10 Things You Should Know Before Moving to North Carolina

What You Need to Know Before Moving to North Carolina

North Carolina is a state that blends natural beauty, thriving cities, and rich history. Whether you’re drawn by career opportunities, lifestyle options, or the warm weather, there’s plenty to explore in this diverse state. Before you make the move, here are ten things you should know to ensure a smooth transition to North Carolina.

1. The Weather: A Mix of All Seasons

North Carolina offers a full range of seasons, each bringing its own charm. Summers are warm and can be humid, particularly in the eastern part of the state. Winters are generally mild, especially in the coastal areas, but the mountains in the west can see snow. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful, with vibrant blooms and colorful foliage. This variety makes North Carolina an ideal place if you enjoy experiencing all four seasons without extreme conditions.

A pier in the middle of the ocean at sunset.
A view of a mountain range with trees in the foreground and a cloudy sky in the background.

3. Career Advancement: Booming Cities with Opportunities

If you’re looking for career growth, North Carolina’s major cities are among the best places to live. Charlotte is a hub for finance and banking, Raleigh boasts a strong tech and research presence, and Wilmington is growing in both the film and tech industries. Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point offer opportunities in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. These cities not only provide a solid job market but also host a range of networking opportunities and professional organizations that can help advance your career.

4. Diverse Lifestyles: Urban, Suburban, and Rural Living

North Carolina caters to various lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking the hustle and bustle of city life, the tranquility of suburban neighborhoods, or the peace of rural living, you’ll find a community that suits your preferences. The state’s cities offer vibrant cultural scenes, with restaurants, theaters, and music venues aplenty. Suburban areas provide excellent schools and family-friendly communities, while rural areas offer space and a slower pace of life.


see more: Find Your Dream Home in North Carolina

5. Education: Quality Schools and Universities

North Carolina is home to some of the best public and private schools in the country, making it an excellent choice for families. The state also boasts a renowned higher education system, with institutions like Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University leading the way. Whether you’re moving with children or looking to further your education, North Carolina offers strong educational opportunities.

6. Cost of Living: Affordable and Accessible

Compared to other states on the East Coast, North Carolina offers a relatively low cost of living. Housing, in particular, is more affordable, especially when compared to nearby states like Virginia or Georgia. Whether you’re looking for a downtown condo, a suburban family home, or rural acreage, you’ll find more for your money in North Carolina.


see more: Homes Under $300k

7. Outdoor Activities: A Playground for Nature Lovers

North Carolina’s diverse terrain provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities. The state parks and national forests offer hiking, biking, and camping options, while the numerous lakes and rivers are perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The state’s coastal areas provide some of the best beaches on the East Coast, making it easy to enjoy water sports or just relax by the sea. And if you’re moving to NC in the fall, don’t miss the North Carolina State Fair, a beloved tradition offering a taste of the state’s culture and community spirit.

8. Southern Hospitality: A Welcoming Community

One of the most notable aspects of moving to North Carolina is the warm and welcoming culture. The state is known for its Southern hospitality, where neighbors greet each other with a smile and a helping hand. Whether you’re new to town or just passing through, you’ll find that people in North Carolina are friendly and eager to make you feel at home.

9. Food and Drink: A Culinary Delight

North Carolina is a food lover’s paradise, famous for its barbecue, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Each region of the state offers its own unique culinary experiences. In addition to traditional Southern cuisine, you’ll find a growing number of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Whether you’re a foodie or just enjoy good comfort food, North Carolina’s culinary scene won’t disappoint.

10. Moving to North Carolina is Easy with True Homes

When it comes to new home construction in North Carolina, True Homes is your go-to partner. We understand the local market and offer a wide range of semi-custom homes in the best places to live in North Carolina, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point. Whether you’re looking for a quick move-in home or a personalized build, True Homes makes the process seamless, so you can focus on settling into your new life.



When considering what you need to know before moving to North Carolina, these ten aspects cover the essentials—from the vibrant weather and diverse career opportunities to the welcoming communities and delicious food. Moving to NC can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, and with the support of True Homes, finding your dream home in North Carolina has never been easier. Welcome to the Tar Heel State—your new adventure awaits!

Find your Dream Home in North Carolina Today!

Where We Build

Charleston, SC Charlotte, NC Greensboro, NC High Point, NC Raleigh, NC Wilmington, NC Winston-Salem, NC

About True Homes

Founded in 2006, True Homes is a local Carolina-based semi-custom home builder dedicated to bringing the best new home designs, style, and value to North and South Carolina residential communities. Headquartered in Monroe, NC, True Homes has built over 20,000 homes in communities across Charlotte, Charleston, Triad, Raleigh, and Wilmington. Learn more about True Homes at TrueHomes.com.


