Easy access to beaches, mountains and cultural institutions? Scenic beauty, a moderate climate, a culture rich in history and the arts, and world-class sports and recreational opportunities make North Carolina an exceptional place to live and do business. Combine that with quality healthcare, top universities and a low cost of living and it’s easy to see why most people who live here never want to leave.
North Carolina is renowned for its natural resources, with more than 300 miles of Atlantic coastline and the highest mountain peaks east of the Rockies. The state’s beaches, national and state parks, and mountains offer boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and skiing. Outdoor recreation abounds with the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout national seashores, 36 state parks, and much more.
From the nation’s first state-supported symphony and art museum to a nationally recognized zoo and system of coastal aquariums, cultural and educational experiences are plentiful. Theater, concerts, outdoor drama and festivals cultivate a deep appreciation of the arts. Recreation and sports amenities range from the celebrated golf course at Pinehurst—home of the 2014 PGA and LPGA Open Championship—to class IV rapids of the Nantahala, and an array of collegiate, amateur and professional sports including football, hockey, basketball, tennis, racing and baseball across the state. When you can see the sun rise over the ocean and set over the mountains all in the same day without leaving the state, the opportunities for vacation, relaxation and adventure are limitless.