North Carolina ranks third in population growth from July 2021 to July 2022, according to Census data, adding 133,088 new residents, and recent relocators to the state cite job opportunities and a more affordable lifestyle as draws. Five people who moved to the state shared a few pros and cons of living in North Carolina. Tara Theden-Hart left California and settled in Salisbury, North Carolina, for its hands-off government, lush scenery, and lower property taxes. Rochelle Woodruff, a coding manager, left California for politics and found that parental involvement in schools and the ability to have a voice in the community better aligned with her values in North Carolina. Alexandra Shaw, who works in digital marketing, settled in the Raleigh suburb of Cary because of North Carolina’s breathtaking natural beauty and mild winters, which allow for more outdoor activities than in the UK, where she moved from. John Yuschak moved to Lillington, North Carolina twice as Raleigh’s tech scene offered him job security in the technical sector and a more open and inviting atmosphere. Cielo De Jose and William Scott moved to Charlotte from Riverside, California, but found that the cost of living in North Carolina wasn’t as low as they anticipated, and they will be leaving after only a year.