As one of the original Thirteen Colonies, North Carolina is home to many firsts, one of the first organized protests against the tyranny of the Tea Act (lady protestors that spilled tea before “spilling tea” was a thing), first in freedom (North Carolina delegates didn’t waste their shot when it came to declaring freedom and signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20th, 1775, and the Halifax Resolves on April 12th, 1776), and the first in-flight (sorry, Ohio. If the Wright Brothers catch air in Kitty Hawk in our beloved Outer Banks, NC claims it). That’s why we all drive with “First in Freedom” or “First in Flight” on our license plates, we like to be first here in NC.

North Carolina truly has something for everyone. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the city of Asheville is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, craft beer drinkers, and music lovers. With the proximity to the mountains, Asheville is the epicenter for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and viewing some of North Carolina’s most famous waterfalls. If a cosmopolitan, fast-paced large city is more your speed, Charlotte has what you need. Major sports venues, exciting nightlife, and fine dining make Charlotte a great city to explore build a life you love living.

The capital city of Raleigh is rapidly changing and growing. Apple did, indeed, announce a Raleigh campus in the Research Triangle Park. Apple is not the only business coming to the area, there is a multitude of businesses coming to Raleigh. Along with the job market, Raleigh is centrally located in North Carolina, within a four-hour drive you can either head to the mountains or head to the beach. 

Beyond that, Raleigh is home to historic Dix Park, Pullen Park, and an ever-changing skyline with all the new building projects. If the beaches are more your vibe, Wilmington is the home of the historic Wilmington Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River. Located minutes from Pleasure Island, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach, Wilmington has a much slower pace than Raleigh, Charlotte, and Asheville. Relax on the beach as you lay back under your umbrella, stroll along the boardwalks, or shop in the quaint historic downtown district.

With all North Carolina has going on, it’s easy to see why so many people are moving to the Tar Heel state to build a life they love.