Overview

North Carolina welcomes newcomers and rewards residents with gorgeous scenery, comfortable weather, a reasonable cost of living and a strong sense of community. From the majestic Great Smoky Mountains to the impressive views from the Blue Ridge Parkway, from the scenic coast to the hundreds of lakes, rivers and waterfalls, the Tarheel State (aka Old North State) is a land of great beauty and opportunity.

What to Expect

North Carolina has a varied economy that has traditionally relied on agriculture and the manufacture of textiles and furniture. In recent years, high-tech and research development firms in the state have grown notably in numbers. Tourism is also an important factor in the economy. Tourists come to appreciate the natural scenery, learn from historic sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, and enjoy outdoor recreation including golf, skiing, fishing and hunting.

Charlotte

The state's largest city with more than 800,000 residents, Charlotte is a great place to call home. But don't take our word for it--it's been rated by numerous publications as one of the best places to live in America. Charlotte's residents enjoy their tree-lined streets, where they're likely to run into neighbors venturing out of their apartments to enjoy the fresh air and year-round mild climate. When it comes to apartment rentals, you'll find a nice variety of location, price and amenities, from basic studio apartments to luxury complexes with pools, tennis courts, clubhouses, social events and other desirable features.

Raleigh

As the state capital and second largest city, Raleigh offers a very livable blend of urban amenities and Southern charm. They call it "City Life, Carolina Style," and they prove it with trendy restaurants and cutting-edge culture tempered with good old-fashioned Southern manners. Raleigh is a hub for politics, culture, trade and industry; it produces products including electronics, health care, apparel, food products, paper products and pharmaceuticals. Along with Chapel Hill and Durham, Raleigh is part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, utilizing the scientific talent of the three cities' universities. Residents enjoy the many libraries, museums, the opera, professional hockey team, an arboretum and several 18th-century houses, including the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson.

Greensboro

North Carolina's third largest city, Greensboro enjoys a lower cost of living and fewer big-city attributes than Charlotte and Raleigh, but there's no lack of cultural activities and interesting destinations for its almost 300,000 residents. The city is a financial, insurance and distribution center for the region, and its significant industries include manufacturing auto parts, electronic and telecommunications equipment, and food and beverages. Greensboro's downtown has the look of a mini metropolis with its handful of skyscrapers, but the real attraction is the charming, historic downtown district--while you’re looking for apartments here, be sure to check out the Historical Museum and the new public library and children's museum. The city is also proud of its burgeoning theater scene.

North Carolina State Map With Cities

View an interactive map of the state of North Carolina