by Betty Tesh

Created on: April 16, 2009   Last Updated: April 19, 2009

Not having lived everywhere in North Carolina, I can only speak from experience about a few places: Washington County (on the coast), Stanly County (in the Piedmont), and Surry County (in the foothills/,mountains). Since these are three of the four major regions of the state-the fourth being the sandhills area-I think I can introduce you to the pleasures and advantages of each.

Let's start with the coast. There are actually two coasts: the inner coast and the outer coast. The outer banks, a string of barrier islands, provide what most people consider "beach" living: access to the ocean, sandy beaches, ocean breezes. The inner coast consists of land along the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. This area provides Sound access, rivers and creeks, wetlands, fantastic hunting and fishing. The North Carolina coast is steeped in history, from the lost colony in the 1600's, through Revolutionary Wars sites and Civil War sites. If you love history, I suggest you consider Edenton, Plymouth, or New Bern as places to begin your visitation.

The bustling Piedmont is the up-and-coming section of the state. If you're looking for city-living with a small town feel, you might want to take a look at Greensboro, Charlotte, or Winston-Salem. Settle in the Piedmont, and you'll have access to "the state of the arts." Art museums, coliseums for concerts, the richness of college and university life are all available in the Piedmont. If you like the allure of city life, but enjoy living in the country or small town, the Piedmont can offer you the advantages of both in less than an hour's commute.

Finally, the foothills and mountains. We have both the lovely Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, gentle and green. They offer the delights of winter sports, while maintaining a definite southern appeal. You have the full range of seasons in the mountains and foothills, without the severity of desperately cold winters or unbearably hot summers. If you're looking for the "Mayberry" way of life, you will want to check out Mt. Airy, Elkin, or Sparta. If you're looking for an artist paradise, look at Asheville, Boone, or Blowing Rock.

Frankly-and I don't care if my bias shows-I don't think you could go wrong in choosing a place to live if you opened your atlas to North Carolina and with your eyes covered, stabbed the map with your finger. Live a little while in North Carolina and you'll see why the song, "I like calling North Carolina Home," is one of our favorites!

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