Moving to North Carolina in 2026 | Jessica Baldovinos

Moving to North Carolina and What the No 1 Migration Ranking Means for You

By Jessica J. Baldovinos, REALTOR® | Real Broker

Research checked October 24, 2026. Migration figures below describe July 1, 2024–July 1, 2025, using the Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 estimates.

AI-generated illustration of regional settings, not a photograph of one location.

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North Carolina ranked No. 1 in the country for net domestic migration in the Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 estimates. Between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, the state gained 84,064 more residents from other states than it lost to other states. North Carolina’s state demographer confirms the ranking, and the National Association of REALTORS® reports the exact figure in its Census-based analysis. [1][2]

If you are considering moving here, that is useful context. It does not tell you which city fits your budget, whether your commute will work, or what you should offer on a particular home. Those decisions need a closer look.

As a North Carolina REALTOR®, I want you to understand the numbers and the practical questions behind a move. Here is what the ranking actually measures, what to consider about life here, and how to start comparing the Triad, Alamance County, the Triangle, and other parts of the state.

What North Carolina ranked first for

Net domestic migration measures people moving into a state from elsewhere in the United States, minus people moving out to another state. The 84,064 figure is that difference. It is not the total number of people who arrived, the number of homes sold, or a count of households. [2]

Overall population growth also includes international migration and natural change, meaning births minus deaths. North Carolina’s total population increased by 145,907, reaching 11,197,968 on July 1, 2025. It ranked third in numeric population growth and third in percentage growth, at approximately 1.3%. South Carolina had the fastest percentage growth, at approximately 1.5%. [3]

These measures answer different questions. An article can correctly call North Carolina No. 1 in net domestic migration while another correctly calls South Carolina the fastest-growing state.

The dates matter, too. These estimates were released in 2026 and describe the preceding July-to-July period. They should not be presented as a count of moves occurring during calendar year 2026.

Why North Carolina deserves a closer look

The migration totals do not establish why each person moved. Employment, family connections, housing, retirement plans, and lifestyle are all questions worth exploring when evaluating your own move. A statewide ranking cannot tell us which consideration mattered most to a particular household.

North Carolina does offer several distinct regional economies. The NC Department of Commerce identifies industries including biotechnology, aerospace, transportation, and information technology. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina describes the Triangle’s research presence, Charlotte’s finance and corporate operations, and the Triad’s established textile and aerospace manufacturing clusters. [4][5]

For a relocating buyer, the useful question is whether the opportunities near your prospective home match your work. Research current openings, compensation, employer location, and any remote-work requirements before choosing a search area. A company announcement alone does not tell you whether a suitable position is available now.

The state also offers mountains, Piedmont communities, and coastal settings. Think about how you want to spend an ordinary week. A place you enjoy visiting may require a different budget, commute, or maintenance plan when it becomes home.

Comparing the Triad Alamance County and the Triangle

I work with buyers across the Triad and Triangle, including Burlington and Alamance County. For someone moving from out of state, the names can sound interchangeable. They represent different search areas.

Search area	Communities to explore	Questions to answer before choosing
Piedmont Triad	Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and Jamestown	Which employment center and daily destinations matter? How do individual neighborhoods compare within your budget?
Burlington and Alamance County	Burlington, Graham, Mebane, Haw River, and surrounding communities	Where will you work? How does the specific address affect your drive along or away from the interstate corridor?
Research Triangle	Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities	Which workplace or campus do you need to reach? What are the tradeoffs between location, home size, and monthly cost?
Surrounding towns and rural properties	Communities in counties such as Randolph, Davidson, Caswell, Rockingham, Surry, Yadkin, and Stokes	Are utilities, internet service, access, and property maintenance suitable for your plans?

 

This is a starting framework, not a ranking of places to live. Two homes in the same city can create very different daily routines. Compare actual addresses and routes at the times you expect to travel. If schools are part of your decision, verify current assignments directly with the district for the specific property.

For a rural or acreage search, confirm the water source, wastewater system, legal access, restrictions, and usable land. A large lot does not automatically mean you can subdivide it, add another dwelling, or use it for every activity you have in mind.

Is moving to North Carolina actually more affordable

Affordability depends on where you are coming from, where you buy, your income, and the property itself. I would not promise that every North Carolina market is less expensive than every market in the Northeast or another region.

Compare similar homes using recent local sales, and then build a complete ownership budget. Include the mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, any additional coverage, HOA dues, utilities, and a maintenance reserve. For a relocation, add travel, moving services, utility setup, and possible temporary housing or overlapping housing payments.

AI-generated illustration. Build your budget using property-specific estimates and quotes.

A lower purchase price can still come with costs you did not expect. An older home may need substantial repairs. A property farther from work may increase transportation expenses. The comparison should reflect the life you will actually live after closing.

The 2026 income tax rate

North Carolina’s individual income tax rate is 3.99% for tax year 2026. The rate applies to North Carolina taxable individual income; it does not represent every tax a resident pays. [6]

If taxes are part of your relocation decision, ask a qualified tax professional to compare your circumstances, particularly if you will have income connected to another state. Include local property taxes and other applicable taxes in your planning rather than using the income tax rate as a complete cost-of-living calculation.

Insurance and flood exposure

Get insurance quotes for the actual property early enough to use them in your decision. Ask about coverage, deductibles, and any separate policies needed for that address.

