High tax burdens, high crime rates, and a high-risk hurricane season are some of the major reasons why people regret moving to North Carolina—but there are a few more problems that residents must deal with.

If you’re looking to relish in the southern hospitality of

North Carolina

, don’t rush through to make your decision. There are definitely a number of benefits to moving to the Tar Heel State, including a low cost of living, a superb food scene, and more, but you should also take into account the various drawbacks that come with living in North Carolina.

Jerry

, the

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that makes buying

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stress-free, is here to guide you through the harsh realities of life in North Carolina. The following are the top five reasons why people regret moving to North Carolina.

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1. You’ll have to deal with a high tax burden

North Carolina imposes a sizable tax burden on its residents. Individual state and municipal taxes cost about 9.8% of your annual salary on average. North Carolina is the 20th most taxed state in the United States.

The state has a flat income tax structure, which means that everyone pays the same tax rate. North Carolina also has the highest flat income tax rate of any flat tax state, at 5%.

North Carolina also has a significant sales tax. Most goods will be subject to an additional 6.98% on top of their normal costs. North Carolina residents spend $771 in sales taxes on average each year, which is a lot of money in a low-income state like North Carolina.

Property taxes in most counties are less than 1% of the home's value, which is lower than the national average, but most individuals find that they spend slightly more to live here than in other places.

Consider instead: Texas

Think about moving to

Texas

if you’d like to avoid higher tax rates. It has a total tax burden of 5.75%, with a property tax burden averaging around 1.71% and an individual income tax burden sitting around 0.06%.

MORE:How high is the cost of living in North Carolina?

2. There isn’t much variety in the weather

If you enjoy experiencing the changes that each of the four seasons brings annually, North Carolina is not the place for you.

Even if you reside near the coast, you will notice that the summers in this state are scorching, with averages sitting around the 90s. Snow is uncommon in North Carolina, so you can say bye-bye to dreams of a snowy white Christmas.

Your best bet for experiencing all four seasons in North Carolina is in the hills on the western side of the state—if you aren’t located there, then you won’t see much variation throughout the year.

Consider instead: Colorado

While most well-known for their winters, each season in

Colorado

is unique, and the weather can change at any time. From fresh sparkling snow to blooming wildflowers, to summer camping, to autumn aspens, every season brings something new to see and experience.

MORE:The 8 best places to live in North Carolina

3. North Carolina’s crime rates are above average

Most cities and towns in North Carolina are safe places to live for you and your family, but that doesn't mean crime is non-existent. North Carolina's crime rate is nearly the same as the national average, but certain crimes are far more common in North Carolina than elsewhere in the United States.

For example, North Carolina has a murder rate of 5.8 per 100,000 people, which is 10% higher than the national average.

The most frequently cited cause for North Carolina's higher crime rate is the state's comparatively high levels of poverty. Poverty affects approximately 14% of the population, which typically leads to higher levels of crime.

Consider instead: Maine

Maine

has 63% fewer violent crimes per 100,000 people compared to the rest of America, making it one of the safest states in the country. Furthermore, residents of the state experience approximately 36% fewer property crimes than the national average.

MORE:

What is MVR-615 or declaration of eligible risk in North Carolina?

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4. Hurricane season will always pose a threat

While the weather in North Carolina is consistent most of the year, residents can also expect to deal with the unpredictably-predictable hurricane season that comes around annually.

The risks are typically higher for households closer to the coast, but moisture surges can flood dozens of miles inland as the storm passes. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the occasional outlier occurring a little earlier or later in some years.

According to

weather statistics

, almost400 tropical or subtropical hurricanes have struck North Carolina throughout the years, costing over $11 billion in damage and leading to around 1,100 deaths. Annually, approximately 35% of the storms occur in September.

Consider instead: Michigan

Michigan

, located in the Midwest, is one of the least vulnerable states to natural disasters, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes are generally uncommon in Michigan, so you’ll be pretty safe from any natural disasters.

MORE:

North Carolina reckless driving

5. North Carolina’s education system (K-12) isn’t the best

Although North Carolina's postsecondary education system is good, its younger age groups are frequently left behind. The state ranks 32nd in the country for the safety and quality of care provided to children. The overall grade was based on metrics such as ACT and SAT scores, student-teacher ratios, graduation rates, and reading scores.

Pre-K enrolment and high school graduation rates are two areas where North Carolina falls short in education. North Carolina is ranked 30th in the country for Pre-K enrollment, and its graduation rate is in the lower half of all states.

One reason for their low K-12 ratings could be because North Carolina has the sixth-lowest per-student expenditure rate in the U.S., at $9,217 per student.

Consider instead: New Jersey

With the second-highest high school graduation rate in the country and the third-highest preschool enrolment,

New Jersey

can boast of top-to-bottom K-12 academic achievement. Additionally, New Jersey is the second-best state for teachers and spends around $21,866 per student.

How to save on car insurance in North Carolina

If you're considering moving to North Carolina, we hope this article has given you plenty to think about. If you already live in North Carolina and are dealing with regrets, we're here for you as well—and we might have something to help you lower your stress elsewhere.

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Jerry

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