Just right
This “Goldilocks” nature seems to attract many people, making North Carolina the 9th most populous state in the US, even though it has only small to medium sized cities. Of those, Charlotte is the largest, with a population of about 800,000. Charlotte is also the US's largest banking center outside of New York, and the Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle has attracted so many technology companies, that it's earned a reputation as the “Silicon Valley of the East Coast.”
Ocean to Mountain
It's easy to see why the state is so attractive. For those who love the beach, Cape Hatteras offers a lovely taste of sub-tropical beaches for boating, swimming, and fun in the sun. On the western side of the state, rolling mountains and forests make ideal territory for hiking and other outdoor adventures. You won't want to miss the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic 250-mile drive through these scenic mountains that's known as “America's Favorite Drive.”