Since relocating to North Carolina, I’ve had friends from South Florida reach out and ask about the possibility of moving here. So I felt compelled to share my experience. This will only be comparing Western North Carolina to South Florida, so it may be limiting in its scope (there are plenty of amazing cities to consider moving to in the US… and the world!), but here are my thoughts should you be considering a move to or from either 🙂

Why We Moved to North Carolina

Before we get into our pros and cons list, here’s a quick video update on our life here in Bryson City. If you’re interested in more about life and things to do in North Carolina, subscribe to our Youtube Channel. We’ll be sharing the journey of life as new locals in The Great Smoky Mountains 😉

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Vibe, Culture and Job Market

I go over these important topics below, but a quick note: since the creation of this post, I’ve gotten SO MANY questions on moving to North Carolina. So we created a video directly addressing all the things! Watch that here if you’d like to know more:

Asheville and Western North Carolina, or WNC as the locals abbreviate it, has been dubbed the “new Denver.” There are tons of comparisons drawn between these two cities. I can see why having been to both. The overall vibe here is down to earth with an emphasis on life outdoors. Plenty of adventure seekers with artists sprinkled in to keep things interesting.

For me, this is a huge plus and also a new experience. I’ve never lived in an area where most of the people moved because they felt called to the land. It’s pretty incredible. I’ve noticed a ton of people emigrating in search of something only the Smoky Mountains can give them. I’ve also met many fellow Floridians and quite a few New Yorkers. It’s rare to meet a born and raised North Carolinian (especially in Asheville), so the culture here feels like a bit of a mixed pot with a lot of young people from different states.

In Miami, there’s a bit of everything and some people definitely make it their home for the climate. It is, of course, a famous vacation destination. In terms of the people, there are a lot immigrants who have moved to the states seeking a better life and specifically South Florida because it offers them an ease of transfer. They can still speak their native language and in general the culture resembles theirs back home (at least more than so then if they moved anywhere else in the states). This has its own special quality, and as a child of immigrants, I believe this is one of Miami’s best attributes. You will experience plenty of cultures and people really glad to be in the US. Hearing Spanish and other languages is a regular part of the experience. Another common reason that I’ve observed when meeting people who move to South Florida from other states is opportunity. People who move there are looking to make a better living. So, as a plus, there are plenty of industries in Miami (and South Florida as a whole) providing jobs and for people looking to get ahead in their career in practically any field you can imagine.

On the flip side, I must warn, North Carolina does lack this. The industry here is tourism and hospitality, so if you have an interest in one of those, you’re golden, but otherwise it can be difficult with exception to medical and government jobs. Unfortunately, it’s not a destination that will offer much opportunity outside of that career-wise. This wasn’t a factor for us since we both work remotely, and actually, there is a surplus of people moving here who do work remotely. If none of the above it your set up, it’s definitely something to consider.

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Lifestyle

This is the main reason we chose North Carolina. Here, it’s all about connecting to the natural world around us. Upon meeting anyone, the very first thing they’ll suggest is going on a hike together, followed by a craft beer. Life revolves around nature and in Western North Carolina especially, you can’t escape it. Walking out of the grocery store offers you a panoramic view of a mountainous skyline. The spirit of The Smokies is ever present.

The Great Smoky Mountains themselves are a natural wonder with more types of plant and animal specifies than any other place in the world. That’s a fun fact and anyone that’s seen them will agree they are breathtaking.

In South Florida, the beach certainly plays a role in the lifestyle, though most locals go months or years without dipping their toes in the ocean. In my experience, people gravitate more to bars or clubs. Speaking from experience, we can’t simply plan a hike in Florida… There aren’t not many ways to experience nature apart from the beach or the Everglades, which are unbearable most of the year. This brings me to my next point: it’s blistering hot, so I don’t blame people for seeking refuge indoors. However, I do enjoy living somewhere that has a big focus on nature and access to it for most of the year.

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Weather

This is going to be largely a matter of preference. As a born and bred Floridian, I’m torn on this one. On the one hand, I LOVE experiencing seasons. It adds a more dynamic flow to life. I’m slowly getting used to the cold, but ask me right now which is better, and while standing in the dead of winter I’d be hard pressed not to appreciate South Florida.

BUT Florida only has two seasons: summer and spring, and spring is hot… so if you don’t mind sweating most of the year, this is the place for you. A lot of people prefer to sweat than to shiver (depending on the day, I choose sweat!) and you can wear flip flops all year round. That’s pretty freaking nice.

 

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Politics

This is a sticky subject, but I will say, I have been pleasantly surprised by how open minded and welcoming people are in North Carolina. As part of “The South,” it can have a murky reputation for being the land that wants to “make America great again.” And while on the outskirts there are many conservatives, there are also plenty of young people who are open minded and supportive of positive change.

Miami politics are pretty mixed, but in my experience, more conservative than not. This isn’t a plus for me, but if you lean right it may be for you.

I, myself, am independent though more liberal leaning in my beliefs. However, since the election I’ve been making an effort to hear people who think differently than me. I don’t like that politics has become so polarizing and people can’t be open and honest about their feelings without things getting ugly. Admittedly, I contributed to that way of being before I did a hard reset. What I found is no matter what you categorize yourself as, if you strip away labels, we all pretty much want the same things.

* At the end of the day, most people are kind hearted and we have a lot more in common than we think. *

You Create Your Experience

As with all things, I’m discovering that we are the ones who set the tone of our lives and create the experience we want. So, whether in Florida or North Carolina, the best times have been when I’m most committed to connecting with the place I live in. Also, nowhere is perfect. Every city or state will have its strengths and weaknesses. You gain something and give something else up. No matter where you go, this will be the case. Choosing a new destination to live in will depend on what means the most to you and what you don’t mind living without. Just like with people, you accept the best in them right along with their flaws because it’s the entire textured package that makes them unique and lovable.

We’re still getting used to the mountains, so expect more posts on life in North Carolina. If you’re considering moving to either places and have questions, please feel free to reach out in the comments below!