North Carolina State University: Staying Ahead of “The Pack” for 130 Years

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Many families have a great number of reasons which play into the ever-important decision of “where to move.” Regardless of their age, though, it is without question that a deciding factor in moving is the quality of education available to the children. The wide array of highly accredited, secondary education choices, the state of North Carolina boasts is without question a major reason why families with teenaged children are choosing the area. This series of blog posts will focus on those secondary education schools, colleges, and universities. In this first entry, we will familiarize you with Raleigh’s North Carolina State University (NCSU).

In many situations, we realize families are looking to move to a location that is close to where their child opts to attend college. Likewise, their son or daughter may already a given school and the parents are looking to relocate closer to them. Thus, in looking to relocate to the Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) new home community in Rocky Mount, North Carolina State University makes a good initial article. Being within an hour from Raleigh and the school’s campus, a new home in Rocky Mount at BLP puts you close to your child’s location. Equally as important though, is the incredible education options your child is afforded in attending North Carolina State University.

North Carolina State University, a “Progressive Thinking School” from the Start.

If your child is considering or already attending North Carolina State University, you are most likely aware of its impeccable credentials. However, for those of you not completely familiar with NCSU’s storied academic history, we will try to cover its vast assortment of programs and accolades both for the school and local area.

Founded in 1887, even 130-plus years ago, North Carolina State University was a trendsetter, known for supporting ideals to take the field of higher learning into the future and to where it had never before imagined. One of the school’s initial main beliefs is one that it still adheres to today. This was one that supported all types of workers, farmers, mechanics, etc. having access to and an opportunity to receive higher education. The new generation of progressive thinkers actually founded NCSU via that method of thinking, originally naming the school, North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

So Much More than Just Agriculture and Engineering

While throughout its existence, North Carolina State University has remained ‘forward in their thinking, it is by no means just an agricultural and engineering school. As a matter of fact, NCSU has grown to become a “powerhouse,” in numerous areas of study with one of the best “Return on Investment” rates as far as graduating students into the workplace in the entire nation.

Don’t believe us? Just ask any of North Carolina State University’s over 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students who have received degrees in differing areas of study. These include science, math, technology, education, textiles, business, and natural resources. These students enjoy the luxury of being connected through NCSU with employers and companies throughout the Raleigh and NC Triangle area. Thus, upon graduation, they are afforded a “head start” on their career paths. Coming from NC State, they also have a “foot in the door” already under many circumstances.

Raleigh, along with neighboring Durham and Chapel Hill are the anchors of what is known as the Research Triangle Area. This is the hottest, “high-tech” job hub in the country. IBM, SAS Institute, GlaxoSmithKline, and Cisco Systems all call the Research Triangle home. Consequently, they all are filling many new positions as they continue to grow and thrive in the Raleigh area.

Raleigh, the home of NCSU, and its National Recognition as One of the Country’s Most Desirable Locations

North Carolina State University is located in one of the most popular “relocation” destinations in the United States, Raleigh. The city has emerged as a top spot for professionals in the tech industry. Likewise, employment is plentiful for most seeking work as a whole. 

Many of the most respected publications in the U.S. have given Raleighsome type of awards or accolades. Below, are some recent categories and distinctions the city has been honored for.

  • “Easiest City to Find a Job” by Forbes
  • U.S. Hot Spots for Tech Jobs” by Forbes
  • “Best City in the U.S. for Young Professionals” by Forbes
  • “Best Places to Live in NC” -U.S. News & World Report
  • “Named “Expansion City,” by Google Fiber
  • “Best Big City in the Southeast,” by Time 

North Carolina State University: Make Your Family a Part of the Wolf Pack!

The “Wolf Pack” is the school’s nickname and also the name of all the NCSU sports and competition teams. This you probably already knew if your child is attending or plans to attend the school. Even if don’t participate in any of those extra-curricular type activities. They will no question at some point throw the hand gesture synonymous with “the Pack” in the air and cheer for the red and white of their school.

