All About North Carolina

North Carolina has become a top destination for young professionals, growing families, and retirees. Because of the state’s mild weather, growing economy, and reliable transportation infrastructure it is a sure draw to industries looking to relocate.

One of the best things about North Carolina is its people.  It has become a melting pot of diverse people from all over the country, and residents and visitors appreciate the friendly, community feel in its cities and small towns.

By 2030, forecasts predict that 40% of the U.S. population will reside in the 12-state southeast region and North Carolina will get a good share of that increase.

North Carolina is located in the Southeast region of the United States and is considered a southern state stretching 560 miles wide.  Bordering states are Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the West, South Carolina to the south and Georgia to the southwest.  The Atlantic Ocean forms North Carolina’s eastern border.

In 2018, the estimated population was around 10.6 million.  North Carolina ranks 9th in the country in population and has the 10^th largest economy.  The State is divided into 100 counties.

The state has three topographic regions.

•  Atlantic coastal plain is low, flat to gently sloping land that extends along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
•  Piedmont Region character is hilly, rolling land and borders the Coastal Plain.
•  Blue Ridge Region is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range.

North Carolina’s climate varies because of the three geographic regions, but most of the state has a humid subtropical climate, except for the higher Appalachian elevations which have a subtropical highland climate.

For most areas within the State in July, the average daytime temperature is 90 degrees, and in January the average temperature range is near 50.

Because of its mild climate year round, residents can take advantage of outdoor activities with the state’s miles of parks and beaches.

After World War II, North Carolina’s economy could no longer depend upon their traditional industries of agriculture, textiles, and furniture.  Academic leaders at Duke and North Carolina State University came up with the idea of creating a research park.  The university leaders wanted their schools to do research together, thereby leveraging the area’s strengths and keep graduates in the state with good jobs.

In 1959, the state and local governments, nearby universities, and local business interests established Research Triangle Park (RTP).  Since then, Research Triangle Park (RTP) has become one of the most prominent high-tech research and development parks in the United States.  Situated in a pine forest, RTP covers 7,000 acres.  It has 22,500,000 square feet of built space.

RTP is home to more than 300 companies employing 55,000 workers and an additional 10,000 contractors.

Because of the foresight of our state leadership, NC has transitioned from a traditional economy based on tobacco, furniture, and textiles to a global economy that is driven by knowledge-based enterprises.

We still have jobs in agriculture, but they have shifted to new crops that fuel such areas as winemaking and biotechnology.

Our textile manufacturers produce high-tech innovations in the area of non-woven textiles and engineered fabrics. These industries, along with our universities, community colleges, and training programs, provide a steady stream of workers.

North Carolina Commerce Department

The North Carolina Commerce Department fosters a pro-business environment.  North Carolina is committed to making it easy for companies to do business here.

• Graduates from the 53 colleges and universities within the state fuel the educated labor supply
• The corporate tax rate in 2019 is 2.5% – the lowest in the U.S
• Low Business Costs
• Favorable legal regulatory climate for business

In the next five years, growth in the job market and gross state product is expected to rank among the strongest in the United States.

#1 – Best State for Business in 2017 and 2018 – Forbes Magazine

#2 – Top Competitive State for Business – Site Selection 2018

#3 – Best State for Business – Chief Executive Magazine 2018

Finance – North Carolina is the third largest banking center in the US and known for its business climate.  Bank of America headquarters is located here along with the western headquarters for Wells Fargo.

Energy – The energy sector is rapidly growing.  NC is the third-largest producer of electricity and is second in turbine manufacturing growth.  Companies located here are Duke Energy, Siemens, and GE Hitachi.

Biotechnology – Major biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are moving to the state.  This development is due to the state housing the largest industrial park in the country and its well-known research universities.  The Research Triangle Park encompasses 7,000 acres.

Aerospace – Home to several leaders in the defense and security industry.  Companies include Honda Jet, Honeywell, GE Aviation, and Lockheed Martin.

Furniture – North Carolina is known as the “Furniture Capital of the World.”  The city of High Point is home to the largest furnishing trade show and the largest furniture manufacturers in the world.  Companies include Ashley Furniture, Ethan Allen, and Century, to name a few.

Some of the best rated public and private colleges are in North Carolina.  The North Carolina State school system includes 16 colleges and universities located the Coastal, Piedmont, and Mountain areas.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, known as UNC, offers 70 academic programs through its 15 colleges.

Private schools located in the state are Duke University, Wake Forest University, Elon University, Davidson College and the Queens University of Charlotte.

Degrees offered are Accounting, finance, nursing, motorsports, and engineering majors.

The community college system has 58 campuses.  Graduates can receive associate degrees and certificate programs in culinary arts, occupational therapy, fine arts, and several other areas.

North Carolina enjoys a cost of living below the national average.  Housing costs depend on where you live in the state.

• Average Median Sales Price in the state of North Carolina is $185,000.
• Average Median Sales Price in the Piedmont Triad Area is $182,500.
• Utility costs are cheaper because of the mild weather.
• Property taxes on real estate is levied by the individual county.
• Housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation all cost below the national average.

