What to know as new resident in North Carolina: Cost of living comparison. Local weather patterns. Job market trends. Popular local cuisine. Healthcare and insurance options. School district rankings. State and local taxes. Recreation and outdoor activities. Cultural and arts attractions. Public transportation systems.
Cost of living comparison
The cost of living in North Carolina is 5% lower than the national average, with housing 14% lower, utilities 2% lower, and healthcare 6% higher. Specific cities within the state vary, but overall, North Carolina offers affordable housing, lower transportation costs, and a moderate cost of living.
Local weather patterns
North Carolina has a humid climate with warm summers and cold winters, influenced by its diverse geography. The state experiences mild winters, hot and humid summers, abundant precipitation, and an annual threat of hurricanes, with significant regional variations due to the Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont Plateau, and Coastal Plain. For more detailed information, you can visit the State Climate Summary page.
Job market trends
As a new resident in North Carolina, you should know that the job market is seeing an increase in job openings, with a job openings rate of 5.3%. The state has also added approximately 72,200 new jobs in the second quarter of 2024, led by gains in Education and Health Services and Government sectors. For more detailed statistics and analysis, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Popular local cuisine
As a new resident in North Carolina, you should explore the state's iconic dishes, including various barbecue styles such as Lexington, Eastern, and Western, alongside sweet potato pie, mountain trout, oysters, pimento cheese, shrimp burgers, fried green tomatoes, and peach cobbler, each reflecting the diverse culinary heritage of the region. Popular side dishes and unique items like livermush, Pepsi BBQ chicken, and Hatteras Style Clam Chowder are also worth trying. These dishes capture the essence of North Carolina's rich and varied gastronomic landscape, offering a taste experience unlike any other.
Healthcare and insurance options
As a new resident in North Carolina, it is crucial to research local health insurance options, including ACA Qualified Plans, Medicare Plans, and short-term medical insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to your move, allowing you to enroll outside the traditional Open Enrollment Period. This opportunity can also help you potentially access subsidies to assist with premiums. For detailed guidance and to explore your options further, visit the North Carolina Insurance information page online.
School district rankings
In North Carolina, the top-ranked school district is Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools, according to a 2024 report by Niche, which evaluates districts based on factors such as academics, diversity, state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality. Other highly ranked districts include Watauga County Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, and Mooresville Graded School District.
State and local taxes
As a new resident in North Carolina, you need to know that the state sales tax is 4.75% plus a local rate ranging from 6.75% to 7%, with exemptions on items like groceries and prescription medicine. The personal income tax rate is currently 4.75% but is scheduled to decrease to 3.99% by 2026, and property taxes are levied locally based on the assessed value of your property. For more detailed information on this topic, consider exploring the intricacies of Navigating Changes In Tax Law After Relocating To North Carolina to ensure you are fully informed and compliant with the local tax requirements.
Recreation and outdoor activities
North Carolina offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and fly fishing, with numerous state parks, national forests, and trail towns providing endless opportunities for recreation and exploration. For more detailed information and planning resources, visit the Visit NC website, which highlights the best of what the state has to offer in terms of natural beauty and adventure.
Cultural and arts attractions
North Carolina, particularly the NC Triad region, offers a rich cultural and arts scene with numerous museums, art galleries, historic sites, and performing arts venues. Highlights include the Weatherspoon Art Museum, Old Salem Museums and Gardens, and the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, along with various public art displays and live music venues across Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. For more detailed information on these cultural treasures, visit the NC Triad Arts and Culture page to explore the vibrant offerings that celebrate the region's heritage and creativity.
Public transportation systems
As a new resident in North Carolina, you should know that the state has a comprehensive public transportation system, including multiple bus systems in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro, as well as light rail and commuter rail services. The system also includes specialized transit services for students, individuals with disabilities, and rural areas, ensuring widespread accessibility and connectivity across the state. For more detailed information, you can refer to the extensive resources on Transportation In North Carolina which highlights the efforts and infrastructure in place to facilitate efficient travel for its residents.