Thanks to its gorgeous mountain views, serene coastlines, and unmatched career opportunities, people across the United States are relocating to North Carolina. With a population of over 10 million, North Carolina is the ninth largest state (demographically speaking) in the country—and it’s continuing to grow. North Carolina is a hotspot for transplants, especially young professionals, and it has something to offer for every type of resident.
Whether you’re moving across the country or relocating to a new city within NC, moving to a new area comes with a wide range of unique opportunities and challenges. Here are the best relocation tips to consider when drafting your North Carolina moving checklist.
Research different towns and communities.
Before buying a new home in NC, it’s a good idea to research different neighborhoods and real estate markets across the state. North Carolina is split into three regions: the coastal plains in the East, the Piedmont region toward the center of the state, and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, each offering scenic views, family-friendly communities, and rich cultural history.
Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill comprise the state’s “Triangle” region, and they’re some of the most popular destinations to find North Carolina homes for sale. Alternatively, if you’re in the market for a mountain home, NC realtors offer beautiful cabin homes with top-notch amenities surrounded by a captivating natural environment.
Ultimately, no matter where you decide to move, the state is home to a melting pot of diverse people with quaint, friendly cities offering a close-knit community feel.
Search for a new job.
If you’re already planning your move to NC, one of the best ways to expedite the moving process is to gain your employer’s support. In most cases, larger companies will help you transfer to a new state, and some new employers will even help pay for your long-distance relocation costs or even provide a housing stipend.
If you’re moving to find a higher-paying position, be sure to research major cities in NC for your industry, and consider the cost of living and average salary to help you determine the best place to move. If you know anyone in NC, ask them if they’re aware of any open positions in your new city.
Even if your hiring manager doesn’t offer to help with relocation expenses, securing a new job before you move can help alleviate financial stress, which can be common when moving to a new state. With that said, even though relocating to a new state before finding a new company might not seem ideal, many people take the leap and thrive.
Create a moving budget.
Especially if you’re planning a long-distance move, creating a moving budget can help you account for all the costs associated with relocating. In this case, instead of only including moving-related expenses, consider factoring in any living expenses you’ll incur in NC.
When drafting your moving budget, include one-time expenses—like hiring professional movers and buying bubble-wrap—as well as what recurring expenses will soon crop up. The more expenses and logistics you can account for upfront, the fewer unexpected costs you’ll face during the moving process. Once you’ve solidified your moving budget, you can search for ways to cut relocation costs.
To save money before moving, make sure to cancel recurring expenses, such as your cable bill or gym membership, in the months leading up to the move. By transferring that saved money into a separate moving fund, you can help prepare your savings account for your move. Additionally, selling any belongings you don’t plan to move can help you make money before the move and lower moving company costs.
Whether you’re relocating to NC for beach views, incredible food, or the state’s booming job market, North Carolina is a great state within which to plant your roots. All in all, taking the time to plan out your moving process and do your research before investing in a new house can help ensure your move is as stress-free as possible.
