Quality of Life

Groundbreakers, world-beaters, fast trackers, firestarters, life balancers. You’ll find them all in North Carolina. Living and working in some of the most vibrant, growing and all-around inviting places in the country. All while making the most of an extremely friendly cost of living. Here’s just a taste of what it’s like here.

North Carolina is one of few states where you can enjoy scenic mountains, bustling city skylines, and 300 miles of beautiful beaches. Our moderate climate is characterized by mild winters, long pleasant periods of spring and fall, and warm summers.

Play our iconic golf courses, watch our pro sports (Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Hurricanes, Charlotte FC and NASCAR), and take in our storied college rivalries. Or enjoy our nature by boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, or skiing.

North Carolina’s emerging food scene is punctuated by James Beard -nominated chefs and award-winning breweries. Asheville is consistently rated as a top destination for food, while every region boasts renowned barbecue and down-home southern cooking.

There’s no reason to pay a premium for living well. In North Carolina, you’ll discover a cost of living that’s below the national average and high in personal satisfaction.

North Carolina offers a low tax burden – and it’s getting lower. A flat personal income tax rate of 4.25% will be lowered to 3.99% by 2026. Many of our cities offer property tax rates lower than the national average. Your money stretches further here.