Why We Chose North Carolina (and What’s Inconvenient About It)

When people hear I work remotely and could live anywhere, the follow-up is almost always: “So why North Carolina?” Fair question. If you’re considering a move, or just curious, here’s a transparent look at why we picked this state—and what’s less-than-perfect about it. I’ll walk you through the real numbers, the perks, the quirks, and a few things that still bug me. No sugarcoating, no “best life” Instagram vibes—just the lived experience.

The Decision Matrix: How We Chose North Carolina

Choosing where to settle as a remote worker is both freeing and a little overwhelming. I started with a spreadsheet (engineers, you know the drill) and compared the states we’d lived in or considered: Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Florida, North Carolina.

Here’s What Made North Carolina Stand Out

Climate: Seasons! Real ones. We wanted mild winters, no relentless snow, and enough warmth for outdoor life.
Cost of Living: Housing prices are (mostly) sane. Property taxes, insurance, and utilities are manageable compared to the coasts.
Schools: Decent public schools, especially around the Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), plus a ton of charter options.
Healthcare: Good hospitals and specialists—not just in cities, but within reach if you’re a little suburban or rural.
Travel Access: You’re never far from a major airport (Raleigh, Charlotte, or even Wilmington). East Coast flights are painless.

“It’s not just about where you can afford to live. It’s about where you can actually live well.”

What’s Actually Inconvenient About North Carolina?

Let’s get real: there’s no paradise. For every pro, there’s a con. Here’s what’s under the hood once you’ve signed the lease.

1. Hurricanes & Storm Season

If you’re near the coast, hurricane season is a thing. Our insurance (50 miles from the Atlantic) is higher than it was in Colorado. The National Hurricane Center’s map is bookmarked in my browser every August–October.

Real numbers: Homeowners insurance in Wake County, NC: $1,300/year. Our old Denver policy? $950.

2. Car-Dependence

No matter if you’re in Raleigh, Asheville, or a small town—public transport is sparse, and most errands require a car. I tried biking to the grocery store for a month; the experiment ended with a flat tire and a sweaty meltdown in the dairy aisle. (Would not repeat.)

3. Summer Humidity

Yes, you get four seasons, but July–August are sticky. I grew up in the Midwest, so I thought I was ready. Reader, I was not. Central air isn’t optional; it’s survival. Outdoor runs before 8am, or not at all.

Other Minor Trade-Offs

Allergies: Pollen season covers your car like a fuzzy blanket. Zyrtec is a line item in our budget.
Traffic: Raleigh and Charlotte aren’t LA, but rush hour on I-40 will test your patience.
“Southern Hospitality”: Usually genuine, but sometimes means “I’ll wave, but don’t expect me to help you carry your couch.”

Step-by-Step: Our State-Choosing Process

List your must-haves. Ours: safe neighborhoods, good public schools, decent healthcare, reasonable cost of living, airport under 40 minutes away.
Score each state/city. We made a 1–10 scale for each must-have and plugged in data (Niche, Zillow, Numbeo, local forums).
Visit, don’t just research. We spent a week in Raleigh and Charlotte. Ate at chain restaurants, drove during rush hour, toured homes with a realtor.
Talk to locals. I joined a couple of North Carolina subreddits, asked questions, and got honest answers about weather and schools.
Factor in “hidden” costs. Insurance, utilities, property taxes, travel to see family, and even allergy meds.

Our Numbers: Example Cost Breakdown (2024)

Expense	North Carolina	Colorado (for comparison)
3BR House, Suburb	$410,000	$545,000
Property Tax/Yr	$3,200	$4,900
Home Insurance/Yr	$1,300	$950
Electricity (Summer)	$180/mo	$130/mo
Internet (1Gbps)	$65/mo	$75/mo
Car Insurance	$105/mo	$110/mo

Quick Checklist: Should You Consider North Carolina?

Do you prefer mild winters and can handle humid summers?
Is car-commuting (or at least, car-owning) a non-issue for you?
Do you need proximity to good schools and healthcare?
Is hurricane prep something you’re willing to add to your adulting list?
Are you okay with pollen season (and buying air filters)?
Do you want to live somewhere with both mountains and beaches within a 4-hour drive?

Useful Tools & Links

One Quick Story: The Summer I Learned About Humidity

We moved in late June. I thought, “Hey, I’ll take the kids to the park before lunch.” By 10:30am, the slides were too hot to touch and we looked like we’d run a marathon. We now do summer outside time before breakfast, and I bought a second box fan for my office. Sometimes, you learn by sweating through your shirt.

“You don’t pick the perfect state. You pick the trade-offs you can live with.”

North Carolina isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it works for us—flaws, humidity, hurricanes, and all. If you’re spreadsheet-inclined, or just want a place that balances cost, community, and climate, it’s worth a serious look.

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Why We Chose North Carolina (and What’s Inconvenient About It)

The Decision Matrix: How We Chose North Carolina

Here’s What Made North Carolina Stand Out