Home to the top-ranked destination for inbound moves in 2024, the Tar Heel State is a place of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities. Whether you're seeking the coastal breeze, Southern charm, a growing tech scene, or a bustling urban hub, North Carolina has something for everyone. 

 

Three of the state's most appealing cities—Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington—offer unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. Let’s dive into why living in North Carolina could be your best next move.

 

 

Pictured: AMH-built community Brentwood in Charlotte.

 

Moving to North Carolina

 

A growing number of people are relocating to North Carolina in search of a better quality of life, more affordable housing, abundant job opportunities, and the state's scenic beauty and diverse landscapes.

 

If you think this sounds intriguing, you’re not alone. In 2023 and 2024, North Carolina was among the top 3 U.S. states with the most one-way U-Haul^® customers. And developers are responding to the demand in kind: thousands of new, single-family rentals are currently in the construction pipeline, bringing in new supply to accommodate inbound migration.

 

 

Pictured: AMH-built community Brentwood in Charlotte.

 

Charlotte: An economic hub with a thriving entertainment scene

 

North Carolina’s largest city, often called the "Queen City," is a fast-paced, cosmopolitan metropolis known as one of the major financial hubs in the United States. Famed for its mild climate, booming economy, thriving culture, and family-friendly atmosphere, Charlotte is ideal for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle with a sense of community.

 

As home to the headquarters of major corporations like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, the city has earned its reputation as a financial powerhouse, but its diverse economy spans industries like healthcare, energy, technology, and manufacturing.

 

Offering a wealth of job opportunities across sectors, the city has long attracted well-educated young professionals, recent graduates, and young families looking for greater upward mobility and affordability compared to other major cities like New York, San Francisco, or even Atlanta. In fact, a study from CoworkingCafe found that the unemployment rate among people ages 20-29 in Charlotte is just 4%, which is better or on par with Atlanta, Seattle, Austin, and Kansas City.

 

In addition to the economic perks, Charlotte is a city that loves to entertain. The Mint Museum, Charlotte Film Festival, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, NASCAR Hall of Fame, and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture are just a few of its rich cultural offerings. The Carolina Panthers (NFL) and the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) both call the city home, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts some of the biggest races in NASCAR, drawing fans from all over the world.

 

And the city has even bigger plans for the future. With continued development in both commercial and residential spaces, Charlotte is quickly becoming a regional and national powerhouse. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, connects residents to cities worldwide, making it an excellent hub for travel.

 

The City of Charlotte has also invested heavily in public transit, green spaces, and infrastructure in recent years, ensuring its growth is sustainable. The expansion of the Lynx light rail system and improved bike lanes show that Charlotte is not just growing in size but evolving to meet the needs of its residents.

 

Add all of that to a cost of living that is 3% below the national average, and it’s easy to see why so many young professionals are flocking to the Queen City — a trend that doesn’t appear to be abating anytime soon. In fact, 117 people moved to the Charlotte metropolitan area every day between July 1, 2022  to July 1, 2023, aligning with the growth trajectory of major hubs like Atlanta and surpassing other notable cities such as Austin and Nashville.

 

Interested in exploring Charlotte? Check out AMH homes for rent in the area.

 

 

Pictured: AMH-built community Holleman Hills in Raleigh.

 

Raleigh: A capital city with top-tier quality of life

 

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is a dynamic city known for its exceptional quality of life, educational institutions, and growing tech scene. Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Raleigh is a hub for innovation, research, and higher education, making it an ideal place for anyone looking to live in an intellectually stimulating environment.

 

Since 2020, the Raleigh-Cary metro area has grown by 10.2%, outpacing the national rate of 2.6%. Much of this is attributable to its abundant economic possibilities. With its proximity to top universities like Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the city is home to a thriving startup culture and a wealth of research opportunities.

 

Major companies in software development, biotechnology, and healthcare have also established a strong presence in the area, providing ample career opportunities for professionals. In fact, the Milken Institute recently ranked Raleigh as number 1 in economic performance among 403 U.S. metropolitan areas, fostered by strong job and wage growth and a robust high-tech presence.

 

“Raleigh and Gainesville have both experienced remarkable employment and wage growth, coupled with robust performance in their access to economic opportunities indicators. These metro areas prove that strong economic performance is possible in an environment that provides residents with the opportunities necessary to thrive,” says Maggie Switek, PhD, senior director of research at the Milken Institute.

 

Additionally, Raleigh offers an affordable cost of living, with home prices remaining reasonable relative to salaries and job opportunities. It consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the country thanks to its mild climate, proximity to the mountains and the beach, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces.

 

Today, the city is home to an impressive network of parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the expansive William B. Umstead State Park and the scenic Neuse River Trail, offering plenty of room for hiking, biking, and exploring nature. And for foodies, the city is a culinary hotspot, offering everything from Southern comfort food to innovative international cuisine.

 

With a vibrant downtown and a lively mix of music, art, and fine dining, Raleigh offers the perfect blend of fun and community, making it easy for families to feel at home.

Interested in exploring Raleigh? Check out AMH homes for rent in the area.

 

Wilmington: Where coastal beauty meets Southern charm

 

Nestled along the Atlantic Coast, Wilmington is a gem of a city that beautifully blends historic charm with a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, picturesque waterfront, and breathtaking coastal scenery, Wilmington offers a unique blend of small-town warmth with the modern conveniences of a city.

 

The lively riverfront along Cape Fear is a hallmark of Wilmington’s beauty, home to a vibrant mix of restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. The port city also features landmarks like the Battleship North Carolina, the historic Bellamy Mansion, and the acclaimed North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, and boasts popular surf spots like Wrightsville and Carolina Beach.

 

With all of these charming qualities, Wilmington continues to attract new residents, including nature lovers, empty-nesters, and retirees — so much so that the 2024 United Van Lines Movers Study, a report by a national moving company that releases data on where people are entering and exiting annually, ranked it the top U.S. metro area for inbound moves. In their study, 83% of tracked movers chose to relocate to the area, with only 17% moving out. 

 

Interested in exploring Wilmington? Check out AMH homes for rent in the area.

 

 

Pictured: AMH-built community Stewart's Crossing in Charlotte.

 

As more people from all walks of life choose to call North Carolina home, the state is steadily climbing the ranks of desirability, and is projected to surpass Georgia and Ohio to become the 7th most populous state by the early 2030s. With this momentum, the state's growth shows no signs of slowing. Whether you’re starting a new career, growing your family, or looking for a fresh beginning, North Carolina’s friendly communities and high quality of life offer the ideal home to settle in.

 

Interested in moving to North Carolina? AMH has you covered. Check out AMH homes for rent in the state.