20 Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina: From the Coast to the Smokies

Making the decision to call the Tar Heel State home might sound like an easy decision. In fact, 165,000 people flocked to North Carolina in the months from July 2023 to July 2024 alone, taking the population over the 11 million mark. The metro areas of Charlotte and Raleigh, both among the best places to live in North Carolina today, reported the highest net growths in the state. But just like in any other state, there are definitely pros and cons of living in North Carolina that you’ll need to consider first before packing up and actually moving to North Carolina yourself.

Fun Facts You Should Know About North Carolina

• North Carolina’s nickname, the Tar Heel State, comes from the state’s tar manufacturing industry for naval vessels in the 1700s and 1800s.
• On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth hit his first ever professional home run in the North Carolina city of Fayetteville — and it’s also where he acquired the nickname “Babe.”
• The NASCAR Hall of Fame is in Charlotte.
• Parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are in North Carolina.
• Along the Atlantic Coast, you’ll find the Outer Banks, home to the tallest brick lighthouse in the country: the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Should I Move to North Carolina? — FAQs

Q: Is North Carolina a good place to live?
A: Absolutely! Residents would agree that the definition of a good life is living in North Carolina. A good place to live means a reasonable cost of living, a vibrant culture, and recreational opportunities, among other traits — and the Tar Heel State has them all.

Q: What are the downsides of living in North Carolina?
A: Major downsides of living in NC include natural disasters — hurricanes that cause damage along the coast and, more recently, catastrophic flooding in the Western part of the state; a below-average public school system (ranked 33rd in the nation); and a fledgling public transportation system. 

Q: Why are more people moving to NC?
A: Job opportunities, an affordable cost of living, and lots to explore outdoors are a few of the main reasons why so many people decide to move to NC.

Q: What are the biggest risks of living in North Carolina?
A: Natural disasters are a substantial risk, as evidenced by the floods in 2024 as Hurricane Helene moved through the state. And while crime has dropped overall, there are still pockets of the state (as there are in any state) that face safety challenges. According to SafeHome, the cities with the highest violent crime rates in 2025 are Wadesboro, Lumberton, and Chadsbourn. If you’re considering moving to North Carolina, do your due diligence about the topics that might concern you.

Q: Is it cheaper to live in NC or FL?
A: Florida living is just a smidge less expensive (0.3 percent) overall than North Carolina living, with a few notable digressions: Housing is 12 percent higher in the Sunshine State, dining in restaurants is 13.5 percent more expensive, and groceries are 3.6 percent higher. But again, the overall cost of living in North Carolina is a bit higher. 

Q: How much money do you need to live comfortably in NC?
A: The income you need to live comfortably depends on where in the state you live, your lifestyle, and your family size. But in general, living in North Carolina requires about $104,700 in pre-tax salary for a family of four with two working adults. Note: That’s just to maintain the standard of living. To live comfortably as a family of four, you’ll likely need to make more money.

Hiking in NC is a common hobby of many residents, and hiking in certain towns — especially Asheville — gives you access to some of the state’s best outdoor locations.

1. Pro: The Tar Heel State Is a Dream Come True for Nature Lovers.

Getting outside is a huge part of North Carolina living. There are over 40 state parks and 13 national parks in North Carolina, including access to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. These beautiful outdoor hot spots provide plenty of activities for everyone, including swimming, biking, and kayaking.

Hiking is a popular pastime in North Carolina, especially in towns like Asheville. Known for its access to some of the state’s best outdoor destinations, Asheville’s trails link hikers to places like Mount Mitchell, Rattlesnake Lodge, and Craggy Gardens. 

The coastline of North Carolina stretches for more than 300 miles, with nearly endless options of world-class beaches. Residents and visitors enjoy sunbathing, seashell hunting, surfing, and swimming — and the list goes on. The variety of gorgeous locations includes Wilmington's vibrant port city or the beautiful Outer Banks.

2. Con: It’s Also a Magnet for Natural Disasters.

Among all the pros and cons of living in North Carolina, this con is perhaps the most worrisome. 
Because the state is located along the Southeast U.S. coast, it isn’t unusual for hurricanes to hit North Carolina — in fact, the average landfall is every one to three years. Other storms the state endures from time to time are tornadoes, flooding, and some volatile storms — including mountain blizzards in the winter. The result of these disruptions, besides tragic loss of life and property, includes the need for additional — and increasingly higher-cost — insurance coverage. So given all that, is North Carolina a good place to live? You’ll need to weigh all the considerations that matter to you to make your decision.