According to Zillow, homes located in North Carolina appreciated 7.6% over the past year.  Zillow predicts homes will appreciate by 4.1% in 2019.

Relocating residents will have many choices in housing within the state.  There are single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, lakefront homes, mountain top retreats, golf course properties, horse properties, and everything in between.

Steps for Finding the Right Location

• First, you need to decide which geographic region of North Carolina best suits your lifestyle needs.
• Next, narrow down the towns and communities located within the region and pick a few that might fit your lifestyle requirements.
• Finally, start looking at home prices and housing options in these locations.

Even though looking at homes on the internet is great for searching and researching an area, nothing beats exploring the location in person.

Davidson County, NC

Relocating to Davidson County in the Piedmont Triad area might check off all the boxes on your wishlist.  It is located south of three mid-size cities and makes driving into them for work, shopping and entertainment a breeze.

Another benefit to moving here is it is just a short drive to the mountains or beaches in North Carolina for day or weekend trips.

Davidson County is known for its low property taxes and getting more for your housing dollar.

The state is home to some of the top medical facilities in the country. The cost of health care is below the national average.

The largest hospitals in the state are Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte and Duke University Medical Center in Durham.

More than 100 community hospitals serve our state.

Within the State are four medical schools:

• Duke University of Medicine
• Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
• The University of NC at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
• Wake Forest University School of Medicine

The Comprehensive Cancer Center in Winston Salem was designed for adult and child patients who have cancer that has failed standard treatment.

Wake Forest Baptist Health is the parent company of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.  It features almost 200 buildings spread over 425 acres in Winston Salem.

Duke Children’s Hospital offers diagnostic, surgical, and emergency care in Durham.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital is a 535-bed medical center which opened in 1953 located in Greensboro.  It serves over 65,000 patients a year.

NC is home to 21 professional and minor league teams.

Two of the most popular sports in North Carolina are NASCAR and college basketball.

College Basketball – Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Wake Forest have a tradition of excellence in college basketball.

In 2011, Stock Car Racing became the official sport of the state.

The Piedmont Region is home to 80% of NASCAR racing teams and related industries.  The largest track in NC is Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord where the Cup Series holds three major races each year.

Golf is another popular sport in North Carolina.  With the mild climate, residents can enjoy playing almost year-round.

A popular destination for golfers is the Pinehurst Resort.  The resort operates nine golf courses.

North Carolina’s growth and prosperity are linked to the history of its transportation system.

North Carolina has easy access to both domestic and global markets.  The extensive highway system, four international airports, and two seaports make it clear why NC consistently ranks as one of the top US states for doing business.

Four International Airports

• Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
• Raleigh-Durham International Airport
• Wilmington International Airport
• Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro
• Plus 11 regional and 100+ general aviation facilities

Deep-water Seaports

Port of Morehead City

• 42-foot channel
• General cargo and container
• Direct access to I-40, I-74, I-95, US 17 and US 74
• Served by CSX

Port of Wilmington

• 45-foot channel
• General cargo and bulk handling facility
• Access to I-95 and I-40 from US 70 and US 17
• Served by Norfolk Southern
• There are two inland terminals located in Charlotte and Greensboro that are in the center of the Southeast’s manufacturing and distribution sites.

NCDOT Ferry System

• Each year 850,000 vehicles and two million passengers use the NCDOT Ferry System.
• It is the second largest state-run ferry system in the U.S.

Railroad System

• The largest consolidated rail system in the U.S. with 3,300 + miles of track.
• Rail connections to the coast which enables import and export services
• Services to 22 states via more than 20 carriers including CSX, Norfolk Southern, affiliated railroads and independently owned carrier

By Roadway

• NC has the second largest highway system in the country with 90,000+ miles of roadway
• Easy access to transportation corridors with seven major interstate highways providing same-day access to eastern US markets
• I-95 runs north to south from New England to Florida
• I-85 runs through the manufacturing heart of the Southeast
• I-40 runs from North Carolina to California

In 2013, North Carolina passed legislation that makes North Carolina now a very tax-friendly state.

1. No tax on social security income
2. No estate tax
3. Flat rate for income tax at 5.49%
4. In 2017, the corporate income tax rate was lowered down to 3%.
5. Low property taxes.

In every town and city throughout North Carolina, you will find barbecue restaurants, each with their own spin on the barbecue they serve.  In NC, the term barbecue refers to slow-cooked pork cooked over coals using hickory wood or some other type of compatible wood. The pork can be either sliced, chopped, or pulled.  The pork comes served as a “tray” with coleslaw and hush puppies, a “plate” with French fries or other vegetables or on a sandwich bun.  Inside on top of the bun, is barbecue slaw.  Each North Carolinian will have their own opinion as to which restaurant serves the best barbecue.

Cheerwine

If you don’t live in North Carolina, you might not have had a chance to taste this delicious cherry-flavored soft drink.

In 1917, Lewis D. Peeler, a general store owner, created Cheerwine in Salisbury, North Carolina.

The Carolina Beverage Corporation & Cheerwine Bottling Company has the distinction of being the oldest soft drink company continuously run by the same family.

