North Carolina, the home of country, blues and Cherokee Indians, is now a rather conservative and prosperous state in the northern part of the so-called South Atlantic states. It borders Virginia to the north and Tennessee to the west, and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The capital of North Carolina is the “oaky” city of Raleigh, known for its dense and picturesque oak groves. But there are many cities worth your attention. If you choose new construction homes in Durham NC or in Raleigh, you should know more about the state.
So, let’s get started.
North Carolina Climate
North Carolina’s climate ranges from mid-continental conditions in the mountain region, where summers are cooler and rainfall is abundant, to subtropical conditions in the southeastern part of the state. Average annual temperatures range from 66°F in the eastern region to 60°F in the central region and 55°F in the mountains. July and August are the wettest months, while October and November are the driest. Severe storms are rare and heavy snowfalls are infrequent.
Vegetation and Wildlife
Plant life varies greatly throughout the state, primarily because of geographic and climatic differences among the three major regions. However, changes caused by human habitation may be becoming just as important a factor in determining the state’s
North Carolina’s Economy
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, North Carolina’s economy created jobs in many areas faster than the U.S. average.
The dominant areas are represented by:
· Agriculture and forestry
There are about 50,000 farms in the state; the vast majority are relatively small, about 180 acres or less and most are run by people who get most of their income from agriculture.
With its abundance of forests, North Carolina has long been a leader in the production of lumber, wood for furniture, Christmas trees, pulp for paper, and other wood products. The main trees are pines, which are mainly harvested in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions.
· Resources and Energy
In addition to forest resources, North Carolina has large reserves of nonmetallic rocks and minerals. The state is a leader in phosphorites, lithium minerals, feldspar, olivine, mica, and pyrophyllite.
North Carolina’s electricity is generated primarily by coal-fired thermal plants, with several nuclear plants providing nearly one-third of all electricity.
· Manufacturing and services
The industrial base became more diversified, with particularly strong growth in IT, electronic communications equipment manufacturing, chemicals and machinery manufacturing, and semi-finished goods manufacturing.
The service sector, including hospitality (restaurants and lodging) as well as professional, scientific, technical, medical and social services, accounts for the bulk of the state’s GDP.
· Transportation
There are several commercial airports in the state. These two facilities serve as hubs for national airlines, providing direct flights to many domestic destinations. A number of regional airports offer short flights to larger cities with connections. The deep-water ports at Wilmington and Morehead City are North Carolina’s two gateways to the Atlantic to world markets and are equipped to handle all types of cargo.
Thus, North Carolina has a robust economy. But it is also famous for its beautiful beaches, mountain scenery and developed infrastructure.
Health and Wellness
An effective public health program has been in place since 1877, and each county has a local health department. Public assistance is provided for the elderly and people with disabilities, families with dependent children, and various counseling programs and other social services. However, the state’s per capita social spending remains well below the national average.
Education
In higher education, however, North Carolina has a number of nationally ranked institutions.
The state’s public college system, which includes more than 50 institutions, is one of the largest in the United States. Most of North Carolina’s private colleges and universities were founded by various Protestant denominations. Of these institutions, Duke University (1839) in Durham, Wake Forest University (1834) in Winston-Salem, and Davidson College (1837) in Davidson are among the most famous.
North Carolina’s Cultural Life
North Carolina stands out in the area of rural art and historical spectacle. Wood carving, basket weaving, needlework, rug and quilt making, pottery, and other artisanal crafts of the western mountains combine with the arts of coastal communities to offer some of the richest regional cultures in the United States.
North Carolina’s lakes and headwaters serve as a refuge for fishing and camping.
North Carolina has dozens of daily newspapers, the most notable of which are The Charlotte Observer and The Raleigh News & Observer . There are about 150 radio stations and more than 30 television stations in the state.
This state is always open to new residents and is sure to leave the best impression when you move in. There’s something for everyone here!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