North Carolina State University competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference in these types of competitive areas. This allows for many great rivalries right in the Triangle NC area. Most notable is UNC Tar Heels (Chapel Hill) and Duke University Blue Devils (Durham). 

130 Years …and Still Growing

Your move to be closer to your child at NCSU is one that you can likely count on to be long term. There are many job opportunities straight from graduation and the overall youthfulness of the Raleigh community. Thus, many NCSU students simply put, never leave. 

Nearly 130 years ago upon its creation, North Carolina State University stood for progressive thinking and learning processes many would consider “ahead of the curve.” All this time later, these same methods of thinking are churning out career-ready graduates who as a result are bringing a new passion and work ethic to their respective fields.

Most importantly for you, your child will be bringing those same passionate methods to their own careers. Likewise, they will be bringing that passion about an hour drive up the road from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve.

For more on NCSU, visit their official website at ncsu.edu. Also, to view the currently available homes at Belmont Lake Preserve, visit belmontlakepreserve.com

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What is Continuing to Make Retirement in North Carolina so Alluring?

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In our first post on Retirement in North Carolina, we touched on many factors drawing retirees to the state. We discussed taxes, beaches, mountains, weather, and seasons. The term “halfbacks” was explained as a retiree who initially moves to Florida but chooses to come “halfway back” to the Mid-Atlantic and reside in NC. All of these items help to explain the influx and continued interest in retirement age individuals seeking a new start in North Carolina.

On top of these reasons we detail in our previous post, there are still many other items drawing this demographic to NC. In the paragraphs below, we will focus on five more reasons so many are choosing Retirement in North Carolina over other options.

Reasons for Choosing Retirement in North Carolina

A Passage Back in History in NC

Many retirees enjoy the rich and storied history of North Carolina. Whether the battlefields of the Civil War, the Battleship USS North Carolina, or countless other historic sites, visitation of these places is a thrill to any history buff.

North Carolina has a proud, colonial heritage that is well displayed throughout the state. With time-honored and interactive memorials across the state, Retirement in North Carolina will bring you back to these unforgettable historical times.

Retirement in North Carolina Equals a Lower Cost of Living

With the six items, we detail to this point as factors towards Retirement in North Carolina, it may seem somewhat costly. This however could not be further from the truth. In actuality, NC’s overall cost of living is lower than the national average.

The main factors making up the state’s overall low cost of living are actually the most important figures. Transportation, housing, and utilities in NC all rank less than that of the national average. As of June 2020, the cost of living in NC comes in at five percent below that of the U.S. average.

Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway

For many people and many different tastes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is another NC attraction playing into their Retirement in NC. 

Blue Ridge Parkway is a highway lasting almost 470 miles. It runs from Cherokee through Asheville and from Blowing Rock into the state of Virginia. 

Whether you like hiking, bicycling, wildlife, or just beautiful scenery, the Blue Ridge Parkway is an alluring ride to take. On top of the incredible view, see both biodiversity and the rare habitats that make this their home.

For a Sports Enthusiast, Retirement in North Carolina Has Got Your Back

When it comes to a sports fan deciding on somewhere to retire, it should be no surprise they choose NC. Just name the sport and the level of play, and North Carolina has got it.

The NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes play in Raleigh, which is also home to the ACC’s North Carolina State Wolfpack. The ‘Pack is always prolific in football, basketball, and other sports. Staying in the ACC is college basketball’s greatest rivals, Duke (Durham) and UNC (Chapel Hill). Charlotte is the home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and NBA’s Hornets. Thus, basically, every sport is accesible and easy to get to during your Retirement in North Carolina.

The Ultimate Getaway to the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks (OBX) is not only a drawing card for Retirement in North Carolina, but it’s also one of the country’s most popular vacation spots, period. This is a group of barrier islands of the NC coast that includes Ocracoke, Hatteras, Bodie, and Roanoke Islands. 

The OBX is great for a weekend trip, or even just the day. With its history, nature, and of course the ocean, the OBX is a favorite among retirees.

