Carolinians have long enjoyed a superb quality of life. From relocating professionals to retirees, both states are known to enchant visitors enough to convince them to settle down here. What is it about the Carolinas that so many people fall in love with?

Lush natural beauty

North and South Carolina are two of the most scenic states in the nation, from the forested ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Legendary naturalist and Sierra Club founder John Muir even went so far as to dub Grandfather Mountain “heaven come to earth”. Few can resist the allure of the Carolinas in autumn, when the rolling green hills and verdant low country burst into a striking display of orange, red and yellow. The natural splendor of the Carolinas also serves as a perfect backdrop for a wide array of outdoor activities.

Intriguing cities

Even the largest cities in the Carolinas manage to maintain a personal atmosphere far different from urban centers in other parts of the country. Charlotte is the largest city in the two states, and stands as the second largest banking and financial center in the U.S. Charlotte boasts an excellent job market, a thriving arts scene and a distinctly youthful energy. Northeast of Charlotte is the city of Greensboro, a crossroads city with a diverse economy.

Not far from Greensboro are the cities of Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham. Home to top-flight universities and leading R&D institutions, this metropolitan trio (known as the Research Triangle) is a hub for science and technology.

Columbia, South Carolina’s capitol, is a lively metropolitan area within an easy drive to both the coast and the mountains. Charleston is beautiful coastal city with old-world charm.

Enchanting small towns

While the region is home to many bustling metropolitan areas, it is the charm and warmth of the many small town communities that best characterizes life in the Carolinas. Ranging from villages along the coast to towns in the high country of the Appalachians, the rural areas of North and South Carolina are characterized by friendly people and a slower pace of life.