Moving from California to North Carolina

From breathtaking mountain views and stunning beaches to culture, history, and amazing career opportunities, it’s no wonder so many people choose to call North Carolina home. Offering great weather, a thriving job market, and plenty of exciting things to see and do, North Carolina has become a desirable destination for young professionals, growing families, and retirees. As you prepare to make the cross-country journey from California, here’s what to know about North Carolina.

What’s the Price of Relocation? Estimating Your Move to North Carolina

If you're moving from California to North Carolina, the first thing to do is to determine your moving costs. A cross-country relocation can get pricey. You must budget and plan accordingly to ensure your next move doesn't cost you a fortune. 

The two options you have for your next move are to hire a moving company or to take the DIY approach. DIYing a cross-country relocation may seem affordable at first glance. However, there are many unexpected costs and expenses you'll need to plan for. Working with a professional moving company is the best way to save money while minimizing the physical and mental demands on you and your family.

The average cost to move from California to North Carolina with North American Van Lines is $5,400. Of course, several factors will determine the exact cost, such as the distance of your move, the number of items being moved and additional services such as packing or special handling. 

If you want to cut costs, you'll want to consider downsizing before you relocate. Moving during the off-season or during a weekday can also help you save money. For an accurate breakdown of expenses, try our free relocation cost calculator.

What’s the cost of Living in North Carolina

When comparing the cost of living in North Carolina vs. California, you'll find that North Carolina is more affordable in almost every aspect. Once you relocate, you can enjoy a significantly lower income and property tax. You can also expect to pay less for everyday essentials, dining and housing. According to Zillow, the average cost of a home is $328,101, and the average rent is $1,700. Buying a home is likely worth the investment if you plan on living in North Carolina for a while.

Most Popular Cities to Live in North Carolina

No matter where you're moving, you can look forward to a vibrant, welcoming community in North Carolina. There are many different cities to consider relocating to. Here are two of the most popular options for young professionals and families:

Charlotte

Affectionately nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. Residents love living here because they get to enjoy the amenities of a big city living with the feel of a small town. Charlotte has plenty to offer, including a bustling social scene, excellent schools, gorgeous parks, and fantastic restaurants. It also has a booming economy and plenty of job opportunities. It proudly ranks as the second biggest financial hub in the country and also ranks among the top 10 locations for start-up companies. Combine that with an affordable cost of living, a great food and drink scene, and close proximity to both the beach and the mountains, and it's easy to see why so many people flock to this incredible city.

Raleigh

From the great food, cheap cost of living, and endless variety of entertainment and outdoor activities, it comes as no surprise that Raleigh consistently ranks among the best places to live in America. With its abundant oak trees lining the city streets and adorable coffee shops and boutiques, Raleigh has the charm of a small town with the amenities of a big city. Just outside the city limits you will also find the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, which only add to the natural beauty of the city. Raleigh is also packed with incredible restaurants, great art galleries, interesting museums, and loads of festivals and local events.

How North Carolina’s Climate Compares to California’s

The one downside of moving from California to North Carolina is you may need to wave goodbye to the year-round, perfect weather. California is known for its mild winters, warm summers and pleasant falls. North Carolina, on the other hand, has a subtropical, humid climate, which means that it's relatively humid most of the year. Winters are relatively mild. However, you must prepare for unexpected tornados, floods and hurricanes during summer and fall. 

If you aren't used to extreme weather, you'll want to take some time to prepare yourself and your family. You'll need a tornado emergency plan and emergency kit to ensure you're prepared to ride out any storm that may come your way.

Tar Heel State: What Makes North Carolina Unique

Waving goodbye to a big tourist destination like California can be challenging. Thankfully, there are outdoor adventures, natural wonders and historic monuments throughout the state of North Carolina. On the weekends, you can explore the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Outer Banks. There are 40 different state parks in the state as well. All of these places have spots where you can camp, fish and hike. 

During the week, you can explore southern cuisine and the rich music scene in the cities. People who live in North Carolina are also passionate about sports and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. No matter where you move to in North Carolina, you and your family can enjoy a vibrant way of life. 

Make Your Move Easy with North American Van Lines

Whether you're moving from San Diego, San Bernardino or Palo Alto, North American Van Lines is here to ensure your relocation is a stress-free experience from start to finish. Our team is professionally trained to handle the packing, loading and transporting of your belongings. Everyone that works for us is also fully certified, insured and licensed.

We're here to help you plan and prepare for your cross-country relocation from California to North Carolina. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to get started.