Are you thinking about moving to a new state? Have you thought about North Carolina? About 10 and a half million people have chosen to live in the Old North State, so it’s certainly something to keep in mind.

Let’s go through the top reasons you should consider a move to North Carolina.

1. Great Weather and the Great Outdoors

North Carolina is home to warm, mild weather, perfect for people looking to escape long, cold winters.

Plus, North Carolina is a hotspot for amazing natural attractions and great outdoor activities. While in North Carolina, you can visit the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains. And, the state is also home to amazing beaches, which means you’ll have great outdoor options no matter what season it is.

2. Save Money by Living in North Carolina

North Carolina has a somewhat lower cost of living than many other states, making it a good financial choice for your new home. That’s particularly true when it comes to housing, an area where prices have been skyrocketing for many years.

Additionally, income tax rates in North Carolina are flat, so you’ll be saving money on that front as well. Gas costs are lower in North Carolina than in the rest of the state, and there are strong public transportation options as well.

3. The Job Market Is Booming

North Carolina offers many different job opportunities in different, exciting fields.

If you’re in the banking or financial fields, Charlotte is one of the biggest banking cities in the United States. The aerospace industry is thriving in parts of the state, along with the

And, like most of the world, people who work in healthcare are in high demand in North Carolina.

Plus, the number of large educational institutions means that there are plenty of jobs on the academic side of things, as well.

4. Schools Galore

Notably, North Carolina is home to some of the best colleges in the country. You’ve probably heard of Duke University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

But the educational opportunities don’t stop there. North Carolina also offers great school districts for kids in elementary and high school. You just may have to look around and make sure you’re settling in an area that grants you access to the best possible education for your kids.

5. The Food Is Great in North Carolina

Hungry? North Carolina is home to tons of delicious food options from all around the world.

Of course, you’ll need to try the barbecue when you’re in North Carolina since that’s what it’s best known for. Fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, coleslaw, cornbread, and so much more.

Because North Carolina is near the water and has beaches, it’s also home to amazing seafood options. Shrimp and grits, anyone?

If you’d prefer other food options, there’s plenty more available to you. You can find amazing offerings for Italian, Korean, Mexican, Tapas, Asian fusion, and many other delicious eats.

While you’re at it, make sure you sample some of the amazing craft beers that are popping up around the state.

6. Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

If you’re into retail therapy, you’re in luck. You can find tons of amazing things to buy throughout North Carolina.

From the Pisgah Forest Gem Mine to Grovewood Village, to the Raleigh Market, North Carolina has plenty of great spots for vintage shopping and flea markets.

For those who are more into shopping districts, head over to Brightleaf Square in Durham, the Cotton Exchange in Wilmington, The downtown area in Asheville, and other areas in cities throughout the state.

If you’d rather just hit the mall, look at Mayfaire in Wilmington, Southpark Mall in Charlotte, Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, Concord Mills in Concord, the Asheville Outlets in Asheville, and many others.

7. Check Out the Sports

Sports fans have a lot to look forward to if they plan to live in North Carolina. The major college sports teams alone include the Charlotte 49ers, the Duke Blue Devils, the North Carolina Tar Heels, and many others.

Basketball fans have the Charlotte Hornets to cheer for, hockey lovers have the Carolina Hurricanes, and good old football enthusiasts can root for the Carolina Panthers.

Those are just the biggest options, too — North Carolina also offers options for lovers of Australian Rules Football, lacrosse, roller derby, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and many other sports.

8. The Housing Is Cheap

Housing costs around the world are skyrocketing. However, in North Carolina, there are still affordable options left. The average home value in the state is $188,291, in a state with a homeownership rate of around 63 percent.

When choosing your new home, make sure you weigh the pros and cons of renting versus buying your new home. If you choose to rent and you’re not finding something that truly suits your needs, you can view here for more.

9. There Are Lots of Options

When it comes to living in North Carolina, your options aren’t between Charlotte and living in the middle of nowhere. There are lots of cities and towns in the state that may be suited to your particular wants and needs in a home.

Here are just a few places in the great state of North Carolina you may want to consider moving to:

• Raleigh
• Durham
• Chapel Hill
• Asheville
• Wilmington
• Wake Forest
• Greensboro
• Holly Springs

These are just a few of your choices, of course. With the right research and consideration, you’re sure to find a home for you.

Move to North Carolina Today

Clearly, there are lots of compelling reasons you should think about a move to North Carolina.

Are you looking to make a change? Do you have questions when it comes to buying and selling a home? Make sure that you check out some of the other articles on our site today.