Ready to find your dream home? Take our new home finder quiz and find your new home today!

Read more from our blog:

A man is working on a piece of wood in a factory.
By Megan Patterson March 27, 2025
Charlotte, NC (March 27, 2025) — True Homes is honored to partner with Lowe’s , Appalachian Service Project (ASP) , Kelly McArdle Construction , the Home Builders Association of Greater Charlotte , and a network of dedicated collaborators to support recovery efforts in rural Western North Carolina. This initiative aims to help rebuild homes and restore hope for communities still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. As part of Lowe’s unwavering commitment to helping communities in need, the company has announced a $2 million investment specifically to support rebuilding efforts in Western North Carolina. This brings Lowe’s total contribution to recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton to $14 million. Read Lowe's Press Release here → Six months after Hurricane Helene made landfall, the need remains. While progress continues in these resilient mountain communities, many families still face enormous challenges. That’s why this initiative matters so deeply. Through our True Foundation, True Homes is proud to support the construction of 20 temporary tiny homes—each one an essential sanctuary for individuals and families navigating tremendous loss. These thoughtfully designed homes offer not only shelter but dignity, comfort, and connection during the long road to recovery. Each tiny home measures 8 feet by 16 feet, is permanently mounted on wheels and can accommodate three to four individuals. They include a kitchen, bathroom, and two full-size beds, along with a curated selection of furnishings and décor—lamps, curtains, bedding, towels, and decorative accents—selected by Lowe’s design team. In addition, each home will be delivered with fresh greenery specially chosen to brighten the small space. The homes will be delivered, installed, and connected to electricity on each recipient’s homesite—allowing individuals and families to stay in their neighborhood and on their land while their permanent home is being rebuilt. “This partnership represents the heart of what we do,” said John Bain, Executive Partner of Supply Chain at True Homes. “Our valued Trade Partners and volunteers are showing up with both their hearts and their hands—constructing these units in a warehouse facility generously donated in uptown Charlotte. Together with ASP, we’re working to deliver them to rural Western North Carolina, where they’re needed most. We can’t even begin to express the gratitude we feel for everyone contributing to the success of this build.” With over 50 volunteers already signed up, the outpouring of support has been a powerful expression of our shared commitment to people and place. The homes are being built in a warehouse generously donated in Uptown Charlotte, and ASP will lead the delivery of these units to areas most in need. At True Homes, we are deeply humbled to be part of this life-changing effort—and remain committed to making More Life possible for every individual and every community we serve.
By Nicole Nava March 25, 2025
At True Homes, we believe that a home is more than just a place to live—it’s the starting point for More Life. It’s where memories are made, dreams take root, and communities grow. That’s why we’re excited to announce our Associate Partnership with Charlotte Football Club (Charlotte FC) —a collaboration that reflects our deep commitment to people, community, and connection. Teaming Up to Inspire More Life Charlotte FC is more than just a soccer team—it’s a movement that brings people together from all walks of life, rallying around the love of the game and pride in our communities. Much like building a home, building a strong community takes dedication, passion, and heart—values both True Homes and Charlotte FC share. Through this partnership, we’re creating opportunities to engage with families, homeowners, and sports fans in a meaningful way—because to us, More Life starts with real connection. Connecting with Fans and Future Homeowners Our Associate Partnership with Charlotte FC isn’t about logos and signs—it’s about relationships. It’s about being present where people gather, cheering together, dreaming together, and showing up for the moments that matter. Whether you're a lifelong homeowner or still chasing the dream of owning your first home, True Homes is here to walk alongside you, just like we stand alongside our home team. A Shared Vision for Stronger Communities At True Homes, we don’t just build houses—we build possibilities. And that means investing in the communities we serve, on and off the field. Just as Charlotte FC inspires pride and unity through soccer, we aim to inspire pride of homeownership—a foundation for families to thrive. Together, we’re empowering individuals and families to dream bigger, live fuller, and connect deeper—because when we unite as neighbors, as fans, and as friends, everybody wins.
A blue house with white trim and a white garage door
By Megan Patterson March 18, 2025
As we move deeper into 2025, many prospective homebuyers are asking: “Is now a good time to buy a house?” “Will home prices keep going up?” “Should I consider new construction in this market?” If you’re considering buying a new home in North or South Carolina, the good news is: you're looking in the right place. The Carolinas—particularly Charlotte, Raleigh, and Charleston—are currently some of the hottest real estate markets in the U.S. ( Architectural Digest ). Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or planning a move to a growing area, the 2025 housing market still offers strong opportunities—especially in new construction—and True Homes is here to help.
Share by: