Why North Carolina Is a Great Place to Call Home

Living in North Carolina is ideal for people who want a vibrant mix of city and small-town life. Here, you will find beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and a welcome measure of Southern hospitality. 

Moving can be challenging — it's hard to leave the routines and communities you've grown to love. However, North Carolina is a great place to grow new roots, find life-long friends, and create meaningful memories with your family. Learn what you need to know before moving to North Carolina. 

Why Live in North Carolina? 

The Tar Heel State is a wonderful place to live, whether you move with family or on your own. It has stunning natural resources, great community, and plenty of opportunities to work and grow in your career. Here are four reasons you should consider moving to North Carolina:

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation

Many people visit North Carolina because of its beautiful hikes, state parks, and beaches. The west side of the state falls along the Great Smoky Mountains, a hiking and nature destination for people across the United States. Other notable state parks include Grandfather Mountain State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, and Lake Norman State Park. You'll also find the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic 469-mile National Parkway and All-American Road that draws in visitors from around the world.

If you visit the east side of the state, you can enjoy over 3,000 miles of coastline, including well-known beaches and beach towns like Wrightsville Beach, Oak Island, Southport, Nags Head, and Topsail Beach.

Many people move to North Carolina because of the beautiful weather. Annual temperatures can reach low 20 degrees in the winter and high 90 degrees in the summer, with places near the coastline being warmer than those on the western side of the state near the mountains. Average monthly rainfall is between 3 and 4 inches in much of the state, with higher precipitation near the coast. It's important to note that North Carolina does experience hurricanes fairly often. 

Vibrant Cities and Towns 

Choosing the right location in North Carolina can be challenging because there are so many beautiful areas to live. There's something for everyone, whether you'd like a quiet town to retire in, a close-knit community to raise your family, or a busy area with plenty of nightlife and professional networking opportunities. 

• West: North Carolina is well-known for the Great Smoky Mountains along the western side of the state. If you enjoy hiking and a laid-back lifestyle, this area is ideal for you. Many local industries focus on holistic health, offering professional opportunities to serve tourists and the local community. 
• Central: In the center of the state, you'll find a mix of large cities and farm towns. The Greensboro area is perfect for those who enjoy a slow pace of life, outdoor activities, and events. This area has a lower cost of living than other large cities in the state. Living near but outside a city is a good way to balance access to events, shopping, and community while enjoying the peacefulness of North Carolina's beautiful natural setting. The Charlotte and Raleigh areas combine bustling urban life with access to breathtaking parks and lakes. Near these well-known cities, you'll find a diverse cultural scene and plenty of fun things to do. There are many opportunities to connect, make new friends, and try new hobbies. 
• East: Along North Carolina's coast, there are many quaint beach towns where you can easily access the water and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle year-round. For example, the riverfront city of Wilmington is within close driving distance of the beach and has a growing arts scene. 

With so many beautiful areas to choose from, you're sure to find the ideal location for your preferred lifestyle in North Carolina. 

Economy and Job Market

North Carolina has a healthy economy and is a great place to move if you're looking for professional opportunities. In 2024, it was ranked as the second-best state in America to do business by CNBC, marking the fifth year in a row that North Carolina ranked in the top five best states to do business.

Some of the largest industries in North Carolina include banking, hospitals, and manufacturing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists other strong industries as education and health, construction, and finance. North Carolina also has a large, profitable agricultural sector. It's a great state to work in because there are diverse successful industries, allowing you to grow in your chosen field or switch careers if you prefer. 

Friendly Communities 

The South is known for its welcoming culture and generous hospitality, and North Carolina is no exception. If you're considering a move to this state, you don't need to worry about making friends — communities are filled with people looking for friends with shared interests. 

It's easy to get to know people, and there are many community events where you can connect with your neighbors. Churches, hobby groups, and volunteer opportunities are all ideal places to form new relationships. Every area has its own unique community flavor, allowing you to find “your people” and enjoy life alongside others. For example, hiking groups are common in mountain towns, while coastal areas often have volunteer groups who clean up beaches on the weekend.

Although demographics depend on where you are, North Carolina is home to people in many different life stages. The fastest-growing demographic in North Carolina is adults 65 years and older. However, the cities also attract many young families and professionals because of the job market and balance of nature and urban amenities. 

Request an Appointment With Keystone Custom Homes

At Keystone Custom Homes, we build homes that meet our clients' needs and fulfill their dreams. Choose from one of our many designer-inspired floorplans, then customize your new home by choosing from thousands of different design combinations. We'll help you every step of the way, from finding the right Keystone community to financing and more. 

Our clients can build on their own lot, build new in a Keystone community, or buy a new, pre-built home in one of our beautiful locations. When you work with us, we'll guide you through choosing the best floorplan for your family, finding a homesite, and finishing your home with personal touches. 

Using the MyKCH app, you can follow the construction process and stay updated on progress. All of our completed homes come with an industry-leading 20-year structural warranty. Contact us today at 717-368-9831 to learn more and start your new home journey!