3. Pro: You’ll Find an Affordable Cost of Living in North Carolina. 

It’s not the cheapest state in America, but living in North Carolina isn’t the priciest, either. The cost of living is relatively comfortable with a score of 91, which means it’s 9 percent lower than the rest of the country. 

The state’s infrastructure is considered to be among the worst in the nation — definitely not among the benefits of living in North Carolina.

4. Con: Poor Roads and Infrastructure Quality Are a Challenge.

Infrastructure isn’t one of the Tar Heel State’s strong suits. Even before Hurricane Helene changed the landscape of Western North Carolina, roads and bridges throughout the state were in need of upgrades. As leaders debate the best way to solve these critical needs, folks living in North Carolina should take care in the more damaged areas.

5. Pro: Mild Weather Mostly Dominates Year-Round.

There are, of course, exceptions when arctic fronts or tropical systems make their way through the state, but in general the climate in North Carolina is mild and temperate. The average temperature is about 50 degrees in winter and 80 in summer. Snow is common in the mountains, particularly around the state’s ski resorts, but the rest of the state hasn’t seen many flakes in recent years — until the winter of 2025, that is. And along the coast, of course, a nice sea breeze keeps things mostly comfortable year-round.

6. Con: Public Transportation Isn’t Great — Except in the Cities.

Unless you live in a major metro area like Charlotte or Raleigh, you will most likely need a car to get around in North Carolina. There are public transit options in every county, but options in more rural areas, as might be expected, are a bit scarce. 

If you're a fan of barbecue, then you're probably already aware of the can’t-miss BBQ scene in North Carolina.
(Source: Skylight Inn BBQ via Facebook)

7. Pro: Carolina Barbecue Joints (and Other Tasty Treats) Are Everywhere. 

Few disputes are as long-running and heartfelt as the battle over Carolina barbecue: Which style is best — North or South? Whatever your preference, there’s plenty to go around in the Tar Heel State. The mothership is generally agreed to be Ayden’s Skylight Inn, a favorite since 1947, and there are dozens and dozens of other options statewide. 

Vegetarians need not despair. The foodie scene in North Carolina has grown immensely in recent years, particularly in cities like Asheville (do not miss the dining experience at The Biltmore), Raleigh, and Charlotte. The state is also home to more than 170 breweries.

8. Con: Public Schools Rank Relatively Low. 

Unfortunately, the public education system for K-12 students has many challenges. The state is ranked 33rd in the nation, based on factors like student-teacher ratio, ACT and SAT scores, and graduation rates. However, pockets of highly rated schools exist statewide. According to Niche, Union Elementary in Brunswick County is the No. 1 Standout Elementary School in 2025, and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, in Raleigh, takes the top spot for Best Public High School in the state.

The Yates Park Mill outside Raleigh, NC, dates back to 1756 — before the United States was formed.

11. Pro: History and Culture Are Alive and Well. 

North Carolina is one of the original 13 colonies, with a fascinating history spanning several centuries. For instance, in 1587, Sir Walter Raleigh landed in the Outer Banks and established the Roanoke Island colony— which vanished without a trace. The state also played a pivotal role in the Civil War, including the notorious Battle of Bentonville in 1865, just southeast of Raleigh.

Museums across the state honor and preserve North Carolina’s distinctive history from the Civil War to the civil rights movement. The North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh highlights the state's cultural and social evolution, while the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte focuses on the post-Civil War South. In Greensboro, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum commemorates the pivotal sit-ins of the 1960s. And on the coast, the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk celebrates the first flight, marking North Carolina's historical significance in aviation.

12. Con: Traffic Is Messy in North Carolina’s Larger Cities. 

The traffic in North Carolina's larger areas, such as Raleigh and Charlotte, is becoming more problematic due to the state's growing population. As is common for residents of metro areas nationwide, commuters to school or work should stay on top of traffic and potential road closures, prepare for delays, and — just to be safe — leave early.