The NC Department of Insurance explains that standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage and cautions that being outside a designated floodplain does not eliminate flood risk. [7] North Carolina’s Flood Risk Information System is a useful place to begin reviewing mapped flood information. Discuss the property’s exposure and coverage options with an insurance professional. [8]

What population growth means for buyers and sellers

More residents can contribute to housing demand, but statewide migration does not determine the value or market conditions of an individual home. Demand also depends on where people settle, household formation, income, available housing, and financing costs.

North Carolina’s demographic outlook describes uneven growth across counties and regions. A statewide headline should not be treated as evidence that every town is experiencing the same change. [9]

If you are buying, compare recent sales and active alternatives within the property’s local market. Look at condition, location, time on market, and your financing before setting an offer strategy. A national ranking is not a reason to skip inspections or commit beyond your comfort level.

If you are selling, migration is background context for reaching potential buyers. Pricing still needs to reflect the homes buyers can choose today. Presentation, property condition, accurate information, and a clear marketing plan remain part of that work.

For investors, population growth is only one input. Evaluate achievable rent, vacancy, insurance, taxes, repairs, financing, and management expenses for the property. The migration ranking does not establish its cash flow or future appreciation.

Understand the North Carolina buying process before making an offer

A move across state lines can bring unfamiliar contract terms. Before submitting an offer, understand the due diligence period, any due diligence fee, earnest money, inspection planning, financing, and closing arrangements.

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission describes due diligence as the buyer’s opportunity to investigate the property and transaction during an agreed period. That investigation can include inspections, financing, appraisal, title, and other matters affecting the purchase. [10]

Under the commonly used NC residential contract, a due diligence fee is paid to the seller and is generally not refundable when a buyer terminates during due diligence. Earnest money is a separate deposit and is generally refundable following a proper, timely termination during that period. The signed contract, applicable addenda, and circumstances control; exceptions can apply. Have your agent and closing attorney explain the agreement you will actually sign. [10]

Relocating buyers should also plan how they will attend inspections, review findings, complete the final walkthrough, and coordinate possession. A video tour can help narrow choices, but it does not replace the investigations needed to understand a property.

A practical starting plan for your move

Define your daily needs. Identify essential destinations, space requirements, accessibility needs, and the lifestyle you want to maintain.

Set a comfortable budget. Review financing and cash needs, including moving costs and a reserve after closing.

Compare a few search areas. Use actual listings, recent sales, and realistic travel routes to narrow your options.

Investigate each property. Review condition, restrictions, utilities, insurance, and other details relevant to your intended use.

Build a workable timeline. Coordinate any existing home sale, travel, inspections, financing, and the move itself.

Common questions about moving to North Carolina

Is North Carolina the No 1 state people are moving to

It ranked No. 1 for net domestic migration during July 1, 2024–July 1, 2025 in the Vintage 2025 estimates. That is a specific measure and period, not an all-purpose ranking of relocation destinations. [1][2]

Should I choose the Triad or the Triangle

Start with your employment location, budget, and daily priorities. Compare specific communities and homes rather than assuming one entire region will be the right choice for everyone.

Should I rent before buying

Renting can provide time to learn an unfamiliar area and test a commute. Buying may fit a household with a clear location, stable plans, and the resources for ownership. Compare the cost and flexibility of both options against your timeline.

Does population growth mean I need to rush

Your decision should follow your circumstances and the local property market. Give yourself time to understand the costs and commitments involved.

Let us plan a move that fits your life

If you are considering the Triad, Burlington and Alamance County, the Triangle, or surrounding North Carolina communities, we can start with a 15-minute phone conversation about your goals, timeline, and next steps. We will discuss agency relationships and how representation works before beginning the property search. For areas outside my service area, I can help you connect with a local agent.

Jessica J. Baldovinos, REALTOR® | Real Broker

Call or text: (336) 567-5843

Triad NC: Greensboro, High Point, & Winston-Salem | Including Burlington & Alamance County | Surrounding NC communities.

Sources

[1] NC Office of State Budget and Management, State Demographer. North Carolina top destination for domestic migrants. January 28, 2026. https://www.osbm.nc.gov/blog/2026/01/28/north-carolina-top-destination-domestic-migrants

[2] National Association of REALTORS®. Top 15 States for Population and Migration Trends in 2025. Census-based analysis reporting the exact net domestic migration totals. https://www.nar.realtor/news/economists-outlook/top-15-states-for-population-and-migration-trends-in-2025-the-south-leads-the-midwest-gains

[3] U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. Population Growth Slows Due to Historic Decline in Net International Migration. January 27, 2026. Vintage 2025 state population estimates and growth tables. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/population-growth-slows.html

[4] NC Department of Commerce. Key Industries in North Carolina. https://www.commerce.nc.gov/business/key-industries-north-carolina

[5] Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Central North Carolina and the Piedmont region. https://edpnc.com/find-a-site/piedmont-region/

[6] NC Department of Revenue. Tax Rate Schedules. https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/individual-income-tax/tax-rate-schedules

[7] NC Department of Insurance. Flood Insurance. https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/homeowners-insurance/flood-insurance

[8] Ready NC. Flood Information and the Flood Risk Information System. https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/flood-information

[9] NC Office of State Budget and Management. Demographic Outlook. April 7, 2026. https://www.osbm.nc.gov/facts-figures/population-demographics/demographic-outlook

[10] North Carolina Real Estate Commission. Due Diligence Questions and Answers. General background; use the current signed contract for transaction-specific terms. https://bulletins.ncrec.gov/due-diligence-questions-and-answers/