2025 Welcome

Welcome to the best state in the country

The old adage that you don’t appreciate something until you leave it is true.

In 2019, I left North Carolina after nearly two decades to move to a state in New England. I left behind family, great weather, great universities and a great economy, not to mention great people who always want to do better.

That’s why I moved back to the Old North State in 2023 and will likely never leave it again. North Carolina truly has it all.

Consider the universities. In addition to Duke, UNC Chapel Hill and NC State, there are great regional public universities, fine private colleges and strong historically Black campuses.The state’s community college system is among the best in the country, with 58 locations providing the education needed for many state jobs.

Then there are the companies who already make North Carolina home, such as well-known brand names such as Bank of America, Lowe’s and Advance Auto Parts. Employers such as Epic Games, SAS and Iqvia may not attract many headlines but are core parts of the economy and doing cool things.

I can’t ignore the people. North Carolinians are always on the go, and always willing to help out, whether it’s Hurricane Helene recovery in the western part of the state or making sure freshly hatched sea turtles make it to the Atlantic. It’s an economy that thrives on people who go the extra mile.

I’m proud to be a North Carolina resident. I’ve lived in other parts of the country — five states to be exact — and nothing compares. I hope you’ll agree.

— Chris Roush, project editor