Moving to North Carolina

North Carolina, otherwise known as ‘The Tar Heel State’, is a enjoyable state to work and live. If you are moving or relocating to NC, we have organized a detailed list of some important facts and useful tidbits to help make your move an easy transition.

As one of the original 13 colonies, North Carolina was admitted to the union on April 5, 1778. Since then, NC has grown in to a prosperous place to live. Rich in colonial history, North Carolina offers many landmarks that will satisfy any history buff.

Geography

Located in the South Atlantic Region of the country, North Carolina is bordered by Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. With a total land area of over 53,818.51 Square Miles, it comes in as the 22nd smallest state.

Population

Currently, the population of NC is 10,146,788 making it the 9th most populated state in the union and the 18th most densely populated. The state capital, Raleigh, has a population of 326653. which is the 12th largest capital in the country.

Notable North Carolinians

North Carolina is home to several famous and some infamous people such as, Braxton Bragg a notable soldier is from Warrenton and Robert C Byrd a notable politician is from North Wilkesboro. Others include people like David Brinkley a TV newscaster and Howard Cosell a sportscaster .

Climate

North Carolina has a humid climate with very warm summers and moderately cold winters. The climate exhibits substantial regional variation due to the state’s diverse geographic elements, which include the Appalachian Mountains in the west, the Piedmont Plateau in the central region, and the Coastal Plain to the east. Elevations in the state range from sea level along the Atlantic Coast to over 6000 feet in the western mountains (the largest elevation range of any state east of the Mississippi River). Average annual temperatures in the state vary more than 20°F from the highest elevations to the lowest points on the coast. Winter temperatures are moderated somewhat by the Appalachian Mountains which partially block cold air coming from the Midwest.

National Parks

North Carolina is home to 1 beautiful national park.

• Great Smoky MountainsThe Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains, span a wide range of elevations, making them home to over 400 verteate species, 100 tree species, and 5000 plant species. Hiking is the park’s main attraction, with over 800 miles (1,300km) of trails, including 70 miles (110km) of the Appalachian Trail. Other activities include fishing, horseback riding, and touring nearly 80 historic structures.

Crime Statistics

Safety and security should always be an important factor when relocating to a new area. A state’s crime rate affects more than just the safety of its citizens, it drastically affects property value, economics and the overall quality of life. Based on the last FBI Crime Statistics, North Carolina’s violent crime rate is 33 per 10k residents which is less than the national average of 37.3. In addition, the state’s property crime rate is 287per 10k residents which is greater than the national average of 248.7.

North Carolina ranks #25 in the US for violent crime and #20 for property crime.

Schools & Education

Whether you are a student, have children, or neither, a state’s educational system is not only important to those attending, it’s vital to the overall quality of life, culture and economics of the state. Based on data from multiple public and private sources, we were able to rank North Carolina’s educational system.

Overall Grade: C-

North Carolina spends on average $9004.00 per pupil, which is less than the national average ($11,900). NC ranks #37 in the US compared to the rest of the country. While NC ranks #37 in spending, the latest graduation rate is 85.60%%.

Another important factor is the percentage of families that enroll their young children (ages 3-4) in an accredited pre-school program. North Carolina ranks #32 with over 42.90% of children attending a early educational program.

Taxes

The current income tax rate for North Carolina is 5.50% which ranks 24th favorable amongst other states. If you are purchasing property, you may want to consider the the property tax burden rate. This is the amount you pay in taxes per $1000 earned. NC’s rate is $24.88 which ranks 15th in the US.

Currently, NC sales tax is $21.50 for which it comes in as 18th compared to other states.

Sports

North Carolina fans are not only loyal but also very tried-and-true to their local major league teams. North Carolina is home to the following teams: the Carolina Hurricanes, the Carolina Panthers, and the Charlotte Hornets .

Utility Companies

Before you move to North Carolina, it’s advised that you know who your utility companies are. We have an extensive list of both public and private utility companies in NC.

Other Resources

For more information about moving to North Carolina, visit their website at http://www.ncgov.com/