Salisbury holds a Cheerwine Festival each year in May to celebrate the birthplace of this soft drink.

In the 19th century, North Carolina was the first in the country in the production of wine.  This was due to the discovery of the Scuppernong grape by the Roanoke colonists.

Today, the State ranks tenth in both grape and wine production in the US.  There are 400 vineyards and 200 wineries located throughout our state.

North Carolina has five American Viticultural Areas.

1. Appalachian High Country
2. Haw River Valley
3. Swan Creek
4. Upper Hiwassee Highlands
5. Yadkin Valley

The Biltmore Winery in Asheville is the most visited winery in the United States.

North Carolina’s abundant beaches and its beautiful mountains attract large numbers of visitors each year, making tourism very important to the state’s economy.  In 2013, 52.2 million people visited the state, with visitors spending more than $1 billion annually making North Carolina the 6^th most visited state.

Besides the beaches and mountains; there are many more things to do in the state.  Other activities range from water sports like a paddleboard and white-water rafting to biking mountain trails, visiting historical sites throughout North Carolina, and strolling the historic downtowns.

Atlantic Coastal Plain

New Bern is the second oldest European settled colonial town in North Carolina.  It is one of the most beautiful cities on the east coast with a population around 30,000. It is located in Craven County. It is the birthplace of Pepsi.

Wilmington is a colonial port city located in the Southeastern part of North Carolina in New Hanover County.  The estimated population is around 119,045. Wilmington’s Riverfront is a vibrant walkable river district bustling with locally-owned shops, restaurants and nightlife all anchored by views of the Cape Fear River.

Piedmont Region

Chapel Hill – Located in Orange, Chatham and Durham County, the town has a population of just under 60,000.  The first public university in the United States, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was chartered here in 1789 and opened its doors to students in February 1795.  Chapel Hill is part of The Research Triangle and has a vibrant arts and culture scene.

Charlotte – Located in the southern part of the state in Mecklenburg County, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina with a population of about 885,000.  Known for its banking, it has a cosmopolitan feel with southern hospitality.

Greensboro in Guilford County is known as the Gate City.  It is the 3^rd largest city in North Carolina with an estimated population of 287,027. Home to six colleges.

High Point is located in Guilford County but portions touch into Davidson, Randolph, and Forsyth. It is a mid-size city with a population around 110,000. The furniture industry and developing textile manufacturing set the pace for the two 20^th century growth booms in High Point.  The High Point Market is known as The International Home Furnishings Market and remains a centerpiece of the city’s economy and its most recognized industry.

Kernersville enjoys an ideal location situated just 15 minutes from three major Piedmont Triad cities: Greensboro, Winston Salem, and High Point.  The town is a popular bedroom community for people working in these cities wanting to live and raise their families in a smaller town community lifestyle.   Kernersville has a population of about 25,000.  Most of Kernersville is within the county of Forsyth, but a small portion of it is in Guilford County.

Lexington is located in Davidson County, NC.  The population is estimated at a little over 19,000.  The city is known for its barbecue.  In 1984, the city held its first Lexington Barbecue Festival.  It has become one of the largest street festivals in North Carolina with over 100,000 attending each year in October.

Raleigh – In 1792, Raleigh became the capital of North Carolina.  It is one of the cities in the “Triangle” area of the state.  In 2018, its estimated population was a little over 479,000.  It is the 2^nd largest city in NC and located in Wake County.

Winston Salem is located in Forsyth County in the Piedmont Triad.  It is a mid-size city with a population around 245,000.  The first arts council in the United States was established here in 1949. Much of the city’s energy comes from its vibrant downtown, with more than 100 restaurants, 30 galleries, shops, museums, and live-music venues.

The Village of Clemmons is in Forsyth County but a small portion touches into Davidson.  It is located 10 miles south of Winston Salem. The town is a thriving bedroom community for people working in Winston Salem, High Point, and Greensboro.  The village offers a strong family-oriented atmosphere and today approximately 18,650 residents proudly call it home.

Blue Ridge Mountain Region

Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina with a population of just under 100,000.  Known for its foodie scene, beautiful parks and endless things to do, the Biltmore Estate is located here.

Boone is located in the western part of the state in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It has a population of about 19,500.  It is home to Appalachian State University. This is a fun College town close to a variety of outdoor activities.

Atlantic Coastal Plain

Bald Head Island Conservancy

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.  The site commemorates the first flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903.

USS North Carolina – A museum ship and memorial docked at the seaport of Wilmington.  The battleship was the most decorated American vessel in World War II.

Blue Ridge Mountain Region

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – This national park attracts more than 9 million tourists a year.

Biltmore Estate – This 250-room home was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II.  It is the largest home in the US.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Grandfather Mountain

Piedmont Region

Carowinds – An amusement park located off Interstate I-77 at the borders of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Old Salem Museum & Gardens

North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro – The zoo is nestled on 2,600 acres in Randolph County just south of the city of Asheboro.  It is the largest national habitat zoo in America.

Uwharrie National Forest

Pinehurst Resort

Equestrian Centers

Furnitureland South

Seagrove Pottery