Is Living in North Carolina Worth It?

North Carolina is an exceptionally affordable place to live, with an overall cost of living index of 95, five points below the national average. Home prices are quite reasonable, even in large metropolitan areas. With a population of more than 10 million, North Carolina is the ninth largest state in the U. S.

UU., and it's a popular destination for transplants. It offers all kinds of lifestyles for a variety of residents, from incredible barbecues and a thriving music scene to picturesque outdoor venues for every type of activity. But is living in North Carolina really worth it? Here are 17 pros and cons to consider before making the move.

Pros of Living in North Carolina

North Carolina has some of the most temperate climates and quality utilities you can find anywhere in the U.

UU., S, A. Here are 10 advantages of living in North Carolina:

• Mild climate - with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 35° F in cities like Raleigh or Charlotte.
• Military appreciation - North Carolina is a great place for members of the military, as they are appreciated and respected by almost everyone who lives there.
• Low cost of living - North Carolina has a reasonable cost of living, with average closing costs at the lower end compared to the national average.
• Quality healthcare - North Carolina offers quality healthcare for its residents.
• Thriving business climate - North Carolina has a low corporate income tax rate, which attracts many companies and encourages them to bring their businesses and jobs to the state.
• Beautiful landscapes - North Carolina has beautiful scenes that often captivate tourists.
• Outdoor activities - no matter where you decide to settle, North Carolina offers you a getaway if you like the outdoors.
• Job opportunities - there are plenty of job opportunities in North Carolina, especially in the medical field.
• Culture and innovation - North Carolina is full of culture, innovation, and job opportunities.
• Friendly people - A quick visit to North Carolina and you may have thought you've lived here all your life the way people hug you.

Cons of Living in North Carolina

Although there are many positives about living in North Carolina, there are also some drawbacks. Here are seven cons to consider:

• High crime rate - North Carolina's homicide rate is 5.8 per 100,000, which is 10% higher than the national average.
• High poverty rate - Approximately 14% of the population lives in poverty, which usually leads to a higher level of crime.
• High taxes - North Carolina imposes a significant tax burden on its citizens, with individual state and city taxes costing an average of 9.8% of your annual income.
• Poor education system - although post-secondary education is excellent in North Carolina, its younger age groups are often left behind.
• Unpredictable weather - From a cold morning to a hot afternoon and scattered thunderstorms, it's difficult to truly predict a typical day in North Carolina.
• Wild horses - Wild horses can be seen at places like Currituck Island and Shackleford Banks.

The Bottom Line

North Carolina is an attractive place to live for many reasons. It has a thriving business climate, a reasonable cost of living, beautiful landscapes across the state, quality healthcare, job opportunities, culture and innovation.

However, it also has some drawbacks such as high crime rates, high poverty rates, high taxes and poor education system. If you're looking for a place to move that has lots of job opportunities, an affordable housing market, and lots to do and see, take a second look at North Carolina.