The #1 North Carolina City to Move To, According to USA Today
North Carolina has some fantastic cities. But, if you’re looking for the #1 North Carolina city to move to, then you’re in luck, as there’s a new feature out from the experts at USA Today that ranks the best cities in North Carolina to live this year. I’m sure it was a difficult task, having to rank the best cities in the state, because North Carolina has so many of them. But, somebody had to do it, so it might as well be the team at USA Today.
The #1 North Carolina City to Move To
Let’s get into the methodology of this study about the #1 North Carolina city to move to this year. For their research, the team of USA Today Homefront ranked 22 cities in North Carolina using 17 metrics to find out which cities are the best to live in today. With those 17 metrics in place, USA Today ranked these cities and their “livability, health and safety, jobs and economy, and housing. Metrics included factors such as walkability, life expectancy, unemployment rates and rent-to-income ratios.” Some of the metrics included the risk of natural disasters, such as flooding and severe weather events, as well as the cost of living, crime rates, affordability and more. In the study, USA Today also noted that North Carolina has a lot to brag about. “With ample employment opportunities, highly rated universities and natural beauty from the mountains to the coast, North Carolina appeals to new residents, and the numbers show it,” they comment, adding that the state had the third-largest population gain between 2022 and 2023. The only states that increased their populations more were Texas and Florida.
So, what’s the #1 North Carolina city to move to right now? It’s Chapel Hill, which is where the UNC Health system and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reside. What makes it so special? Well, Chapel Hill has a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, according to the study. Also, it has a big employer in the university and hospital system, plus the Research Triangle Park, which employ more than 80,000 people. So, jobs are hot in this area. Chapel Hill also has the highest life expectancy and number of primary care providers per capita of any North Carolina city, according to USA Today’s extensive data. All of these factors combined make Chapel Hill a favorite destination for people looking to move within North Carolina. If you’re wondering, the median income in Chapel Hill is $85,940. Coming in at No. 2 on the tally is Concord, which is also a popular spot.
Simple Habits of Millionaires, According to Experts
They Buy Their Cars (Instead of Leasing) and Keep Them As Long As Possible
Cars lose their value quickly. That’s why buying a used car is usually much less expensive than a new car. The second that car is off the lot, it’s considered used and drops in value thousands, even with just another mile on the car. That said, according to CNBC.com, wealthy people buy, don’t lease, their cars and keep them long-term. That way, they can save money between car purchases.
They Buy Their Cars and Keep Them
They Delay the Pleasure of Having the Finer Things in Life
According to RamseySolutions.com, “Millionaires spend most of their lives sacrificing temporary pleasures for long-term success. They have no problem buying an older used car, living in a modest neighborhood, and wearing inexpensive clothes. They don’t care about keeping up with the Joneses.” So, instead of picking up all the hot, expensive new stuff, wait it out.
They Delay Pleasure
They Educate Themselves on Money
If you’re a newbie to financial planning, listen to some podcasts on the subject or find a helpful book. Finance.yahoo.com says, “knowing how to become a millionaire isn’t innate, even for most wealthy people.” Research from certified financial planner and CPA Tom Corley shows that “63 percent of wealthy people listen to audio books during their commute to work versus 5 percent of poor people,” says Finance.yahoo.com.
They Educate Themselves on Money
They Network and Meet New People
In the same Finance.yahoo.com story, Corley says that networking is huge when it comes to becoming a millionaire. “On his Rich Habits blog, Corley revealed 79 percent of wealthy individuals network at least five hours per month, compared with only 16 percent of poor people,” they explain. So, get out there, and meet new people who could make up your network.
They Network
They Live Below, Not Within or Above, Their Means
Millionaires are frugal. They don’t splurge like you might expect. According to RamseySolutions.com’s The National Study of Millionaires, nearly half of millionaires in their poll said they save at least 16% of their monthly income. They often use it for an emergency fund or liquid cash.
They Live Below Their Means
They Make Use of Their Money By Investing
CNBC.com’s Select asked Faron Daugs, certified financial planner, founder and CEO at Harrison Wallace Financial Group, “about the financial habits his wealthiest clients all share that could apply to the average person.” One big thing he mentioned was building up emergency funds and then investing. “Daugs says his clients have organized investment plans, whether its in stocks, bonds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs),” CNBC explains. He also recommends having a “monthly or bi-monthly automatic transfer of cash from your checking account into an investment account.”
They Invest
They Invest in Particular Things
According to Fool.com, the wealthy “invest in stocks, real estate, and their own businesses.” They add that, “Millionaires put their money into appreciating assets (assets that can grow in value).” Also, “people with net worths of $1 million or higher tend to have more of their money” in stocks and mutual funds; real estate; and business interests.
They Invest in Specific Things
They Look at the Bright Side
Whatever your financial situation, look at the bright side. Look for opportunities for working with what you have and growing your nest egg. Reach out to experts in the financial field if you’re really stumped and see how they can make your financial dreams come true.
They Stay Positive
Don't Give Up
Wherever you are on your financial journey, don’t give up. It can be temping to just throw everything to the wind, but if you take a more level-headed approach, you’ll have a better chance of coming out successful. Good luck on your financial journey.
They Keep Trying
