North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. Soon you will learn the highlights (and a few lowlights) about the state so you get a solid grasp on what it is like to live here.
We did some digging to bring you the most up-to-date info like the amazingly warm culture, popular cities to visit, and the food scene. As well as the big storms, somewhat strict liquor laws, and not so healthy food habits.
1. Lifestyles For Everyone
If you are thinking of moving to North Carolina, there is most likely a city for you, with a wide variety of lifestyles you will be hard-pressed not to find somewhere you would like to call home.
In the mountains, they have Asheville and Boone. Asheville is known for its food scene, while Boone is known more for skiing.
Charlotte is the biggest city in the state, if you are looking for that urban feel. Charlotte has everything to offer that you would expect a big city to have. As well as the Panthers and the Hornets sports teams.
Next up is Raleigh. This is a mid-size city with a great food and tech scene, as well as many of the best hospitals that we will talk about a bit later.
2. Poison Ivy
If you are itching to come to NC, it might just be itching to come to you.
North Carolina is known for having lots of poison ivy and it is everywhere. It is well hidden and you need to be aware of what it looks like.
There are three little leaflets on each stem and if you get it on you, you’re going to want to run to the store and buy all the stuff you need to remedy it.
Remember: Leaves of three, let it be.
3. Amazing Furniture
Did you know that the area around Highpoint NC is known as the furniture capital of the world?
If you are somebody who appreciates high-quality furniture this can be a major unexpected plus.
Sometimes it can even be cheaper to purchase furniture in Highpoint and have it shipped back to your home than it is to buy it where you are from.
4. Liquor Laws
In North Carolina liquor is only sold in government-run “ABC” stores. They are also not open on Sundays, so no boozing after church.
Wine and beer, however, are sold in grocery and convenience stores, although sometimes not until after 12 pm on the weekends.
There has been a newer brunch bill that has allowed liquor sales in certain restaurants starting at 10 am on Sundays, so maybe you can still enjoy an after-church bloody mary.
You should also know there are still a few dry counties in the state. You cannot buy alcohol at all in these areas and it is best to know which ones they are if you plan to move. (And like to party).
The Four Dry Counties Are:
- Clay
- Graham
- Mitchell
- Yancey
5. Growing Economy
It is widely known that NC is one of the top ten places to move to in the country.
This is because of its growing technology centers, great educational systems, and booming job market.
It is also reported as one of the happier and friendlier places to live in the US.
6. Big Storms
Coming from anywhere else in the country you may be surprised at NC’s stormy weather.
Being on the coast with flat land, the state is prone to hurricanes, thunderstorms, heavy rains, hail storms and tornadoes.
The residents have come to expect these kinds of conditions. But they are well prepared for them. Weather forecasters in the state are even able to predict hurricanes long in advance.
7. Power Outages
If scary storms aren’t bad enough, they are usually accompanied by power outages and blackouts.
Considering the bigger storms get some intense wind speeds, it’s not uncommon to see lots of fallen branches, which end up falling onto power lines.
If you are in the metropolitan area, it is not so bad and fixes can take a day or so, but in the rural areas, you can sometimes see outages lasting a few days.
8. Nice People
The well-mannered culture is a staple for the state.
Everywhere you go you are going to hear “yes ma’ams” and “no sirs”, you will even hear these terms addressed toward children.
Things like having the door held for you and people letting you merge in traffic is never uncommon
9. Criticizing Culture
Since being polite is a big part of the culture, you may find it hard to read people and you probably won’t hear somebody complaining you stepped on their toes, at least not to your face.
The people here tend to mind their own business and you won’t find somebody openly criticizing you or something that happened to them in public.
This is especially true in restaurants, where instead of complaining you will likely overhear “thats fine” which is code for “it is not fine.”
10. Greasy Eating
In addition to the main 5 food groups, North Carolina has a sixth, and that is the FRIED food group.
They pretty much fry everything there is to be fried, which can be an awesome treat but a little scary for your waste line.
But they are not done yet, because what better way to wash down some greasy fried food than some sweet tea, which they drink so prevalently some people joke that it is the house wine for most establishments.
11. Tons of Parks
People in the state of North Carolina love to spend their free time in the great outdoors.
As a result, there are actually 4 national forests in the entire state, as well as 10 national parks, so you will find green walkways and trails anywhere you go.
On top of that, there are 41 state parks, so no matter where you choose to live you will not be far from some quality camping and hiking.
12. Incredible Health care
Places like Mecklenburg County, Wake County, Durham County, and Orange County all offer some of the best teaching hospitals in the country.
People from all over come to these hospitals to either be treated or master their medical careers.
What Is Your Plan
Have we convinced you NC is the best place to live? That was not really our intention but after doing the research for this state, it seems like a great place to make your permanent homestead.
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