This wraps up our look at why so many people are choosing Retirement in North Carolina. To view the first article in this two-part series, follow the link below. To see more reasons why NC is a great fit for you to retire, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

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Why You Should Retire in North Carolina

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A name or term that you may not be familiar with in regard to retirees is a “halfback.” However, with all the movement in that age demographic towards the “Tar Heel State,” it may be a term you will want to know. To explain, NC is about “halfway” home to the Mid-Atlantic and Mid-South states from Florida. Thus, the influx of retirees that had originally moved to Florida but are now opting to head to NC have been nicknamed “halfbacks.” A fitting title, but this movement does raise a question as to why so many are choosing this pattern of relocation. Thus, in this post, we will look at 10 reasons to Retire in North Carolina.

While an interesting tale and a catchy name, the “halfbacks” are not the only retirement age residents calling NC their new home. With its known southern hospitality, North Carolina has become one of the country’s top retirement destinations. In this two-part series, we will look at a total of ten reasons why people are flocking to Retire in North Carolina. Below are our first five reasons why.

Reasons to Retire in North Carolina

North Carolina Offers Tax Breaks for Seniors

This one reason right here in many cases may be enough for one to Retire in North Carolina. First, the state has no tax on Social Security income whatsoever. Likewise, the state income taxes have been lowered to a set, flat rate which has been consistently decreasing. 

Also, there is no State Estate Tax in NC and they also boast a considerably low corporate income tax rate. North Carolina is considered a “pro-business” state due to its tax benefits for jobs and seniors. The benefits apply to senior’s looking to start up a business or second career.

Retire in North Carolina and Enjoy its Four Distinctive Seasons

Weather is certainly an attractive selling point that can explain many’s decision to Retire in North Carolina. The state’s weather is somewhat unique. This is due to the four different seasonal weather enjoyed in NC.

A sunny, warm summer day on the state’s gorgeous beaches is a well-spent day . Likewise, take in the awesome mountains of NC during the cooler winter months. One can enjoy the breathtaking changing of colors and scenery each Fall. Also, the beautiful blooming of Springtime is equally as scenic. All in all, the state’s moderate temperatures in all four seasons offer different seasonal activities and allow one to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

The Queen City of Charlotte Offers Something for Everyone

The largest city in the state of North Carolina is Charlotte. Nicknamed the “Queen City,” Charlotte offers a bit of something for all tastes among those opting to Retire in North Carolina. 

A “big city feel with small-town charm” is how Charlotte is often described. Backing that description is the city’s ability to consistently recall its historic past while still progressing in an innovative way. From Carowinds amusement park to classic Civil War landmarks, the Discovery Place, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte is easily accessible and short drive from any area of NC, making it another factor in the numbers choosing to Retire in North Carolina.

Retire to North Carolina and Getaway to the Mountains

As mentioned earlier, the “Tar Heel State” boasts four distinct seasons. Also spoken of is the city of Charlotte having something for everyone. Well likewise, the state is one of few that give you the unique opportunity to visit the beaches to the East and the Mountains to the West. 

First, we will focus on the mountains. NC is home state to both the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Those opting to Retire in North Carolina can enjoy both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, soaking in the majesty of each area. Resorts for skiing in winter or hiking in summer are all over this region. It would also be remiss to leave out the awesome waterfalls and one of North America’s oldest rivers. Not to mention the farm-fresh foods and great craft beers that come out of this region.

Head to the Coast for the Beaches of NC

From the peaks of the mountains, we now head east and to the coast. A choice to Retire in North Carolina will give you access to over 300 miles of beaches. 

Not only do you have this seemingly endless stretch of sand and ocean, but each take on their own distinct feeling. Most of the NC beaches are surrounding by inviting and fun, small towns. These make great destinations for family get-togethers or just a weekend of sunshine. Thus, the beaches in NC make a perfect place for those who Retire in North Carolina to start new family traditions.

More Reasons to Retire in North Carolina are Yet to Come

While this concludes the first in our two-part series on reasons to Retire in North Carolina, our next post will complete our top ten. If you have interest in some more reasons why NC is the place so many are choosing to retire, visit our “Lifestyle Redefined” at belmontlakepreserve.com.

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