Moving From North Carolina to Ohio
Are you thinking of trading the tar heels for buckeyes? Many from North Carolina have found a new home in Ohio in recent years, whether it's the rapidly developing cultural scene of Columbus or the growing job market in Cincinnati. Ohio's fertile, rolling
plains contrast with the storied industrial history of its big cities.
The two states are very different geographically, ecologically, and culturally, but Ohio has a lot to offer North Carolinians considering relocation. Read on to learn more!
Benefits of Moving From North Carolina to Ohio
The vast fresh waters of the Great Lakes are very different from the salty spray of the Atlantic Ocean. The rugged Allegheny Plateau offers scenic beauty that might surprise those coming from the Great Smokies. For more modern delights, Ohio has iconic
destinations like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Cedar Point, the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World." Take a close look at some of the reasons to call Ohio home.
Opportunity
Opportunity abounds in the Buckeye state. Ranking 2nd in terms of affordability, Ohio's median household income of just over $54,000 goes a long way. According to Zillow, the average home price in 2020 of $169,900 in Ohio beats out North Carolina's $274,490
by a wide margin. Further savings come from transportation, grocery, and utility pricing.
Ohio also scores high in measures of equality. Regardless of age, race, education level, or disability, people living in Ohio have the chance to prosper with good-paying jobs. The wage gap between men and women is much lower than in other states. Especially
in bigger cities, there are great opportunities for professional growth and a comfortable home life.
With a state gross domestic product of over $676 billion, Ohio enjoys the 7th largest economy in the nation. Rapid population and income growth in cities like Columbus have helped to grow state tax revenue, which projects well for those hoping to carve
out a new life in Ohio.
Industry
Since its earliest days, Ohio has been a manufacturing powerhouse. The state has a storied tradition as a backbone of the nation's infrastructure. In the 1800s, Ohio provided significant contributions to the country's iron and steel production, and a
crude oil boom put them on the top of that list.
That tradition continues today with manufacturing maintaining a top spot as the driver of the state's economy, employing almost ¾ of a million people. Plastic, rubber, and fabricated metals represent the most substantial portion of that manufacturing,
but the state also has significant growth in the production of electrical equipment, appliances, and automobiles.
Its position at the nexus of many of the nation's major waterways, transportation, and shipping also plays a major role in Ohio's economy. Beyond the blue-collar workforce, the state has notably seen considerable growth in the professional and tech services.
As of March 2020, that sector saw the 2nd largest growth among all others in Ohio.
Things to Do
North Carolinians accustomed to mountains and coastline might be shocked to see the incredible diversity of activities in Ohio. The Great Lakes play a big role in the state's tourism economy, with anglers coming from all over the country to land a trophy
catch from the deep waters.
The southeast corner of the state, known as "Appalachian Ohio," provides scenery and outdoor recreational opportunity most would not expect from the Midwest. A rugged topography of rocky hollows and an abundance of public land mean hikers and camping
enthusiasts can get their fill of the great outdoors.
On the more metropolitan side of life, Ohio's major cities are home to several cultural icons like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Art museums and historical sites inform the state's rich history - perhaps most notably as the birthplace of
aviation - and provide ample opportunity for enjoyable, enriching days out with the family. Ohio is also home to the largest zoo in the country, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
When it's time for a night out, Ohio offers a few more surprises. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati have seen incredible developments in their culinary scene. A burgeoning microbrewery scene provides more than enough quality brews to wash down the delicious
dishes.
Long story short, there's a lot more to Ohio than meets the eye.
Quality of Life
Zoos, historical sites, natural splendor, and a thriving cultural scene all under the umbrella of one of the most affordable and equitable states in the nation mean the quality of life in Ohio is superb.
In fact, Forbes ranked Ohio 2nd in overall quality of life compared to a 16th place ranking for North Carolina. Seated behind only Virginia, Ohioans derive a great deal of professional and personal satisfaction from their state.
Cost of Moving From North Carolina to Ohio
The average cost of a move from North Carolina to Ohio is $2,840.20. The cost of moving can vary greatly depending on the number of belongings, distance, packing and unpacking, special items, and much more, so the best bet to know the true cost is to
fill out the Instaquote above.
Most Popular Cities in Ohio
Ohio is often referred to as "the heart of it all," a nickname stemming from its heart-like shape. Perhaps that nickname better speaks to an interesting geographical quirk of Ohio: it's about a day's drive from almost half of the US population. But more importantly, the state itself has a number of trendy, growing cities ripe perfect for transplants.
Columbus
With a population of nearly 900,000, the state capital of Columbus is the most populous city in Ohio, the 2nd most populous city in the Midwest, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. The city is also home to Ohio State University and comes with all of the fun elements of a college town coupled with the diverse industry of a major metro area.
Cleveland
Cleveland is an icon of the Great Lakes region. Cleveland has an abundance of museums, art centers, and sports teams to keep families busy with a population of around 390,000 in the city and over 2 million in the greater metro area. The "emerald necklace" of parklands along the shore of Lake Erie and the waterways surrounding the town provides over 300 miles of biking, walking, and horseback trails to help residents get their nature fix.
Cincinnati
Home to pro sports teams, fortune 500 companies, and historic architecture, Cincinnati may have slightly fewer people in the city proper than Cleveland, but it is Ohio's largest metro area. It also has one of the fastest-growing economies in the Midwest, hearkening to its history as a boomtown in the 19th century. The city has an authentic culture, arts, and food scene from high-end restaurants to the regional treasure "Cincinnati Chili."
Toledo
Formerly known as "the Glass Capital of the World," Toledo has a rich history in both manufacturing and shipping. Today it sits as the 5th busiest port on the Great Lakes, continuing to serve a major role in the movement of goods across the United States and around the world.
It is also home to some fantastic attractions including the National Museum of the Great Lakes, and the Toledo Zoo, ranked the #1 Zoo in the United States by USA Today in 2014.
Dayton
Located in western Ohio, Dayton is known as "The Gem City." With a population of around 140,000, Dayton would be considered a mid-size city but has several big-city delights, including nationally renowned restaurants and the Dayton Ballet, one of the oldest ballet companies in the United States.
How to Move From North Carolina to Ohio
Ready to make the jump from the mid-Atlantic to the Midwest? There are many good reasons to trade North Carolina for Ohio, but a long distance move can be stressful. A trustworthy moving company like Allied Van Lines can help take at least one big piece off your plate. In the past 15 years, Allied has completed more than 750,000 moves. That's the kind of experience that puts your mind at ease.
Get an instant quote by filling out your information above, and let us help you find your new home!