At NC Capital Group, we believe that strategic real estate investing starts with choosing the right market. North Carolina continues to stand out as one of the best places to invest — offering a rare combination of economic strength, steady growth, and livability that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Here are four key reasons why North Carolina should be at the top of your investment list:
1. Strong and Diverse Economy
North Carolina’s economy isn’t tied to any single industry — and that’s a good thing.
- Key sectors include technology, healthcare, financial services, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.
- Home to major employers like Apple, Bank of America, Wolfspeed, and Toyota Battery Manufacturing.
- Ranked consistently among the top states for business by Forbes and CNBC.
Translation: This economic diversity cushions the market against downturns and fuels demand for both residential and commercial real estate.
2. Sustained Population Growth
People are voting with their feet — and they’re moving to North Carolina.
- Net migration has surged, with over 100,000 new residents added annually in recent years.
- Growing metro areas like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Wilmington are driving demand for housing, retail, and services.
- North Carolina is now the 9th most populous state, and it’s still climbing.
Translation: A rising population means a growing customer base for properties — and more renters, buyers, and businesses competing for space.
3. Pro-Business State Government
North Carolina doesn’t just welcome businesses — it courts them.
- Corporate tax rate: the lowest of any state that levies one (2.5% and scheduled to phase out entirely).
- Consistent investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and business incentives.
- Regulatory environment that emphasizes predictability and low compliance costs.
Translation: When businesses thrive, real estate investors benefit from job growth, income stability, and rising property values.
4. Exceptional Quality of Life
Talent follows lifestyle — and North Carolina delivers on both.
- Vibrant cities, charming small towns, mountains, beaches, and four distinct seasons.
- Lower cost of living compared to the Northeast and West Coast.
- Highly ranked universities, healthcare systems, and recreational amenities.
Translation: Quality of life isn’t just a marketing point — it’s a magnet for sustainable growth, attracting new residents and retaining top talent.
At NC Capital Group, we invest in real estate markets where the fundamentals are strong today — and even stronger tomorrow. North Carolina’s economic resilience, demographic tailwinds, business-friendly policies, and unmatched livability create a powerful platform for long-term real estate success.
Doug Kline, PhD, has held income properties in North Carolina for more than 20 years. He holds a North Carolina broker’s license, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association. He holds an MBA and a PhD in business. In addition to his real estate activities, Doug enjoyed a successful career in academia, achieving the rank of Full Professor in the Cameron School of Business at UNC Wilmington. He was honored with research and teaching awards, served as Director of the MS Computer Science and Information Systems program, and was awarded the endowed position Distinguished Professor of Information Systems.