You can find the world's largest chest of drawers in High Point — aka the "Furniture Capital of the World."
(Source: Worlds Largest Chest Of Drawers via Facebook)

13. Pro: Roadside Attractions Add Charm to the Landscape.

There are some unique roadside attractions in North Carolina that you can’t find anywhere else in the country. For instance, the world's largest chest of drawers is in High Point, honoring the city’s status as the Furniture Capital of the World. The city hosts the biannual High Point Market, the largest home furnishings trade show globally. 

14. Con: Weather Can Be Unpredictable.

The weather in North Carolina is generally relatively mild, but it can still be unpredictable. The state can experience varying weather patterns, ranging from loud thunderstorms to quiet, warm afternoons.

15. Pro: Diverse Communities Create a Rich Culture.

If you're planning on relocating to North Carolina and value a diverse community, then you're in luck. The state has a diversity score of 71 out of 100. The Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte areas, in particular, are considered to be some of the most diverse in the state, with generations of locals mingled with transplants from other states and countries, representing various socioeconomic groups, all contributing to the rich fabric of the community. 

• Washington, NC: $235,200
• Mount Airy, NC: $203,700
• Marion, NC: $239,900

17. Pro: Sports Fans Are in Heaven.

Moving to North Carolina as a sports fan is a treat. With nine NCAA Division 1 teams, fall football Saturdays across the state are taken very seriously. You’ll find plenty of bars to catch the game on the big screen, but you’re also just as likely to find a neighbor hosting a watch party — look for the alumni flag flying on the front porch.
 
On the pro side, the Panthers call Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium home. If football isn’t your favorite, you’re still in luck, and Charlotte still might be your best destination. Head over to Bank of America Stadium to catch the Charlotte FC soccer team in action, the Spectrum Center for a Hornets basketball game, or Bojangles Coliseum for a Checkers hockey match on the ice. 

18. Con: Liquor Is Under Lock and Key (Sometimes).

If you want to grab some spirits for game-day house parties, you’ll need to plan ahead: North Carolina is one of only four states that prohibits liquor sales on Sundays. You can have a Sunday cocktail in a restaurant or bar — but only after 10 a.m., and that’s thanks to the “Brunch Bill” in 2017. Happy hours are a no-go, too, every day of the week. But the biggest inconvenience you might face is not being able to grab beer or wine during a grocery run, since those bevvies, like liquor, are sold only in state-controlled stores.

19. Pro: Lots of Highways Make It Easy To Get Around.

What NC lacks in transit is made up for with highways — not the most sustainable approach, but you can get around easily if you’ve got wheels. And there’s no shortage of spectacular destinations in pretty much every direction. 

For instance, the 252-mile trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway (closed in some spots due to damage from Hurricane Helene) winds through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. From the mountains of Western NC, hop on I-64 and in five hours you’ll reach the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, which explores the state’s barrier islands (be sure to stop and see the Ocracoke Lighthouse — the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S.). And with I-95 running north to south through the state, you’ve got pretty much a straight shot up to New York and down to Florida.

20. Con: Icy Roads Make It Difficult To Get Around.

If you’re a transplant from up north or the Rocky Mountains, you might roll your eyes at this section, but put on the brakes for a minute and hear us out. Temperatures in the winter here can vary a lot, and ice on the roads is more common in this state than you might think — especially, of course, in the hills of Western North Carolina. Thankfully the state is prepared with salt trucks and other equipment to mitigate the risk for drivers. But it’s still a good idea to stay home in dicey winter weather. If you do have to go out, don’t drive down flooded streets (turn around, don’t drown), keep a good distance between you and the car in front of you, and slow down.

 

With beautiful outdoor amenities, great job opportunities, a delicious restaurant scene, and rich history to explore, the good times never end when living in North Carolina.

If Living in North Carolina Is in Your Future, PODS Can Help You Get There

There are pros and cons of living in North Carolina, but the good far outweighs the bad. With beautiful outdoor amenities, great job opportunities, a delicious restaurant scene, and rich history to explore, the good times never end when living in North Carolina.

Whether you're ready to move to North Carolina right now or just want to take things slowly, PODS can help you get the job done! A container will be delivered right to your driveway, where you can load your belongings on your own schedule. It will then be picked up and delivered to your new home whenever you're ready, with one month's storage built into every move. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.