North Carolina is home to several 'in the spotlight' cities. Many visit Asheville to experience the unique culture, Charlotte for the metropolitan vibes, and the triad for the twin cities and furniture shopping in High Point. But it seems the one city in North Carolina with the most press is indeed the Capitol city of Raleigh.
It's an annual reader poll that basis decisions on attractions, dining, shopping, culture, plus things to do and see. With 400 cities in the ranks - it's impressive that Raleigh made the coveted list, especially at No. 9!
Raleigh ranks among the best city for recent grads and young professionals. It's also a great place to raise a family with gorgeous, quaint suburbs and easy commutes to and from the city. But not all happens within Raleigh; The Triangle (Raleigh/Durham) is quickly becoming the Silicon Valley of the East Coast. Raleigh has seen an impressive amount of newcomers and is ranked as one of "America's next Boomtowns," with North Carolina a top 5 destination for movers. To read the full list of how Raleigh ranks,
Raleigh is quickly becoming a key area of culture, arts, food (plus Durham) and a great place to live (whatever your age might be). With a central location - you can be at the beach in two(ish) hours or take a quick drive to the Piedmont or haul it to the mountains in just four. While Charlotte appears as the large, shining gem of metropolitan North Carolina - you might want to keep your eyes peeled on Raleigh!
We love traveling, but when you're heading back home after a long trip, the best thing you can possibly see is that "Welcome to North Carolina" sign that lets you know you've re-entered the Tar Heel State. There's nothing that compares to the joy of returning back to the best place in the world. Exploring other areas is wonderful, but coming back to good old North Carolina is a pleasure like no other.
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When you start drawing near and see that magical green sign that says "Welcome to North Carolina," you'll feel immediately at home like everything is right in the world.
Whether you were gone briefly or live elsewhere now and are returning to your hometown for a visit, nothing can compare to the joy of crossing that last state line and passing by one of those welcoming North Carolina signs.
So, how do you feel whenever you see a "Welcome to North Carolina" sign? What are your favorite things about life in North Carolina? Have you spent your whole life here, or are you a more recent transplant? Share your experiences in the comments: we'd love to hear about your life in the Tar Heel State! You can also show off your love for NC with apparel and accessories from Wear Your Roots!
Want to see a gorgeous view of North Carolina? Head to Clingmans Dome! Check out this video from OnlyInYourState for information and inspiration:
With so many exceptional aspects to North Carolina, its residents thrive among the numerous choices for fun, including fishing, swimming, hiking, dining, sports, and cultural activities, bringing visitors to The Tar Heel State in droves. From the magical coast to the majestic mountains there are lots of reasons to be proud, but a few stand out more than others. Here are some of the hills everyone in North Carolina is willing to die on about living in North Carolina.
From the great Smokies to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this rugged state offers gorgeous waterfalls, hiking trails, and overlooks along its winding Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail. With more than 3,398 named mountains in North Carolina, 40 reach 6,000 feet high, giving bragging rights as the best mountains anywhere.
While sweet tea is available almost everywhere in North Carolina, one of the best places offering the liquid delight ROMANZ TEA is The Sweet Tea Cafe, where you'll find the artisan craft micro-brewed specialty made with love and sunshine with a cult following.
The 300 miles of barrier-island beaches make up the coasts, here, offering plenty of opportunities to find the very best sea shells and shark's teeth, dance on the piers, or fish in the gorgeous ocean or many of the lakes and waterways in North Carolina.
For more than 50 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway is the only place in the world to enjoy a race, visit race shops and learn about the interesting history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
This smooth, tangy flavor, rich in egg yolks is best slathered on homegrown, garden tomatoes. And if you must carry it around, slapping it all between your favorite slices of white bread will do, but they are best served cold and alone. Or try a famous BLT with an egg at the iconic Merritt's.
One of the most entertaining North Carolina facts is that performers busking on street corners, at summer music festivals, or those on stage in fancy music halls give North Carolina its unique, cultural flavor.
This state boasts the best barbecue served in different varieties, with Lexington, Eastern, and pork ribs coming in the top three. And despite arguments over the best barbecue cooking methods, sauces, and cuts, most North Carolinians will never pass up this moist, flaky goodness any which way.
Whether it's the professional Carolina Hurricanes, or the college rivals, such as the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels, the contests here have been known to stir up a few arguments, even at church.
Out of 13 states, North Carolina is the fifth-largest peanut-producing state, specializing in the Virginia market type, which for more than 50 years, folks have enjoyed from Aunt Ruby's Peanuts. You'll also find cashews, almonds, chocolate, and other treats in this local, family-owned business.
Another one of our favorite things about life in North Carolina is the beautiful natural wonders like the stunning views you'll enjoy at Clingmans Dome:
If you have been in North Carolina for a while now, did one of these hills to die on ring true to you? Have we left any out? If you have something to add, please share it in the comments. Here are a few more North Carolina arguments for why we live in the best state.
