There are many famous places in the USA. Most people are aware of the sunnier states of Florida and California, and Manhattan is a great place to go shopping. Even rainy Seattle gets some attention from the tourist community. One state that often gets overlooked; however, is the state of North Carolina.
Set in the South-East of the USA, North Carolina is one of the oldest states in the country. This means that it is full of American history, but most people like this state because it is a great place to live. Let’s give North Carolina its due by looking at the best parts about living there.
The Great Outdoors
North Carolina is located beneath the state of New York and above Florida. As such, you can expect to receive warm temperatures throughout most of the year. This makes spending time outdoors a breeze; however, there is more.
The best part of this state has to be its variety of terrain. You can experience nothing but rolling hills in one part of North Carolina and then drive down the road to encounter swathes of marshland. This is also a coastline state, which means that you can enjoy plenty of days out at the beach. Couple this with the many lakes found in the region and those who love the outdoors will find themselves spoilt for scenery.
Real Estate Is Relatively Cheap
It is becoming increasingly difficult for this generation to get on the property ladder. No matter where you go, the house prices are extortionate and they won’t be falling any time soon. However, North Carolina is a little different.
This state has been lucky in its economic fortunes. The homes for sale are all at a reasonable price, and you can even find affordable real estate in Ashville, one of the nicest areas in all of North Carolina. A quick look at EZ Home Search will confirm this. What’s more, the real estate agents in this region are all knowledgeable about the local area so there are no nasty surprises. House prices as low as this are often too good to be true but, in North Carolina, that isn’t the case.
Low Cost Of Living
The cost of living reflects how well the economy is doing. If there are high levels of inflation, then it may mean that the country is struggling. Unfortunately, the USA has found itself in this position moving into the newest decade. The cost of living is soaring, and wages aren’t likely to raise to keep up. It means that we all have to make some cutbacks here and there, except in some parts of the country.
The current residents of North Carolina are experiencing a relatively low cost of living. This means that daily goods are cheaper to purchase, and saving up for the future is getting easier. Things are going to even out eventually, and the economy always bounces back from a period of unrest. Thankfully, the people of North Carolina do not have to worry about that for some time.
Education
Many American citizens choose to untether themselves from the chaos associated with city life and retire to North Carolina to live out their remaining years in peace. As such, you would expect to find that the state has a rapidly aging population. This could not be further from the truth.
The state of North Carolina has some of the finest colleges and Universities in all the country. The number one college in the state is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is followed closely by Duke University. These universities see an enrolment of nearly 300,000 students per year, collectively and each has a pass rate of over 87%.
Rounding out the top five are North Carolina State University, Wake Forest University, and Appalachian State University, respectively. All of these schools are prestigious in their own right, which is why prospective college students may want to look at a move to North Carolina.
Healthcare
Education and healthcare often come hand in hand, and that is why you will find that North Carolina has some great healthcare options. There are few places that can boast such a range of top-notch healthcare. Since health is one of the most important things when it comes to quality of life this is an exceptional feat.
Durham hospital acts as a teaching hospital and is one of the finest institutions the USA has to offer. It ranks as the top hospital in all of the state but does equally well in both pediatric care and adult care.
Southern Comfort
It is hard to pinpoint exactly what type of state North Carolina is. It is a green and mountainous region with fair weather; however, it is most associated with some of the southern states. Bordering both Tennessee and Georgia, it is easy to see why this state gets such a reputation.
The people in the south of the USA are considered to be some of the most down-to-earth residents that you will meet. Money is not lauded over those that do not have it, and you will find that loyalty is the most respected currency amongst the people. North Carolina is a welcoming place where people get to know their neighbors and aren’t shy about helping strangers. That is what makes it such a friendly place to live.
Food And Drink
North Carolina might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of dining experiences; however, it should be up there. All of America may have embraced the cuisines of other nations, but none have done so quite like North Carolina.
First and foremost you have the fresh fish that can be attained on the local coastline. Then, there are the barbecued meats that aren’t like any you have ever tried before, the most famous delicacy in all the state. However, you can also find southern fried chicken and Indian tacos are equally as prevalent. There is such a combination of influences in North Carolina that you may find it impossible to eat the same meal twice in a row.
It Is As American As Ever
Every American state has its own culture and that is a good thing. Fortunately, you can experience a milieu of cultures in North Carolina while also engaging in everything that makes the USA great.
You are never far from someone cheering on the North Carolina Panthers or Charlotte Hornets, and everyone wants to end their day with an ice-cold beer next to the barbecue. The world is forever changing, but North Carolina seems to be accepting this change while also remembering what made it a great place to live in the first place. What’s more, there is no shame in hiking up to the Appalachian mountains for a bit of alone time. Every resident does it at some point.
Conclusion
Out of all fifty-two states, you will be hard-pressed to find somewhere as down-to-earth as North Carolina. There is so much going on at once yet it remains as humble as ever. The economy is a nice bonus too. North Carolina may share its border with another Carolina, but you will find it to be an entirely unique place to live.
