05/12/2020
Which North Carolina Region is Right for You?
From the mountains to the foothills to the Piedmont and coastline, there’s something for everyone to love who chooses to make North Carolina home.
In this article, we’ll cover the highlights of each section of the Old North State that make it such a prime destination for people wishing to make the move to a better climate and job market.
North Carolina has around 10 million people and counting. In recent years, the state has experienced an influx of northern and western transplants from other states. Most of the moves are work-related, but some are for other reasons such as a better climate, more affordable higher education, beautiful coastline, family, and of course a burgeoning job market.
If you’re unsure about which section of North Carolina is right for you, then read on. We’ve given you an overview of the sections along with information about what makes each region special.
Mountains
Asheville has experienced a bit of an awakening in recent years and has become a hipster paradise with its foodie restaurants and specialty boutiques set amidst the nostalgic setting of downtown Asheville. It’s a place where people go to take weekend road trips for good food, crafts, and shopping. A few historical sites attract visitors from all over the world including the Thomas Wolfe house located in the center of downtown, and the prized Biltmore House located on the outskirts of the city off both Highway 25 North and Interstate 40.
Biltmore is beautiful year-round, but especially so at Christmastime with its candle-light tours and of course in the fall when the colorful foliage is in full display. Springtime is also scenic with the gardens in full bloom. Skiing brings many visitors in the winter months, and golfers enjoy the local golf courses year-round.
Biltmore Estate is the largest private residence in the United States. It was built by shipping and railroad entrepreneur George Vanderbilt. Along with the tour, you can enjoy a wine tasting at the winery and dining also located onsite. Many visitors enjoy staying at the Grove Park Inn located on the grounds.
If you enjoy photographing scenic landscapes, then the North Carolina Appalachian Mountains has much to offer. Waterfall fans will especially enjoy NC’s mountain region. The area is estimated to have 250+ waterfalls. You can find a list at http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/ to start your waterfalls tour. Two-hundred and fifty of these waterfalls are located in Transylvania County which is often referred to as “The Land of the Waterfalls.”
Cherokee has fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and gambling (casino). If you don’t want to go that deep into the mountains, then there’s plenty of interesting spots to find in the Asheville, Pisgah National Forest, and Lake Lure areas.
Triad
The Piedmont Triad is the north-central region of North Carolina surrounding the three cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, hence, the “Triad.” The population is around 1,611,243 and is connected to Interstates 40, 85, 73, and 74. They have a Piedmont Triad International Airport This area is known for its manufacturing and transportation hubs. UNC-Greensboro is a popular state university and attracts many students to this area.
The Triad is noted for its textile, furniture, and to***co. It remains the national center of textile manufacturing. Hanes is based in Winston-Salem. International Textile Group is based in Greensboro as well as Lorillard To***co Company. Reynolds American is based in Winston-Salem. Furniture manufacturers headquartered in the Triad especially in High Point, Thomasville, and Lexington have created trucking, logistics, and warehousing businesses as a result of their industry’s prominence in the area.
Research Triangle Park
In the middle of the state, you’ll find the Research Triangle Park which covers the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas. Also, this encompasses three universities that are heavy research hubs: Duke University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. Basically, it’s a huge collection of tech and pharma companies with loads of job opportunities.
Raleigh and Cary are hot real estate markets located close to RTP. The commute to RTP from Raleigh is 25 minutes, and about 16 minutes or less from Cary. These two cities have high performing schools and scenic wooded neighborhoods and parks.
If you prefer downtown living, then you can find plenty of luxury condos in downtown Raleigh and near Wade Avenue. Glenwood South offers condo and homeowners fine dining and popular nightlife venues nearby. Cameron Village is an eclectic collection of neighborhoods with shopping and dining within walking distance.
Coastal Communities
Towns such as Beaufort and Edenton offer beautiful views and access to the ocean, however, eastern North Carolina is not known for its prosperity in the job market. It’s a great place to go to school with several four-year universities such as UNC Wilmington and a medical school at Eastern Carolina University. Plus, it’s a great place to retire with numerous senior housing options and golf courses everywhere. But if you’re looking or a new high-paying job, then you may want to consider other areas of the state. Textile mills closed up and manufacturing jobs disappeared over the years, leaving many unemployed. However, areas such as Greenville, are experiencing some growth in the job market, which is promising.
The best part of living along NC’s coastline are the stunning views and uncrowded beaches. Some of these coastal communities are breathtaking and very affordable as vacation rentals. It’s a great place to play, relax, and retire.
