North Carolina has witnessed a surge in population growth, and many people are choosing to relocate to the state, citing job opportunities and a more affordable lifestyle as reasons. Five recent movers, including Tara Theden-Hart, Rochelle Woodruff, Alexandra Shaw, John Yuschak, and Cielo De Jose and William Scott, share their experiences of living in North Carolina. Theden-Hart enjoys the lush scenery, the hands-off government, and the historical connection Salisbury has to the Civil War and civil rights movement, but misses the diverse food culture of California. Woodruff values the rural lifestyle and North Carolina’s alignment with her values, while Shaw appreciates the mild winters, natural beauty, and sense of community. Yuschak enjoys the forgiving tech sector and the open and inviting atmosphere of Raleigh. However, De Jose and Scott found that the cost of living in North Carolina is not as low as they anticipated and plan to leave after only a year.