North Carolina

The state is home to numerous state parks, forests, and natural areas. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway that runs through the Appalachian Mountains, offers breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

It’s a state that has a good real estate streak, and it’s also quite nice and friendly to live in. For instance, the median price of a home in North Carolina is approximately $289,300. This is lower than the average cost of a home in a state like California which is roughly $799,000.

State highlights

Roanoke Island was home to the first English settlement in the New World, known as the ’Lost Colony.’ In 1587, settlers mysteriously disappeared, leading to the famous ’Lost Colony’ mystery that remains unsolved.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, founded in 1789, is the oldest public university in the United States.

During the 19th century, North Carolina was a significant center of textile production, earning the state the nickname ’The Tar Heel State.’ The textile industry played a crucial role in the state’s economic development.

North Carolina has a historical connection to tobacco farming and production. The state’s history as a major tobacco producer led to the nickname ’The Tobacco State.’

Pepsi was invented in New Bern, North Carolina, in the late 19th century by pharmacist Caleb Bradham.

North Carolina has contributed to various music genres, from traditional Appalachian music to modern genres like hip-hop. The state is the birthplace of artists such as Nina Simone, John Coltrane, J. Cole, and Petey Pablo.

The first Krispy Kreme doughnut shop opened in Winston-Salem in 1937. The original location still operates and offers visitors a glimpse of the doughnut-making process.

Geographic location

The state’s geography is diverse, ranging from the coastal plains to the eastern Atlantic seashore, the Piedmont region in the central part of the state, and the Appalachian Mountains in the western part. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Climate

The climate varies across the state, with coastal areas experiencing milder winters and hot summers, while the western mountains see colder winters and more moderate summers.

Coastal Region

The coastal areas of North Carolina experience a humid subtropical climate. Summers are typically hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the 80s to low 90s °F. Winters are generally mild, with average high temperatures in the 50s to 60s °F. The region can experience occasional hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November.

Piedmont Region

The central Piedmont region has a humid subtropical climate as well. Summers are warm to hot, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s °F. Winters are cooler than the coastal areas, with average high temperatures in the 50s °F. Snowfall is possible during the winter months but is generally light and infrequent.

Mountain Region

The western mountainous areas of North Carolina, including the Appalachian Mountains, have a subtropical highland climate. Summers are cooler and less humid compared to the rest of the state, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s °F. Winters are colder, with average high temperatures in the 40s to 50s °F. The higher elevations in this region can receive significant snowfall during the winter months.

Demography

The capital of North Carolina is Raleigh and the largest city in the state is Charlotte, which is also the economic and cultural hub of the state. Other major cities include Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, and Asheville., according to U.S. Census Bureau in 2022, it had an estimated population of 10,698,973 people.

North Carolina has a diverse population with various ethnic and racial backgrounds. The largest ethnic group is non-Hispanic White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, African American, Native American, and Asian.

North Carolina has older age than the rest of the U.S., at around 39.2 years old compared to the national average of 38.5.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is reported to be low at North Carolina State. Charlotte has a median home price of about $289,300. Which is lower than the national average of $339,048. Median income levels can vary based on factors such as education, occupation, and location within the state. The average median income of the state is approximately $46,693.

The average salary in the state of North Carolina is approximately $52,426 per year.

Transportation

North Carolina has a well-developed transportation network that includes various modes of transportation, ranging from highways and railways to airports and public transit systems. Here’s an overview of transportation in the state:

North Carolina has an extensive network of highways and interstates that connect major cities and regions within the state and link it to neighboring states. Interstate highways include I-40, I-85, and I-77.

Major cities in North Carolina, such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham, have public transit systems that include buses and, in some cases, light rail systems. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and the Triangle Transit Authority (Go Triangle) serve the Charlotte and Research Triangle regions, respectively.

The state of North Carolina is served by several major airports, with the busiest being Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte. Other notable airports include Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, and Wilmington International Airport (ILM).

Freight railways play a significant role in North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods within the state and across the country.

North Carolina has several ports along its coastline that contribute to its role in maritime trade. The Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City handle containerized and bulk cargo, serving as gateways for goods entering and leaving the state.

Schools

North Carolina is home to several notable schools including elementary, middle, and high schools, and universities. The following list is some of the best universities in the state.

Public Universities:

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill): One of the oldest public universities in the United States. It’s part of the University of North Carolina system.

North Carolina State University (NC State): Located in Raleigh, it is known for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and agriculture. It’s also part of the University of North Carolina system.

East Carolina University (ECU): Located in Greenville, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is particularly known for its health sciences programs.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte): Located in Charlotte, this university offers diverse academic programs and is known for its focus on urban research and community engagement.

Appalachian State University: Located in Boone, it is known for its strong programs in education, health sciences, and sustainability.

Private Universities:

Duke University: Located in Durham, it is a prestigious private research university known for its strong programs in law, medicine, business, and engineering.

Wake Forest University: Located in Winston-Salem, it is known for its liberal arts education and vital programs in law, business, and health sciences.

Elon University: Located in Elon, this private university is known for its focus on experiential learning and strong programs in business, communications, and the arts.

Community Colleges:

North Carolina also has a robust community college system that offers a variety of vocational and technical programs, as well as opportunities for transfer to four-year institutions.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs):

North Carolina A&T State University: Located in Greensboro, N.C. it is a prominent HBCU known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and other STEM fields.

North Carolina Central University: Located in Durham, NCCU is another HBCU with strong programs in law, education, and social sciences.

What is the state like?

North Carolina has a mix of cultural influences, including Native American, African American, European, and Hispanic. This diversity is reflected in the state’s art, music, cuisine, and festivals. The state is known for its traditional Appalachian music, vibrant music scenes in cities like Asheville and Raleigh, and its distinctive style of barbecue.

The state has a strong sports culture, particularly in college basketball. Rivalries between teams like the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke University Blue Devils constitute a significant part of the local sports scene. NASCAR is also deeply rooted in the state, with Charlotte being known as the ’NASCAR capital.’