair, you’re doing something wrong with your life. First of all, there are incredibly tasty (and unhealthy!) fried foods for you to try, like fried twinkies and fried oreos. But there are also excellent rides and games, live music, and events for people of all ages. It’s definitely one of the best state fairs in the country.
13. The Craft Beer Scene Is Big And Getting Bigger
While the craft beer scene is big all over North Carolina, including breweries like Sub Noir in Raleigh or The Olde Mecklenburg in Charlotte, Asheville is where the real beer scene is located in the state. Check out NoDa, Weeping Radish, or Highland. You can’t go wrong regardless.
14. North Carolina Is Pretty Much The Most Patriotic State Around
According to The Blaze, North Carolina is second most patriotic state in America. Using criteria like how much the state spends on veterans and the number of people who have used Google to buy American flags, the study concluded that North Carolina is, indeed, one of the most patriotic states in the country. So if you’re moving here, you better be ready to don a lot of red, white, and blue.
15. NC Is The Real Music Capitol of America
It’s no secret that North Carolinians have great taste in music: there are hundreds of live-music venues throughout the state, including epic venues like 185 King Street in Asheville or The Fillmore in Charlotte.
It’s also a state that is known for their awesome bluegrass and folk music, celebrated at festivals like the North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival. Plus, North Carolina has also fostered the musical genius of talented musicians and bands like The Avett Brothers, Flat Duo Jets, and Ben Folds Five.
16. North Carolinians Know A Thing Or Two About Artistic Expression
North Carolina is a state that is super appreciative of its art and artists. In fact, North Carolina was the first state to have a state art museum and once you visit the North Carolina Museum of Art you can totally see how art is woven into the state’s vibrancy.
There are also tons of places and events throughout the state where you can celebrate your artistic expression, like at the annual Asheville Arts Festival.
17. Newsflash: North Carolina Is GORGEOUS
If you live in North Carolina you know at least one thing to be 100% true: North Carolina is beautiful. Whether you’re driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains, taking a dip in Lake Norman, or braving the Mile High Swinging Bridge, chances are you’re soaking up all of the beauty that NC has to offer.
18. Which Explains Why It’s Home To Places Like The NC Botanical Gardens
Of all of the beautiful places in North Carolina, the NC Botanical Gardens are truly amazing. Perhaps existing so near a city (Chapel Hill) makes these beautiful gardens stand out above the rest, but really exploring the natural beauty that the Botanical Gardens have to offer is an amazing experience. Check out the Streamside Trail if you really want to stop and smell the flowers.
19. Biscuits Better Be Your Thing If You’re Living In NC
Everyone knows that Bojangles has awesome biscuits (and that Bojangles are super ubiquitous throughout the state), but it’s the little, teenie-tiny, mom and pop shop biscuits that really make NC breakfast and brunch stand out above all other brunches you’ve ever tasted in your life. Head to Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen in Chapel Hill or Flo’s Kitchen in Wilson for the real deal.
20. You Won’t Find A North Carolinian Who Isn’t Proud To Be From The Tar Heel State
Being from the Tar Heel state means you are super proud of your roots. And North Carolinians have a lot to be proud of. With their awesome nature, beautiful people, delicious food, and incredible sports teams, it’s no surprise that every Tar Heel wants to shout from the rooftops that they love their home state.
21. And North Carolinians Are The Friendliest People You’ll Ever Meet
North Carolinians are genuinely the nicest people around. Everyone is incredibly friendly and really wants to get to know you when they meet you. You won’t ever be asked the standard “getting to know you” questions when you’re in NC. Everyone here is extremely genuine and will totally love when you’re genuine right back!
Their state motto is “Esse quam videri” which basically translates to "To be, rather than to seem (to be)," AKA “Be yourself and everyone in NC will love you!”
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