North Carolina

Where the land meets the sky, and the sky meets the ocean.

North Carolina is known for picturesque landscapes, abundant natural resources, and diverse ecosystems, which include forests, mountains, coastlines, and wetlands. Located in the South-eastern region of the United States, it is bordered by Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the west, South Carolina to the south, and Georgia and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, making it an excellent place for those who love the beach but also love hiking.

You cannot live in North Carolina and not be amazed by its rich cultural heritage, from museums to historical sites and festivals, including the North Carolina Folk Festival and the National Black Theatre Festival. Fun fact, North Carolina was the first state to declare independence from the British, making it the cradle of American Independence. The Old North State is home to several historic universities and colleges, including Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

North Carolina’s top 5 cities in North Carolina by population are Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem.

Charlotte is the largest city in the state and is known for its vibrant culture, sports teams, and museums. Some popular tourist attractions in Charlotte include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Carolina Panthers Bank of America Stadium, and the Levine Museum of the New South.

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, has some popular tourist destinations in Raleigh, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Museum of History. Raleigh is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area known as the Research Triangle because of its closeness to three major colleges: North Carolina State University, Duke, and the University of North Carolina, located at Chapel Hill. This makes this state a hub for many academic opportunities and, of course, smart people. So, it’s no surprise that the population trend in North Carolina has been consistently increasing over the past few decades.

With a population of just over 10 million in 2020, North Carolina’s economy is a thriving haven for Agriculture, being a major producer of tobacco and textiles. It’s also well known for technology, healthcare, and financial services.  Between 2021 and 2022, the state was 4th in the US for population increase with over 93,000 new residents and not for birth rate. People, including remote workers, retirees, and people looking for new opportunities, and companies love this city with the most inflow from New York, California, and Florida. More than 1 million people have relocated to the state since 2010, and the state is estimated to grow to over 11 million by 2030, according to the United States Census Bureau!

Over the years, North Carolina has received many accolades and rankings. It was named the second-best state for business in 2020 by Forbes and ranked as one of the best states for retirement by Bankrate.com. Fun fact, North Carolina is known as the “Tar Heel State.”  This nickname is derived from the state’s history of turpentine and tar production, a big industry in North Carolina around the 1700s and 1800s.

North Carolina is a popular tourist destination with several attractions and destinations to visit. Here are some of the top tourist centers in the state:

The Outer Banks: This long line of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina is famous for its beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and history. The Outer Banks is home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, commemorating the first powered flight, and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This protected area includes seventy miles of beautiful beaches.

Asheville: Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a known destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive through the mountains, and the Biltmore Estate, a historic mansion and garden.

Wilmington: Located on the coast, Wilmington is a charming city known for its history, beaches, and film industry. Some famous tourist attractions in Wilmington include the USS North Carolina Battleship, the Cape Fear Museum, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. 

The motto of the state of North Carolina is Esse quam videri, which is Latin for To be, rather than to seem. The state took this motto in 1893, and it’s inscribed on the Great Seal of North Carolina. It reflects the state’s values and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and integrity over appearances.