Ask anyone which state they would like to live in and most would say California, New York, or Florida. However, one should not forget the lesser-known states, such as North Carolina.
Located in the southeast United States and surrounded by South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina is the 28th largest state in the US. It is comprised of 100 counties, and has a variety of diversified industries to sustain the state’s economy. The capital is Raleigh, and its largest, and most populated, city is Charlotte.
There are many perks of living in North Carolina, including a lower cost of living and a wide range of amenities for its residents to enjoy. Below is a review of some reasons why North Carolina is a great place to live.
Real Estate Costs
Real estate in North Carolina is much more affordable compared to New York. With urban prices ranging from $90,000 for a 3-bedroom condo to $600,000 for a premium, 5-bedroom house, one is guaranteed to enjoy much more bang for their buck in North Carolina compared to the real estate nightmare in highly-populated New York.
There are also options for the larger rural properties in North Carolina which can cost anything from $500,000 for a 3-bedroom house on 5 acre lot up to $8 million for 3-bedroom house on an 800 acre estate in the mountains.
Housing in New York is ridiculously expensive, with prices ranging from $200,000 for a 450 square-foot apartment to $60 million for a 4-bedroom apartment in the city center. It is no wonder that only the rich and famous can afford to live in the city!
Overall Cost of Living
Living in North Carolina will also bring one great cost savings. The cost of living in North Carolina is lower than the US average, and this is even more so in the rural areas. Housing, utilities, supplies, groceries and health care cost less than that in New York without compromising on quality.
The cost of living in New York is much higher than that in North Carolina, with the higher average price of groceries, utilities and transport placing a greater strain on one’s budget. It is said that a six figure sum is needed to belong to the middle class in the state!
Climate
When compared to New York, North Carolina has a much more temperate climate. While North Carolina still has a cold winter, with snow in some areas, you will not see nearly the same amount of snowfall and freezing temperatures as you would in New York.
Annual Property Taxes
Property taxes in North Carolina have been rather constant for the last five years, from $0.280 per $100 valuation in Dare County to $1.030 per $100 valuation in Scotland County.
New York residents are subject to extremely high property taxes, ranging from 10 to 20 per cent of the value of the property. With higher sale prices typical of city housing, New Yorkers will most definitely end up paying much more compared to their counterparts in North Carolina.
Culture and Recreation
North Carolina offers a vast selection of cultural experiences and facilities for its residents. Golf courses and available throughout the state, and beaches, national and state parks and mountains are a great opportunity for activities such as boating, kayaking and fishing. Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout are some examples of great places to spend some time with Mother Nature, away from the hustle and bustle of technology.
In addition, there are art museums, theaters and wineries throughout the. Animal lovers will definitely love the zoological park and extensive system of aquariums available throughout the state as well.
It is no secret that New York offers a slew of film, theater, dance and visual art centers. However, ticket prices tend to be really pricey and can easily cost up to several hundred dollars per month.
Summing Up
While New York does offer the perks of living in a highly connected city, there are some benefits of living in smaller, more affordable locations such as North Carolina. If you prefer being closer to nature and enjoying a comfortable pace of life, North Carolina is indeed a great choice for you!
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